Buy locally this Christmas in the New Forest

Are you still holding back on buying your Christmas bits for the big day? Why not buy locally this year. Fill your cheeseboard with Loosehanger Cheeses and New Forest Chutneys, and fill that wine rack with some local Setley Vineyard wine. There are many well stocked farm shops across the New Forest all selling the very best local produce for you to use on the big day.

If you are staying locally in one of our cosy New Forest cottages this Christmas and want to find a local farm shop near you, here are just a few in the local area:

Setley Ridge Farm Shop, Setley Nr Brockenhurst

Longdown Farm Shop, Ashurst

Ferndene Farm Shop, Bashley

Danestream Farm Shop, Ashley

Owls Barn, Sopley

If you are still wondering what to get Auntie Mavis for Christmas this year why not treat her to some luxurious chocolates from Beaulieu Chocolate Studio. Or if you still haven’t found anything for Dad pop to Ringwood Brewery for some locally produced ales.

Nothing beats the smell of a real Christmas tree. The two Forestry Commission sales centres located at the New Park Show Ground, Nr Brockenhurst and Moors Valley Country Park, Nr Ringwood, are still selling a range of UK grown Christmas trees of all types. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will be on hand to help you find the perfect tree this Christmas. 

If you are still looking to get away for Christmas or New Year we still have some fantastic retreats available for booking. Visit our website for our latest availability.

Newly Appointed Coastguard Cottage, Lymington

We are delighted to announce we have appointed this beautifully finished, comfortable Coastguard Cottage. Tucked away south of Lymington High Street, just a minutes’ walk from Yacht Haven Marina, 4 Coastguard Cottages is an ideally situated Lymington holiday cottage for those who enjoy an evening amble around Lymington and its beautiful river. 

Sleeping 5 in total, the property has 3 bedrooms, two doubles and one single. The second floor double bedroom has outstanding views across the Marina, Lymington River and across to the Isle of Wight. There is open plan living space on the ground floor with fully equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge area, with patio doors opening on to the landscaped shared garden.

Lymington High Street with its boutiques, shops, restaurants and pubs, is just a 15 minute walk away and the New Forest National Park is just a 15 minute drive.

Ideally situated, 4 Coastguard Cottages will bring you comfort and revitalisation whilst exploring this fabulous area.

For full details on how to book 4 Coastguard Cottages please visit our website http://www.newforestcottages.co.uk/cottage-details/B209   

Christmas and New Year deals at New Forest Cottages

Does a week away over Christmas break sound just the ticket? New Forest Cottages has a variety of cosy cottages, modern townhouses or seaside retreats for you to choose from.
 
A number of our cottages are now offering discounts for the Christmas and New Year weeks. Here are just a few great deals currently on offer...

Upper Bunkers Hill Cottage, Lyndhurst

Ideal for Christmas, this peaceful country cottage has direct forest access, a roaring open fire and versatile accommodation.

The Coach House, Beaulieu

Luxury 5 star property, sleeping 8 in total has direct forest access. Ideal for that family get together over New Year.

Mulberry Cottage, Brockenhurst

This comfortable, dog friendly cottage is the perfect retreat for those of you wanting to lose yourself in the New Forest. Sleeping 4, all on one level this property is perfect for a small family or two couples wishing to holiday together. 

All special offer terms and conditions can be found on the Special Offers page on our website. 

Get in to the festive spirit this winter with the Lymington Christmas light switch on

It’s that time of year again! With Christmas just around the corner it’s now time to get into the festive spirit and what better way to start the winter merriment than with the Lymington Christmas light switch on, perfect when tied in with a New Forest winterbreak.

The event, held across the main streets of Lymington, hosts a variety of entertainment for all the family. If you’re bringing along the little ones, Peppa Pig and George will be making a guest appearance, along with Santa and his sleigh.

Late night shopping will also be taking place in many shops and stalls along Lymington High Street, giving you the opportunity to buy locally for Christmas this year.

With the smells of cinnamon, mince pies, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine to get you in the mood, there’s plenty of heart-warming food and drink on offer to kick start that Christmas cheer. Not forgetting the Christmas carols and the Christmas lights, this fun filled event makes this a festive evening out for all the family.

Where? At various points around town, including Lymington High Street, Angel Courtyard, Quay Side, Masonic Hall, St. Barbe Museum, United Reformed Church

When? Friday 29^th November from 5pm

Don’t forget, the Lyndhurst Christmas light switch on Saturday 30^th November.  

Image Credit: Ornament Bokeh, Mike Tungate (flickr.com)

Book your 2014 holiday now with New Forest Cottages

Choosing the right property for your holiday can be a complicated and drawn out process. With extensive property and local knowledge, our bookings team strive to find the right property for your special break away. 

We all look for different criteria when it comes to choosing the right accommodation. Some of us want rural locations, excellent walking and cycling opportunities, a place to unwind or easy access to local amenities. Whatever your choice, we have a variety of different types of property to choose from. 

We have put together a few properties suiting different criteria to aid you in making the right decision for your 2014 holiday.

Old Farm Cottage, Pilley – Includes its own outdoor heated swimming pool

Stunningly located with direct forest access, this well-appointed one storey cottage is a real haven. Including an outdoor heated pool, Old Farm Cottage makes a great base for a family holiday.

Upper Bunkers Hill Cottage, Lyndhurst – Open fire for those cosy winter breaks

This spacious and welcoming semi-detached Victorian cottage is the perfect home from home. With a large garden to relax in during the summer and cosy open fire for the winter; this cottage has excellent accommodation suitable for any time of year.

Little Cottage, Tiptoe – Traditional thatched cottage with real charm

This pretty thatch, partly cob, cottage is a beautiful hideaway for two people looking to relax and unwind from the fast paces of everyday life. Dog friendly, and just a short walk to open forest, Little Cottage is a perfect base to explore the area.

Forest Corner, Mockbeggar – Couples retreat with direct forest access

The perfect couple’s retreat, with 3 double bedrooms, two separate living areas and with every modern day gadget you could think of, this property makes relaxing easy. With direct forest access from the front gate you can cycle and walk for miles.


For further details on all of our properties please visit www.newforestcottages.co.uk

Spooktacular Activities in the New Forest this Half Term

If you are visiting the New Forest this Half Term there are some fantastic activities and events happening across the forest to get involved in. Here are some of our favourites:

Fireworks Spectacular at Beaulieu National Motor Museum

A fun filled evening out for the whole family. Enjoy a fantastic display of Fireworks set to an ‘I Spy’ theme, Beaulieu Rides & Drives and Old-Time Fairground entertainments including a Big Wheel. Hot beverages and refreshments will be on sale throughout the evening. Admission is from 3pm which includes entry into the National Motor Museum and Bond in Motion Exhibition.

Exbury Ghost Train

Dare you ride the Exbury Ghost Train? Come along in Fancy Dress and enjoy some family fun on this exhilarating ride. The train ride views some stunning autumn colour throughout the gardens during this beautiful, crisp time of year. (Pre-booking is highly recommended).

Halloween in Burley

Burley village, famous for its witches including the famous Sybil Leak (The White Witch), is hosting a fun filled afternoon including fancy dress competition, pumpkin carving and parade around the village; ideal for getting the little ones in the spirit of Halloween.

New Forest Walking Festival

Grab the pooch and kids and hit the many square miles of terrain the New Forest has to offer. Put those wellies on and enjoy the great outdoors this half term. Wondering around the New Forest you will see some spectacular autumn colour and why not team your walk with a nice pub lunch along the way. Pop into the Visitor Information Centre in Lyndhurst for some great ideas and locations for walking.

Enjoy!

Summer sights with the New Forest Tour

If you’re looking for a different way to explore the New Forest National Park this year, why not hop on the open top New Forest Tour. With 3 routes covering the most picturesque areas of the forest, it’s the most eco-friendly way to travel.

Running from 29^th June – 15^th September, the open top New Forest Tour is sure to be a memorable day out. With informative commentary along the routes, not only will you view spectacular scenery, you will hear the fascinating history that has made the New Forest the destination it is today.

Tickets are available from the bus drivers (cash only), Lyndhurst Visitor Information Centre or online. Tickets can be bought for 1 days travel, any 2 days out of 5 or any 5 days out of 14, giving you more opportunity to use the routes again and again during your stay.

The New Forest Tour has 3 great routes to choose from, the Green route, Red route and the newest addition Blue route. Visit attractions such as ExburyGardens & Steam Railway and Beaulieu Motor Museum along the way and don’t forget the many unique villages and towns filling up this vast area of woodland, heathland and moorland. Enjoy waterside walks in Lymington, traditional cream teas in Brockenhurst and picturesque views in Beaulieu.

Alongside the New Forest Tour routes, lie some of our New Forest Cottages. Below are just a small selection of the 130 properties we have to offer in and around the New Forest National Park, perfect for any New Forest Holiday.

The Cottage at Bartley, Sleeps 4Cosy detached cottage in the north east of the New Forest.

11 Shinglebank Drive, Sleeps 7This delightful Spanish style villa has spectacular views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

The Cottage at Hincheslea View, Sleeps 6This charming semi-detached property enjoys a fantastic position overlooking open forest on the outskirts of Brockenhurst.

The Perfect New Forest Cottages Dog Friendly Holiday

Love holidaying in the New Forest but can’t bear to leave your furry companion behind?

New Forest Cottages have just under 50 dog friendly properties, 20 of which all have direct forest access, perfect for those long walks straight from the front gate. With mile upon mile of open heathland, moorland and thick woodland, the New Forest is a dog walker’s haven and they’ll be so grateful you didn't leave them behind.

We have selected a handful of these properties that we think would be great for that fun filled outdoors break away.

 

One Alum Green View             Prices from: £339 per week

This charming Semi-detached cottage, built in 1897, has direct forest access right from the front gate. With wood burners for the winter months and a beautifully mature garden to relax in during the summer it makes a great retreat for any month of the year. 

Brook Cottage                         Prices from: £364 per week

This tiny, charming cottage tucked away in the village of Woodgreen is full of character. Low doorways and beams, period furniture and twisty cottage stairs make this cottage enchanting. With deer often wandering around outside, this garden is a real haven for all wildlife and with the gate in the corner leading straight into the forest it’s a great location for exploring!

Church Cottage                       Prices from: £481 per week

This welcoming cottage tucked away on the edge of Burley is the perfect family holiday home. Close to all amenities and many attractions including golf, cycle hire, New Forest Cider and many others, you won’t need to stretch far to find full entertainment for your holiday.

The Coach House                   Prices from: £1004 per week

This stunning 5 star property hidden away on the outskirts of Beaulieu has been decorated to a high standard throughout. Originally the coach house to a Grade II listed building this property has plenty of space for a family get together, sleeping 8 comfortably. With direct forest access right from the front door the property is great for walking, cycling and exploring.

A dog walk would not be complete without a dog friendly pub on route. Take a refreshment stop at any of these lovely New Forest pubs.

The Royal Oak                         Fritham 

This delightfully small pub tucked away in the village of Fritham serves delicious homemade food throughout lunchtime. With a friendly atmosphere it makes a lovely spot to stop after a lovely walk around Eyeworth Pond.

 

Turfcutters Arms                     East Boldre

This traditional friendly pub with a delightfully relaxed atmosphere is a great pit stop during the afternoon or evening. With food served all day it makes an ideal spot to stop for refreshments after a walk in the forest. 

The Fishermans Rest             Lymington

Situated just outside Lymington Town Centre is The Fisherman’s Rest. Serving locally produced food, this pub is great spot to grab a bite for lunch or dinner after a lovely walk around the Sea Wall. 

The Compass                          Winsor

Situated on the edge of the New Forest, The Compass Inn is a traditional pub ideal for a stop on the way home from a day of exploring. With a warm welcome and homemade food this country pub is the ideal spot to whirl away a few hours with your dog.