Christmas at Shallowmead
Our family ice rink offers an easy-going way to enjoy skating together, without the extremes of a full-scale ice arena. The synthetic surface provides a smooth glide, with safety barriers and skates in a range of sizes ready to hire. Sessions run in 40-minute time slots, with a short changeover period so everyone has space on the rink and queues stay manageable. With gentle festive music, twinkling lights and winter décor, all for £5 per person including skate hire. It’s 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 we can give you 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.
Our Christmas Tree Lights Turn On is a community-focused way to start the season. On Monday 1 December at 4pm, visitors are invited to enjoy free mince pies, coffee or mulled wine before gathering around the large Christmas tree for the switch-on. Children can take part in a free Robin Hunt trail around the garden centre, recording where they spot each of ten hidden robins to claim a small prize. It’s also an ideal moment to choose a real cut Christmas tree, with a special offer on decorations, and entry is of course free for all.
Our Christmas Craft Fayre sits within a Victorian-style market scene, complete with twinkling lights, evergreen garlands and charming “shopfronts.” On Friday 5 December (10am–7pm) and Saturday 6 December (9am–6pm), you’ll find local makers and small businesses offering handmade crafts, seasonal treats and gift ideas. Live carols from Milford Quire on the Friday afternoon add a traditional soundtrack, while family discos on both days, hosted by local DJ and music writer Joe Muggs, give children (and grown-ups) the chance to dance off some 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
