I visited The Pig Hotel in Brockenhurst awhile back, and it was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable trips I’ve ever taken. Situated in the middle of The New Forest, this rustic hotel is a one stop destination for everything homey and delicious.
On the hotel grounds there is a pig farm; a kitchen garden; an al fresco dining area with a wood fire oven (where they make excellent flat breads, I’m told); a library room where you can read and play board games in front of a roaring fire; a drawing room where you take afternoon tea and graze on little piggy bites; and a front lawn where you may indulge in a game of boules or croquet. Most importantly, there is a country restaurant that is the focal point of the stay. Most items on the menu are from a 26 mile radius and there is a hotel forager who you can go on foraging trips with, learning how to pick berries, nuts and mushrooms whilst taking in the dramatic scenery of the forest.
Once you arrive, you feel immediately at home. You are even provided with a pair of Hunter wellies and sleek raincoats to navigate the surrounding area with panache. Go play with the pigs. And pretend to ride a tractor. I did. And it was good fun.
Words: Rosa Park | Photos: Rich Stapleton
I was enchanted from the beginning, each unique bit of personality unfolded at a time. I must say though, once I learned I would be supplied with Hunters and a rain jacket to explore and play with the pigs :: Spellbound.