INTO THE FOREST

TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME WITH A BLISSFUL STAYCATION IN WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR'S IDYLLIC HEARTLAND

- JENNIFER KYTE

WHY GO?

The sight of a pony ambling nonchalantly along Brockenhurst's picturesque high street on its way for a quick drink at the water splash ford is a memory that never leaves you. There are many areas of the New Forest where animals are free to roam, including cattle, sheep, ponies and, for a few months in autumn when they're rooting for acorns, pigs. Indeed, not so long ago, there were reports of a donkey popping into the local Tesco (perhaps hoping for a nibble on the organic carrots).

Visitors flock to the UK's smallest national park for its rolling heathland, shady woods, beautiful coastline and more than 100 miles of child-friendly cycle routes. For a long weekend with the family, it really is the perfect destination.

WHERE TO STAY

We rented the gorgeous two-bedroom Rose Cottage in Lyndhurst, the "capital" of the New Forest since the days of William the Conqueror. The cottage is a stone's throw from open woods and heath, and the village amenities, including boujee cafés and the New Forest Heritage Centre, which should be the first port of call for information and interactive fun.