Wild ponies, roaming pigs and coastal fun – the stunning New Forest National Park makes a beautiful playground in every season. Take a kayak or paddleboard out at the coast or on the tranquil river Beaulieu and walk or freewheel it through the Forest, passing by free-roaming ponies and deer.

Right at the heart if it all, in the village of Brockenhurst, Daisybank Cottage is an eight-bed boutique B&B with super-comfortable rooms, comfy beds and friendly owners who’ll happily share the many fantastic highlights of the area with you.

Close to the cafes, restaurants and railway station in Brockenhurst, the 1901-built B&B has a distinctive Arts and Crafts design exterior. Inside, five luxe rooms have all been thoughtfully imbued with individual character and charm, designed for a super comfy night’s sleep. And they’re all kitted out with super-size beds, soft Egyptian cotton sheets, fluffy white towels and specially commissioned paintings by local artists, along with Roberts radios, Nespresso machines, a mini fridge, robes and slippers and a smart TV. Bliss.

In the garden, the modern, architect-designed Gardener’s Cottage has a further two spacious suite rooms. In the Dandelion Suite, there’s a king-sized bed, high wooden beamed ceiling, underfloor heating and large wet room with rain shower and sauna. Or stay in the Burdock Suite, with its own private access and patio area with BBQ.

Fancy crashing somewhere a bit more offbeat? Daisybank Cottage has that too. In the grounds is a fab, Insta-worthy shepherd’s hut. Hand-crafted in Dorset, it’s based on an authentic Victorian design, with modern colours and a cosy wood burning stove.

After fuelling up for the day with hearty New Forest or Irish breakfasts and comfort food brekkie treats made with local ingredients, chat to hosts Cheryl and Ciaran for ideas and tips on where to eat, drink and play in and around the Forest.

Lovely Lymington is just 15 minutes by car and there’s Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and Buckler’s Hard to discover too, not to mention the delights of the Forest and some big-hitter day spas right on the doorstep.