The New Forest In Winter: Top 5 Things To Do In January
It's easy to set January up with grand expectations and intentions and then step in feeling a little tired, and rather ropey from the rush of Christmas. What if instead, we allowed January to be the stepping stone into the year. The time to set realistic expectations whilst also setting aside time to simply enjoy the first month of the year and ease gently towards the big intentions rather than burn-out by spring.
Escaping to the New Forest National Park for a slowing of pace, a change of scenery and time to ponder the year ahead always seems like a wonderful idea, so this year, make it happen… Getaway, recharge and try our top 5 things to do in January in the New Forest.
Escaping to the New Forest National Park for a slowing of pace, a change of scenery and time to ponder the year ahead always seems like a wonderful idea, so this year, make it happen… Getaway, recharge and try our top 5 things to do in January in the New Forest.
Book a guided walk in the New Forest
The New Forest National Park is a playground for all explorers, of all ages and abilities, welcoming you to walk and wander miles of paths, trails and tracks but sometimes it’s nice to be led by someone who knows the area so you can make the most of your hotel break.
You can book a guided walk and leave the organising to the local experts who will bring our National Park to life. Companies like Wild New Forest offer a variety of guided walks, whether you wish to learn more about its history, conservation, prehistoric flora and forest management. From shorter ‘Welcome to the New Forest’ walks to ‘New Forest Discovery’ and ‘Explorer’ walks, Wild New Forest can guide you as a group, take you on a private tour, create bespoke routes and show you around on foot or by bike.
Detox from the digital
Now that the Christmas rush is a thing of the past, you may feel like getting away, even for just a night or two to simply slow down and find deep relaxation as you head into a new year.
The Digital Detox Spa Break is the weekend away you need to book if you’re ready to throw your phone out of the window and enjoy some peace and quiet this January. Or perhaps for you it’s the opposite, you’ve noticed more of an attachment with your phone and feel it’s time for a healthy break. Step away from all the distractions and step towards nurturing a healthier relationship with your tech. (We’ll even provide a box for your phone so you can simply close the lid and walk away.)
On the Digital Detox break you’ll also receive an exclusive hamper full of wellness goodies including DIRTEA’s Mushroom powder to add a dose of healthy goodness to your favourite drink, Pure Earth’s delicious gut, defence and glow kombucha drinks, a gratitude journal from Positive Planners, a Scentered aromatherapy balm, a Forest Therapy Guide and reviving products from our own spa SenSpa’s natural and organic skincare range.
Hop on a guided cycle ride
There’s nothing better in January than knowing you’re headed away for a cosy winter getaway when everyone else is contemplating the return to work.
January is a great month to a enjoy an adventure-filled cycling weekend if you’re looking for an escape from everyday life and a getaway jam-packed with nature.
One-to-one rides or group trails, full days, half days or adventure rides, the New Forest has more than 140-miles of waymarked gravel track for any kind of ride or rider. Book a guide or tour, and whilst you ride spot our roaming New Forest ponies and donkeys and take in the wild natural beauty of our ancient forest, and rest assured knowing you’re in the safe hands of a fully qualified Mountain Bike Leader.
Local companies like New Forest Cycling Tours or Cyclexperience have a host of tours or routes to suit all ages and abilities, from sunset rides to coastal adventures, find one that appeals to you and leave all the planning to the experts.
Afternoon Tea your way through January
Enjoy the cosiness and warmth of our hotel lounge’s open fire when you sit down to a full afternoon tea this January. When it’s chilly and wet outside and you need a little something to look forward to, invite a friend or plan a catch up over a mouth-watering selection of finely cut sandwiches, speciality cakes, freshly baked scones (smothered in New Forest Jam and thick clotted cream – obviously), and a large selection of teas or Fair Trade coffee.
Experiences make for a wonderful gift – if there’s a birthday or celebration coming up, consider surprising someone special with an Afternoon Tea gift voucher.
Discover spa days & experiences
When you’ve spent the last few months planning and spending on friends and family, isn’t it time to do something special for you? With spa days to suit any and every requirement, from mornings to awaken, afternoons to relax, evenings to indulge and full days to restore – you’ll find just what you need at SenSpa.
Have you heard of our ‘Moments for Me’ Spa Day? It’s a day designed for women seeking balance and rejuvenation. Tailored to address the unique challenges that come with hormonal imbalances, often caused by, but not limited to, puberty, PCOS, perimenopause and menopause.
Enjoy a deeply relaxing full body massage, surrender to the therapeutic nature of water and succumb to the wholly sensory experience, shifting between hot and cold water to relieve tightness and tension in the body, fight anxiety and soothe a foggy mind. This is a day to rebalance and restore, giving full focus on your wellbeing.
Events not to miss:
SenSpa’s Wellness Festival – Sunday 26th January 2025
A free, one-day festival promises to be the ultimate destination to refresh your mind, body and spirit, bringing together a stellar lineup of expert speakers and interactive workshops, all designed to inspire sustainable mental and physical wellbeing.
Sen Sound Sessions: Return to Centre with the Wolf Moon – Wednesday 29th January
Our popular Sen Sound Sessions are returning for 2025. Unique aquatic sound experiences, each session relates to the new full moon and promises an immersive journey into relaxation, escapism and playful exploration through ambient underwater sounds and floating on water.
January can be whatever you want or need it to be. The month when you fiercely begin working towards your resolutions or the month you spend being kind to yourself and gently planning the months ahead. Or maybe it’s just the chance to spend days cycling through our ancient woodland or floating away tension in the spa you’ve been waiting for. Whatever you need this January, we’ll be right here to assist.
