Lyndhurst, Hampshire

Where the Forest Does the Work

Ancient woodland, contemporary soul — and a spa that quietly changes everything.

Tucked into the ancient woodland of the New Forest National Park, Lime Wood is that rarest of things: a hotel that genuinely earns the word luxury. Just ninety minutes from London, it feels a world away — ponies drifting through the trees, dappled light falling across the terrace, the particular silence of old forest. The contemporary design sits beautifully against this wild backdrop, all considered interiors and beds so enveloping that leaving them feels like a small act of bravery.

At the heart of the experience lies Herb House, Lime Wood's celebrated spa, where a forest-edge sauna and thoughtfully crafted treatments turn a weekend away into something approaching genuine restoration. Couples arrive frayed and leave soft-eyed and slow-paced — which is, of course, entirely the point. The surrounding National Park beckons for morning walks before the day properly begins, and the hotel makes it easy to simply dissolve into the landscape.

For the evenings, Hartnett Holder & Co delivers the kind of dining that rewards lingering: locally sourced Italian dishes shaped by Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, changing with the seasons, rooted in the land just outside the window. From a long lunch here to a candlelit dinner, the food alone would justify the journey. Book a forest-view room, surrender your agenda, and let Lime Wood do the rest.

Notable Features

What Sets It Apart

Herb House spa
New Forest location
Contemporary design
Michelin dining

Gallery

Inside & Out

Lime Wood — interior and exterior view 1

Lime Wood — interior and exterior view 2

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Lime Wood — interior and exterior view 9

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Lime Wood — interior and exterior view 13

Lime Wood — interior and exterior view 14

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Lime Wood — interior and exterior view 18

Guest Voices

What They Say

“As always, a very good experience. The service was perfect, we were well looked after. The atmosphere is just right, the Christmas decor is lovely. My only criticism is the cocktails price point is a tad on the high side.”

Christian5/5

“Above and beyond of what we expected. The room was magnificent - from all the amenities and the finest detail to the view from our bathtub and heated floors. Food and drinks - fabulous. We especially liked that you can reserve different areas for private use, which allowed us to enjoy board games by the fire after our dinner, and billiards the day after. Spa is glorious - from the mud experience in a private hammam to the most relaxing face massage we’ve ever had. The grounds are beautifully up-kept and provide a tranquil surrounding, which is exactly what we needed when escaping busy London.”

Ksenia K5/5

“Beautiful grounds.facilities and attentive staff but everything went wrong with my visit. Not the relaxing 5* break I hoped for. Was given a room in the eves even though a downstairs room was requested for accessibility purposes. Afternoon tea was stale any tiny. Had lovely experiences in the past but this was poor. My spa treatment was swapped for another last minute and I did not enjoy it at all. Parking difficult at times.”

N B12363/5

“We were made to feel very welcome by attentive staff at every corner. Every part of the hotel is stylish and well designed to create a relaxed, comfortable experience and a desire to return. A countryside retreat indeed. Cocktails at the evening bar are impressive, which only enhance the view of the stars from the courtyard. Breakfast is a luxurious spread, fresh and filling for the day ahead. Do go for a walk, there are a few well thought out suggestions and so many beautiful spots to see, on the grounds and surrounding forest.”

Vix Russell5/5

“Was lucky enough to have the opportunity to stay at this beautiful hotel. The team at Limewood are attentive, friendly and really make you feel at home! A very luxurious countryside stay with top facilities and high quality, seasonal food and drink..Loved the cosy fires throughout the hotel and it was a nice touch that you could hire a DVD for the room..a blast from the past! Thank you again for the hospitality and a memorable stay!”

Sophie S5/5