10 reasons to book a winter holiday

1. See the first snowfall of the year 

Holidaying with the little ones? Nothing presents more opportunities than a fresh blanket of snow. In fact, one of our favourite nature-inspired family activities is to follow all the tiny animal footprints and try to guess who they belong to. 

If this sounds like it would keep your children out of mischief (at least for a short while) our Keldy location is just the place for your mini wildlife enthusiasts. It offers up the forest, moor, and coast as a backdrop to your adventures - providing you with plenty of additions to the family photo album. 

And if you fancy seeing more of Yorkshire’s wildlife, our Cropton location is tucked away in a woodland meadow at the heart of Cropton Forest. It’s time to get practising that David Attenborough impression. 

2. Blow the cobwebs out with some winter waves

Whether you want to boost your mood or improve your wellbeing, fresh air offers tons of health benefits. And there’s no better place for a windy walk than at Deerpark in Cornwall. 

In winter the bustling bucket-and-spade beaches take on a completely different atmosphere. Combining crashing waves with a refreshing breeze, this is somewhere you can enjoy some quiet contemplation or a spot of well-deserved solitude. 

3. Get cosy in a luxury log cabin 

A winter holiday opens up tons of possibilities in terms of escaping distractions and reconnecting with nature, creating the perfect setting for a laidback romantic getaway. At Sherwood Forest you can relax in one of our pet friendly log cabins - complete with hot tubs, outdoor barbecues and the cosiest log burners known to man (we checked). 

4. Warm up in a toasty hot tub

Speaking of hot tubs, the loch-side cabins of Ardgartan Argyll come complete with the perfect spot for a soak. So you can enjoy views of the snow-capped mountains and the tranquility of Loch Long from an entirely new perspective. 

5. Embrace the beauty of our National Parks

If muddy boots and ruddy cheeks are more your bag, pop across to the Norfolk Broads National Park - just under an hour away from Thorpe Forest. Our Norfolk log cabin breaks take on something of a mystical beauty during wintertime so they’re super fun for walking holidays whatever the weather may be. The cabins are eco-sensitive too. Nice. 

6. Discover some of Scotland’s ‘big five’

Winter is actually one of the best times for wildlife spotting as animals become more daring and visible in their search for food. Head to our location at Strathyre to see if you can spot their famous red deer (with their winter grey coats) and adorable pine martens for a distinctly Scottish ‘safari’ experience. 

7. Look up at a starry night sky 

The stars shine brilliantly on a clear winter’s night and there’s no better place for a star gazing session than at Blackwood Forest in Hampshire. With our signature outdoor hot tubs, treehouse hideaways and floor to ceiling windows you can enjoy the ultimate in astronomy with all the family. Or make it an adults-only escape for two, just in time for New Year’s Eve. 

8. Enjoy freedom with your four legged friend

If windy and wild sounds like a bit of you, an escape to Beddgelert in Wales will provide a welcome tonic from the modern world. Rustic castles, unspoilt mountains and a 700 hectare forest will have you feeling as though you’ve stumbled across a secret world. Or at the very least, wandered onto the set of Game of Thrones. And with plenty of dog-friendly log cabins on offer, you can bring man’s best friend along too. 

9. See the beginning of spring in the Forest of Dean

If hectic shopping trips or blizzard-filled commutes have left you frazzled, start a new chapter by booking a restorative winter holiday. And if you time it just right, you might even catch the end of winter and the beginning of spring. 

Rumour has it that Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire is home to ancient oak woodland and open meadow. So you may be able to get a sneak peek at a blanket of snowdrops. These bright, white blooms represent the world reawakening and the promise of good things to come. 

Our friendly Forest Ranger can help you find the most secluded snowdrop spots to complete your winter forest walk. 

10. Indulge in some festive treats

One of the best benefits of a winter holiday has to be feeling that Christmas sparkle. This winter, across all of our locations, you’ll discover a forest lit with lanterns and lights to highlight the very best of the season. Think frosty leaves, icicle-covered branches, and crisp winter air. 

There’s a few surprises thrown in too. From minced pies and mulled wine on check-in to the classic visit from Santa, we’ve thought of all the little details to make your christmas breaks special. Get the entire family together and spend Christmas sleeping under the stars in your cosy woodland cabin. Festive perfection. 

Find beauty in nature during the most wonderful time of the year

Whatever winter holiday you have in mind, we’re here to help you make the most of the magic. Perhaps you fancy taking your entire family away for a yuletide celebration? Or you’re looking for a few days of peaceful relaxation outside of the tourist season? Browse our UK forest locations and kick start your winter holiday plans in style.