Rent a Cottage in the New Forest this Christmas

Pony-snow

The New Forests’ rural setting evokes Christmas card scenes. A real-life winter wonderland setting, complete with free roaming ponies, donkeys and deer. Wrap up and don your boots for walks with Jack Frost through woods and trails – past frozen lakes and ponds which glitter and shimmer in the hazy winter sun.

In short, the New Forest looks the part.

Pony-snow

Now is the time to think about swapping those frantically busy high streets with stressed, grumpy residents and escape to your own pretty cottage in the woods. It’s already been cleaned for you, many of them are cottages with log fires, there are enough beds for everyone (no arguments who should sleep on the uncomfy put-you-up) and you’ll be in a beautiful location. Think about kicking off your shoes, relaxing and getting in to the festive spirit with everyone else.

It is quite magical here and there’s plenty of Christmas spirit on offer. Each town and village is a hub of wintry fun at Christmas time, and there’s a vast selection of gorgeous pubs and award-winning restaurants for dinner.

The New Forest are a friendly bunch and they’ll welcome you to join in celebrations and folkloric traditions. At the end of November/beginning of December, the famous bearded man in red makes personal appearances all over the forest. He’s guest of honour to turn on thousands upon thousands of fairy lights adorning towering Christmas trees, amidst hails of ‘Merry Christmas’ to well-wishing crowds.

Christmas-decorations

If you’re still looking for present ideas, cute shops beckon with window displays aglow with twinkly Christmas scenes, enticing you in to explore. Christmas Fairs pop up all over the forest in towns, villages and even the tiny hamlets. Some are inside historic houses and halls, other are outside – so wrap up warm! Stalls are laden with eclectic collections of gifts and decorations, from elaborately-woven Advent wreaths, nativity displays and sparkling tree ornaments, to hand painted decorations and local handicrafts, all creating a heavenly Christmassy atmosphere.

Think carol singers joyfully harmonising your favourite carols, hand bell ringers, spicy, sweet mulled wine and steaming mugs of hot chocolate warming crowds of rosy-faces. Food stalls are piled high with sweet treats, chocolates, mince pies, baked goods, hot roasted chestnuts and enough tempting festive delicacies to make you want to loosen your belt buckle a few notches!

Despite the shorter days, the New Forest is anything but gloomy at Christmastime, and there are plenty of Christmas activities for young and old alike. Lymington holds an annual Santa Fun Run, or take part in a lantern parade in New Milton. Take a trip to visit top attractions who are holding their own mini festivals, such as Paultons Park – home of Peppa Pig World for the children. It’s worth going to Beaulieu, because each year the stately house is decorated with traditional Victorian Christmas decorations and staff dress in historic costume. December 2nd and 3rd is the New Forest Christmas Fair at Exbury Gardens, who will also run their popular Christmas Postal Express steam train over the festive period.

Photography by Robb Webb Photography.

There are few natural destinations in the UK that are as quintessentially Christmassy as The New Forest. This gorgeous winter wonderland is the perfect place to spend Christmas before and during the big day itself.

We have the largest collection of cottages in the New Forest – over 130 of them! How about a large luxury house for friends, families and multi-generation get-togethers? Or check out our stylish cottages, romantic bolt holes for two and family friendly pads. Don’t forget your pooches – we have lots of dog friendly cottages that welcome them with open arms! If you’re looking for some Christmas crackers, you’re bound to find inspiration by taking a look through our portfolio.

Go on, escape to your own cottage this Christmas! Search now