Chewton Glen: A Country House Hotel That Continues to Deliver
Chewton Glen has long been recognised as one of Britain’s best country house hotels, and just moments after arriving, you understand why. The 130-acre estate is situated on the edge of the New Forest, with a gentle walk leading to the sea. The blend of woodland, lawns, and coastal air imbues the entire place with a softness that instantly makes you feel at home. London design studio Goddard Littlefair has recently revamped the bar, dining room, and drawing rooms, and the result feels perfectly in harmony with the house and its history. Parquet floors, velvet sofas, handmade wooden tables, and muted tartans sit beside open fires that quietly glow throughout the day. Nothing feels forced. The rooms look as though they have always been this way.
The welcome is warm without being theatrical. Darcy greeted us at the door, and within minutes, there was a sense of being looked after with genuine interest rather than routine. The newly refreshed bar, wrapped in deep burgundy and filled with generous, comfortable chairs, became a fixed point in our stay. Georgie, still in her first week, shook martinis with an easy calm that instantly slowed the pace, and James and Corrie talked us through their favourite beach routes, including the easiest walk if you arrive with a dog in tow.
The drawing rooms ease from one mood to another as the day moves on. Mornings feel quiet, relaxed and gentle, with newspapers spread out and sunlight drifting across the parquet. Afternoon Tea brings a little more energy and the sense of a house filling up. By early evening the atmosphere shifts again as people return from walks or the spa. Zul appears at just the right moments; he has a knack for reading the room, offering breakfast pastries, then oysters and champagne, Afternoon Tea with his secret chai masala recipe, before returning later with a cheese board. The service throughout the hotel is consistently thoughtful and delivered with a natural confidence that leaves you feeling looked after and totally relaxed.
Room 6, Jacob Faithful, gazes across the croquet lawn and exudes a calm, lived-in adult comfort that makes settling in a delight. A separate sitting room, blackout curtains, and patterned wallpaper create an impression of a private corner of the house rather than a conventional hotel suite. A generous tray of hot chocolate, chocolates, nuts, crisps, and Birchall teas adds a homely, welcoming touch. The bed is huge and oh-so-comfy, the marble bathroom is spacious, featuring a bath with an in-bath TV, a good shower, double basins, and a bidet. Turndown service arrives at just the right moment, with lights softened and water bottles, coffees and teas quietly topped up.
Food is divided between two spaces, each with its own team, style and menu (both have children’s menus). The Kitchen by James Martin is the relaxed option, perfect for families, reached by a pleasant stroll or a short buggy ride through woodland and past the tennis centre. It serves moules, burgers and well-cooked steaks, all delivered by a cheerful young team who keep the atmosphere buoyant. The Dining Room in the main house feels more refined and grown-up. You can sit in the conservatory where light filters through the plants or settle into a quieter corner for supper. The sole meunière prepared at the table was a highlight, as was a shared T-bone perfectly cooked served with delicious vegetables.
Executive Chef Luke Matthews has been part of Chewton Glen for many years and his cooking reflects the estate’s surroundings. Much of the produce comes from the walled garden, tended year-round by Estate Manager Darren Venables and his team. In the evenings, the paths are lit with small, soft lights that give the garden a gentle charm and quietly remind you of the work that goes into keeping the hotel rooted in its own landscape.
The spa, although perhaps in need of a slight update, remains a draw for loyal guests and uses exclusively British products. The heated indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, spa bar, and simple spa lunch are perfect for those looking for a relaxed few hours. The spacious, fully equipped Technogym gym overlooks the gardens, but it’s the outdoor walks that are more tempting (as well as a swim in the outdoor pool during the summer months). Paths wind through the estate towards the coast, and the blend of woodland and sea air provides a natural reset whilst exploring nearby Highcliffe Castle (a 20-minute walk). Tennis players can enjoy both indoor carpet courts and outdoor courts, golfs a quick round on the 9-hole golf course, while the croquet lawn offers a charmingly old-fashioned way to enjoy a few competitive hours.
Chewton Glen caters to families, couples, and small groups and there are fully accessible suites for anyone with mobility difficulties. Weddings are organised with notable finesse. Deputy Manager Raymond Toulouse Lautrec describes Georgia Blacknell as ‘the world’s best wedding planner,’ with ceremonies held on the grounds, in the main house, the walled garden, or high up in the romantic treehouses. Dogs are welcomed with practical touches and dependable walking routes that make travelling with them straightforward and stress-free.
Chewton Glen has been cherished for many years, and recent design updates have only enhanced its character and reputation as one of the top country house hotels in the UK. The experience focuses on comfort, quality food, days by the sea and in the forest, and a team that truly cares about the details. It’s the kind of place that shows that exceptional British hospitality is alive and well, and why British country house hotels are more important now than ever.
