Avon Tyrrell

Avon Tyrrell

From Forest Walks and Seaside Strolls

Check out our 8 favourite things that we would recommend doing in the New Forest this winter. 

From forest walks and sea side strolls to the best places to eat and spa days to enjoy with famil and friends – there really is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Want to shake off the winter blues? Then why not visit the New Forest National park! Even when the weather is less predictable and a little chilly the South of England is a fantastic place to visit to recharge your batteries and spend time outdoors with family and friends.  

1. Opt for a lodge break 

There’s nothing worse than trying to cram everything you want to see in a day – and believe us there is a lot you’ll want to see and do in the New Forest. That is why a lodge break is perfect! It can be a home away from home – nice and cosy when the weather outside may be a little wet and windy.  

Avon Tyrrell offers affordable lodge breaks sleeping 6, 12 and 14 across 7 forest lodges. The accessible lodges come equipped with a fully functioning kitchen, open plan living, Wi-Fi, TV and comfortable beds to fit all of the family, with prices starting from just £330 this winter. 

2. Indulge in afternoon tea 

With ample stately homes and stunning hotels, there really is no lack of places to enjoy a fantastic afternoon tea in the New Forest. Treat yourself and loved ones to a visit to Careys Manor and enjoy their festive afternoon tea – we promise their cranberry and orange scones are something not to be missed! 

3. Take a winter walk 

Don’t be fooled into thinking that during the Winter there aren’t walks to enjoy in the forest. The New Forest National Park is stunning even when colder and don’t worry about the rain. Dress warm by donning your hat, gloves and waterproof coat and explore the New Forest on foot with many different walking routes for different levels of ability – just set your end point at a pub for warming up over an open fire. One of our favourites is Holmsley Station Walk ending near The Three Tunns in Bransgore. 

4. Go biking 

Another great way to explore the 566 km2 New Forest National Park is by wheels and it’s a great all-year-round activity. Routes are well maintained and (relatively) flat plus you can rent bikes from Avon Tyrrell with prices starting at just £12 for a full day hire. 

5. Get festive and attend a Christmas market or event 

The New Forest is beautiful during the winter months and has some great festive events. Visit Beaulieu (an old English manor house) for some festivities, superb car museum and a ride in their antique vehicle or opt for some mulled wine at Bournemouth’s Christmas Market and stroll through the Christmas lights in the lower gardens.  

6. Get adventurous outdoors 

A great way to make memories with friends and family and by doing some adventure activities. Avon Tyrrell offers a 90-minute Go Adventure Session from just £14pp and activities are suitable for ages 5-105. You can choose from archery, climbing, kayaking, high ropes and much more! Plus, if keeping your feet on the ground is more your thing – you can be a cheerleader for the rest of your team – just make sure you keep your camera out to get some action shots! 

7. Explore the seaside 

Not far from the New Forest is the Jurassic Coast which offers gentle strolls along the seafront to more challenging coastal path hikes – there is a walk to suit all abilities and ages, one of our favourites is a stroll around Hengistbury Head which offers a mix of nature spots and great sea views. A winter walk by the south coast is a great way to blow away the cobwebs and enjoy some (possibly chilly) fresh air.

8. Relax and unwind at a spa 

After all of that adventuring outdoors, you may want to put your feet up and relax in style. There are lots of different spas in the New Forest for you to escape the cold and treat yourself to a deep tissue treatment or facial. After all, the winter weather and lack of sun can be hard on our skin! 

No matter what you choose to do, there really is something for everyone to enjoy in the New Forest during this winter.