Lymington

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The historic town of Lymington offers plenty for the visitor to the New Forest. This colourful coastal town is an ancient seaport with a rich maritime history.

Situated on the west bank of the Lymington River, on the edge of the Solent, Lymington is a major yachting centre with three marinas.

The town began as an Anglo-Saxon village and is recorded in the Domesday Book as ‘Lentune’. From the Middle Ages and up to the 19th century, Lymington was well-known for its salt making and from the early 19th century a thriving ship building industry.

Much of the architecture you see today in Lymington is Georgian and Victorian. The High Street, which looks predominantly Georgian, is in fact made up of an eclectic mix of Georgian, Victorian, Art Deco with some traces of Medieval architecture.

At the top of the High Street sits the Church of St Thomas. A church has been at this location since the mid-thirteenth century and parts of the current church date back from the early thirteenth century. This Grade II Listed building was badly damaged during the English Civil War, when Puritans occupied it. Over subsequent centuries architectural additions have been added to the building including the tower and cupola. Within the church take a look at the magnificent glass doors and needlework.

With its strong maritime connections, it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that Lymington was once famous for smuggling. The vicar of the Church of St Thomas once used to allow smugglers to store their contraband within the church’s tower!

Things to do in Lymington

You will never be bored in Lymington with all of the fantastic things to do in this lovely town. Head on down to Lymington on a Saturday and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a traditional street market along the High Street. The popular market offers everything from local fine foods to craftwork and antiques and has around 100 stalls. Soak up the history of this market which has had a charter from 1250.

Visit the family-friendly St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery which occupies a former Victorian school building. The museum takes visitors on a journey of the history of Lymington from the times of William the Conqueror through to World War II. It also houses temporary exhibitions. An on-site café makes a welcome stop and is open to people even if they aren’t going into the museum or art gallery.

Make a wander through the pretty cobbled streets of the old town and on to The Quay to watch the luxury yachts and fishing boats come and go.

Near to the Royal Lymington Yacht Club you will find Lymington’s famous sea water baths which date back to 1833. These are the oldest sea water baths in the UK and are a popular addition to the town in the summer months. To this day, visitors can bathe in these waters and offer not only swimming but inflatable fun, stand up paddle boarding and aqua jousting.

If you enjoy walking then a bracing walk along the 10 miles of nearby Lymington to Keyhaven nature reserve is a must. Look out for wetland birds, take in views of The Needles on the Isle of Wight and breathe in the fresh, salty air.

Take a boat trip from the quayside and enjoy views of the marina and towards the Solent to see the Isle of Wight. A variety of different trips are available. Another way to take to the waters is with Escape Yachting, who offer relaxing sailing experiences including sunset cruises.

Lymington boasts a wide range of unique and interesting shops including several boutiques, great for picking up a new outfit or simply a souvenir of your visit!

Whilst on your visit to Lymington, don’t forget to look out for the gold post box, a tribute to Sir Ben Ainslie for winning Gold in the London 2012 Olympics.

Events in Lymington

As well as the regular markets, Lymington holds a variety of events throughout the year. The Lymington Seafood Festival descends on the town for a weekend in summer bringing with it stalls, cookery demonstrations and a live music stage.

The Lymington Centre offers cinema, theatre and comedy for locals and visitors and the St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery has events throughout the year including exhibitions, family activities and workshops.

In the summer, look out for the Lymington Carnival (usually taking place in July).

Sailing enthusiasts will enjoy the regattas and the popular Thursday evening racing hosted by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club.

Keep an eye on our what’s on pages as we share with you details of other events coming up in and around Lymington.

Places to stay in Lymington

If you're looking to take a break in Lymington, there are plenty of places to stay to choose from. There are a couple of hotels that can be found near to Lymington town centre; Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel & Resort, both offering swimming pools. Or try the Mill at Gordleton, set halfway between Lymington and Sway.

There are a variety of B&Bs and Guest Houses on offer in and around Lymington including Victorian cottages, a converted barn and many properties offering both en-suite facilities and on-site parking.

If you prefer self-catered options then look out for several self-catering properties and holiday cottages or lodges at such as Hackney Park and Kings Hyde Cottage. Use the search box on this page to check the types of property on offer and their availability for when you plan on visiting.

Where to eat and drink in Lymington

Relax and enjoy some delicious food and drink in one of the many fine-dining establishments Lymington has to offer. You will find loads of places to eat along the High Street and around the quay, perhaps a spot of afternoon tea one of the town’s charming tea rooms and cafes is what you need or maybe some classic pub grub at one of the many watering holes in the town.

Getting to Lymington

Lymington has its own railway station. Mainline trains link London Waterloo to nearby Brockenhurst, there’s then a short journey by train or bus to Lymington.

Regular bus services with Bluestar connect Lymington from Bournemouth and Southampton.

There is a regular ferry service from the Isle of Wight offered by Wightlink ferries.

Highlights

Kings Hyde Cottage

Recently renovated 18th Century Stables, this well equipped Contemporary Cottage offers guests a…

New Forest Bikes

We provide bikes for hire to enjoy beautiful scenery following our coastal route or getting close…

The Old Chapel

The Old Chapel is a self catering Bed and Breakfast accomadation, perfect for the independent…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
753 reviews
Shorefield Country Park

Milford-on-Sea
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Set near the scenic Milford on Sea clifftop, Shorefield Country Park is an award-winning, family run holiday park based in the south of the New Forest. With plenty of open spaces to discover right on your doorstep, from the rolling landscapes of the…
Special Offers
- 10% Deposit
  Take advantage of Shorefield Holiday's low deposit offer.
  
  The family-run holiday park understands the need to be flexible at the moment too with all the uncertainty around, which is why all 2021 holidays are covered by their Booking Guarantee.
  Deposits are either 10% of your total holiday OR £50 for self-catering accommodation (whichever is greater). The 10% deposit promotion is valid for all new bookings made between 1st February 2021 – 28th February 2021. The 10% deposit is taken from the total price of your holiday, including any extras.
  Normal booking T&C’s apply and balances must be paid 4 weeks prior to your holiday arrival date.
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Lymington Seafood Festival

Lymington

Three days of fishy fun, delicious food and drink stalls from local artisan producers. Taking place at Bath Road in Lymington this August Bank Holiday Weekend on 29th, 30th & 31st August 2020, after what has been a tough few months for everyone.

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New Forest Cottages

Lymington
Awards

Other Awards Book Direct 2019
With over 150 holiday cottages to choose from, New Forest Cottages will help you find your perfect family holiday, dog friendly cottage or romantic break.
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
53 reviews
The Old Chapel

Sway
Awards

Other Awards Book Direct 2019
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
The Old Chapel is a self catering Bed and Breakfast accomadation, perfect for the independent discerning person who like some history and nature whist enjoying luxury accommodation.
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The Mill at Gordleton

Sway

Relax and unwind in one of our beautiful bedrooms.

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Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel Conference Residential Venue

Lymington

Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel is an ideal venue for your business meeting or conference. Set on the edge of the New Forest countryside, our hotel provides a relaxing and comfortable retreat from the stresses and strains of the office.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
72 reviews
Rudder's of Lymington

Lymington
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Rudder's of Lymington is a detached property offering annexed, ground floor luxury en-suite rooms, with one having the benefit of its own patio garden. There is private parking and all rooms are independently accessed.
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Lymington Seafood Festival

Lymington

Lymington descends into a foodies paradise from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th with the annual Seafood Festival. With views across the Solent estuary this boutique event is one of the south’s best kept secrets!
Crammed full of every imaginable…

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1143 reviews
South Lawn Hotel

Milford on Sea
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
The South Lawn Hotel is positioned between the New Forest National Park and the splendid Hampshire coastline. It is just 10 minutes from the idyllic market town of Lymington.
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The Mill at Gordleton Conference Residential Venue

Sway

Conference Room - Our meeting room is ideal for small corporate meetings, functions and seminars.

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New Forest Bikes

Lymington

We provide bikes for hire to enjoy beautiful scenery following our coastal route or getting close to nature through the New Forest routes.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
338 reviews
Lytton Lawn Touring Park

Milford On Sea
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Lytton Lawn offers spectacular views over the Isle of Wight, and is a wonderful camping and touring park to visit at any time of year.
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17 reviews
Kings Hyde Cottage

Lymington
Awards

Other Awards Book Direct 2019
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Awards

The AA AA COVID Confident Scheme 2021
Recently renovated 18th Century Stables, this well equipped Contemporary Cottage offers guests a country retreat with easy access to both the Open Forest and the beautiful South Coast. The ground floor accommodation has a fully fitted kitchen,…
Special Offers
- Late availability for a stay at Kings Hyde Cottage, an enchanting retreat for couples. Come and stay for a relaxing week where you can walk straight from the cottage onto the open forest and maybe spot a pony or 2.
  23rd - 30th April 2021 £545.00
  More offers like this - Holiday Cottages & Self Catering Special Offers
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Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel Wedding Ceremony Venue

Lymington

Set within 23 acres of beautiful grounds, the 19th Century Manor House has retained its original character and features. Macdonald Elmers Court will provide you with the perfect surroundings for your special day, with spectacular photograph

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The Mill at Gordleton Wedding Ceremony Venue

Sway

All our weddings at the Mill are individual and unique. We will spend as much time as necessary with you to make sure everything is perfect.

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St Barbe Open Exhibition

Lymington

The St Barbe Open Exhibition was held for the first time in 1999 and 21 exhibitions later it is firmly established as a highlight in the local arts calendar: a celebration of the incredible array of talent found in Hampshire and Dorset. Each year…

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Sway and Setthorns Loop

Sway

9 miles (14.5 km)
This bike ride is great for families, showing you the best of the New Forest’s landscape. The cycle is mostly an off-road route on quiet gravel tracks starting and finishing at Sway Train Station.

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3D Coastal Landscapes

Lymington

1-2.30pm | Drop-in | FREE
BUZZ DAY: Feel inspired by our local coastal landmarks and make your own 3D model to take home!

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Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show

New Street, Lymington

The new 25th Anniversary show catapults Riverdance into the 21st century and will completely immerse you in the extraordinary and elemental power of its music and dance. 25 years ago, 7 minutes changed the face of Irish dancing forever. The…

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619 reviews
Walhampton Arms

Lymington

Set in the stunning New Forest, the Walhampton Arms is just a few minutes from the bustling Georgian market town of Lymington with views of the Isle of Wight across the Solent. It’s the perfect location to relax, explore or stay in in one of our…

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