Forest walks, garden feasting and slow summer days in the Hampshire countryside.
Summer is when the New Forest really comes alive. Ancient woodland, open heathland and winding paths invite you to explore at a slower pace, while long evenings are made for lingering outdoors. Surrounded by nature and tucked away among the trees, THE PIG-in the New Forest is the perfect base for a summer escape. Here are four reasons to visit this season.
1. Explore the New Forest on foot
There’s no better way to experience the New Forest than by walking through it. Follow woodland paths beneath towering trees, wander across open heathland and discover quiet corners where ponies graze and wildlife moves at its own pace. Whether you’re heading out for a gentle morning stroll or a longer countryside ramble, summer is the perfect time to explore the landscape just beyond the hotel.
2. Wander through the Kitchen Garden
Summer is when the Kitchen Garden is at its most abundant. Take a wander through the beds and glasshouses to see the herbs, vegetables and flowers growing before they make their way into the kitchen. From freshly picked ingredients to the wildlife that calls the garden home, it’s a reminder that everything starts here.
3. Settle in for outdoor dining at the Garden Oven
Long summer afternoons call for lunch outdoors. Hidden away in the grounds, the Garden Oven is the perfect spot to settle in with a wood-fired pizza, something cold to drink and good company. With ingredients inspired by the Kitchen Garden and a relaxed, open-air setting, it’s an easy way to spend a few extra hours enjoying the sunshine.
4. Make the most of golden evenings in the forest
As the day begins to cool, the New Forest takes on a quieter rhythm. Take one last wander through the grounds, enjoy a drink outside or simply sit back and watch the light change through the trees. With birdsong, fresh air and nowhere else to be, summer evenings here are made for slowing down.
