Think of magical forest frosty mornings… Dappled mellow sunshine peeps through the trees as you trundle along a carpet of crispy cold fallen leaves. You walk past thick ice forming a skiddy hard hat over muddy puddles and little ponds. As you leave the enclave of a wooded copse, you come to a wide expanse of heathland dotted with free roaming ponies in their fluffy winter coats. Frozen heathers sparkle as ice crystals are zapped by the sun, and if you look closely, you can see delicately intricate spider webs dowsed in a dewy icy fug – and it’s only 10 am!
The perfect beginning to a winter-wonderful day!
The crowds of summer and leaf peepers of autumn are long gone. Winter in the New Forest takes on an enchanted, mystical vibe. The busy towns and dinky villages are still to be explored, and shop keepers fill their windows with pretty displays of goodies begging to be taken home. The wonderful scent of log fires puffing from chimneys only adds to the chilled-out cosy vibe of a winter break in the New Forest.
You’re always close to amazing places to eat. The New Forest is home to a huge number of fabulous cafes and eateries. Think of home-made naughty, but oh so nice cakes and treats. Traditional forest Inns and pubs offer hearty portions of welcoming home-cooked fare and restaurants have menus of the most simple and delicious dishes we all know and love, to extravagant award-winning gastronomic feasts.
Best of all is the knowledge that after a day of walking, exploring, discovering and dining, is to return to your own home from home rental cottage. Light the fire, throw on a hefty chunk of gnarly wood, open a bottle of something bubbly and sit back, relax and watch the flames flicker into the night.
Here are some of our favourites cottages for a winter break
Alexander Cottage (sleeps 4), Pennington
A super cosy, characterful cottage with an intriguing blend of the traditional and the stylish.
Brook Cottage (sleeps 4), Fordingbridge
Just the ticket for an old English country getaway – wonky walls, heavy beams and a big inglenook open fire which begs to be lit and snuggled in front of.
Walnut Tree Cottage (sleeps 6), Tiptoe
Two open fires in two luxuriously comfy, characterful rooms in this lavish cottage off the beaten track with forest walks on your doorstep.
Rachael’s Cottage (sleeps 4), Brockenhurst
A brilliant choice for families with little ones – they’ll love the big trunk of toys! A great option for those without a car, as the station is only a short walk away.
Fyfield Cottage (sleeps 5), Everton
This 300-year-old cob cottage oozes character with chunky beams creating a cosy atmosphere, and there’s a fantastic foodie pub a short toddle down the road.
Whiteshoot Farm (sleeps 6), Redlynch
A sumptuously stylish country retreat hidden deep in the woodlands in six acres of beautiful private land.
