Kitsch little hideaways with puffing chimney pots to large sprawling country houses with grand fireplaces – the New Forest has a special place for you to come and enjoy the most relaxing and joyfully cosy time of year.
Before hunkering down in front of a gorgeous log fire, get out for a bracing walk among western Europe’s highest concentration of ancient trees. Wrap up warm, pull on your walking boots, pop on a warm woolly hat and swish a scarf around the back of your neck, then venture out to see Mother Nature.
Take advantage of this being the quietest time of year – there’s still plenty to see and do!
Vast swathes of heathland, woods and enclosures glow in the low hazy sunshine of deep midwinter. Star seekers will love crisp, clear, inky black skies. Bright, white moonshine casts a magical spell of twinkly ice crystals which thicken to a deep, hard frost in the mornings. Look out for plumes of fuggy steam from hardy ponies donned in thick woolly winter coats. Spot frost-covered spider webs wrapped around bushes and gorse, and the heavy thuds of New Forest cattle trekking well-worn paths in search of sweet green grass to nibble.
On winter wonderland travels, you’ll see the forest being tended by teams of folk managing the landscape. Don’t be alarmed if you see areas of the forest on fire though! This is all done to encourage new growth and promote a healthy biodiverse array of wildlife.
With no crowds around, it’s well worth visiting attractions which are open during the winter. The New Forest Wildlife Park is a wonderful place with Bison, otters, birds of prey, deer and badgers to name but a few. The world-famous Beaulieu Motor Museum, Palace House and ancient Abbey, in what many refer to as the ‘prettiest village in the New Forest’ – Beaulieu, is open all year round. Jump on the ferry from Lymington and explore the Isle of Wight for the day, or drive up to the picturesque city of Salisbury. Don’t miss the city’s magnificently stunning cathedral – home to the Magna Carta.
Of course, you’ll need some somewhere delectably gorgeous to refuel, and the New Forest pubs, inns and eateries will all be open. Cosy up in front of a log fire with a glass of your favourite tipple and browse menus of hearty, comforting home cooked fare. Tea rooms, cafes and pantries are stacked with savouries, cakes and everything naughty-but-nice you could possibly wish for. And if you venture out for dinner in the evening, The New Forest has got some of the best restaurants in the region.
Take a look at our portfolio of winter cottages and what special offers are available for a fabulous winter break.