Ten things to do in the New Forest in Winter

By: Go New Forest
 
 
Enjoy a holiday park with friends, both two legged & four legged!
Enjoy a holiday park with friends, both two legged & four legged!
BASINGSTOKE, U.K. - Aug. 8, 2018 - PRLog -- Frosty leaves, crisp air, starry skies and hardy wild ponies in their shaggy winter coats – the New Forest is a magical place in winter.

The cycle of life never stops in this historic landscape for the people and animals who make their living here, as is seen in the current episode of Channel 4's popular series A Year in the New Forest, showing on Saturdays at 7pm.

But winter is also a great time for visitors – a quieter season where, as long as you pack the right clothes, the beauty of the Forest can offer refreshment, renewal and romance. Below you'll find 10 suggestions of how best to enjoy the New Forest in winter.

If you can't wait that long to discover this unique natural place for yourself, there are plenty of reasons to plan a visit during this glorious summer.

Three of the top holiday parks in the New Forest – Shorefield, Sandy Balls and Hoburne are currently offering a special deal of 10% off 2018 stays, offering everyone from the youngest to the oldest in the family the chance to make lasting memories. Go to www.thenewforest.co.uk/ideas-and-inspiration/film-and-tv/a-year-in-the-new-forest/holiday-park-special-offers to find out more.

If you're inspired by A Year in the New Forest to visit in the winter, here are ten ways to get the very best out of the season:

Crisp winter walks – Enjoy the peace of the New Forest at a time when the tracks and trails are quieter. There is beauty all around, and so much to see. Try the Burley walk with views of heathland and wetland, or Whitefield Moor with its romantic hilltop views – perfect at sunset.  Why not take your little ones for a walk - they love to swish their wellies through the carpets of leaves, and see if they can identify the bare trees from their structure alone.

Bird watching - The winter months are a great time of year to do some bird watching. Birds of prey including merlin, peregrine falcon and short eared owl make regular appearances on the heathland. The great grey shrike, with its distinctive black mask and grey feathers is another winter. A great place to visit for some birding in the winter is the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's Blashford Lakes nature reserve in the Avon Valley, near Ringwood (https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/explore/towns-and-villages...). Here, huge flocks of overwintering birds fly onto the lakes to roost during the winter months.

Celebrate the winter solstice – this year it falls on Friday December 21, perfect for a pre-Christmas madness weekend in the peace of the Forest.

Set your alarm to wake up in time for a hike up Piper's Wait, near Bramshaw - officially the New Forest's highest hill. Alternatively walk up Bolton's Bench at Lyndhurst (https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/explore/towns-and-villages/lyndhurst) or stand atop the heathland at Minstead and take in the magnificent site of the sun rising on the shortest day of the year, which is also the first official day of winter.

And breathe… plan your January detox – If you already feel a festive season of overindulgence is on the horizon, there's no better place to start 2019. Relax as you indulge yourself in the tranquility of a wonderful Spa Day or Spa Stay at one of the beautiful Hotels in the New Forest. Spas at Careys Manor Hotel, Balmer Lawn Hotel, Chewton Glen and Lime Wood hotels all offer a luxurious and rejuvenating experience.

Cycle trails – Two wheels is a great way to explore the New Forest, and if you don't have your own bike there are several places to hire them from. There are miles and miles of off-road tracks and low speed limit roads where you can enjoy a leisurely day riding by herds of ponies in stunning scenery. One of the most popular routes for families is the two miles from Beaulieu to Buckler's Hard. Or, for a longer stretch, the six-and-a-half miles from Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst is a favourite – and all but 0.2 of those miles are off-road tracks.

Award-winning dining – Enjoy indulging in Michelin star and five star food at destination restaurants including The Montagu Arms and Chewton Glen. Many others offer an AA rosette or two, so the New Forest can boast some truly special dining experiences.

Winter breaks – Whether it's full-on luxurious pampering you're after or a cosy family stay in a holiday park, the New Forest is a welcoming winter destination. Relax and enjoy getting closer to nature with the promise of a comfortable bed and a hearty breakfast.

There's plenty of inspiration on where to stay and what to do on the website www.thenewforest.co.uk. You'll find stories, hints and tips all aimed at helping you get the very best out of your visit to the New Forest. You'll also find a competition each week in conjunction with A Year in the New Forest giving the chance to win a break in this beautiful part of southern England.

The TV series A Year in the New Forest continues on Channel 4 on Saturday at 7pm.

Contact
Mickl Thompson, Travel Dog PR
***@traveldogpr.co.uk
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Source:Go New Forest
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