What’s better than a weekend away with your girls? There’s something so special about travelling with your best friends—the kind of trip where you belly-laugh until your stomach hurts, make core memories over late-night chats, and remind each other why female friendships are pure magic.
Last weekend, we packed our bags (and our matching pyjama’s, of course) for a wholesome yet fun escape to Lymington in the New Forest for my friends 25th birthday. We also did a spontaneous day trip to the Isle of Wight. Between scenic walks, spa relaxation, and a dreamy girls’ night in, this trip was proof that nothing beats a girls’ getaway. Here’s what I got up to:
Where We Stayed:
Elmers Court, Macdonald Hotel, Lymington
We stayed in the stunning Macdonald Hotel, Lymington, a cute little town in the New Forest, and it was the ideal spot. Not only did it have that cozy countryside charm (think cobbled streets, cute cafés, and old-school pubs), but it was also a 5 minute walk from the walk on ferry service to the Isle of Wight.
A Day Trip to the Isle of Wight
Saturday called for an island adventure, so we hopped on the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry for a quick and easy journey to the Isle of Wight —honestly, so smooth and worth the £23 return ticket.
What we got up to:
The Needles – Because you can’t go to the Isle of Wight and not see the iconic chalk cliffs. Even in winter, the views were unreal. Funny story we planned to get the chair lift down to the beach but found out it was shut as we arrived. Oops.
Freshwater Bay – Windy but beautiful! We wandered along the coast, grabbed a bite as the seaside restaurant The Rock, and took all the cute pics.
#JustaGirlMoment – With any spontaneous trips comes a level of disorganisation, and let’s say me and my besties didn’t plan appropriate footwear (uggs) for a day full of country walks – #muddytrainers.
Back to the Spa Life
After a day of exploring, it was time to fully lean into relaxation mode. Our spa session was all about:
✔️ Chilling in the sauna
✔️ Floating in the pool and jacuzzi
There’s something so wholesome about slowing down with your besties. Whether we were unwinding in the jacuzzi or just chatting for hours, it was a reminder that girl time is truly unmatched.
The Foodie Moments
A girls’ trip isn’t complete without good food, and we had the best mix of indulgence and coziness:
– Friday night: We went for a classic Indian, because nothing says start the trip right like a table full of curries, naan bread, and poppadoms.
– Saturday night: Full cozy vibes with a girls’ night in, matching pyjamas, and picky bits from M&S – the perfect end to a busy day.
The best part? Sitting around the table, hyping each other up, and talking about life over endless snacks. Because there’s just something about late-night heart-to-hearts on a trip that makes friendships even stronger.
Why Girl’s Trips are Everything
This weekend was proof that female friendships are magic. There’s nothing like travelling with your besties—the spontaneous moments, the endless inside jokes, the shared playlists, and the way you just know each other so well. Whether it’s hyping each other up for cute photos, passing around snacks in the car, or crying-laughing at something that probably isn’t even that funny, these are the moments that make a trip special.
The mix of adventure, relaxation, and wholesome girl time made this the perfect weekend getaway. Whether it’s for a birthday trip or just an excuse to escape the city, New Forest + Isle of Wight is such an underrated combo! Would I go back? ABSOLUTELY.
Thanks for reading! If you loved this blog, let’s keep the conversation going—follow me on Instagram & TikTok (@justagirlguide_blog, @justagirlguidee) for more travel, lifestyle, and just a girl moments. Have you been to the New Forest or Isle of Wight? I’d love to hear your fave spots—drop a comment or DM me!
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