The New Forest in winter is a magical place, with its wide clear skies, woodland leaves crunching underfoot, and frost lending a little extra sparkle to this already enchanting landscape.
As the year reaches its end, and darkness creeps closer every day, taking time out to recharge and refresh is important. A winter break can be just the thing, like a point of light up ahead, warming the heart and energising the spirit with the promise of something special to look forward to.
A warm and welcoming haven to cosy up in after a day of bracing walks and forest adventuring is an essential part of the perfect winter break. Grab a mug of hot chocolate right now and imagine yourself in a luxury New Forest hotel this winter…
Relax into a squishy leather chair to sink into, and something warming to sip as you read your book, or take your time choosing from the mouthwatering dinner menu.
This sophisticated townhouse hotel feels intimate and inviting during the winter, with its stylish interiors, heated indoor pool, and its sumptuous suites calling out for an extra hour and breakfast in bed.
If you’re bringing the whole family on a well-deserved winter break, you’ll want a spacious suite, of course. Something comfortable, with room for you all to stretch and lounge about. And how about some breathtaking views over landscaped gardens, with some deer running through snowy parkland? Bartley Lodge offers this, and so much more.
Its gorgeous heritage-meets-contemporary interiors are soothing and calm, there are 8 acres of grounds for the children to explore, and there’s a heated pool for you all to enjoy.
There’s no one quite like your furry best friend to get you out into the wild weather, and a New Forest winter break just wouldn’t be the same without them. Bring them with you to any of the hotels covered here (they’re all dog-friendly) and they’ll be welcomed with treats from the moment they step paw inside.
Every hotel also offers complimentary parking and EV charging points, WiFi and pop-up beds if you need them. You wanted all the extras on your perfect winter break, and you’ve got them!
A firm favourite with dogs (and their human companions) has to be the charming Beaulieu Inn near the ancient village of Beaulieu itself. Its quirky, characterful ambiance invites everyone to feel right at home, and its setting, right in the heart of the forest heathland and with walks in every direction, is a doggy’s delight.
It’s also a short walk from the laid-back and stylish country pub next door, The Drift, which is just the place to land on a chilly day.
If you’re a couple seeking the ultimate cosy hideaway, Burley Manor is going to tick every one of your winter break boxes. The country house itself is elegant and relaxed, the gardens an absolute joy, and the luxurious wellness facilities are simply pure indulgence.
But if you wrap up warm and venture into the forest, you’ll find something more. Could there be anything more delicious when it’s cold and bleak outside than to cosy up with your sweetheart inside The Shepherd’s Hut at Burley? With its wood-burning stove, copper roll-top bath for two, and skylight to the stars, it’s definitely one for your winter break wishlist.
And talking of wishes, you get to make them all come true by either booking in advance, so you have a winter break to look forward to, or deciding to book last minute on a whim. There are often special deals and packages on offer too, so it’s always worth reaching out to the hotel you fancy to see what’s available.
The New Forest, along with any of these stunning hotels, is easily accessible from anywhere in the UK and beyond, with excellent links via road and rail. There are also local airports at both Bournemouth and Southampton, with Heathrow and Gatwick not more than 90 minutes away along the M3 and the M3 and M25 respectively, and ferry ports in Portsmouth and Southampton.
Whether you choose to stay for a long winter weekend, pop down for a midweek staycation, or extend your winter break in the New Forest for as long as you can, a fabulous staycation in this winter wonderland is sure to be a highlight of your year.
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