If you heard a strange whaling noise on Wednesday afternoon it could have been me sobbing all the way back up the M25 as our first family staycation came to an end. Now if you're a regular around these parts you may remember Craig gifting me with a break to Hampshire and The New Forest for my birthday so it's typical that something I've been looking forward to for so long passed by so quickly. As it was the first time we've stayed away from home with Sadie we did wonder how it'd go but in true Sadie fashion she took to our sleepover like a duck to water, sleeping all the way there and back, allowing some lovely Hannah and Craig time (names I often forget as we're now known as mummy and daddy).



Our home for the duration was a Coach House in a little village called North Warnborough which was truly the most sensational place to stay - I'm taking exposed brick walls, beautifully weathered wood, bookcase inspired wallpaper and more homely touches then you could shake a stick at. Both Craig and I would happily move in tomorrow! Arriving Sunday we kept things local and dined at The Bel & Dragon (just delicious) before taking a walk along the canal and meeting a herd of cows. 


Monday was the day with the ultimate mission, to see those wild ponies the New Forest is famed for. After a lazy breakfast of pastries, cups of steaming hot tea and some dancing to the Pitch Perfect soundtrack (purely for Sadie's enjoyment) we headed off to Lyndhurst where we found door stopper wedges of cake and lots of majestic ponies. With another down pour imminent we jumped in the car for New Forest touring before stumbling across The Pig. 


Out of the car we trotted off (get it?) for flatbreads, garden walks and a lesson in hotel development in Atlanta after overhearing an American gent chatting away in the lounge. With satisfied stomachs we headed back to HQ for a freshen up before visiting the Hoddington Arms for a seriously tasty dinner, I'm talking twice baked cheese soufflés and donuts.


After fulfilling Mondays mission Tuesday was a relaxed one with a late start after breakfast in bed. Once we'd bundled into the car we headed to Alton to see Jane Austens house and impress a few old dears who loved that Sadie was already getting on the culture train. With culture comes appetite so we took a short trip to a rainy Winchester, making sure to visit the gift store to end all gift stores The Hambleton before chowing down at The Stable. When a meal ends in a Nutella dessert pizza you know it's been a goodie.


They say parting is such sweet sorrow and I'd have to agree, I may have left our cottage kicking and screaming Wednesday morning if it wasn't for the fact I'm a mother now and have to be reasonably sensible. Thankfully the blow was softened with a visit to Newlyns Farm Shop for a slap up breakfast before we hit up the bitchy M25 for our final journey north bound.

 Hampshire and The New Forest, we'll be back.