Have something to look forward to this winter and book a break with New Forest Cottages.
It’s the quietest and cheapest time of the year to explore the National Park and its amazing wildlife. So pull on those walking boots, wrap up warm and head out into the woods and heathlands. Expect to see plenty of the New Forest’s famous free-roaming ponies and donkeys donned in thick winter coats and keep an eye out for deer tiptoeing through magical frost-laden woods. Reward your walks with a stop at one of the forest’s lovely pubs to refuel with a hearty home-cooked meal and warm up in front of a roaring log fire.
The food scene in the New Forest is one of the best in the UK with award-winning restaurants, cafes, pubs and bistros – you’ll be spoilt for choice come breakfast, lunch or dinner. For tasty tipples, take a tour of the acclaimed Ringwood Brewery or try one of the region’s wonderful microbreweries such as Vibrant Forest Brewery near Hythe or Pig Beer in Brockenhurst. In addition, New Forest Cider in Burley is well worth seeking out, and Setley Ridge Vineyard near Lymington produce some amazingly good, award-winning wine.
See our blog about foodie breaks in the New Forest
Winter is the best time to visit some of the area’s fabulous attractions – most of which stay open over the winter. You don’t have to be a petrol head to enjoy the large collection of cars and eclectic exhibitions at Beaulieu – home of the Beaulieu Motor Museum. A trip to the New Forest Wildlife Park with its enormous Bison, otters, birds of prey and badgers is always fun, and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is another popular choice.
You can explore the Isle of Wight on a day trip from Lymington, or drive up to Salisbury and take a look at one of the finest surviving copies of the Magna Carta at the city’s stunningly beautiful Cathedral. The Tank Museum, Corfe Castle, Monkey World, Snowtrax and Bucklers Hard are all close by and great days out. You’ll never be stuck for something to do!
And after a day out, what can be better than going back to one of our gorgeous New Forest Cottages, where there’s space to kick your shoes off, light a log fire and sprawl out.
See New Forest Cottages with real fires and log-burners
Winter is a magical time of year to visit the New Forest. Take a look at our collection of cosy cottages for two, barns and cabins for families, and large country houses with hot tubs perfect for gathering friends, families and celebrations.
Click here to see the full portfolio of New Forest Cottages.