New Forest Retreat Venues and Places
Richmond-upon-Thames
For the first night of the Retreat we will be based in the historic town of Richmond-upon-Thames, 8.2 miles southwest of the centre of London. Richmond was founded following Henry VII’s building of Richmond Palace in the 16th Century from which the town derives its name. During this era, the town and palace were associated with Elizabeth I who spent her last days here.
In the 18th Century, Richmond Bridge and many Georgian terraces were built. These remain well-preserved and many have listed building architectural or heritage status.
Petersham Hotel
Victorian splendour meets first class hospitality at 4-star hotel, The Petersham where we will be based for our first night. The elegant rooms, old fashioned service and breathtaking views over the meandering River Thames will make it a memorable visit.
Our stay includes a continental of English breakfast in the dining room over looking the river. The hotel is just 25 minutes from Heathrow so the ideal place to meet.
The Ivy
The Ivy in Richmond the perfect spot for our welcome drinks and dinner. It’s a short walk from the hotel, along the river and into Richmond Centre.
We’ll be well looked after and spend our evening in the private dining room - the Isabella Room, named after the beautiful Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park. The stylishly decorated room features rhododendron artworks and nature prints on the walls.
Petersham Nurseries
Before we set off for the New Forest, we’ll have a bite to eat at Petersham Nurseries. The restaurant, set within a glasshouse is charming. Brimming with bougainvillea and fragrant jasmine, draped with Indian blinds and decorated with antique furniture, mirrors and paintings. They have a Slow Food philosophy and you can expect Italian inspired food made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. After lunch there will be time for shopping and we hope you’ll enjoy their eclectic range of goods.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London covering over 2500 acres and a short walk from The Petersham. It has changed little over the centuries with a varied landscape of hills, woodland gardens and grasslands set among ancient trees abound in wild life. The park has many ancient trees and supports a range of rare species including fungi, birds, beetles, bats, grasses and wildflowers. The Isabella Plantation is a stunning woodland garden and in spring time the flowering azaleas and rhododendrons are a sight to be seen.
Mottisfont Abbey
Mottisfont is a disestablished 13th Century abbey filled with historic interiors and surrounded by mature gardens. Fashionable society hostess, Maud Russell made Mottisfont her home in the 1930s, bringing artists here to relax and create works inspired by Mottisfont’s past, including an extraordinary drawing-room painted by Rex Whistler. These artistic traditions are still in evidence today with a permanent 20th-century art collection and major exhibitions.
The New Forest, Hampshire
The New Forest National Park is in Hampshire, 81 miles from Richmond. It covers 150 square miles and in the 12th Century it was the royal hunting ground for King William I. The rare blend of open heathlands and ancient woodlands makes the New Forest a very special place which has remained unchanged for centuries. Horses and ponies roam freely in the New Forest. These ponies a recognised mountain and moorland native breed of the British Isles. They are valued for their hardiness, strength and sure-footedness!
Heathfield House
Our accommodation in the New Forest is at Heathfield House, close by the village of Brockenhurst. Heathfield House is a stunning manor house set within a 15-acre private estate. It has been lovingly and extensively restored to provide understated elegance and comfort. It has 12 luxury bedrooms and bathrooms, ten of which are ensuite. The house is very well equipped and we shall want for nothing. Staying at Heathfield House will be a wonderful experience and we’re thrilled to have discovered it.
The Pig Hotel and Restaurant, Brockenhurst
We’ll be visiting the Pig in Brockenhurst for lunch during the Retreat. Dining in their greenhouse restaurant, while we’re there, take note of the homely drawing rooms and look out for the Saddleback pigs, freely roaming around the grounds. The Pig are dedicated to offering homegrown and local produce with fresh flavours and ingredients. And they promise that everything on the menu has come from within a 25 mile radius.
Lymington
10 miles east of Heathfield House lies the colourful coastal town of Lymington on the bank of the Lymington River which flows out into the Solent. The town has been recorded in the Domesday Book. More recently it has been well known for saltmaking and a thriving ship building industry. From the town centre it’s possible to walk along the river, past the bobbing yachts and dinghys towards Lymington’s Nature Reserve. Or for those that prefer to shop the Georgian High Street is full of independent boutiques.
The Richmond hill hotel
After our week at Heathfield House, we’ll head back to Richmond for our final night at the charming Richmond Hill Hotel. This 18th century resting place has stunning views over Petersham Meadows. The rooms are newly refurbished and promise comfort and style. It’s the perfect base for exploring the boutiques, shops and cafes in the centre, Richmond Park or nearby Ham House which is a 20 minute walk.
A delicious breakfast is included.
The Bingham RiverHouse
A short walk along the River from the hotel is The Bingham Riverhouse. Its inspiring location led it to be a literary hub for figures such as Robert Browning and W B Yeats in the late 1880s. Following in their footsteps, we’ll walk up from the river and through the gardens into the restaurant to enjoy delicious cocktails before our final meal of the trip. We’ll enjoy the relaxed, friendly, local eatery offering simple and imaginative new British food made with fresh produce from head chef, Andy Cole.