FAQs

The first recorded document of ‘Chewton Glen House’ dates back to the 17^th century, although some historical records suggest the house was built in 18^th century.

Chewton Glen was once a retreat location for the author Captain Marryat, who wrote the famous book: “The Children of the New Forest” in the very walls of Chewton Glen, having been inspired by its surroundings and its close proximity to the New Forest National Park.

The hotel then went through several names and owners, until 1947 when the Duval Family bought the property. Their idea was to restore the old building to convert into a hotel, of which was opened in 1962.

Chewton Glen is a Luxury Country Hotel and spa located in the South of England. Whilst the hotel predominantly sits in the county of Hampshire, the stream that runs through the grounds does separate the 130 acres between Hampshire and the neighbouring county of Dorset.

The hotel is located within the New Forest National Park, and has easy access to Christchurch, Bournemouth and Southampton.

Records suggest Chewton Glen was built in 18^th century. There is also a trace of historical documents dating back to 1732 that describes the land and the premises as “Chewton Glen House”.

Like other country houses built in the first half of the 18th Century, the original design was based on the classical Roman ‘Palladian’ style, characterised by symmetry and observance of proportion, which roughly fixes its construction to the 1720s or early 1730s.  If documents relating to ‘premises and land known as Chewton Glen House in the Parishes of Milton and Highcliffe’ are to be relied upon, construction was underway or were complete by 1732. However, to date, it has not been possible to discover by whom it was built or indeed who lived here for the first 100 years of its life.

The most striking feature of the building in the early Victorian period was the addition of a curved façade built in the ‘Picturesque’ style, and consisting of a ground-floor verandah extending across the full width of the façade, and a large, first-floor, three-light window above, features, along with the use of stucco, that were the trademark of John Nash. This may have been the form of the house in which ‘sailor-turned-novelist’, Captain Frederick Marryat, stayed in the 1840s, and which are captured in a watercolour and early photograph believed to have been executed by Alexander Elphinstone in 1857, who remained in residence until 1888. 

Between 1947 and 1967, Chewton Glen had three different owners. But it was the Duval family who first made Chewton Glen a hotel. No doubt its family-owned influence has sealed it as the family-friendly retreat it is today. The Skan family purchased it from the family in 1966 and transformed it into its current guise.

The Skan family sold the hotel in 2007 to private owners who were previously long standing guests, with a long-standing love of the hotel. Now, Chewton Glen continues to develop, winning countless national and international awards and accolades. From being an author's inspiring forest retreat to the "Best Country Hotel in the World", it has a captivating past, and an exciting future.

Historical documents suggest the luxury Country House Hotel and Spa was built in the early 18^th century, with land and premises known as "Chewton Glen House" appearing in 1732.

Much remodelling and rebuilding was undertaken by Colonel Edward Tinker in the Edwardian period, prompted by the earlier revival of the ‘Queen Anne’ style popularised by Norman Shaw. This saw extensions to the west-end of the house, the relocation of the front entrance, and the addition of some features like the shell motif and scrolling above the front door, which evoked the house’s origins in the early 18th Century.  The purchase of ‘Chewton Glen’ in 1965, and its subsequent transformation by Martin and his wife Brigitte, saw many additions, including the construction of a new east wing.  Further refinements, including the construction of the popular Treehouses, have been made since the Hotel was purchased by Ian Livingstone in 2006, where it remains a ‘jewel in the crown’ of the ‘Iconic Luxury Hotel’ group owned by London & Regional Properties PLC.

A lot of work have been put into the refurbishment of the establishment and the creation of new buildings since the 1960’s. The Garden wing was added to the property by the Skan family when they acquired the property in 1960’s. The Spa was built in the 90’s, handing Chewton Glen the title of the first country house hotel to have its own spa. The famous Treehouses were built in 2012, becoming the first hotel in the UK to have such unusual accommodation, and The Kitchen Restaurant and Cookery School opened in 2017, under the culinary navigation of Celebrity Chef, James Martin.

- Captain Marryat wrote his famous novel: ”The Children OF The New Forest” in the hotel. All of the rooms in the main house are named after characters of that novel.
- The hotel opened the UK’s first country house hotel spa in 1990 and was the first to have Treehouses in the UK.
- The hotel has over 1900 wine references, and is internationally known for its offering.
- The hotel is located on the frontier between Hampshire and Dorset.
- Chewton Glen produces its own honey and jams thanks to the 70 beehives and 130 acres of grounds.

If you are coming by car the address is Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6QS. Postcode for Sat Nav: BH23 5QL

If you are coming by train you will have to stop at NEW MILTON on the South Western Rail, we are only 2hours away from London. Once you have arrived in the station, you can either take a taxi or call the hotel on 01425 275341 for us to pick you up.

If you are planning to fly in, we would suggest you to take Southampton Airport as your destination, since we are only located 40 minutes away by car.

Chewton Glen is family friendly and welcomes children of all ages. The hotel has a Children’s Club called The Beehive, which is an impressive structure that stands within the grounds of the hotel in the shape of a Treehouse. The Beehive runs sessions twice a day throughout school holidays and weekends, and children aged from 3-12 are welcome however, those of a young age must be toilet trained.

Swimming times within the indoor pool are available and children can swim all day during the warmer months in the outside swimming pool. The hotel also provides a baby-sitting service at an additional cost.

Following the UK smoke free law, it is strictly forbidden to smoke inside Chewton Glen. Nevertheless, it is allowed to smoke outside the hotel and if you have booked a room with a balcony, you may smoke outside.  

There are two car parks available with a total of 200 parking spaces. 

Yes. We have 12 EV charging point bays in our main car park, as you enter on the right. We also have 4 EV charging point bays in the Treehouses car park.

Upon arrival, plug in the charger and notify reception of the bay number to activate the service.

There is no specific dress code in the hotel, however if you are thinking about having dinner or lunch in the Dining Room then smart/casual outfits are encouraged.

Dogs are only allowed to stay in the Treehouse Suites. Should you wish to be bring your four legged friend with you, by prior arrangement, please refer to our Dog Policies. This will need to be signed and returned or brought with you prior to your stay. 

The hotel is available for exclusive use for large weddings and private events.

Chewton Glen is the perfect wedding venue for those seeking informality and luxury. The hotel has the licence to hold civil ceremonies in a variety of function spaces including the Walled Garden.

Chewton Glen is offering a wide range of packages, from intimate gatherings to extravagant events. For more information please view our wedding pages.

Chewton Glen started with only 8 rooms in its early debut of being a hotel, and now proudly offers a collection of 58 luxurious bedrooms and 14 treehouses.

The Spa at Chewton Glen is available for use for both day visitors and leisure guests of the hotel with prior booking required.

Chewton Glen has 3 restaurants:

The Dining Room at Chewton Glen is a fine dining restaurant, offering locally sourced ingredients with a modern twist.
The Kitchen by James Martin, is a restaurant with a more relaxed atmosphere, offering Celebrity Chef, James Martin’s, classic dishes.
The Pool Bar, located in the spa, offers a healthy yet delicious offering of light bites.

The New Forest National Park has the largest area of heathland in the whole of Europe, making it the perfect location for romantic strolls and intrepid adventurers seeking exploration. Many few can resist a photo of the famous New Forest ponies who stroll through the charming villages, and across the vast space of stunning countryside.

This National Park is home to historical villages and towns, each with their own characterful features and stories to tell. From water sports to cycling routes, bus trips to theme parks and museums to eateries, there is plenty to do for even the most discerning of individuals.  

See more tips on things to do on our New Forest page.

Not far, just a 3 minute walk or buggy ride.

Just a 5-minute walk or transportation is available with our Hotel Buggies.

We're proud to support a number of charities and organisations, as part of our commitment of contributing back to the local community and wider hospitality industry.
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Guidance for guests booking overnight accommodation
Guests are strongly advised to store valuables in the safe provided in their bedroom.
For those guests carrying high value items they may wish to use the Hotel’s reception safe.
For items stored in the Hotel safe the company cannot accept liability of any items in excess of GBP 75,000 total value per guest.
In exceptional circumstances the Company reserves the right to request guests place items with a security company whilst staying at the Hotel.
If in any doubt, please contact concierge or reception.

Bedroom Safes
Liability limited to a total value of £1,500 per safe per bedroom

Guidance on general liability for guest property
https://www.visitbritain.org/business-advice/pink-book/luggage-and-belongings