Get away from it all and hit the road in the new Audi A8 .

Many of us need an escape every now and then, but it’s not always easy to decide on a destination. Especially if you don’t have much time. So, to celebrate the launch of the new Audi A8, we have put together a series of quick weekend getaway suggestions for your driving pleasure. The county of Hampshire on the southern coast of England has a strong literary past, being the birthplace of both Ms Jane Austen and Mr Charles Dickens. However, the major pulls of this verdant county, are the two national parks – the South Downs National Park and the New Forest.

Hampshire is just a 90-minute drive from London, and an enjoyable one to boot – especially if you’re in a car that is as pleasurable to drive as the new Audi A8. Once you’re out of the sprawling capital and onto the M4, the scenery becomes ever more picturesque. First, you’ll reach Osterley Park & House, and then Harmondsworth Moor. Once you hit the centre of Hampshire, you’ll be surrounded by the South Downs. But, don’t stop there... Continue to the New Forest, which is known for its ponies and red deer – and, more recently, the hotel and spa Lime Wood.

Set in 145 square miles of New Forest heath and woodland, Lime Wood is something you might describe as a modern, boutique hotel. It is made up of 33 rooms, which include 14 suites and two forest cottages. Back in the 13th century, it was used as a medieval hunting lodge, and, in the 1740s, was reclaimed for royalty by the Duke of Clarence. Since then, it has had some rather contemporary and innovative design work done to its interior – making this a subtle, yet stylish place to stay. Indeed, it’s all about the details here – from soft floor lighting, which switches on automatically as you enter the bathroom, to vibrant colours and oak doors (not to mention the million-pound glass roof above the inner courtyard). But, we assume you won’t have come just to admire the decor.

Ms Angela Hartnett, the acclaimed Michelin-starred chef, co-runs the kitchen in the main dining room, so it would be a mistake to miss that, for starters. In terms of the menu, expect British and Italian dishes heavily influenced by the foraging opportunities in the neighbouring woods, as well as the on-site Smoke House. Think sharing plates and home-style cooking rather than ultra-fine dining. Alternatively, try something a little more adventurous at the Raw & Cured food bar.

If you want to stay very much close to home, or should we say hotel, you could try your hand at learning how to cook at Lime Wood’s very own cookery school – HH & Co Backstage. But, if you’d rather leave it to the professionals, there is plenty to occupy you further afield. You could pick up some fruit and veg at Warborne Farm – a mile and a half east from the hotel – for example. Alternatively, if you want to expand your horizons a little – you could always head to the Isle of Wight, which is just a ferry ride from Lymington, a 30 minute drive from the hotel. Or will probably feel like less, if you’re driving a model like the new Audi A8

Discover more with Audi here

Explore the new Audi A8