The New Forest is at its best at this time of year, as autumn transforms it into a sea of red and gold - and offers of three nights for the price of two at dozens of pubs, B&Bs and hotels make it even more appealing.

The offers have been collated by the New Forest Tourism Association, are listed on its website and are available for stays from Sundays to Thursdays in the coming weeks.

For those who do not know the forest, the name is a misnomer, for this, the newest of Britain's national parks, features sweeping heathland, meandering streams and commons dotted with deer and plenty of trees.

The A34, M3 and M27 provide fast access from the North and East and rail services from Waterloo reach Brockenhurst in the heart of the forest in 90 minutes. There, visitors have the choice of B&B from £60 for three nights in the award-winning Cottage Lodge or from £100 at the Balmer Lawn Hotel, a country house hotel with leisure facilities.

The “capital” of the forest is the charming town of Lyndhurst. The New Forest Hotels group provides dinner, B&B from £65 a night at all its properties, including Forest Lodge Hotel, Lyndhurst, Moorhill House Hotel in Burley and the Beaulieu Hotel, close to the Motor Museum and Buckler's Hard historic village.

Rooms at Chewton Glen, the luxury hotel and spa on the southwest edge of the forest are from £198 a night.

www.thenewforest.co.uk - 01590 689000

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