Beat The Blues: What’s On In The New Forest This Winter
Forget “In the Bleak Midwinter,” we prefer “Winter Wonderland” because winter isn’t all rain and gloom, in fact the New Forest National Park is beautiful year-round and winter is the ideal time to escape ‘everyday’ life for a weekend break (or longer).
During the darker, shorter days, having something to look forward to can really lift the spirits. Festive events, Christmas shopping, spa breaks or indulgent afternoon teas are all goers, whatever the weather, but even the simplicity of a tranquil getaway in the New Forest with no plans can do wonders for the winter blues. A dose of ‘Shinrin-yoku’ or ‘forest bathing’, known to lower levels of the stress hormone Cortisol, and a good measure of R&R, self-care, and restoration. Maybe a spa session, good sleep and nourishing food is just what your mind and body need in the middle of winter, which we understand can sometimes feel rather long.
So, here are a few ways you can beat the winter blues…
Get moving this winter
Winter is one of the most beautiful times to explore the New Forest. Bare branches reveal ancient woodland shapes, frost sparkles across heathland, and wildlife feels closer than ever. Wrap up warm and wander straight from Careys Manor’s doorstep onto peaceful trails, where ponies graze quietly and the only soundtrack is birdsong beneath the trees.
A winter walk here isn’t about distance or pace — it’s about slowing down, breathing deeply and letting the forest work its quiet magic. For many, this gentle immersion in nature is one of the most powerful ways to reset during the colder months.
Cycle hire
Perhaps you’d prefer something a little faster to get the blood pumping on a crisp winter’s day. Bike hire is available year-round from Cyclexperience based in our village of Brockenhurst; with helmets, maps and bike locks provided and a free guiding app with recommended cycle routes through the forest. Wrap up, hire a bike and head out for a winter adventure, at the end of a fun day, you can come in, put your feet up and refuel your body with delicious food and find all the comfort you need at our welcoming Hampshire hotel.
Winter paddling
Embrace the chill of winter and take to the water for a Christmas Canoe Paddle with New Forest Activities. A most tranquil time of year for a water-based adventure, layer up and hop in the Canadian-style canoe for a wonderful 90-minute guided tour along the Beaulieu River exploring the beautiful reserve and spotting birds and wildlife as you paddle. You’ll also enjoy hot drinks and mince pies and you should keep an eye open for Father Christmas!
Slow things down
Nourish the body, and so the mind
This winter, if all you want to do is rest and refuel, then go where the mood takes you. You have the choice between our three distinctive restaurants; if the flavours of France take your fancy then look no further than Le Blaireau for some classic dishes and your own little slice of Paris, or perhaps something to warm you on a cold winter’s day, Zen Garden’s Thai spices, and unforgettable flavours to transport you to Thailand without any of the jetlag. And last but certainly not least, Cambium, modern British dishes created from seasonal, local ingredients and flavours inspired by the globe.
Restore Balance with a Spa Day or Spa Break
When winter calls for warmth and comfort, SenSpa provides a sanctuary of calm. Whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare, our spa experiences are designed to ease tension, restore balance and lift the mind.
The Wellbeing Spa Day is ideal if you’re craving a gentle reset. Enjoy time in the hydrotherapy suite, a soothing treatment and a nourishing lunch — a simple but effective way to pause and refocus.
For a deeper sense of renewal, the Clear Head Club Spa Break combines restorative spa treatments, mindful movement and nourishing food, all designed to help quiet a busy mind and restore clarity.
If digital fatigue is contributing to your winter blues, the Digital Detox Spa Break offers the chance to step away from screens entirely. Swap notifications for stillness, long spa sessions and uninterrupted time in nature — a rare and rewarding way to reconnect with yourself.
Discover the Coast in Winter
Just a short drive from Careys Manor, the New Forest coastline offers bracing sea air and wide-open views. Winter beach walks are wonderfully restorative, with fewer people, dramatic skies and the soothing rhythm of the waves.
Whether it’s a gentle stroll along the shingle or simply standing still and taking in the horizon, time by the sea can be deeply grounding — especially during the quieter winter months.
What’s On This Winter: January – March 2026
Winter in the New Forest is quietly captivating. Fewer crowds, crisp air and a calendar of thoughtful events make it an ideal time to slow down, explore and reconnect.
At Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
Sen Sound Sessions – January & February 2026
Returning this winter, the much-loved Sen Sound Sessions offer a deeply immersive aquatic sound experience. Floating gently in warm water as ambient sounds ripple beneath the surface, this unique evening event invites total relaxation and escapism — perfect for easing winter fatigue.
Valentine’s Dining at Cambium & Le Blaireau – February 2026
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant dining experience at Cambium, our flagship restaurant on Friday 13th or Saturday 14th of February. Or, take them on a special trip to the Paris of the New Forest with a delightful French dinner at Le Blaireau on Saturday 14th February. Expect seasonal menus, carefully sourced ingredients and a romantic atmosphere designed for lingering conversations and memorable moments.
Local Events & Activities Worth Discovering
Evening Talk at The Montagu Arms Hotel
For guests interested in history and storytelling, The Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu is hosting a Beaulieu River at War Talk with Traditional Afternoon Tea on Thursday 29th January 2026. Enjoy tea and coffee on arrival, then settle in for a captivating one-hour talk with Marc Heighway about the history of the Beaulieu River during wartime, followed by a traditional afternoon tea to conclude the event.
Exbury Gardens: Winter Walks & Early Colour
Just a short drive from Careys Manor, Exbury Gardens offers one of the most uplifting winter walks in the New Forest. From January through February, carpets of snowdrops begin to appear beneath bare trees, followed by early camellias and signs of spring. Wide, accessible paths make it ideal for a gentle afternoon stroll before returning to the hotel for spa time or supper by the fire. What’s more, some of our packages include discounted entry tickets! Simply ask our Reservations team for more details.
New Forest Heritage Centre Exhibitions
Discover art, culture and local history at the New Forest Heritage Centre. Seasonal exhibitions showcase everything from local artists’ work to fascinating artefacts about the Forest’s past, all in the heart of nearby Lyndhurst. Free entry and engaging for all ages.
Winter may be quieter — but in the New Forest, it’s full of small, meaningful moments waiting to be discovered.
