Secret getaways

Above: The Priory Bay Hotel on the Isle of Wight

Above: Spitbank Fort

Above: Holiday lodges at Sandy Balls

Above: Alderholt Mill, Fordingbridge

Sandy Balls, Godshill
Sandy Balls is a glorious oasis of beautiful timber lodges set in 120 acres of stunning woods and parkland. It’s an idyllic retreat for those who love being close to nature, with the added luxury of comfortable accommodation. 
Inside you’ll find surprisingly spacious accommodation with all the equipment and gadgets you could need, including fully-equipped kitchen and DVD player. So impressive are the lodges on an environmental level that Sandy Balls has been gold winner of the David Bellamy Conservation Award no less than seven times.
A stay at Sandy Balls can be as frantic or as tranquil as you like. Riding (bikes and horses) through the New Forest, walking the countryside routes, working-out in the leisure centre or simply devouring a latte and a croissant on the bistro’s terrace.
There is a programme of pay-as-you-go children’s activities too including pottery, tie-dying and t-shirt printing, supervised by staff that are both experienced and genuinely enthusiastic.
If you don’t fancy cooking, the bistro and the woodside restaurants cater for both intimate dinners and family meals.  

Sandy Balls Holiday Centre, Godshill, Fordingbridge, SP6 2JZ
Tel: 0845 2702248
www.sandy-balls.co.uk
Prices: from £300 for 4 berth forest lodge Friday to Sunday.
Places of interest nearby: Poultons Park and Marwell Zoo.

Alderholt Mill, Fordingbridge
If messing around near water with only ducks for company is more your style, then head for Alderholt Mill, Fordingbridge. This ancient mill dating back to the 14th century is picture postcard beautiful and simply creaks with history. It’s the only working mill with accommodation in the county. Both bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation is on offer here, all lovingly cared for and beautifully appointed.
There is a large garden with plenty of water features, a wildlife pond, bog garden, and stream where wildlife abounds. Kingfishers and herons are frequent visitors.
In 1987 the mill machinery was fully restored and since then has produced flour from locally grown wheat which in turn is made into delicious bread, scones and cakes served at afternoon tea during weekends. Demonstrations of the mill in action take place most Sunday afternoons.
Private course fishing is available in season – grayling and trout are two of the species in the river. 

To read the rest of this article, see September's issue of Hampshire Life