Area Guides

Why We Love Christmas in the New Forest

Christmas truly is the most magical time of the year and here at Careys Manor we look forward to the festive season more than any other. Here are some reasons why we love Christmas in the New Forest!

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate

At Careys Manor, we know how to party when it comes to Christmastime. Our hotel is a sophisticated Christmas party venue in the New Forest, and is the perfect place to round up your work colleagues, friends or family for a festive celebration. Our two party nights include: The Christmas Ball and Party Nights with a festive French flair at Le Blaireau; both offering a fantastic excuse to put on your festive frocks and spread some festive cheer on Fridays & Saturdays throughout December. No matter how far away we are from friends or family, Christmas always seems to draw us all closer. Our party nights offer the perfect opportunity for these reunions with merriment, good food and relaxing overnight stays – not to mention a hearty cooked breakfast the next morning.

Everything Sparkles

Christmas in the New Forest is magical in its own enchanting, natural way. But, add some Christmas lights, and everything becomes that little bit more beautiful and exciting. At Careys Manor, our florist Owen Lavin, of Little Lillies, puts on a breathtaking display of decorations throughout the hotel to get everyone in the festive spirit. Visit us for a Christmas party or meal this year and look up in wander at the 40ft Christmas tree that greets you in the main reception – the star of the show! Take a tour of the lounge and even our restaurant Cambium to spot more beautiful baubles and little woodland animals hiding amongst the Christmas trees. And as much as we love the touch of frost that leaves a sparkling layer of over national park this time of year, warm up by the roaring log fire inside, which provides that extra flicker of golden light this festive season.

Indulgence is Encouraged

Christmas is arguably the only time of year when you needn’t feel guilty for over-indulging a little. A glass of sherry at midday? An advent chocolate at 8am? The answer is always yes, “It’s Christmas!”. When you spend Christmas in the New Forest at our hotel, indulgence isn’t only accepted, it is encouraged. Our talented chefs have put together the best festive dining menus to showcase our abundant seasonal produce, which you can enjoy in the comfort of our Cambium restaurant, where traditional festive lunches and dinners come with a unique modern twist, and at our French Bistro Le Blaireau, where the festive menu is inspired by regional French cooking.

The New Forest is a Breath of Fresh Air

Winter months in the New Forest national park, which sits right on the doorstep of our hotel, are some of the most magical of the year. Early birds can enjoy a brisk walk in the morning – letting the cold air into your lungs for a fresh start to the day. This is a beautiful time of day to explore the forest tracks, with fewer people out and about giving you a better chance of doing some nature spotting – deer, horses and donkeys could be roaming, and there’s sure to be an icy puddle yet to be cracked that you won’t be able to resist jumping in. Rather have a lie in? After a hearty New Forest breakfast at our hotel, why not head to the walking trails at Blackwater on the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, just a short journey from the hotel. These beautiful walking routes are surrounded by evergreen trees such as the Douglas Fir and the Giant Redwood which can grow to be the largest living thing on earth! After a wholesome walk we refer to the point above and recommend heading back to the hotel to feast on our Festive Afternoon Tea.

SenSpa Gives A Warm Embrace

If wrapping up and braving the cold isn’t for you, then a Christmas spa day at SenSpa could be your perfect alternative. Spend the day escaping from the hustle and bustle of pre-Christmas preparations and focusing on yourself instead, with some much needed ‘me-time’. If you’re dreaming of a spa day but would rather have someone to relax with, why not treat a friend or loved one to a spa break for two, or a SenSpa gift voucher this Christmas?

Escaping Is An Option

Maybe your 2023 hasn’t all been smooth sailing, and after weeks of socialising, festivities and gift buying, all you want to do is escape and have a relaxing end to the year. With a Christmas hotel break at Careys Manor, you can celebrate in the New Forest without the stresses of home cooking or hosting. From the minute you arrive at our cosy country manor house on Christmas Eve, to the day you drive away down the winding country roads, you’ll feel content and comfortable in the hands of our dedicated and welcoming teams. We have plenty in store for you – from the Black Tie Dinner Party, to a Christmas Afternoon Tea.

New Beginnings Await

Our New Year Break is the ultimate excuse to get dressed up and party! See in 2024 in style by enjoying a sophisticated evening at our Black Tie New Year’s Eve Dinner Party, starting with a Champagne reception, followed by a sumptuous six-course dinner, live casino tables and DJ. Then, celebrate the first day of the New Year by relaxing at Careys Manor before checking out on the 2nd to embrace the year ahead.

 

Ready to start planning your Christmas break in the New Forest? Discover our offers and packages today.