Winter is coming…and with it, the most romantic season of the year. As the days get shorter and the nights grow long, we can’t think of anywhere better to enjoy time out as a couple.

Whether you’re coming for a week or a day there are a hundred reasons why the magical New Forest is regularly voted as one of the UK’s top destinations for a romantic break.

Wrap up in your warmest coats and take a walk through our mighty forests and gorgeous heathland – we’ve got more than 100,000 acres for you to enjoy.

Ramble across the National Trust’s Northern Commons or hike along Hurst Spit to breathe in the scent of the stormy sea at the very tip of Hampshire.

Kick up the frosty leaves in the woodlands or watch a wild winter sunset from Bolton’s Bench in Lyndhurst. (If you’re very lucky, there may be snow!)

Winter in the New Forest is a time of dark, starry skies, rustling leaves, roaring fires and delicious, comforting food.

Get to know each other again at one of our luxury hotels and, to make sure you wind down properly, why not book some treatments and experiences at our world-class spas?

Many hotels in the New Forest offer romantic couple’s spa treatments, including peaceful treatments at the Herb House Spa at Lime Wood, or the Rhassoul experience at Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa. Chewton Glen Hotel, Balmer Lawn Hotel and Burley Manor are also fantastic places to enjoy a relaxing spa break.

All the above hotels, and many more hotels in the New Forest, offer top quality accommodation, with sumptuous beds, room service options and plenty of cosy spots to chill together.

If you’d prefer to be peacefully alone in a self catering cottage, luckily for you, we have lots of self catering options for you in the forest, providing the perfect retreat for the two of you, with many set in secluded woodlands where peace and tranquillity are the key. There are even properties with open fireplaces, hot tubs and walks in the forest right from the doorstep.

There are lots of other romantic accommodation options in the New Forest for an ideal winter break together, including Bed & Breakfasts, Glamping and Holiday Parks.

Enjoy a new activity together this winter, hire bikes from our of our bike hire shops and explore the stunning winter wildlife on our 100-miles of off-road cycling network through the forest. If you fancy being super romantic, hire a tandem bike from Forest Leisure Cycling!

Or have a go at canoeing, along the privately owned Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities or paddle boarding along the coastline with the New Forest Paddle Sports Company.

Whether you’re out walking or cycling, don’t forget to book lunch in one of our beautiful pubs or inns, where you will receive a merry welcome and crackling log fires, or make a visit to one of our cute cafes or tearooms and enjoy a festive hot chocolate to warm you up! Dress up for the evening and enjoy date night at our local restaurants. You’ll find plenty of fab food plus amazing, locally produced food and drink in the New Forest’s eateries. 

Whatever you do, don’t wait. We can’t keep our wonderfulness a secret forever!