The perfect escape for woodland weekends, half-term retreats, and festive celebrations
As the seasons turn and the air carries the scent of autumn woodsmoke, the pull of a countryside escape becomes irresistible. Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, Avington is one of those rare places that seems to embody everything a modern getaway should be: a balance of luxury and simplicity, a haven for couples, families, and groups alike, and a destination that manages to be both restorative and celebratory depending on the time of year.
This autumn, Avington is the ultimate retreat - from romantic woodland weekends in Shepherds Huts and lodge cabins, to extended family festive gatherings in the striking Stillwaters House, right through to bespoke corporate Christmas experiences designed to reward and inspire teams. Each facet of Avington offers a different type of escape, yet all are united by the beauty of the landscape, the thoughtfulness of the accommodation, and the estate’s knack for turning the ordinary into something magical.
October Half Term at Avington
For families and couples alike, October half term provides the perfect opportunity to pause, reset, and soak in the richness of the season. At Avington, the estate comes alive in autumn. The woodlands turn shades of amber and gold, the lakes reflect softer skies, and the grounds seem to invite long walks, slow mornings, and evenings spent fireside.
Unlike more conventional half term breaks, Avington offers an atmosphere that feels a little wilder, a little more elemental. There’s wild swimming for those brave enough to embrace the crisp waters, woodland trails that beg to be explored, and plenty of outdoor spaces where children can run free. Families often gravitate toward the lodge cabins for their generous space, modern comforts, and lakeside views, while couples seeking something cosier might opt for the Shepherds Huts tucked discreetly among the trees equipped with hot tub.
What sets Avington apart at this time of year is the pace it allows. Days don’t need to be scheduled tightly; instead, they can ebb and flow with the rhythms of the season. Mornings often begin with a leisurely breakfast - perhaps a hamper arranged by the estate, followed by an exploration of the 175 acres that surround you. Afternoons can be spent fishing, paddling, or simply curling up with a book as golden light filters through the trees. Evenings, of course, are for wood-fired hot tubs, hearty meals, and conversations that stretch late into the night.
Half term at Avington is more than a break from school routines; it’s a reset button. It’s about giving families and couples space to be together in a setting that nurtures connection and restores energy.
Woodland Weekends for Couples
While families may seek adventure during half term, Avington is equally a haven for couples searching for romance, reconnection, and time away from the noise of everyday life. The Shepherds Huts and lodge cabins are deliberately designed to create intimacy with nature while offering every modern comfort.
The Shepherds Huts have become synonymous with the idea of a woodland weekend. Compact yet stylish, they feature rustic textures softened by contemporary touches: warm lighting, carefully chosen furnishings, and private outdoor decks with wood-fired hot tubs. The setting - surrounded by woodland, birdsong, and the occasional glimpse of deer makes them feel like a secret shared only between the two of you.
For couples who prefer something a little larger, the lodge cabins provide more space without losing their connection to the landscape. Positioned near the water’s edge, they allow you to wake up to the sight of mist rising from the lake, spend afternoons wandering the trails hand in hand, and enjoy evenings framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that seem to blur the boundary between inside and out.
What makes these woodland weekends truly special is their balance of simplicity and indulgence. There’s a sense that time stretches differently here, the distractions of daily life melt away, replaced by long conversations, slow meals, and moments of quiet that become deeply memorable. Whether it’s stargazing from the warmth of a hot tub, sharing a bottle of wine by the firepit, or taking a sunrise walk around the estate, Avington provides the canvas for couples to create their own rhythm of romance.
Festive Breaks in Stillwaters House
As the year winds down and winter takes hold, Avington transitions into a place of celebration. The jewel in its festive crown is Stillwaters House - an architectural masterpiece that seems made for gatherings of family and friends.
Perched by the lake, Stillwaters is striking both inside and out. Its sleek, mid-century-inspired design features seven en-suite bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, and glass walls that frame the natural beauty of the estate. It can host up to 14 guests comfortably, making it ideal for Christmas, New Year, or simply a festive winter reunion.
What sets Stillwaters apart is how it manages to feel both luxurious and inviting. Guests are drawn to its modern interiors, but they are equally enchanted by its connection to the outdoors. A heated swimming pool, wood-fired hot tub, and firepit mean that even in the colder months, the landscape is part of your celebration. Frosty mornings can be spent walking the lake’s edge, afternoons might revolve around festive feasts prepared in the state-of-the-art kitchen, and evenings invariably end with laughter and storytelling by the fire.
There’s something transformative about spending the holidays in a house like Stillwaters. It turns ordinary traditions such as exchanging gifts, sharing meals, watching classic films into experiences that feel elevated, almost cinematic. The backdrop of the estate enhances every moment, creating memories that linger long after the decorations have been packed away.
For many guests, a festive break at Stillwaters becomes more than a holiday; it becomes a tradition. Families return year after year, drawn not only by the comfort of the house but also by the sense of continuity and togetherness it fosters.
Corporate Christmas Packages at Avington
While Avington is perfect for personal escapes, it also shines as a venue for corporate events - especially during the festive season. More than just a location, it offers an experience designed to bring teams together, reward employees, and impress clients.
The estate’s corporate Christmas packages combine Avington’s natural beauty with tailored hospitality. Companies can host elegant festive dinners in stunning event spaces, organise team-building activities across the grounds, or design bespoke retreats that balance work and play. The scale of the estate allows for flexibility: one group might prefer an intimate dinner with select clients, while another could opt for a larger gathering that incorporates wellness sessions, workshops, and overnight stays.
What makes Avington particularly appealing for corporate use is its ability to adapt to different tones. It can be celebratory, with festive décor, fine dining, and live entertainment; or it can be restorative, with wellness-focused itineraries that incorporate woodland walks, sauna sessions, and even cold-water dips. Many businesses find that combining both — celebration and rejuvenation — provides the perfect way to close out the year.
In a corporate landscape where employees value experiences as much as rewards, Avington stands out. It offers companies a chance to give their teams something memorable: not just a dinner or a party, but an event in a setting that inspires creativity, connection, and joy.
Why Avington Works Year-Round
What unites all of these offerings - half term retreats, woodland weekends, festive breaks, and corporate events - is Avington’s unique ability to balance contrasts. It is luxurious yet grounded in nature, modern yet deeply tied to tradition, intimate yet spacious enough to host large groups.
- The Setting: With 175 acres of woodland, lakes, and river tributaries, the estate feels expansive yet self-contained. It invites exploration without ever overwhelming.
- The Accommodation: From the cosy Shepherds Huts to the expansive Stillwaters House, each space is thoughtfully designed to reflect the beauty of its surroundings while offering comfort and style.
- The Experiences: Avington doesn’t just provide a place to stay; it curates an experience. Guests are encouraged to swim, paddle, walk, fish, or simply relax — activities that engage both body and mind.
- The Flexibility: Whether you’re a couple seeking solitude, a family craving togetherness, or a business planning a celebration, Avington adapts seamlessly to your needs.
This versatility is what makes Avington more than a seasonal escape. It’s a destination that has something to offer at every point in the year, with each season revealing a new side of its personality.
Avington is not just a place to stay - it’s a place to experience. In autumn, it becomes the perfect half term retreat where families and couples can recharge amidst golden woodlands and crisp lakeside mornings. For couples, it offers woodland weekends that feel both indulgent and grounding. In winter, Stillwaters House provides the ultimate festive backdrop for families and friends, while businesses can take advantage of bespoke corporate Christmas packages that combine celebration with connection.
What ties all these together is Avington’s deep sense of place. Its landscapes, architecture, and carefully curated experiences remind us of the joy of slowing down, the value of togetherness, and the magic that can be found in nature when it’s paired with thoughtful luxury.
