Britain's first teddy bear hotel opens

Life's no picnic for teddy bears these days. There's the rising cost of honey, the popularity of Teletubbies and other such TV characters - not to mention the stresses and strains from years of cuddling.

But for all those beleaguered bears tired of languishing at the back of the wardrobe, help is at hand thanks to a bizarre holiday first in Hampshire. Britain's only exclusive getaway destination for teddies has been launched in Beaulieu in the New Forest.

The Bartie Bristle Hotel and Spa offers some of the luxury pampering us humans can only dream of - from scented steam baths to the finest Champagne. And at £80 a stay, owners can expect the very best for their cherished toys.



Julie Tatchell who runs the Bear It In Mind collectable shop in Beaulieu High Street said: "Our vision is to create an environment where today's over-stretched urban teddy can escape for a few days to recharge the batteries in surroundings of unashamed luxury.

"At the Bartie Bristle Hotel, we go the extra mile to do whatever it takes to restore every bear to the bright-eyed good looks and shiny coat of its youth."

The price - based on single or double occupancy - includes a pot of honey on arrival, trips to the village pond and a donkey ride. Optional extras include "bear-tox" treatment and limb repairs.

There's a news video here.