Visiting the New Forest is the perfect antidote to modern life. Wandering around its natural beauty, on foot or on bike, you can't help but feel your shoulders drop. Having spent brilliant times with my family there, it feels like a very Yawn-y kind of 'escape'. 

So - do go. The area is full of things to see and do. We rented bikes, hiked, visited the Beaulieu car museum and bought lots of flapjacks in the local tea shop. Above all, we walked through the forest. There is something about being surrounded by trees and nature. Ponies wandered about outside the window and were our nearest neighbours. It was very quiet. 

Here are three recommendations (and a bonus one at the end):

Take a long walk in the woods

Our friends at Careys Manor & SenSpa (a beautiful, award-winning manor hotel in the New Forest) are real local experts and have put together this guide to some local walks that will help you find a track to enjoy.

Get further on bike (and make sure you stop for a pub lunch)

We rented bikes in Brockenhurst from Cyclexperience and did a huge loop, rewarding ourselves at a lovely pub for a big lunch. The guys in the shop will suggest a good route for you as they did for us. There are lots of options on where to go depending on how active you want to be, the weather and time of year. Talking to the locals before setting off made all the difference to our trip and we loved exploring on wheels.

Indulge your car fantasies

I didn't think I was a car person. Until we went to Beaulieu and saw the cars that were on display there. They cover all the eras and are a celebration of engineering. Beaulieu is a brilliant, eccentric place and you never knew what you would come across next. Lots to explore including a gorgeous garden and a very large and wonderful family home dating back to 1538. We loved wandering about the rooms and seeing all the varied art and memorabilia. A truly great, and very English, day out.

Treat yourself to a treatment

I wish I had known about the award-winning SenSpa when I was staying nearby - that would have been the perfect end to the day. You can book yourself in for a massage or a spoiling treatment. A treat after a day in the woods. Bliss.

P.S Your chance to win your own very special mini-break

In celebration of slowing down this Valentine's we will be partnering with Careys Manor for you to win the perfect, relaxing mini-break in the New Forest. A lucky winner will enjoy a relaxing stay at the hotel, two pairs of pyjamas and some luxury sleep socks.  More soon...