As the coldness of winter creeps in, do you dream about escaping to a cosy cottage for a winter break?
The New Forest has endless adventures on tap in the winter months – we’re talking walks, bike rides, cycling and horse riding as well as day trips and visits to attractions that are open all year round. Maybe treat yourself to a pamper at the Spa or explore the forest’s artisan shops and independent boutiques liberally sprinkled among the region’s pretty towns and villages.
As dusk draws near and the temperature plummets outside, wrap up warm and grab a torch for a winter wander past ivy-clad cottages with puffing chimneys filling the air with that familiar smell of wood smoke. And definitely pop into one of the forest’s inns and pubs for a glass of your favourite tipple and maybe a spot of supper before heading home to a cosy New Forest Cottage for the night. At New Forest Cottages, we have over 170 properties in our collection of houses, barns, cottages, apartments and cabins.
Here’s a roundup of some of the cosiest cottages for a winter break.
A seriously stylish bolthole to hibernate
Clobb Copse Cottage (sleeps 4) is tucked away in the woods close to Beaulieu River, which already sounds idyllic. And it is. Beautifully curated, the thoughtful owners offer guests a little haven for relaxation with plush sofas and a large fire to kick off your walking boots and unwind.
Our favourite bit? Grab a cuppa and sit by the window to see woodland wildlife playing in the garden.
See more about Clobb Copse Cottage
Space to sprawl
Walnut Tree Cottage in the village of Tiptoe sleeps 6 guests. The ancient, beamed rooms in this 500-year old cottage provide plenty of character. The lounge is home to a large fireplace with a wood burning stove leading to a cute little TV snug and further room crowned with more low slung beams and an inglenook fireplace.
Our favourite bit? This cottage offers plenty of cosy spots to hide away and lose yourself in a good book.
See more about Walnut Tree Cottage
Watch ponies outside the window
Tangles (sleeps 4) is in the pretty village of Burley Street, where ponies freely roam the roads and lanes, often stopping for a nibble of the verge or hedge outside the village’s quaint cottages. Inside, Tangles is the epitome of lux cottage living and adorned with creature comforts and mod cons for a relaxed, informal vibe.
Our favourite bit? The comfy sofas surround a big cast iron log fire.
A bijou bolthole
The Snug (sleeps 4) is a dinky little cottage whose owners have effortlessly styled old and new design concepts into a sophisticated abode for couples, friends and families in buzzy Lyndhurst village.
Our favourite bit? The cottage is just a couple of minutes’ walk to a posse of great gastro pubs and restaurants.
Woods or the coast? Enjoy both!
For those looking to quench the quandary of the countryside or coastline for a winter break, you’ll find it easy to slip into holiday mode renting Twenty One. This large dog-friendly home is in the market town of New Milton on the edge of the New Forest National Park and just a mile or so south to the coast for walks along the beach and fossil hunting while enjoying views across the Isle of Wight.
Our favourite bit? There are four big bedrooms (two being on the ground floor), and the lounge has a magnificent modern log burner.
Take a look at the full portfolio of New Forest Cottages with real fires