New Year’s Eve Cottages to Cheer About
Smuggle yourselves away to the West Country this winter and celebrate the New Year in comfort and style. From lively nights down at the local village pub toasting in 2019, to early bird walks along golden shores and through idyllic countryside, it’s sure to be a New Year to remember. Here’s a handful of Toad Hall’s New Year holiday cottages the whole family can cheer about…
Auton Court, sleeps 9
Nestled into the South Devon countryside, on the outskirts of the historic market town of Kingsbridge, sits Auton Court; a magnificent detached stone farmhouse with plenty of room for nine guests. Surrounded by lush green acres, wooded valleys and quiet country lanes, this charming, characterful house is a haven for peace and tranquillity. Enjoy endless walks along the leafy trails and down the tangled holloways. Several of the South Hams most beautiful beaches are within easy driving distance, the ideal setting for a revitalising New Year’s walk. Gather around the wood burning stove for a cosy New Year celebration with family and friends, including the furry, four legged variety, as Auton Court welcomes up to two dogs.
New Year’s Celebrations & Activities Nearby:
Hidden away on the tranquil waters of South Pool creek, not far from the harbour town of Kingsbridge, you’ll find the award-winning Millbrook Inn, open throughout the festive period. Expect a warm Devonshire welcome and plenty of mince pies and singsongs.
A mere mile and a half away from the cottage is The Dodbrooke Inn; a traditional pub in an old part of town. After you’ve enjoyed a warming drink by the fire, take a leisurely stroll along Kingsbridge promenade, following the festoon lights for a waterside nightcap at The Crab Shell accompanied by some live acoustic music.
2 West Point, sleeps 8
In the heart of Sandbanks – home to some of our most luxurious holiday properties – lies 2 West Point. This stylish beachside townhouse is all set up for boisterous family gatherings; its superb cinema room just one in a long list of impressive features and the perfect place to cosy up for a blockbuster movie night. The whole property is stylish and sophisticated, the ideal setting for an intimate New Year’s Eve party with family or close friends. Sit back on the balcony and raise a glass of bubbly as the fireworks fizz above the waters of Poole Harbour. Rise and shine for a stroll along the beautiful Blue Flag Sandbanks beach and enjoy a special New Year’s Day breakfast – with all the trimmings – sat around your modern kitchen/diner.
New Year’s Celebrations & Activities Nearby:
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be playing at Poole’s Lighthouse Centre on New Year’s Day led by Viennese conductor Thomas Rösner for a Johann Strauss gala.
Poole’s Annual Charity Bath Tub Race; a madcap fundraising event on Poole Harbour that always draws the crowds for some New Year’s Day fun.
Glide and pirouette your way into 2019 with a visit to Bournemouth Lower-Gardens ice skating rink, open until 2nd January.
Hay Cottage, sleeps 7
Encompassed by breathtaking woodland and rolling Cornish countryside not far from Wadebridge, Hay Cottage is a real charmer. This enchanting 18th Century Cornish cottage has been immaculately decorated and furnished throughout, sleeps up to seven guests, and is also dog-friendly. The cottage’s ample space makes it ideal for family gatherings or groups of friends; a real cosy and inviting bolthole with exposed beams and roaring fires. Where better to celebrate the New Year than tucked up in an idyllic Cornish cottage along with your nearest and dearest.
New Year’s Celebrations & Activities Nearby:
The nearby harbour town of Padstow is a magical place to welcome in the New Year. Christmas lights line the harbour, reflecting colourful displays across the water. The town’s bustling bars and restaurants are filled with laughter and merriment, and, come midnight, there will be a spectacular firework display above the harbour.
Clear the cobwebs on New Year’s Day with a cycle ride along the famous Camel Trail. Fresh air and some physical exercise are the perfect cure for the night before’s over indulgence, and the views across the Camel estuary are spectacular.
Head to surf haven Polzeath and take to the waves! Brave the icy waters for a sea swim, or try your hand at surfing – either way, a trip to the Cornish coast is an unforgettable way to start the New Year.
Farmers, sleeps 6
Nestled in a tranquil valley behind the iconic shingle beach at Torcross, Farmers is a handsome barn conversion that’s been tastefully finished throughout. The vaulted and scissor truss ceilings are particularly impressive, as is the stylish kitchen and pretty patio garden – all adding to the character and charm. This is one of the prettiest corners of the South Hams, playing host to some of the most breathtaking coastal walks on the South West peninsula, and also many of its most beautiful beaches. A New Year’s walk along the mile-long sweep of pebble beach at Torcross, rewarded by a mountainous plate of freshly caught fish ‘n’ chips washed down with a pint of local ale, is definitely the order of the day.
New Year’s Celebrations & Attractions Nearby:
The Start Bay Inn at Torcross and The Queen’s Arms are among the many friendly pubs to be enjoyed both in and around this close-knit parish, all priding themselves on sumptuous seafood menus and beer that’s clear as a bell.
It’s all aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway for a magical evening trip through enchanted woodlands and idyllic countryside that’s been lit up by thousands of dazzling lights that twinkle on the River Dart – a truly festive experience!
Take a romantic stroll around the breathtaking and luxuriant gardens at Coleton Fishacre which will be spectacularly lit up and ‘aglow’ throughout the December evenings, with the 1920s house also dolled up and decked out for a vintage festive party.
Homelands, sleeps 6
In the pretty Hampshire village of Brockenhurst, Homelands is a stunning and stylish three-bedroomed house with all the mod cons, ideal for family get-togethers and gatherings of old friends. The surrounding New Forest is a maze of gorgeous woodland walks and endless cycle trails beneath the ancient boughs of mighty oaks and towering redwoods. Here, you can enjoy the best of both worlds; the gentle pace of village life coupled with the blissful solitude of the glorious Hampshire countryside.
New Year’s Celebrations & Attractions Nearby:
Set out on the Brockenhurst village walk; starting from the idyllic watersplash ford and meandering across grazing lawns and along peaceful riverbanks, skirting around the village to enjoy beautiful heathland views.
Toast the New Year with an artisan gin at the Escape Gin Bar where you’ll find what’s arguably the largest selection of gins in Hampshire, more the 300, all handcrafted and with their own unique flavourings and ingredients. Chin-chin!
Number Four, sleeps 5
They don’t come more family-friendly than Hordle’s Number Four. Not only does this country cottage provide ample space and numerous creature comforts, it also has its very own sports paddock and games room! An inviting lounge area is perfect for those relaxing downtimes; toasting and unwinding by the fireplace after your action-packed excursions; while the delightful cottage kitchen – complete with a traditional AGA range cooker – is a welcome addition to any self-catering holiday. Here, you’re ideally placed to branch out and explore the rest of the enchanting tracks and trials of the New Forest.
New Year’s Celebrations & Attractions Nearby:
If you’re looking for a quiet country pub to while away an hour or two, or fancy toasting in the New Year with your loved ones, you’ll find plenty of delightful hostelries around the village of Hordle: expect a warm and hearty welcome at The Crown, renowned for its traditional home-cooked pub grub and fine ale; gather around the glowing hearth at the The Royal Oak; a gorgeous 18th century inn with a scrumptious menu.
If you’ve been ‘angling’ for a carefree New Year, look no further than Hordle’s fishing lakes; a well-established carp fishery set over eleven leafy acres. Cast your troubles aside and bask in the sanctuary of the New Forest as you wait for the bream, perch and chub to bite.
It’s time to round up the troops and head for the great outdoors for a New Year’s adventure! More Than a Tour is a team of dedicated New Forest enthusiasts, all keen to share their knowledge and skills as you embark on wild excursions; anything from pony trekking and kayaking to rambling and orienteering. What better way to kick off the New Year than with an exhilarating family escapade.
Find your perfect New Year holiday cottage in the South West