On the western banks of the Lymington River, having wended its way through the sun-dappled glades of the New Forest to find the Solent, lies the beautiful Georgian market town of Lymington.
Lymington has been an illustrious seaport for centuries and was once well-known for its shipbuilding and salt harvesting enterprises. Today, its three sparkling marinas offer berths to the many residents and visiting yachts seen docked in its harbour, tell-tale signs of the town’s vibrant sailing community. In fact, it was the gleaming Solent waters that were the training ground for local hero and five-time Olympian Sir Ben Ainslie; a letter box painted gold in celebration of his achievements can be found at the bottom of the town’s bustling high street.
Lymington’s ancient origins can be traced back to the dyke and mounds that once formed the outer defences of its Iron Age fort, known locally as Buckland Rings. When the Jutes prevailed from the Isle of Wight in the 6th century they founded a settlement called Limentun, and by the time of the Norman conquests this once sparsely populated enclave had grown into a flourishing port.
Today, the characterful, cobbled streets of Lymington are lined with artisan shops, galleries and boutiques, whilst the town’s weekly market is filled with stalls selling everything from garden plants to home-baked cakes. Lymington also plays host to a fleet of elegant restaurants, cosy tea rooms, charming cafés and stylish bistros. Lanes of Lymington, with its sleek balconies and intimate alcoves, has all the pizazz of a top London outlet, while the award-winning Elderflower on Quay Street boasts one of the finest a la carte menus in the region.
Holidays in Lymington can be easily filled with a variety of family-friendly activities, from sunset cruises and stand up paddle boarding to harbourside strolls and coastal rambles. During the sunnier months, the town hosts a number of gala events including the ever-popular Lymington Seafood Festival, a lively July carnival, regattas and regular sailing jamborees. Listen to some summer jazz in the bandstand gardens before a dip in the town’s historic sea water baths, renowned for its rejuvenating mud minerals, and if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a short walk to the marshes and lagoons of Keyhaven Nature Reserve is a must.
Lymington has its own railway station with mainline links from London Waterloo to nearby Brockenhurst. There are also regular bus services with links to the coastal resort of Bournemouth and the maritime city of Southampton, plus, you’ll also be able to pick up the New Forest tour bus and enjoy an open-top safari. If you’ve had your fill of landlubbing, a quick channel hop on the car and passenger ferry to the Isle of Wight might be just the ticket.
Discover one of the UK’s most delightful port towns when you book a stay in Lymington. Take a look at some of our stunning Lymington holiday cottages and start planning your very own south coast adventure.
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