Merry Christmas and festive greetings everyone. Shallowmead is now closed for the holidays and will reopen again at 9am on the 5th January 2026. We look forward to seeing everyone in the new year.
Christmas at Shallowmead
Until 14 December, Shallowmead offered a family ice rink as an easy-going way to enjoy skating together, without the extremes of a full-scale ice arena. The synthetic surface provided a smooth glide, with safety barriers and skates in a range of sizes ready to hire. Sessions ran in 40-minute time slots, with a short changeover period so everyone had space on the rink and queues stayed manageable. With gentle festive music, twinkling lights and winter décor, it cost £5 per person including skate hire. It was designed as an affordable, relaxed introduction to skating for the community rather than a high-speed performance rink. Why go to Southampton or Bournemouth when Shallowmead could provide the opportunity right here in the New Forest?
The Selfie Zone Ice Cave continues the winter atmospheric but with a softer landing. This woodland walkway is inspired by an enchanted wooded ice cavern, with a softly lit tunnel leading into a sparkling space of trees, snowflakes and frosty textures. Families can pause on the “ice bench” for photos, while subtle sound effects and projections create a cool, twilight feel throughout the day. The route is designed to be clear and accessible, using low-heat LED lighting and carefully managed cables. It is free for all visitors during the event.
Shallowmead’s Christmas Tree Lights Turn On was a community-focused way to start the season. On Monday 1 December at 4pm, visitors enjoyed free mince pies, coffee or mulled wine before gathering around the large Christmas tree for the switch-on. Children took part in a free Robin Hunt trail around the garden centre, recording where they spotted each of ten hidden robins to claim a small prize. It was also an ideal moment to choose a real cut Christmas tree, with a special offer on decorations, and entry was free for all.
Shallowmead’s 2025 Christmas Craft Fayre was set within a Victorian-style market scene, complete with twinkling lights, evergreen garlands and charming “shopfronts.” Held on Friday 5 December (10am–7pm) and Saturday 6 December (9am–6pm), the fayre was really well attended and proved to be a great event, with local makers and small businesses offering handmade crafts, seasonal treats and gift ideas. Live carols from Milford Quire on the Friday afternoon added a traditional soundtrack, while family discos on both days, hosted by local DJ and music writer Joe Muggs, gave children (and grown-ups) the chance to dance off festive energy to a mix of classic party tunes and Christmas favourites.
Rooted in the New Forest since 1947,Shallowmead Nurseries has grown from a traditional working nursery into one of the South’s most distinctive garden destinations.
With a heritage in horticulture, from cultivating strawberries, to raising pigs and ornamental shrubs, Shallowmead now brings together the best of both worlds: a working wholesale nursery and an aspiring retail experience.
Visitors can explore a thoughtfully designed retail space showcasing quality homewares and garden goods, an outdoor plant area, and a tranquil garden. Complemented by an artisan makers’ zone, a premium farm shop, a welcoming café, and a dedicated workshops room, Shallowmead is a must-visit destination for passionate gardeners and lifestyle shoppers alike.
Mabel’s Café at Shallowmead offers a fresh, seasonal menu served in a bright, garden-view setting that invites guests to unwind and indulge. From breakfast through to late afternoon, the café showcases thoughtfully prepared dishes, from poached eggs on sourdough and cinnamon-laced French toast to vibrant lunch options like lemon-roasted chicken, beetroot and goat’s cheese tart, and vegan-friendly Mediterranean plates. The emphasis is always on quality ingredients, attractive presentation, and good value for money.
This summer, the café also embraces the spirit of southern Europe with a carefully curated Spanish tapas menu, perfect for sharing in the sunny courtyard. The selection includes flavourful small plates such as chorizo in red wine, prawns sautéed with garlic and chilli, and fried aubergine drizzled with Spanish honey. Served alongside a crisp glass of wine, the tapas offering brings a sense of holiday warmth to the New Forest, an effortless blend of continental inspiration in Shallowmead’s signature calm gardens.
Afternoon teas available at Shallowmead
