We declare it’s officially time to get excited about Christmas! If you are still pondering ‘shall we go away?’, we would say (obviously) a resounding yes – take a break, relax, and have some fun. But herein lies the quandary of where to go.
Have a look at Lymington in the New Forest. It is sure to tick all the boxes. It’s the National Park where the forest meets the sea offering a dual-centre holiday of beautiful coastline mixed with woodland and wildlife – just grab your wellies and your woollies for wintery walks galore. Here’s all you need to know about Lymington.
There’s no shortage of cosy pubs with crackling log fires and attractions to visit. For space to sprawl and freedom to set your own schedule, stay with New Forest Cottages. We have a huge choice of cottages in Lymington, including townhouses, large family homes, apartments, and cute, romantic hubs just for two.
Christmas in Lymington sees the Georgian town festooned with glittering decorations and Christmassy scenes – it’s well-known for being the epitome of seasonal sophistication. The popular high street is lined with independent shops, boutiques, and stores filled with products and produce with a strong emphasis on local, British and artisan. You’ll find shop windows decked out to the nines with twinkly lights, bauble-laden Christmas trees, and gifts and treats for friends and all the family. And make sure you take time for breaks to rest and refuel with delicious nibbles and tempting cakes from the countless cafes and tea houses along the way.
For magical walks along higgledy-piggledy tracks and frosty woodlands, the New Forest is a quick ten-minute jaunt in the car. Make sure to bring a camera as you’ll be walking alongside the National Park’s famous free-roaming ponies and donkeys.
For days out, Beaulieu, said by many to be one of the prettiest villages in the forest, is six miles east. It’s home to the National Motor Museum, Palace House, and Garden, which are well worth a visit. Head to Lymington’s harbour and take the Wightlink ferry for a day trip to the Isle Of Wight, or pay a visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and explore over 500 years of maritime history, looking around Nelson’s HMS Victory, the iconic Mary Rose and other fantastical vessels.
Children will love Paultons Park – home of Peppa Pig World, or an afternoon at Adventure Wonderland, and the ski bobs at Snowtrax artificial ski slope, while Mum and Dad enjoy a hot toddy or two in the alpine lodge. And who doesn’t love a good old pantomime? Nothing says Christmas like booing at the big bad villain (he’s behind you!…). You’ll find a cast of stars from the stage and screen at The Mayflower in Southampton and The Pavilion in Bournemouth, both within an hour’s drive.
There are rich pickings for places to book for an indulgent Christmas lunch in Lymington and the surrounding forest and coastal gastro pubs and hotels (and do make sure you book ahead).
When it comes to looking for a way to work off the Christmas pudding, blow away the cobwebs with a walk from Lymington to Keyhaven Nature Reserve and on to Milford on Sea, where if you’re lucky, you may spot seals playing in the waves from the beach.
A Christmas cottage in Lymington is the perfect place to disconnect from a busy life and soak up all the festive fun.
Take a look at our holiday cottages in Lymington
Read our top 10 Reasons To Visit Lymington