Horse sense and splendid scenery
IF this sort of thing happened in Sheffield (see picture) there would be a huge posse of South Yorkshire policemen struggling to round them up...
But in this part of the country wild ponies regularly trot their way along the high street and no-one seems to bat an eyelid.
Welcome to the New Forest, home to chocolate box picture cottages, winding lanes, tiny villages and hamlets, stunning scenery, fantastic hotels and, best of all, those wonderful horses.
Driving through the New Forest is an incredible experience with outstanding natural beauty all around.
Acre upon acre of tall trees which ring clearings where ponies frolic.
Narrow roads, where locals say driving at 20mph is plenty, with something surprising around every corner.
At the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary right in the heart of the massive forest, there's a viewing platform which overlooks a large meadow area where a herd of fallow deer regularly gather.
Seeing the herd is a treat but chances are you'll see something even more breathtaking on the drive there. I know we did...
As we made our way slowly along a winding lane between towering trees there was an enormous pair of Highland cattle just off the road
One of the enormous beasts made its way up a steep roadside bank to reach a piece of vegetation. Perched precariously above our car, with horns at least a foot long either side of its massive hairy head, if this incredible beast had slipped it would have been curtains for us.
Thankfully the cow stood firm to provide an unforgettable moment in what is an incredible place.
What makes the area even more worthy of a visit is the standard of accommodation.
Take Carey's Manor.
Situated in the picturesque village of Brockenhurst, the Manor isn't just swanky it's almost stately.
With 76 rooms and suites, guests are offered the best of British combined with contemporary oriental spa sophistication.
Staff are friendly without being in your face and have the type of knowledge – both of the hotel and surrounding area – that only experience brings.
The service is second to none. Colin, the duty manager with 26 years at Carey's under his belt, is an excellent source of information on local walks and places to see.Anna, who waited on our table as we enjoyed an excellent meal in the two AA rosette Manor Restaurant, has been there even longer, with 35 years service.
The Manor is one of three restaurants within the seven-acre hotel grounds, the others being the Blaireaus French Bistro and, if you're into Thai cuisine, there's the Zen Garden Restaurant.
But the highlight of this hotel just has to be it's opulent spa.
Built at a cost of 6million, the award-winning Thai spa offers state-of-the-art facilities including a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, herbal sauna, crystal steam room, ice room, showers and a range of treatments.
Relaxation and then some.
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FACTFILE
Careys Manor Hotel, Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7RH
Telephone: 01590 623551
Fax: 01590 622799
Reservations: 01590 624467
Log on to www.careysmanor.com for more information.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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