This historic Inn has been owned by the same family since 1782 and is located in the heart of the New Forest and is home to the oldest golf club in Hampshire: the Bramshaw. The Grade 11 listed building mixes the Inn’s classic architecture with modern style and comforts; its 28 bedrooms come with Egyptian cotton bed linen, soft duvets plus all the modern comforts you’d expect.
The Bell Inn is surrounded by great walks and cycling paths, so be sure to pick up a copy of the hotel’s area guide. See if you can spot the New Forest “Big 5”: wild ponies, donkeys, pigs, sheep and cows, on your way to Minstead Village or Cadman’s Pool.
Being in the New Forest provides the Inn with some fantastic local sourcing opportunities for its acclaimed restaurant. The menu changes with the seasons, serving meat from local farms. I enjoyed some fantastic pork belly when I visited, it was very light and tender and accompanied by ham hock hash and Blackwater Farm Faggot. My starter was one of the chef’s specialties – crab brulee – and was quite the sensation. For dessert the Inn offers mini versions of its most popular offerings; I highly recommend the lavender panna cotta and chocolate torte.
Breakfast consists of a buffet with homemade granola, Greek yogurt, cereals, pastries, juices etc. You can then choose from the full English (vegetarian option available), kippers, salmon and eggs etc.