I have just climbed out of the biggest, loveliest bubble bath I’ve ever drawn and now I’m cocooned in a dressing gown that makes me look like a sumo wrestler (although it could be all the cake I’ve eaten).

The late evening sun is breaking through the clouds, across the beautiful gardens outside the window.

And I’m overcome by an odd feeling…it’s a feeling I’ve not had many times since I started working life…..I am relaxed.

I’m one of life’s ‘busy’ people- there is always something to do, something I should be doing. My friends often have a go at me for not being able to switch off. Even when I’m not at work, I’ve got a task list as long as my (freakishly long and hairy) arms.

And then I get The Guilt, symptomatic of being a Millennial- you aren’t good enough, you should be doing more, you are failing. Stop binge-watching Netflix and achieve something.

I’ve grown up with a smart phone glued to my hand. As soon as I wake up in the morning, I’m ‘on’. Even on weekends.

The result? I’m exhausted. I know a lot of people that are.

We drink a lot of coffee and when our alarms go off in the morning, we feel short-changed. But you don’t realise how bad it is for you. Until you switch off.

I might not ever change out of this dressing gown. I might stay here, drinking tea by the window forever and ever. Or until they drag me out, kicking and screaming, thus ending my new-found relaxation.

Where am I? Far away from Dorset?

….NOPE. I’m about a 45 minute drive from home.

The New Forest used to be my favourite place. I have treasured memories of summer days out with my family, ponies stealing our picnics, playing rounders and (probably) me or one of my sisters having a tantrum. Ahhh, to be young and able to collapse in the street kicking and screaming again.

Even though I drive through it every time I go to see my family, it’s been years since I’ve actually stopped.

Going in to the forest was like going back in time. It hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years. Heck, it hasn’t changed much in the last 200.

Perhaps that’s the key to its charm. Something so naturally beautiful bursts the digital bubble we’re trapped inside- constantly comparing ourselves to people we’ve never met, who have more money that we can ever dream of, in stunning locations.

Take a minute, people, look up from the screen- there’s a stunning location right here on our doorsteps.

A bit of my neuroticism fell away with each pony we passed.

The Bell Inn, Bramshaw is one of the oldest family-owned inns in Hampshire. It’s a love story between a family and the New Forest which originated in the 11th century.

Having just undergone refurbishment, the place is modern, airy and sympathetic to its surroundings. We were greeted by really friendly staff and this excellent customer service continued throughout our stay.

The room we stayed in had a bed about the size of my living room. You could probably do a cartwheel in the shower, it’s that big. And as for the bath; it’s the size of a small pool. Okay, I may be slightly exaggerating on that last one (and please, do not ever try and cartwheel in a shower), but you get where I’m going with this.

Even if you don’t stay and just pop over for lunch- it’s a convenient halfway point to meet my family- you can sit in the beer garden and soak up enough of the friendly atmosphere and lovely surroundings to make you feel like you’ve had a nice break from the world.

The family who own The Bell Inn are passionate about the upkeep of the area so that future generations can enjoy the ancient, mystical woodland. The Bell Inn was a founding member of the New Forest Trust, which supports conservation.

Staying here, you can really live by the forest- the team in the kitchen are passionate about sourcing produce locally, with meat coming from Swallowfields Farm, which, I’m told is ‘just over the way.’ And let me tell you, the forest tastes delicious. This is definitely a fine way to dine.

For dinner I have the handpicked south coast crab beignet with avocado puree, rump of Hampshire lamb and The Bell Inn banoffee.

After washing this all down with a couple of glasses of a rich berry merlot, I don’t think I can eat again or drink again…If I die in this moment, I shall go a happy woman….

That is until the New Forest breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, and a wonderful assortment of pastries, toast and strong coffee rolls around. And then I am the one practically rolling.

But I don’t regret a single calorie. Although my body was telling me it needed a brisk walk to get going again. So off we went to explore the forest.

First stop- the witch’s house.

Sybil Leek was a famous white witch in the 1950s and was often seen walking around in her long black coat with her pet jackdaw on her shoulder.

Unfortunately, the locals didn’t like Sybil, so she moved to America. If only they’d known she’d be one of the main draws of the forest today.

The Coven of Witches in Burley was not only named by Sybil, but her portrait can be found hanging about the Jacobean fireplace.

During October Half Term there are lots of spooky Halloween events around the forest for kids.

If you’re faint of heart- or if you need a nice drink after being spooked- you could take the short trip to Lyndhurst and meander along the charming high street, or rest your feet at the Fox & Hounds, a really nice pub. Make sure you stop at the New Forest Centre, which will tell you all about the history of this ancient woodland.

Or, see New Forest by the sea and visit Lymington. The cobbled streets of the old harbour are quintessentially English. And there are enough suppliers of New Forest ice cream to cool you down until winter. You can even take a selfie with Sir Ben Ainslie's golden post box (if you've still got your phone on by this point).

We were only in the forest for a couple of days but I didn't want to leave.

I think I (re)found my happy place. And I didn't have to make an agonising journey, time off work and spend a lot of money.

On rainy days when I'm feeling stressed, I close my eyes and imagine I'm still cloaked in that dressing gown standing by the window. (But I leave out the bit where my OH is shouting at football on the TV)

To stay at The Bell Inn on a bed and breakfast basis – prices will start from £89 per couple in a snug double room. To book or for more information see bellinnbramshaw.co.uk or call 02380 812214.