As winter begins to descend and the final autumn leaves begin to settle on the forest floor, November brings with it warm, cosy nights in front of roaring log fires, outdoor adventures where you can wrap up and a host of opportunities for some pre-Christmas excitement.
The New Forest is a joy to visit this time of year, with the start of warming festive lights beginning to adorn our towns and villages, the aromas of cinnamon and mulled wine coming from some of our eateries and independent stores and a great time to visit for peace and tranquillity in our natural surroundings.
Breathe in our fresh air on a relaxing New Forest day out
November is the perfect time to don your walking boots or wellies and grab some of our fresh air. Step into nature and feel restored. Amble your way along some of our tried and tested walking routes and see what nature you will discover. From colourful and quirky-looking fungi adorning the forest floor and woodlands (please look but don’t touch!) to pig-spotting as part of our annual pannage tradition.
For the first two days of November, you can also catch the end of this year’s New Forest Walking Festival – a fantastic chance to discover our National Park closer on a variety of guided and themed walks.
See the colourful night’s sky – fireworks, Christmas lights and more
Of course, synonymous with November is Bonfire Night. While bonfire nights are discouraged in our National Park for the peace and protection of our animals, you will find some firework displays in some of our larger towns including Totton (2 November) and Ringwood (2 November). Grab your toffee apples, practice your oohs and ahhs and soak up the atmosphere as the skies turn all kinds of colourful shades.
For an alternative way to enjoy your November evenings, pop along to Go Ape at Moors Valley Country Park for their Sundown Adventures course (running until 9 November). Make your way around the obstacles high in the treetops with colourful lights illuminating the way. An exhilarating way to beat the winter blues!
Towards the end of November, the Christmas lights will begin to be switched on in some of our towns and villages. Look out for our light switch on events including Lyndhurst (29 November), New Milton (29 November) and Ringwood (30 November) and take a look at some of our independent stores, which will be colourfully decorated too.
Get your Christmas shopping started
With Christmas fast approaching, search for unique and special gifts to buy your loved ones from here in the New Forest.
A great date for the diary this November is the annual Eats ‘n’ Treats event on 16 November. Taking place at Brockenhurst College again, this is your chance to sample some of the finest locally produced food and drink while gaining a head start on your Christmas shopping. Added to this, expect a food court, how-to demonstrations and festive activities to occupy younger visitors.
Another great place to grab some festive treats is from Hockey’s Farm Shop & Café, near Fordingbridge. Here, you can pick up a number of tasty local goodies for gifts or in preparation for the big day as well as meet the farm’s resident animals.
Likewise, our local markets offer a great alternative. Pop along to Lymington (Saturday), Ringwood (Wednesday), Hythe (Tuesday) and New Milton (Wednesday) for our weekly markets.
Plan some Christmas days out
Get that warm, festive feeling with some wholesome Christmas days out in the lead up to the big day.
From 29 November, Beaulieu’s Palace House will be transformed through the magical journey of pantomime. Expect theatrical installations, decorations galore and multi-coloured projections.
Exbury Gardens will also begin to look super festive towards the end of the month with the arrival of the Festive Express Railway Experience, Christmas Fair (29 & 30 November) and opportunities to meet the big man himself.
Visit Marwell Zoo for their Glow Marwell event (starting 28 November) this after-dark experience changes the zoo into a magical landscape of glowing displays and illuminated wildlife. Book your ticket to Glow Marwell and you’ll also get free daytime entry to the zoo between 10am and 4pm.
Book a cosy November holiday cottage break
Take advantage of a quieter time in the forest and choose from a variety of gorgeous holiday cottages this month. From secluded retreats tucked away up country lanes to accommodation offering sea views. Browse our holiday cottages today and plan your perfect New Forest escape.
