Review of Chewton Glen Hotel

Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa stands as one of the United Kingdom’s premier luxury country house hotels, nestled between the enchanting New Forest National Park and the scenic southern coastline. Encompassing 130 acres of lush Hampshire parkland, this 18th-century Georgian manor has evolved into a destination with 58 bespoke rooms in the main house and 14 architecturally striking treehouse suites suspended among the treetops. The property boasts two acclaimed restaurants, an award-winning cookery school, a world-class spa featuring both indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy and crystal steam rooms, advanced fitness facilities, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, a children’s club, a private helipad, and an array of curated experiences.

Each guestroom in the main house pays homage to Frederick Marryat’s classic novel, Children of the New Forest, with rooms named after its characters—a unique nod to local literary history. The treehouse suites take their names from indigenous tree species found across the estate, seamlessly blending the hotel’s heritage with its spectacular natural surroundings.

Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa enjoys an enviable position at the southern fringe of the New Forest National Park, just a leisurely 10-minute stroll from the picturesque Chewton Bunny Beach overlooking the English Channel.

The 130-acre estate is easily accessible—only a two-hour drive from London via the M3 and within a similar travel time by train to New Milton Railway Station. The property is conveniently located 30 minutes from Southampton and Bournemouth airports, offering frequent connections to major UK and European cities.

Guests can immerse themselves in a wealth of local experiences. Explore the ancient woodlands of the New Forest, take a ferry to the Isle of Wight, or visit cultural gems such as the Beaulieu National Motor Museum, the historic Hurst Castle, and the renowned Exbury Gardens. For families, Paultons Park—home to the beloved Peppa Pig World—remains a favorite, with over 70 attractions designed for memorable days out.

Chewton Glen offers a diverse range of accommodations, including five distinct categories of rooms and suites. Guestrooms are thoughtfully appointed with views over manicured lawns or woodland, featuring sumptuous king-size beds, dedicated seating areas, and high-fidelity Bluetooth sound systems. Interiors blend classic country elegance with contemporary flourishes, and select rooms include private hot tubs, balconies, or advanced in-room entertainment across bedroom, lounge, and bathroom. Higher-tier suites reward guests with expanded space, dressing rooms, and walk-in rainfall showers.

The signature Master Suites—the Masterman Ready, Poacher, and Jacob Faithful—set the standard for five-star indulgence, complete with designer audio, Nespresso machines, and premium amenities. The Masterman Ready Suite is highlighted by a sun deck with panoramic estate views, a modern lounge, and a spa-inspired bathroom with a Sonos system. The Poacher Suite offers a cozy, residential ambiance with a private study and sitting room, while the Jacob Faithful Suite boasts an expansive balcony perfect for enjoying the estate’s landscaped vistas.

Families will appreciate the Coach House Suites, which span two levels, comfortably accommodating up to six guests with plush Howard armchairs, sofa beds, and a semi-private courtyard garden—ideal for multigenerational travel.

The Marryat Suite, the crown jewel of the main house, is the largest suite on property and occupies the manor’s original private quarters. Its vast terrace is perfect for alfresco gatherings, offering sweeping views across the grounds, while the suite’s lounge and master bedroom provide an unrivaled sense of space and privacy.

The much-lauded Treehouse Suites—pioneering in the UK for their elevated design—invite guests to sleep among the treetops, just a short stroll from the main hotel. Each treehouse is built with sustainable materials and features a private terrace with hot tub, underfloor heating, a wood-burning stove, and a marble bathroom with floor-to-ceiling forest views. Daily breakfast hampers arrive straight to your door for a seamless start to the day.

The Treehouse Hideaway Suite is more expansive and accessed via a covered walkway, while The Yews—Chewton Glen’s most exclusive treehouse—accommodates up to four adults and eight children in total seclusion. Guests here benefit from a private chef and a discreet kitchen, or can opt for gourmet hampers delivered via a hidden hatch. Designed to blur the lines between indoors and out, The Yews sets a new standard for luxury family escapes in the UK.

Well-behaved dogs are most welcome in the treehouse accommodations, allowing four-legged friends to join in the adventure.

Chewton Glen’s acclaimed spa is a sanctuary for holistic wellbeing, offering an extensive menu of results-driven treatments, signature massages, and personalised spa journeys. With a design inspired by coastal tranquility, the spa features a stunning 17-metre indoor pool with turquoise mosaic tiles, a hydrotherapy suite with multiple jets, aromatherapy saunas, and crystal steam rooms. The adjacent Pool Bar provides nutrient-rich refreshments, while the Sun Terrace offers a serene space to relax post-swim.

Fitness enthusiasts can access a state-of-the-art gym equipped with the latest Technogym technology, personal training services, and dedicated studios for yoga and Pilates. The outdoor heated pool and whirlpool overlook the estate’s verdant grounds, offering an invigorating open-air alternative.

The Kitchen Cookery School stands as a highlight, located in a purpose-built facility near the main house. Under the guidance of celebrity chef James Martin and expert culinary tutor Steve Bulmer, guests can join immersive cooking classes and demonstrations—perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned gourmets seeking new inspiration.

Recreational pursuits abound, with both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a par-3 nine-hole golf course, and a driving range. Private tennis and golf coaching are available on request. The estate also provides croquet, archery, and cycling, ensuring activities for every interest and age.

Families with children are exceptionally well catered for. The Beehive Children’s Club, designed for ages five and up, is a whimsical haven featuring a reading nook, play zones, and a wraparound balcony. The dedicated team organises creative workshops, nature walks, and games to foster lasting memories for junior guests.

Chewton Glen hosts an exclusive calendar of events throughout the year, from summer music performances to culinary festivals, with 2025’s lineup including both international artists and celebrated local talent.

Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa evokes the timeless charm of an English country estate, reminiscent of a golden era when weekends were spent indulging in refined leisure. Ivy-draped facades, formal gardens, and a croquet lawn set the tone for a quintessentially British experience. Inside, the décor masterfully balances classic comfort with subtle contemporary accents, creating inviting spaces for relaxation and recreation.

Guests can immerse themselves in a range of curated activities, from hands-on cookery classes and rejuvenating spa treatments to archery and invigorating walks to the nearby coast. The innovative treehouse suites have elevated Chewton Glen’s reputation, blending architectural daring with natural beauty and positioning the hotel at the forefront of luxury rural hospitality in England.

The Dining Room, the hotel’s gastronomic centerpiece, spans five elegantly appointed spaces and serves innovative British and international cuisine by Executive Head Chef Luke Matthews and Head Chef Simon Addison. Many ingredients are harvested daily from the estate’s kitchen gardens, ensuring ultra-fresh, seasonal menus.

With a spacious terrace for alfresco meals in the warmer months and a variety of private dining rooms, The Dining Room is also the setting for Chewton Glen’s celebrated Marryat Afternoon Tea, featuring artisanal treats and local Hampshire produce.

The kitchen garden is central to the culinary philosophy here. Chef Matthews collaborates closely with Estate Manager Darren Venables, selecting produce for each season’s menu. The garden also supplies local artisans, including Naked James, whose preserves and honey are available both in the hotel and its boutique. The estate’s own beehives provide honey for the breakfast table and help sustain the wildflower meadows.

The Kitchen, a relaxed brasserie under the creative direction of James Martin, offers guests an open-plan dining experience where they can observe the chefs in action. The menu features small plates, wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, superfood salads, and signature desserts. The restaurant is encircled by raised vegetable beds and a greenhouse, with a heritage orchard—planted to mark Chewton Glen’s 50th anniversary—providing fruit for the kitchens year-round.

Chewton Glen has long prioritised responsible stewardship of its estate, championing sustainability and supporting the local community. The management’s commitment to green practices is evident throughout the property, from energy-efficient systems to the preservation of natural habitats.

The hotel continues to implement energy and water conservation initiatives, closely follows recommendations from the Carbon Trust, and maintains accreditation from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Chewton Glen works in partnership with environmental agencies to monitor biodiversity on the estate and collaborates with local suppliers who share its eco-conscious ethos, minimising food miles and maximising the use of homegrown produce.

• The Setting: Chewton Glen is a quintessential English country house hotel, set within 130 acres of rolling parkland and ancient woodland—yet just minutes from the sandy shores of the south coast. Strolling its expansive grounds, with or without your canine companion, is a serene pleasure.
• Exceptional Amenities: The hotel’s facilities are truly world-class, from innovative dining and a destination spa to a nine-hole golf course—making every stay packed with possibilities for relaxation and recreation.
• Treehouse Suites: Perfect for families or couples seeking a whimsical escape, the treehouse accommodations combine seclusion, luxury, and a sense of adventure. For those seeking a unique British hideaway, these suites are the ultimate choice.Businessclass lets you compare top hotel rates in a single search. Discover the best offers for Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa by searching above.