Frost outside, fire alight inside

Winter in the New Forest

THE PIG

THE PIG In The New Forest Small

Winter in the New Forest brings a certain kind of quiet that the rest of the year never quite manages. The lanes empty out, the heathland turns frosty and the ancient woods take on that lovely wintery stillness.

Brockenhurst is just down the road, with its independent shops, cosy pubs and village feel, while the New Forest is right on our doorstep for muddy walks through ancient woodland, open heathland and winding forest tracks. Then you come back to our little corner of the Forest, where the fires are already going, the Kitchen Garden is tucked up for winter and a free-standing bath is waiting upstairs with your name on it.

Four good reasons to come in the cold months

Forget traffic jams and packed restaurants. In winter, the New Forest settles into a slower, quieter rhythm – the roads are calmer, the villages are peaceful and there’s plenty of forest and heathland to yourself. Perfect for muddy-boot walks, frosty mornings and warming up by the fire afterwards.

The New Forest is right on our doorstep, with footpaths leading from the hotel through ancient woodland, open heathland and winding forest tracks. Head out towards the villages around Brockenhurst, wander through frosty woodland with the winter air in your face, or pull on your boots and see where the path takes you.

Our free Kitchen Garden tours run at 11am, every day, all year round. In winter, you'll see plenty of hardy root veg being harvested, shoots bursting through the beds to fill the ‘hungry gap’ at the start of the new year - and you’ll get a good idea of why our dishes taste exactly like where they’re from.

A roll-top bath after a cold walk is one of life's better arguments and our Potting Shed treatment rooms are quietly tucked beside the Kitchen Garden for when the day calls for something a little more. After that, it's the fire, a glass of something good and a supper that lingers all evening.

From late November, the New Forest gets into the festive spirit, with Christmas markets, twinkling lights and plenty of reasons to head out for the day. Brockenhurst is a lovely place to spend a winter afternoon, with independent shops, cosy pubs and festive events, while nearby towns and villages get into the spirit with local makers, food and plenty of mulled wine. Go midweek if you fancy taking your time, then head back to THE PIG-in the New Forest to warm up by the fire after a day exploring.

Back indoors

The good thing about a house in the middle of nowhere in winter, is that there's no particular reason to leave it. A cocktail at four with the fire going, cards on the table, and the quiet conundrum of whether you can be bothered to change for dinner. You can't, but nobody minds.

Winter on the plate

Our flavours are at their most wholesome and hearty at this time of year – think New Forest game, warming braises, local fish and plenty picked, preserved and cooked from our Kitchen Garden. Expect slow-cooked, seasonal dishes, root vegetables and punchy pickles, all making the most of what’s around us, with a proper taste of the New Forest and the coast on your plate.

Take a peek at the menu