Ideas for a winter long weekend in the New Forest
As the temperature drops, the New Forest undergoes a magical transformation into a wild wonderland. Quiet and peaceful, it is easily navigable by car, on foot, on a bike, or even in the saddle. To make the most of your time here, we’ve curated an itinerary full of great ideas for what to see and do during a long weekend while staying in one of our wonderful New Forest Cottages for a winter break.
Friday PM
Visit one of the New Forest’s towns – Lymington, Ringwood or Fordingbridge– for a stroll and mooch around the independent shops and boutiques. Maybe enjoy a bite to eat for lunch or a delicious cream tea before picking up some drinks for later and something to pop in the oven for an easy supper. Arrive at your cottage, unpack, uncork the wine and relax in front of the fire.
Saturday
Slip into your comfiest walking shoes to explore the New Forest. Don a woolly scarf and hat and explore the woods and heathlands that sparkle with icy winter frost. And keep your eyes peeled for the iconic New Forest ponies and donkeys cloaked in their fluffy winter coats.
Capture your encounters on camera; some of the best Instagram views in the New Forest are Rockford Common near Ringwood, Bolderwood near Brockenhurst, Broomy Enclosure near Linwood, Beaulieu River near Beaulieu village, Hatchet Pond near East Boldre and Hurst Castle near Milford on Sea.
In the afternoon, head over to Beaulieu and the National Motor Museum. You certainly don’t have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy the experience, as the venue offers lots of engaging displays and exhibitions such as the much-loved cars and gadgets from James Bond, memorable classic cars, racing and record-breaking vehicles, as well as cars featured in popular TV shows and films.
Popular gastro pubs for dinner include The Three Tuns in Bransgore, The Crown in Everton and The Fish Inn in Ringwood. For fancier fare, try The Terrace in Beaulieu, Verveine Restaurant and Fish Market in Milford on Sea, and The Elderflower in Lymington.
Sunday
Have a go at the dry ski slope at SnowTrax. It’s a great attraction that’s open all year round. Go there to enhance your skiing or snowboarding skills, or if you are a complete novice, take your very first lesson. Onsite, there’s a lovely Alpine pub complete with an open fire, providing a cosy spot to warm up and a good selection of hearty food and drink.
If you have children in tow, a trip to Paultons Park – home of Peppa Pig World is a must. Or, for a more relaxing grown-up afternoon, pop over to SenSpa at Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst for an afternoon of pampering.
Enjoy dinner at one of the deservedly popular eateries in Brockenhurst. We like The Huntsman and Albero Italian, or book a table at Cambium for fine dining.
Monday
You may be heading home today, but why not explore what’s on offer at the New Forest Art School before you go? Spend the morning working on a masterpiece with an instructor. The classes cater to first-timers and skilled artists seeking to refine their craft. If clay is more your thing and you’ve always wanted to throw a pot on a potter’s wheel, book in with Vinegar Hill Pottery. They’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Take a look at the full collection of New Forest Cottages for a long weekend.