Winter in Beaulieu

Winter in the New Forest is magical, it invigorates that wonderful excitement and anticipation of Christmas, brings strangers together to sing and encourages time well spent together. How you do it is up to you but where can make all the difference.

This is where our beautiful village of Beaulieu comes in. A favourite of ours, but of course you say, because this is where our New Forest hotel calls home, but if you adopt it as your winter escape you will also see what we see. With its abundance of festivities, it is the perfect place to spend Christmas, but it also makes for the most wonderful break throughout the winter, so why not come and see it for yourself?

Victorian Christmas at Beaulieu

If a truly festive Christmas experience is what you are searching for, look no further than Beaulieu’s Palace House. Step into a traditional Montagu family Christmas, admire the wonderful Christmas trees and decorations whilst you explore the stunning Victorian home, then warm yourself in front of roaring log fires whilst you sip mulled wine punch. A perfect festive evening awaits.

A winter paddle

If you would like to try something new and enjoy getting outside on a crisp winter’s day, wrap up and set out on a winter exploration along Beaulieu River.  Choose between a Canadian canoe or a touring kayak then enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the river’s nature reserve. Then, when it’s time to warm up, sink into one of our sofas by the fire with a warming hot chocolate in hand.

Christmas carols

For some, there is nothing more festive than singing carols to alight the Christmas spirit, perhaps you will enjoy a visit, on Friday 6^th December, to Milford-on-Sea for Carols on the Green for an evening of some true festive fun. For more information, click here.

Shopping

Our quaint village in the heart of the New Forest National Park boasts a small but bustling high street. Uncover treasures, unique gifts and fine art, visit one of oldest gift shops, Norris of Beaulieu which has been in the same family for more than 130 years; full of beautiful jewellery, traditional toys, decorations and trinkets, there is always something special to find. And when it’s time to relax, why not pop into The Chocolate Studio for an indulgent treat of hand-crafted chocolate or pop into Abbey Stores for a delicious ice cream – just because its winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a sweet treat!

Winter walks

From Beaulieu high street you can take the scenic 2-mile footpath to Buckler’s Hard village. Walk alongside Beaulieu River, wander around the village and enjoy a visit to the Maritime Museum, and then once you’ve ‘walked’ up an appetite, stop for a spot of lunch in the Master Builder’s pub right on the water’s edge before you stroll back. The New Forest has so many wonderful walks, long and short, depending on ages and abilities, so stop by reception and we’d be happy to help find you the perfect one!

Now that you have a few ideas of how you can spend your winter break in Beaulieu you really ought to visit. The Montagu Arms Hotel is the perfect base; find the perfect balance of relaxation, indulgence, and an abundance of fresh forest air, and we’re always on hand and more than happy to help you plan your perfect escape.

Join us in our picture-postcard corner of the New Forest this season, and enjoy a relaxed and rustic retreat, gift-wrapped in the peaceful serenity of the surrounding countryside.

WHY NOT STAY FOR THE NIGHT?