There’s plenty to see and do in the area, here are just a few of our recommendations.
(distances are from Chilworth Golf Centre)
THINGS TO DO
Walking
You can walk from Chilworth Woodland Retreat to the Chilworth Manor Hotel and the Chilworth Conservation Area (a lovely area to explore), and then on to the pub too if you wish!
The New Forest is also very popular for walking. You will find a book of walks in your hut/cabin.
Fishing
We have a fishing lake on site which as guests you're welcome to use free of charge if you have your own rods. Or we have a couple of rods you can hire. Either way, you will need a fishing licence which can be purchased from the government website: https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence.
The lake is stocked with carp, tench, roach and rudd.
Main Road, Chilworth, SO16 7JP (0 miles)
Open to non-members for the driving range or contact us to book a golf package.
Chilworth Manor Hotel, Chilworth, SO16 7PT (1.2 miles), Tel: 02380 763022
Although we've not used it ourselves the spa comes highly recommended for massages and spa days.
Cycling
The New Forest is a great place to cycle. Bikes can be hired from the following places where they will also give you advice about the best routes to take.
Brockenhurst Railway Station Car Park, Brockenhurst, SO42 7TW (16.5 miles). Tel: 01590 624808
Or
Village Centre, Burley, New Forest, Hampshire, BH24 4AB (21 miles). Tel: 01425 403584
High ropes in the trees. Please note, you have to pay for parking. There’s also a café on the site.
Itchen Valley, Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, Southampton SO30 3HQ (6 miles).
The New Forest Activity Centre offers all sorts, from canoeing and kayaking to archery and bushcraft. Location depends on the activity. Tel: 01590 612377.
Wakeboarding, kayaking and a giant water park (an inflatable obstacle course on the water).
Ringwood Road, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 2EY (25 miles), Tel: 01425 656868.
Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, climbing, archery and fishing.
Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre, Woodmill Lane, Southampton, SO18 2JR (4 miles). Tel: 02380 439185.
PLACES TO VISIT
(13.5 miles to Lyndhurst)
Famed for its ponies, the New Forest is a great place for a drive, walk or cycle. Or visit one of its pretty villages, beaches or many attractions. I particularly like Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.
near Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0LP - SAT NAV use SO51 0LN (7.6 miles)
Owned by the National Trust, Mottisfont, a historical priory, is a beautiful place to explore, renowned for its rose garden and also host to various exhibitions in the house.
(11.7 miles)
The old capital of England, Winchester is well-known for its stunning cathedral and pretty high-street. Visit some of its attractions or just soak up the atmosphere in the Cathedral Grounds. It's also a great place for food and drink and has a market most days.
(3.5 miles)
Romsey is a lovely historic market town. Visit its beautiful abbey, meander around its shops or relax in one of its many cafés. There is a regular market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
(5.2 miles)
Southampton is a great place for shopping, eating out and nightlife but it also has a few attractions of its own: The Tudor House, The Old City Walls and the SeaCity Museum.
Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire, SO42 7ZN (15.7 miles)
One ticket to the Motor Museum includes access to all these attractions: National Motor Museum, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear.
Broadlands Pk, Romsey, SO51 9ZD (3.9 miles)
A grand estate whose stunning house and gardens are open to the public on certain days of the year (see website for days and times), Broadlands also hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
PLACES TO EAT
Chilworth Rd, Chilworth, SO16 7JS (1 mile)
One of our favourites, a brilliant gastro-pub with great food and a cosy atmosphere. You can walk to it from the site but it’s worth booking as they get very busy (especially at the weekends).
Chilworth, SO16 7PT (1.2 miles)
A beautiful location for lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea, you can even walk there through the woods!
120 Botley Rd, Southampton, SO52 9EE (0.4 miles)
The Italian restaurant at The Ox doesn't look all that great from the outside but offers yummy, real Italian food.
TAKEAWAYS
If you fancy a night in without cooking, there are a few local takeaways but unfortunately none of them will deliver so you will need to collect. Menus can be found with the tourist information leaflets in your cabin/hut.
SHOPS
118 Botley Rd, North Baddesley, SO52 9DW (0.5 miles)
Our closest shop, stocking a wide range of essentials.
Bournemouth Road, Eastleigh, SO53 3YJ (2.7 miles)
Asda in Eastleigh is a giant of a superstore offering clothing, a pharmacist, a petrol station, an optician and of course, food.
1B Chestnut Ave Retail Park, Eastleigh SO53 3LE (2.9 miles)
Just around the corner from Asda, Aldi sells food, household essentials, drinks and has weekly special buys.
32 Alma Road, Romsey, SO51 8AS (3.4 miles)
Waitrose in Romsey has everything you'd expect from Waitrose, and free parking when you shop in-store.