December 20th 2023
Unleash the Winter Fun
Has winter got you feeling a bit fed up and chilly? Don’t feel the need to hibernate because our sponsor, New Forest Cottages, has the ultimate remedy for a doggone good time!
Pack your pup’s favourite toys and book a paw-some winter adventure where tail-wagging and smiles are endless! New Forest Cottages has over 100 dog-friendly cottages in and around the area – including the coastline and beaches, which are super dog-friendly too!
Winter in the New Forest is filled with the prettiness of Mother Nature’s beauty. Slip into your comfiest walking shoes, wrap yourself in a cosy woolly scarf, and head with your pup for a woof-tastic time exploring the woods, heathlands and villages. The New Forest transforms into a magical wonderland, with bushes and trees wearing sparkly frost like a blingy collar! The ground beneath your pup’s paws is crisp, and the flora twinkles. You’re guaranteed to spy on the famous New Forest ponies and donkeys rocking their thick, fluffy winter coats. And they’ll be exhaling plumes of steamy breath against the crisp, cold air, perfect for photo-ops!
For a tail-waggingly beautiful walk, head to Wilverley Plain’s huge expanse of grass and discover ‘The Naked Man,’ also known as the Wilverley Oak. Back in the 1700s, this oak tree had a dark side, serving as gallows for the notorious highwaymen and smugglers who fancied a game of hide-and-seek among the forest tracks, trails, and trees.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to refuel at the paw-some and very dog-friendly foodie pubs and restaurants scattered throughout the New Forest. Imagine long, lazy lunches in a snug, thatched pubs with chimney pots puffing away like canine steam engines. These spots serve up imaginative and delicious food in portions fit for a hungry hound. If you’ve only had a light bite, then treat yourself to heavenly cakes and tasty bites at pup-loving cafes, tea rooms, and coffee shops. Cream teas are a must, ranging from simple scones with jam and clotted cream to elegant affairs with artisan delicacies stacked high on cake stands and tea served in fancy bone china teacups.
After a day of chasing trails and sniffing out adventure, return to your dog-friendly cottage. Snuggle up in front of flickering flames from the fire, raise a toast with your favourite tipple, and appreciate the cosy winter vibes.
Peek inside these lovely New Forest Cottages, which your furry pals will love!
The Custards sleeps 4 in Lyndhurst.
In the buzzy village of Lyndhurst with plenty of dining options on your doorstep.
Corner Cottage sleeps 8 in Ringwood.
Gather friends and family to stay for a long weekend in this wonderfully spacious, sociable home.
Little Cottage sleeps 2 in Tiptoe.
As quiet and rural as the cute name of this dinky hamlet suggests, expect to see more wildlife than humans.
Cherry Trees sleeps 4 in East Boldre.
You’ll love this swanky, single-story home in the forest with wonderful walks from the back door.
Northay Cottage sleeps 6 in Brockenhurst.
This classy, elegant abode in bougie Brockenhurst has everything you could want on your doorstep.
Twenty-one sleeps 7 in New Milton.
Convenient for dining out but also close to the dog-friendly beaches of Barton, Highcliffe and Avon for sea-salty walks.
See the full portfolio of New Forest Cottages
See dog-friendly New Forest Cottages available for Dogstival 2024 click here
