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All you need to know
For the ultimate mix of a seaside and country holiday in the New Forest, Pennington is the perfect place, with everything you need right on your doorstep.
For the ultimate mix of a seaside and country holiday in the New Forest, Pennington village is the perfect retreat experience with everything on hand for a great holiday.
Guests staying in one of our Pennington holiday cottages won’t have to walk far from their front door for supplies, from the convenience of a small but perfectly formed supermarket, butchers and bakery, to the ease of a yummy supper from an exceptionally good fish and chip shop! Pennington has plenty of eateries on your doorstep, including four great pubs: The Wheel Inn, The Musketeer, The White Hart and The Chequers - each with their own homely vibe, offering delicious meals, good ales, regular live music and evening entertainment.
Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars and compare notes with birdwatchers who gather on the shores of Lymington to Keyhaven Nature Reserve – a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It’s a mecca for twitchers who come throughout the year to find breeding birds such as linnets, Dartford warbler, oystercatchers, ringed plover, little egrets, kingfisher and redshanks, as well as large flocks of shoveler, teal, wigeon, gadwall and pintail.
Pennington is surrounded by lots of fantastic walking trails and cycle paths. As well as the lagoons and salt marshes of the Lymington to Keyhaven Nature Reserve, you can stroll through ancient woodland, open fields and riverways, discovering the stunning surroundings at your own pace.
Summer holidays in this lovely village hails the quintessential round of fetes, fayres, and not to be missed beer and cider festivals. Children and adults alike love the annual visit from the circus, and as Jack Frost returns, visitors and locals throng together for a bumper fireworks night. Christmas breaks in Pennington are quite magical with a mix of ice laden trees and bracing coastal walks along the sea wall. Oh, and a festive break wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Father Christmas himself, who visits with his reindeer who love a gentle stroke from mesmerized children.
Founded by people who are passionate about the beauty and preservation of the New Forest and surrounding area, More Than a Tour brings you a range of all inclusive New Forest tours, designed to show you around just as they would a friend. Walk, kayak and explore on a tailor made trip whether you’re looking for adrenaline, culture, history, or a mix of everything.
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St Barbe Museum explores the unique history of Lymington and the New Forest Coast. The hands-on displays provide a fascinating journey of discovery for all ages, charting Lymington’s development as a market town and port and looking at the smugglers and boat builders who have used the Solent shore. The art galleries host an exclusive programme of exhibitions that regularly works on loan from national and regional collections.
Extremely interesting museum, enjoyed the art,. Very welcoming reception and good cafe. I fully recommend a visit
June 2018
Really interesting small museum packed with information and an exceptional display in the art gallery
October 2018
Loved our visit to the museum, really friendly staff and despite compact size whiled away a couple of hours. Well worth a visit!
April 2019
interesting small museum with good displays
September 2019
Brilliant exhibition and we loved the museum. Our boys attended a free needle felting workshop and and came home with wonderful art work!
February 2020
We had a nice coffee on terrace of their café - didn't get a chance to visit Museum itself, but found some great cards + gifts in shop!
September 2020
Have visited the museum previously and found it interesting, having grown up locally. Now has an excellent coffee shop.
September 2020
Very interesting museum and when we visited there was an art exhibition which was an added bonus.
June 2021
Well worth a visit. Tasty food and good service.
October 2021
Well worth spending a morning learning about the history of Lymington and the wider New Forest area. There is always an interesting pop up exhibition too. The cafe is great and serves lovely home made food.
October 2021
Wonderful art exhibition and everyone was very helpful. Great cafe and recommend the coffee and biscuits!
October 2021
A bit of a hidden gem really, very good and informative displays in a well laid out and spacious environment, we particularly liked the community involvement with a group of local children very actively enjoying the surroundings, the coffee shop and the engaging and helpful staff. If anything the museum could sell itself to the public better - we nearly didn't go in as there was little to explain what was inside other than the art galleries
May 2022
Great little museum. Very informative about the history of the area and even our teenagers enjoyed the dinosaur exhibit.
August 2022
Excellent museum that tells the story of the town and local area and also has space for changing exhibitions. Also acts as the local visitor info centre and has plenty of information about things to do in the area. There's also a nice gift shop and super little cafe.
September 2023
Brilliant Museum and the cafe is excellent
September 2023
Had a nice meal here upon arrival in Lymington. Very pleasant helpful staff. Also, a very nice gift shop, and Tourist Information centre.
October 2023
Visited on a damp day on my own, interesting museum and a good Art Gallery within the same building. Very nice and well staffed cafe area with a good selection of tasty food and nice coffee.
October 2023
pleasant cafe also
February 2024
On a skippered Luxury Flybridge Motor Boat, Hermit Charters gives you the opportunity to take a small party of friends on a luxury experience on the water without breaking the bank. For families or private parties, it’s a delightful way to head out fishing to catch bass, plaice, black bream or needles cod, or simply to enjoy the view from the water. You can even take the family dog on board!
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Fab location with great garden and pool.
July 2020
Offering you a chance to explore the Solent like never before, Escape Yachting is a luxurious opportunity to get out on the water on charters, day trips, corporate events and group getaways run by an experienced team who pay careful attention to detail.
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Puffin Cruises in Lymington is a fun and exciting way to explore this part of the world and see its natural beauty from the water, whether you’re merely enjoying the ferry service, taking a 30 minute river cruise or opting for an hour long picnic or sunset cruise - there’s something for every mood. Trips run daily from the town’s historic quay, weather permitting!
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June 2018
Really enjoyed this fun, informative trip around the Lymingron river passing the beautiful yachts in the marina and spotting the birds in the sea grass.
June 2019
Excellent 30 minute cruise around the harbour! We would book again no problem! Our captain was Phil who was very knowledgeable and courteous.
September 2021
Would loved to have experienced this cruise but it was closed the entire week that we stayed in Lymington
October 2021
Lovely trip out on the boat. We had the boat to ourselves and my children both had a turn at driving which they were really pleased about. I wish they did trips that were a little longer than half an hour.
April 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable
May 2022
Very interesting and enjoyable trip down the river. Wish it had been longer!
July 2022
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December 2022
Ver clean, comfortable boat and the Captain was friendly and very informative
September 2023
First class
September 2023
A pleasant river trip, and informative. Worth taking 30 mins to do this.
September 2023
A fun and relaxing way to spend half an hour. Would recommend but wish they did longer cruises too
September 2023
An endearing 200-year-old inn which welcomes families and dogs. A great place for a drink or bite to eat. You’ll find a selection of excellent real ales and drinks which can be taken outside to a large, pretty beer garden, equipped with big play area for the youngsters. If it’s a nippy, inside is a huge log fire to keep you warm and toasty. Food at The White Heart is really good, with menus offering some exciting alternatives to the usual pub classics.
The White Hart (T: 01590 673495) 17 Milford Road, Lymington, SO41 8DF
The White Hart wasn’t as bury as expected when we visited on Friday night. The staff were very friendly, the food was delicious with generous portions and a decent price. We would definitely eat here again.
October 2018
Nice pub, we had a Sunday carvery, food was good.
February 2019
Gluten free menu available which was great, lovely food
April 2019
Lovely welcoming pub after our first night walk.
May 2019
Lovely pub, excellent food. Give it a try!
October 2019
Loved this place. Great food. Large portions at a fair price. Recommended
September 2020
The food was great and the staff were lovely. We had our dog and 4 year old granddaughter with us and everyone was happy
September 2020
Friendly but food was terrible especially the pizza which we had to send back.
July 2021
Waited a long time for our food, but pub was nice enough.
September 2021
Lovely food. Friendly staff and lovely atmosphere. Great children’s play area too.
August 2022
A friendly informal pub with open fires and outdoor seating. The Musketeer stocks a good selection of real ale, cider, wines and spirits. A pleasant spot to stop off for a drink although they do serve staple food such as curries, soups and sandwiches. Dogs welcome.
The Musketeer (T: 01590 676527) 26 North St, Lymington SO41 8FZ
A large, stylish gastro pub with coastal views and a sunny garden for al fresco dining. Commited to all things British and local, the menu is full of excellent local and seasonal fare accompanied by locally sourced ales and quality wines and spirits.
The Mayflower (T: 01590 672160) Lymington SO41 3QD
Great pub right on the marina, fantastic for kids with a big garden out front with a wooden climbing gym and play area. Highly recommend when the weather is nice and especially if you have kids. Food was very nice and they even made breakfast solely for us when we arrived a bit late one morning and they'd already stopped service. Very appreciated!
July 2017
We called in here on our first night , and not expecting too much the whole family had one of the most enjoyable meals we have ever had. My daughters can be quite fussy but this time no complaints at all. Helpful staff ,thank you
September 2018
Lovely pub great food and atmosphere
January 2020
We ate at The Mayflower twice along with our two dogs. The food and service was excellent
March 2020
Excellent meal & staff were brilliant and worked so hard with the social distancing.
August 2020
Good but over priced
June 2021
Lovely garden to sit and enjoy a coffee or a beer.
September 2021
Lovely food and friendly staff. Well worth a visit.
October 2021
Great beer garden, friendly service and can thoroughly recommend the Sunday lunch roast - do book if you want to go as it is very popular for Sunday lunch.
June 2023
Only about 100 yards from the property. Good service, nice seating outside if the weather permits. Good beer and wine - food ok.
July 2023
Nice restaurant with a good atmosphere. Vegetarian menu choice could be improved.
July 2023
Very expensive and no choice on a Sunday
July 2023
A very good meal and we loved the doughnuts.
August 2023
Was quiet when we visited,friendly staff and good pint. Couple of negatives…. Staff coming off duty tended to congregate at bar and were very loud and a lot of fruity language. Could also smell cigarette smoke in bar area.
October 2023
Lovely pub, went here most evenings for an after walk pint or coffee. Very friendly staff and Manager. Only criticism is they stop serving food at 6pm on a Sunday. We got there at 645 and would have preferred to eat here rather then the other pub (Ship) up the road.
February 2024
Once a popular haunt for smugglers, the clientele are a bit less rowdy at the Fisherman’s rest these days and come to enjoy the friendly atmosphere, good food and real ales. Choose from a menu of well-cooked pub classics to enjoy inside in the dining room or outside on the terrace.
The Fishermans Rest (T: 01590 670754) Lymington SO41 8FD
We enjoyed an early evening meal at thus pub. It was very convenient to our cottage. Everything was lovely. The staff were so friendly and helpful. The food delicious and the wine list pretty reasonable too. The ambience was good. It's a pretty traditional pub in its decor and that is meant to be positive because it helped create a very warm, comfortable and inviting environment. We will definitely return if we come back to Lymington.
June 2017
We went 3 or 4 times during our stay in Lymington. It's a very welcoming little pub with a small but very nice outside area. Kids are welcome and the food is fantastic. Possibly the best burger I've ever eaten! Would definitely recommend.
July 2017
We really enjoyed this pub/restaurant the food was really good, also the beer, consequently we ate here three times. Staff very friendly, helpful and obliging. However it is essential to book a table.
June 2019
Lovely pub/restaurant with great food. A nice place to go for an evening meal
September 2019
Had some lovely meals here but fish and chips were greasy. Sticky toffee pudding was fabulous as were the other fish main courses we had. Bad idea to use the grill for toast - too hot - burnt.
September 2019
Delicious fish and seafood
August 2020
Every time we are on holiday ,The Fisherman Rest is top of our list for dining .Super meals great menu and staff welcoming.
September 2020
We visited twice during our stay in Lymington. The dressed and baked crab were delicious and staff were friendly and helpful
September 2020
Lovely pub , the food was brilliant especially the fish curry.
June 2021
Good food, friendly staff, accept dogs
July 2021
Excellent pub restaurant
July 2021
We had a lovely meal here, great service, and friendly staff
July 2021
Excellent, very friendly and welcoming
July 2021
A very pleasant pub, with garden. Food good. We experienced mainly very friendly staff but one member of staff seemed more intent on getting us to order earlier than we wished, so we would get off the table in time she explained when asked.
September 2021
Excellent Sunday lunch. Helpful and pleasant staff. Dogs welcome
September 2021
Very close by lovely friendly, great good
October 2021
Great quality food. Good menu
October 2021
Had 2 excellent meals at this dog friendly pub. Lovely atmosphere.
April 2022
We went here twice during our one week stay in Lymington. The food and service were both excellent. For what we had we felt we had good value for money.
August 2022
Lovely pub, friendly staff & excellent food, especially fish specials
January 2023
Enjoyed our meal very much. The staff were warm and welcoming and the menu quite varied. Food was very good.
July 2023
Great food and very helpful in finding us a quiet spot with room for our sleeping baby
August 2023
An absolutely fantastic Sunday lunch - beef and pork was superb
September 2023
Visited the Fishermen's Rest, which was an easy 5 minute walk from the accommodation. The staff were very helpful and welcoming, the food was delicious (we visited on a Sunday and one of us had the Roast and one the fish of the day) and the atmosphere was good. We wanted to return but run out of days.
October 2023
Not a good experience, checked website and it stated that food is served until 8pm on Sunday. Arrived with 6 people at 7pm to be told kitchen closes at 430 on Sundays and the keep forgetting to ask Fullers to update website. Didn’t seem interested in serving us a drink was more interested in chatting to couple with Yappy dog at the bar.. Looks like a nice pub from the outside. Must have just have caught staff on a off night on this occasion.
February 2024
Popular with walkers due to its location to the salt marshes and sea wall, just outside Lymington. This is a pretty 16th Century pub with stove to warm you up in the winter and veritable sun trap in the walled garden in the summer months. Food here is really good. You’ll find familiar pub favourites alongside an exciting specials board, making the most out of local produce. Check out the great selection of real ales and don’t miss live music on summer weekends.
The Chequers (T: 01590 673415) Lymington SO41 8AH
A very homely, characterful sort of pub. Very big if you include the two marquees on either side of the pub where they have big screen TVs to watch sport. We went early on a Saturday morning to watch a Lions test and they were so well set up. Coffee mugs and big flasks on the bar, help yourself at £2 a cup, plus bacon rolls at half time. Very impressed! Food is touch and go but on the whole not bad. Definitely worth a visit.
July 2017
A great pub. We stopped by for a drink during our bike ride. We arrived a little early before opening time! The landlord was very helpful and friendly. Beautiful garden at the rear, not to be missed.
September 2017
friendly staff quick service and good atmosphere.
September 2018
Lovely food and good price
April 2019
A typical old country pub with lots of atmosphere good food at a reasonable price and the beer was good as well. Dinning room rather small, but there is a large outside eating area with its own courtyard bar.
June 2019
Excellent friendly pub with lovely food & drink. We go at least once every time we visit Lymington.
October 2019
Very busy at Sunday lunch, but food good, apart from undercooked cauliflower. Roast beef was excellent. Service was a bit slow, but not a problem for us.
September 2020
Lovely pub just 10 mins walk from the cottage. The menu was limited and a bit on the expensive side but in the circumstances they did very well. Excellent covid measures and heated marquee in place. Highly recommended
May 2021
Had two very good meals here .
June 2021
Bustling old world pub, with friendly staff and very,very good food.
September 2021
Lovely food and staff, and 2 min walk from annex
March 2022
Good basic pub grub, friendly service
August 2023
Great traditional pub with excellent food and drink. Friendly bar staff. Would recommend this pub for Sunday lunch and evening meals.
April 2024
A beautiful shingle beach with pretty painted beach huts, plenty of parking, and excellent coastal walks along Hurst spit to Hurst Castle with clear views of the Isle of Wight and needles. The superb Raft Rocks Restaurant is worth a visit with its Art deco style and roof terrace. You can also walk across the wildlife marshes to Keyhaven harbour and (in season) take the boat to Hurst Castle or the Isle of Wight.
Lovely village, plenty of shops and places to eat - no post office though.
June 2017
Fantastic sea location with goods pubs, shops etc
November 2017
Great for a dog walk along the spit to Hurst Castle. Needles Eye cafe is a welcome break, quite good food but very busy and a bit basic.
December 2017
great walking area, small cafe-the needles, children climbing play park- crashing waves over stoned beach
March 2019
Love Milford on Sea so old fashioned hasn't changed much since I use go as a child in the 1960/70s
April 2019
Due to my husband breaking his leg we hired a mobility scooter for our holiday. It was a joy to ride along the front at Milford. Wonderful views of The Needles and lots of benches along the way too. Great access from the car parks. Would be great if the short path from Milford to Keyhaven could be the same good surface. We felt the rough stones would be too hard to ride on.
June 2019
Lovely village with adequate shops on a very pretty green.
September 2019
Good place to go if you have a buggy or wheelchair as there is a tarmac path along the top of the cliffs with great views of the Needles, plenty of parking and a kiosk serving refreshments.
September 2020
One of my favourite places
July 2021
A proper gem. Great location for the new forest. The village is great and was only a short walk from our house. Not too busy or full of holiday makers. We will be back.
October 2021
Beautiful beach with views to The Isle of Wight. Good for swimming, picnics and walking. Very good car parking and public toilets. Lots of good places to eat and drink either next to the beach or in the village, a short walk away
July 2022
Brilliant beach.
September 2022
Lovely quiet location for a beach walk. Great for watching the sea and waves without the crowds.
June 2023
Milford on Sea is a very quintessential English village which has retained all its charm. The seafront is a delight to stroll along and The Needles Eye Cafe produces lovely coffee and lunches which is well worth a visit. A walk around Sturt Pond is also enjoyable and through to the village.
June 2023
A lovely place to stay. So much to see and do locally and within easy reach.
August 2023
Lovely sea walk within 15 minutes of the cottage.
March 2024
A stony beach with sandy areas as the tide goes out, and a great spot to do some fossil hunting. The cliffs are subject to considerable coastal erosion and at times parts of the beach can be cordoned off. The Beachcomber Café on the cliff top is one of the most popular cafés in the region. Plenty of parking in car parks along the cliff top as well as on-road parking.
Super walk, nice and easy and great place for a meal or tea and cake by the car park.
April 2019
A pleasant walk along the cliff top and along the beach. There was less cliff than last time we went to the New Forest.
June 2023
A picturesque, tree-lined beach of shingle, and sand at low tide. Good facilities on the cliff top including an excellent tea room, public toilets, baby change and a children’s play area in the Castle gardens. Plenty of parking and sloping access down to the beach. Highcliffe Castle beach is dog-friendly all year round.
Lovely clean sandy beach and a really i would highly recommend this spot for your car to break down takes the ouch out of waiting for the recovery truck
April 2017
Lovely
April 2019
Very picturesque beach with great access, looks good for a beach day
October 2021
Highcliffe beach, beneath the popular Cliffhanger Restaurant is a part sandy, part pebble beach. The beach has sloping access as well as steps down to the shore from the pay and display clifftop car park. To the east, Highcliffe beach towards Barton on Sea is a part sandy beach at the foot of the second most eroded cliff in England. This side of the beach is dog-friendly all year. However do check the tide times as high tide can make it difficult to walk along the beach.
To the west towards Highcliffe Castle beach, the promenade leads across the top of the small beaches inbetween the groynes with views across Christchurch Bay and Hengistbury Head. Groynes 4-8 have dog restrictions as does the promenade during the summer months, May-September.
A family friendly beach close to Mudeford and Christchurch Harbour with plenty to do for all. For those with disabilities or small children there is a beach level carpark, and to keep everyone safe there is a designated bathing area and a seperate area allocated for watersports, all overseen by lifeguards in the summer months. This pretty sand and shingle beach is backed by trees and countryside and if you fancy some fresh local seafood or simply a coffee, ice cream or a cold drink, the beach is home to the excellent Noisy Lobster, serving breakfast, lunch and supper all year round.
Beautiful beach, lots of sand for youngsters- definitely been high on our favourites list, for more than 30 years and still is now the 'children' are nearly 30! - well worth the drive from New Forest. The Noisy Lobster is great and now has an 'outdoor upstairs' too. The Beach Cafe, half-way along, is excellent too- used to do very good carrot cake! The connecting beach towards Steamer Point is dog-friendly all year which is a bonus. Walking to the quay end, you can catch the ferry to Hengistbury Head which is beautiful beach too and often quieter (top favourite!) Even this last week (JULY 2021) the 'kids' wanted to crab-fish from Mudeford Quay!!
August 2021
Nice beach with good facilities
April 2023