For a really festive and unique Christmassy atmosphere I suggest
Bucklers Hard. You could stay either at
Whitley Ridge and have one of the best value Michelin star quality meals at a bargain price and great surroundings in the middle of the New Forest (and hope for some snow .....) or stay at Bucklers Hard itself at
The Master Builders. The advantage of the Master Builders is that it has no traffic and an open log fire in it's great bar. And you get the atmosphere of Bucklers Hard when the last visitor has left. You could then go to Beaulieu which is the next village for both the Christmas service and
A Victorian Christmas at Beaulieu and have a good look round
Beaulieu itself.
I believe there are direct flights from AMS to SOU and you could hire a car for your stay. Miss Heathrow completely, direct from AMS to The New Forest. What could be better?
That'd be my suggestion.
This is absolutely spot on uk1; just what we're looking for... Thank you so much! I've checked the Whitley Ridge, and unfortunately they're fully booked, but I've emailed the Master Builders and will hopefully hear from them soon.
Meanwhile, and further suggestions are welcome, just in case the Master Builders is fully booked.
FOHA