Christmas looks set to be a little different this year, so why not embrace the change and book a Christmas holiday in a New Forest cottage?
Maybe you can escape all the hard work of arranging where everyone is going to sleep and cooking for hordes of family and friends. This year, arrive at a gorgeous New Forest Cottage that’s immaculately clean and with enough beds so that no one has to sleep on a blow up mattress.
The New Forest is magical at Christmas, especially with its quaint towns and villages twinkling in thousands of fairy lights. There may not be huge events and bustling festivals this year, but the atmosphere will still feel Christmassy.
Expect to see beautiful landscapes and real-life winter wonderland settings dotted by fluffy ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer. Wrap up warm and head out for crisp walks through the forest, or head a few miles south to the coastline for some sea-salty stomps along beaches with views across to the Isle of Wight.
There are loads of pubs and award-winning restaurants to dine out for lunch, dinner and even the big day itself – just remember to book in advance. But if you want to cook at home, pop into one of the forest’s wonderful farm shops for delicious delicacies from local artisans.
Take a look New Forest Cottages with Christmas availability…
Brockenhurst
Brockenhurst is a busy village with a mainline train station in the heart of the New Forest where ponies amble alongside walkers and shoppers. The village has a bountiful supply of pubs, restaurants and tea rooms and is within easy reach of most New Forest’s attractions.
Where to stay:
Apple Tree Cottage (sleeps 6)
Royden Manor Annexe (sleeps 2)
Downton
Downton is just outside the northern forest boundary. It’s collection of historic houses and buildings make for a super pretty village with a couple of popular eateries. The cathedral city of Salisbury, with its swish boutiques and weekly market, is just 6 miles away.
Where to stay:
92 The Borough (sleeps 3)
East End & Sowley
East End and Sowley are nearby hamlets surrounded by wild heathlands and woods. Enjoy a walk to Sowley Pond or along the wild beach near Tanners Lane to see the famous New Forest ponies rolling in the sand.
Where to stay:
Sowley Gate House (sleeps 10)
Rowes Cottage (sleeps 4)
Furze Hill
Furze Hill near Fordingbridge is close to Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve for fab walks among vibrant birds and wildlife. A little south is the market town of Ringwood and the fun attractions of Snowtrax and Matchams Raceway.
Where to stay:
Gorley Firs Cottage (sleeps 4)
Hordle
Hordle is a village with a small parade of shops in the south of the New Forest National Park, sitting between the towns of Lymington and New Milton. It’s close to the coast as well as the woods and heathlands. For a different way to explore your surroundings, take a quick zip in the car to Burley Villa Riding School who offer horseback walks and rides from one hour up to a full day.
Where to stay:
Summer Haven (sleeps 6)
Lymington
Lymington is the New Forest’s Georgian mariner town and home to three pretty marinas. The high street is lined with a posse of refreshingly independent shops, boutiques and eateries. The town radiates a chic, classy vibe and regularly features as one of the best places to live in the UK.
Where to stay:
Cobblers Cottage (sleeps 4)
Fern Cottage (sleeps 4)
Laurel Cottage (sleeps 5)
The Meadows (sleeps 6)
The Gatehouse (sleeps 6)
Saltbox Cottage (sleeps 4)
Little Egret (sleeps 2) 10% off!
Number Fifteen (sleeps 5)
Limentun (sleeps 4)
Lentune Cottage (sleeps 5)
8 Admirals Court (Sleeps 6)
7 Island Point (sleeps 4)
2 Villa Terrace (sleeps 4) includes a Christmas Hamper!
19 Station Street (sleeps 4) includes a Christmas Hamper!
Victory Cottage (sleeps 4)
Lyndhurst
Lyndhurst is the New Forest’s ‘Capital’ and one of the first towns you’ll encounter when you leave the M27 motorway. Its lively high street is packed with restaurants, cafes and gift shops. Make time to visit the New Forest Heritage Centre located in the main car park.
Where to stay:
Rose Cottage (sleeps 4)
Milford on Sea
Milford on Sea is a foodie paradise, being home to a collection of fabulous award-winning restaurants and pubs. Try Verveine, La Perle and The Wash House Microbrewery to name but a few.
Where to stay:
The Hideaway (sleeps 4)
Sway
Sway is a friendly village with a mainline train station and a selection of pubs and restaurants, plus shops to stock up your cupboards with festive goodies. Sway is surrounded by vast swathes of rolling heathland and woods with circular walking routes.
Where to stay:
Southlings Annexe (sleeps 2)
West Wellow
West Wellow in the northeast of the New Forest is one of the closest villages to the UK’s favourite family theme park, Paultons – home of Pepper Pig World! The park will be fully dressed for Christmas with illuminations and shows galore.
Where to stay:
Pinns Farm Bungalow (sleeps 4)
Spend your Christmas in the New Forest and it’ll be one to remember! Just turn up, unpack, kick off your shoes and relax…