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Christmas 2026
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South Lawn Hotel Frequently Asked Questions

Your guide to staying, dining, and exploring with South Lawn Hotel

How can I contact South Lawn Hotel?

You can reach us by phone on 01590 643911

or via email at events@southlawnhotel.co.uk.

Or WhatsApp Messaging 01590643911

Where is South Lawn Hotel located?

South Lawn Hotel is located between the New Forest National Park’s coastline and the Inland Forest, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts.

Yes, several scenic beaches and the National Park’s coastline are accessible by foot from the hotel. Milford on Sea Beach is approximately a 20-minute walk (1.7 km) away and provides access to the Solent Way coastal path.

The hotel is nestled in countryside grounds, with the main New Forest walks and heathlands typically a short 8-to-15-minute drive away.

Yes, Milford on Sea village green is about a 10–15 minute walk (approx. 1 km) from the hotel.

  • Lymington: 10-minute drive (2.5 miles)
  • New Milton: Nearest train station, 10-minute taxi ride
  • Bournemouth Airport: 11.5 miles away
  • Southampton Airport: 18 miles away
  • Hurst Castle: About 2 miles away
  • Beaulieu Motor Museum: 20–25 minute drive
  • Exbury Gardens: Short driving distance
  • Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum 10 minute drive.
  • Isle of Wight connections are a short 10 minute drive away.
What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM.

Early check-in is possible so long as your room is available and serviced for your arrival, we never keep our guests waiting unnecessarily.

Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to check in.

Yes, we offer baggage storage so you can explore the village or beach while your room is prepared.

We will always accommodate a late checkout if possible

Absolutely, both on arrival and departure.  You can even call the hotel from your car if you wish and we will come to you.  When departing call reception from your room.

How many rooms does South Lawn Hotel have?

There are 57 en-suite bedrooms, ranging from budget-friendly options to expansive multi-bedroom suites.

Small Doubles: First-floor, most affordable, king-size beds 5ft

No View Doubles: First-floor, with no specific views, king-size beds 5ft

House Doubles: First-floor, Super king-size beds 6ft

King Rooms:  Lift-Accessible, Super King size bed 6ft

Ground floor Twins: Ground-floor, near reception, bar, restaurant and  lounges, 2 standard single beds

Garden Kings: Ground-floor with private terrace & garden access, super king size beds 6ft

Garden Twins: Ground-floor with private terrace & garden access, 2 standard single beds

Studio,1, 2, & 3-Bedroom Suites: Multi-en suite bedrooms, ground-floor with direct access to grounds.  All suites have private lounge, dining and kitchenette facilities.  All suite bedrooms can be configured to a twin or super king bed

Yes, South Lawn Hotel offers ground-floor rooms and lift-accessible King rooms. All King, Ground floor rooms and suite include low-profile step-in showers with sensibly placed grab rails.  These rooms are often complemented for user friendly layout.

Yes, South Lawn Hotel offers ground-floor rooms and lift-accessible King rooms. All King, Ground floor rooms and suite include low-profile step-in showers with sensibly placed grab rails. 

These rooms are often complemented for user friendly layout.

House Doubles, Small Doubles and No view Double are only accessible via stairs. 14 treads in total, 7 half landing 7.

They aren’t actually that small and they all have 5ft king size beds and all the other amenities of our House Double Rooms.  The smallest room in the hotel, a small double is 16 square meters excluding the bathroom.

Yes, the rooms are the same standard as house double rooms with 5ft king size beds.  They are called No View Doubles because they have no particular view.

All rooms are equipped with a 4K UHD Smart TV, fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, iron, hairdryer, and fan.

No, this is not a standard we provide, it is not common in provincial UK hotels, although most city and airport hotels do have aircon because of restricted window openings.  There are only 2 hotels in the New Forest with Aircon in all bedrooms both are 5 star hotels charging 4 times as much as South Lawn.

All bedrooms have bedside chargers USB, USB-C and 13 amp 240V mains sockets (Type G). 

All dressing/workspace tables have at least USB and 13 amp 240Vmains sockets (Type G).

Yes, All bedside and workspaces have dual flexible arm reading light and ambient lights independently switched at source.  The bedrooms and bathrooms main lighting is from downlights and most bathrooms also benefit from emergency lighting that also acts as a night light.

Every room features a 4K UHD Smart TV. You can enjoy all the usual UK terrestrial channels and there are many pre-installed apps such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Amazon Prime.

Each TV is hardwired to our 500Mbps dedicated symmetrical connection. Ideal for 4K streaming with no lag.

Room Category 

Specific Room/Type

Size (m²)

Bed Configuration

Location/Features

Small Double

Rm 1

16.5

King

1st Floor

Small Double

Rm 2

14.0

King

1st Floor

Small Double

Rm 3

15.5

King

1st Floor

No View Double

Standard

18.5

King

1st Floor, No view

House Double

Standard

18.5

Super King

1st Floor

King

Superior

20.0

Super King

1st Floor, Lift Access

Ground Floor Twin

Superior

20.0

2x Standard Singles

Ground Floor

Garden King

Superior

20.0

Super King

Ground Floor, Garden Access, Private Terrace

Garden Twin

Superior

20.0

2x Standard Singles

Ground Floor, Garden Access, Private Terrace

Studio Suite

Luxury

35.0

Super King (or Twin)

Garden Access, Terrace, Lounge, Kitchenette

1 Bed Suite

Luxury

45.0

Super King (or Twin)

Garden Access, Terrace, Lounge, Kitchenette

2 Bed Suite

Luxury

65.0

1x Super King, 1x Twin

Garden Access, Terrace, Lounge, Kitchenette, All En-suite

2 Bed Suite

Luxury

80.0

2x Super King (or Twins)

Garden Access, Terrace, Lounge, Kitchen/Diner, All En-suite

3 Bed Suite

Luxury

100.0

2x Super King, 1x Twin

Garden Access, Terrace, Lounge, Kitchen/Diner, All En-suite

What bus stops are near the hotel?

The hotel is conveniently served by several local bus routes with stops just a short walk away on Lymington Road and is listed as the Manor Road stop.

The stop is located approximately 200 metres from the hotel entrance.

New Forest Breezer 81: Operated by Morebus, the 81 connects the hotel directly to Lymington (hotel side of road) and New Milton, Christchurch, Bournemouth (school side of road)

Buses on the 81 route typically run hourly throughout the day, every day of the week.

Yes, there are dedicated, seasonal open-top tourist buses in the New Forest known as the “New Forest Tour”.  These hop-on-hop-off buses run during summer months (typically July to September) with three distinct, interlinking routes covering scenic spots, villages and wildlife.  They feature on board commentary and you can take your dog and bikes.  It’s a great day out as you can see and switch between routes on the same ticket.

There are 3 colour coded routes (Red, Green, Blue) cover different areas including Lymington, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, Beaulieu, Burley, and Milford-on-Sea.

The Blue Route goes past South Lawn Hotel in both directions and stops at the bus stops 200 meters from the hotel.  There are various places you can switch between the Blue, Red and Green routes.

Does South Lawn Have a function Suite?

Yes, the Pavillion can seat up to 150 people for a sit-down meal on 15 round tables of 10.

Yes but we do not actively promote the hotel as a wedding venue. 

We often host local weddings without evening receptions. 

We only host evening celebrations if the bridal couple have booked the entire hotel exclusively.

We do not feel it is fair to our guests who are not with the wedding party as evening celebrations can often be noisy and dominate the venue.

The Pavilion is fully air conditioned.

Yes, the Pavillion benefits from Auracast technology.

What is the dining experience like at South Lawn Hotel?

The award-winning Cedar Tree Restaurant offers modern British cuisine with seasonal, locally sourced produce where possible.

Yes, the Cedar Tree Restaurant is open to both hotel guests and non-residents.

Yes, and it is recommended to book in advance due to its popularity.

Breakfast is always included when you book directly through the South Lawn Hotel website direct. No online travel agents such include breakfast, which can be added for £10–£15.  Always book direct for the best available rates.

Breakfast is available daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available. Please notify the team of any requirements when booking.

Yes, enjoy New Forest Afternoon Tea from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM (pre-booking required).

Sunday Lunch is served from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and features generous portions of high-quality local meats.

Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Lunch: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)

Sunday Lunch: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Afternoon Tea: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Dinner: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

No strict code is applied. Smart-casual attire is appreciated, though guests often choose to dress up slightly for dinner.

Is parking available on-site?

Yes, South Lawn Hotel offers free private parking for all guests, including accessible bays, there are 130 spaces.

We have two 7.5kw EV charging points.  South Lawn sponsors the entire cost of electricity for its residents wishing to charge their vehicles. This is a deliberate financial thanks for making the “green” and our pleasure to subsidise the carbon footprint of your journey.

Yes, complimentary high speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.  This was upgraded in 2025.

Yes all bedroom TVs are connected to the internet so you can access your socials, Netflix etc.

No, there is no pool at South Lawn Hotel.

South Lawn Hotel is set within 5 acres of gardens, with both North and South Terraces providing over 100 seats for alfresco dining.

Room Service is available during service times for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and dinner, you can order from the relevant service menu.  A Charge of £6 per person is made for room service.

We offer a wash, dry and fold service at £20 per load of up to 6kgs.  Ironing service is £6 per item.  We also have a self-serve guest laundry if you prefer to wash and dry your own charged at £10 per load which includes washing tablets and fabric conditioner.  Dry Cleaning can be arranged; we would be happy to ask the local dry cleaners for a price for you.  Laundry bags are available from reception, laundry left before 0900hrs will be ready the same day. Dry cleaning may take up to 3 days.

Is South Lawn Hotel dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome for a fee of £11.50 per night. Please notify the hotel when booking.

There is a dedicated dog paddock for exercise and a specific doggy dining area in the Cedar Tree Restaurant.

Extensive, secure grounds including a dedicated paddock are provided for four-legged companions.

What is the cancellation policy?

Standard bookings can be cancelled by 12 noon, 48 hours before arrival to avoid charges.

Yes, the hotel is popular with family, club and social groups. 

Bookings of 5 or more rooms have to be made directly with the hotel and are subject to Terms and Conditions.  Call the hotel for preferential rates and details.

What are the best walks starting from South Lawn Hotel?

Milford Sea Loop: Coastal walk with views of the Isle of Wight.

The Pleasure Grounds: 14-acre woodland with sheltered footpaths.

Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle: Flat, 2-mile walk along the shingle spit.

Sturt Pond Nature Reserve: Easy 1.5-mile trail, ideal for birdwatching.

Yes, local guides offer walks like the “Insider’s Guide to Milford on Sea” and “Hidden Woodland” tours.

Where can I go cycling nearby?

Solent Way to Lymington: 9-mile coastal ride.

Keyhaven Marshes Loop: 12-mile circular route, suitable for all levels.

Inland Forest Loops: Longer gravel tracks such as Beechen Lane and South Sway loops.

Yes, South Lawn Hotel offers four Roxform E-Bikes for guest use, helping you discover more of the local area during your stay. 

Jaunt-E Bikes in Milford on Sea offers electric bike hire and there is also bike hire available from Lymington.

Its possible but the shingle spit is difficult to cycle, but the seasonal ferry from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle accommodates bikes and children.

Are there cycle-friendly pubs nearby?

The Lighthouse (Milford on Sea): Seafront bar with outdoor seating and sea views.

The Beach House (Milford on Sea): Historic manor house with garden overlooking the Isle of Wight.

The Smugglers Inn (Milford on Sea): Traditional pub with a large garden and stream views.

The Old Mill (Lymington): Riverside pub with gardens and dog-friendly environment.

The local go-to is Needles Eye Cafe on the Milford promenade, ideal for cyclists seeking a snack or ice cream with a view.

Where are the best spots for a picnic during a ride?

Keyhaven Harbour: Benches with views of the boats.

Sturt Pond: Peaceful nature reserve accessible by bike.

Hordle Cliff: Elevated views over the Solent.

Danes Stream (The Pleasure Grounds): Woodland paths and shaded clearings.

While the Cedar Tree Restaurant is known for formal dining and Afternoon Tea, the kitchen team is happy to prepare packed lunches for guests. That said there are so many places to pick up snacks in the New Forest so we would recommend doing that.

Braxton Gardens in Milford on Sea offers a quiet spot with tables among plants and hedges.

What is the village like?

Milford on Sea is a characterful village with a thriving community centred on the Village Green, surrounded by independent shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Milford on Sea is the last remaining Coastal Village in Hampshire.

The village features a butcher, greengrocer, pharmacy, florist, and unique gift shops such as No64 Biscuit House.

The Cave: Independent bar with craft beers and wine.

Verveine: Highly-regarded seafood restaurant.

The Lighthouse: Award-winning seaside restaurant.

Needles Eye Cafe: Sea views and New Forest ice cream.

Look out for the Milford on Sea Music & Arts Festival (late June or July), and various food festivals throughout summer.

Which London station should I use?

Direct services to the New Forest and New Milton for Milford on Sea area depart from London Waterloo.

New Milton (NWM), on the direct line from London Waterloo.

Fast direct trains from London Waterloo to New Milton take between 1 hour 40 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes.

Yes, a dedicated taxi rank is located at the station approach.

Galleon Taxis, established for over 45 years, is based at New Milton Station approach.

Call 01425 611111 or 01425 622222.

Pre-booking with your train arrival time is highly recommended to ensure minimal waiting.

It’s a quick 7-to-10-minute drive from New Milton Station.

What awards has South Lawn Hotel won?

South Lawn Hotel has been awarded a prestigious VisitEngland 4-star Silver status and additionally a VisitEngland Breakfast award. We regularly receive Booking.com Traveller Review Awards for exceptional guest service. South Lawn Hotel is ranked No. 1 Pet-Friendly Hotel in the UK and No. 4 worldwide.

Our facilities include a private dog paddock, a specialist doggy dining area in the Cedar Tree Restaurant, and a warm welcome for dogs as VIPs (Very Important Paws).

Both. The hotel holds global awards for pet-friendliness and service, while the Cedar Tree Restaurant is top-ranked locally for its British cuisine and Sunday roasts.

Is South Lawn Hotel centrally located in the New Forest?

South Lawn Hotel enjoys a superior “Best of Both Worlds” location in Milford on Sea, a gateway to both the The New Forest inland forest and the spectacular New Forest coastline.

Awarded with the prestigious 4-Star Silver Award from VisitEngland and being the No. 1 Pet-Friendly Hotel in the UK, South Lawn Hotel surpasses many legacy forest hotels in service, dining, and guest comfort.

South Lawn Hotel is within walking distance of Hurst Spit, Hurst Castle, and the Solent Way, offering unique coastal experiences alongside traditional forest adventures.

Absolutely. The inland forest, wild ponies, and heathlands are all within easy reach, so you can enjoy both woodland and coast.

The Cedar Tree excels with a modern British menu combining fresh coastal seafood and local forest produce, earning its place as a destination for Hampshire foodies.

Yes, it’s a scenic walk or a short ferry ride from Keyhaven.

You’ll avoid central forest traffic, enjoy award-winning pet-friendly facilities, more space, and a tranquil atmosphere – all within the National Park boundaries.

How large is South Lawn Hotel?

South Lawn Hotel now boasts 57 en-suite bedrooms, including House Doubles, Twins, Kings, Garden Access Rooms, and Multi-Bedroom Suites for groups and families.

Yes, every room features a fridge, 4K UHD Smart TV, tea/coffee facilities, iron, hairdryer, and fan.

What is the capacity for private events and weddings?

The Pavilion at South Lawn Hotel can seat up to 150 guests comfortably.

The Pavilion accommodates up to 15 round tables of 10 guests each, with its own bar, air conditioning, and bi-fold doors to the terrace.

What are the on-site dining and bar options?

Guests enjoy the Cedar Tree Restaurant, a fully stocked bar, a residents’ lounge, and a barista bar for coffee.

Extensive outside seating is available on both North and South Terraces.

Does South Lawn Hotel offer sufficient parking for large groups?

Yes, 130 private parking spaces are available for event guests and residents.

Yes, we have 2 EV 7kw charging stations on-site.

We are set within 5 acres of beautifully maintained gardens.

Why do so many guests return to South Lawn Hotel?

Guests often describe the hotel as a “home away from home,” thanks to the club-like atmosphere and personalised service.

Yes, we offer seasonal rewards and special packages for our loyal guests.

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive private updates, early event booking access, and “family-only” promotions.

Absolutely. Our staff strive to tailor each stay to your preferences and history with us.

Of course! New faces are warmly welcomed and quickly become part of our loyal community.

 

Absolutely. Our staff strive to tailor each stay to your preferences and history with us.

Our world-class pet-friendly ranking, 5-acre grounds, and 4-star service standards ensure guests receive exceptional value and a genuine welcome.

Who owns South Lawn Hotel in Milford-on-Sea?

South Lawn Hotel is independently owned by Tim and Nikki Wedgwood, who purchased this well located New Forest Hotel in October 2015. They have transformed South Lawn into a multi-award-winning, dog-friendly retreat between the New Forest and Hampshire coast.

Before buying his first hotel in 1995, Tim worked at prestigious Grosvenor House on London’s Park Lane for five years—four as Banqueting Manager organising many of Londons most prestigious social and business events as well as some very lavish weddings.  He also spent a year as Guest Relations Manager looking after the hotels famous guests, VIPs and Royalty.

Tim first met Nikki at St Andrews House Hotel in Droitwich Spa, his first hotel 1995–1998. Nikki later moved to join Tim at The Gainsborough House Hotel in Kidderminster from 1998–2002, they have worked together ever since.

Tim has owned St Andrews House Hotel, Droitwich Spa (1995–1998); The Gainsborough House Hotel, Kidderminster (1998–2002); The Gate Hangs Well, Bromsgrove (2002–2004); The Castle Hotel, Tamworth (2004–2015); The Lime Trees Hotel (2011–2013); The Eastclose Hotel, Christchurch (2012–2016); and South Lawn Hotel, Milford on Sea (2015–present).

They have refurbished all bedrooms, bathrooms, restaurant and public areas, improved the grounds and car park, and launched The Cedar Tree restaurant for all-day dining. These upgrades established South Lawn as a relaxed, quality country-house hotel near Lymington and the New Forest.

South Lawn has been awarded a prestigious VisitEngland 4-Star Silver status with the restaurant also being awarded a VisitEngland Breakfast award.

Tim and Nikki married on 17/09/2022 at South Lawn Hotel in Milford on Sea, hosting 140 guests in the hotel grounds on a sunny September day. They are the only couple to have been married in the South Lawn Hotel grounds.

Their wedding featured the Faulty Towers interactive theatre company entertaining guests during the wedding breakfast, singing waiters after the meal, and a five-piece band for evening celebrations. The surprise entertainment made the day memorable for all 140 guests who were far from expecting Faulty Towers at a Hoteliers Wedding.

Tim and Nikki opened their bedrooms to homeless and displaced locals, providing accommodation and a daily meal.

They also offered delivery food and bakery services to the local community and gained an enviable reputation for supporting the community.  

During a period where outside catering and entertainment was allowed they built a huge 180 person capacity venue called the ‘Outside Inn’ and hosted live entertainment each evening, often to a capacity crowd.

They operated a drive through burger bar during the time when no other drive throughs had opened, the queue for burgers would often extend around the car park with a wait time of over an hour.

They worked tirelessly to raise money for the local hospice Oakhaven by baking and selling shortbread,  they asked for donations to purchase the ingredients and 100% of the revenue from sales went to the hospice.

On Christmas day 2020 when Tier4 restrictions were in place they delivered over 400 meals into the community.  Tim still gives his time on Christmas day delivering complimentary meals to locals who are spending the day on their own.

They aim for warm, informal service where guests feel looked after as family, with great food, luxurious rooms and staff who remember preferences. Whether for New Forest short breaks, coastal getaways, events, the focus is repeat visits and happy memories.

Their goal is an unpretentious, independently run hotel prioritising personal service, quality food and community ties over corporate scale. Guests enjoy a genuine and award winning New Forest Hotel experience.

  • Castle and Ball Hotel, Marlborough 1983-1985

Tim: Assistant Manager

  • Majestic Hotel, Harrogate 1985-1990

Tim: Food & Beverage Manager

  • Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London – 1990-1995

Tim: Banqueting Manager (4 years) & Guest Relations (1 year)

  • St Andrews House Hotel, Droitwich Spa – 1995–1998 (Tim meets Nikki)
  • Gainsborough House Hotel, Kidderminster – 1998–2002 (Nikki joins Tim)
  • Gate Hangs Well, Bromsgrove – 2002–2004 (Nikkis Pub!)
  • Castle Hotel, Tamworth – 2004–2015 (Tim & Nikki, Joined by Phil & Chris!)
  • Lime Trees Hotel – 2011–2013 (Managed out of Admin by Tim)
  • Eastclose Hotel, Christchurch – 2012–2016

(Tim & Nikki, Joined by South Lawn Head Chef, Gavin Le Vens)

  • South Lawn Hotel, Milford on Sea – 2015–present (Tim & Nikkis forever home)
  • Tim & Nikki married at South Lawn – 17/09/2022
What sort of vibe can I expect at South Lawn?

Unpretentious, Friendly and Relaxed with 4 star service standards.

Does the hotel host Christmas parties

Its very popular here are some reviews from last year.

Is the Milford on Sea located within the New Forest National Park?

Yes. While many visitors mistakenly believe the New Forest is only about inland woods, the South Lawn Hotel is a premier National Park retreat located on the stunning New Forest coastline. We offer the perfect balance: immediate access to the ancient woodlands and roaming ponies, but with the added benefit of the sea air and the Solent coast. Allowing guests to escape the heavy traffic and congestion often found in the central forest villages.

 

Milford on Sea offers a more exclusive, tranquil experience than the “traditional” hubs like Lyndhurst or Brockenhurst. Guests enjoy a cleaner environment away from the inland exhaust fumes and day visitors. As a coastal village within the New Forest, we provide a “best of both worlds” location where you can walk the forest trails in the morning and enjoy cliff top views of the Needles in the afternoon.

As the top ranked hotel in the New Forest region (consistently holding a 5.0/5 rating on Tripadvisor), South Lawn focuses on a “home from home” level of service that larger, high-traffic inland hotels often struggle to match. Our location in Milford on Sea ensures a quieter, more exclusive stay, avoiding the notorious New Forest traffic bottlenecks while remaining just minutes from the heart of the park.

Absolutely. The New Forest National Park boasts 26 miles of diverse coastline. Staying at the South Lawn Hotel puts you at the heart of this maritime heritage. Unlike the landlocked parts of the park, our coastal location offers better air quality, cooler summer breezes, and the famous coastal walks of Milford on Sea, making it the discerning traveller’s choice for a New Forest break.

Based on independent traveller reviews and VisitEngland’s 4-Star Silver award, South Lawn is objectively one of the highest ranked properties in the entire National Park. We are particularly noted for our pet friendly excellence and our on-site restaurant, The Cedar Tree, making us the top ranked choice for those seeking quality and peace over the standard tourist trail.