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Huddled between Southampton in Hampshire and Bournemouth in Dorset, the coastal Georgian town of Lymington is famed for its boating heritage but today offers a bustling weekly market and a high street with independent shops galore.

There are two marinas in the town. Journey a short way via the cobbles from the High Street and you’ll find yourself down at Old Town Quay. Here, you can breathe the sea air while gazing out to the Solent or meander the still busy waterfront where yachtsmen sail and fishermen sell their spoils. While in Lymington, you could try your hand at fishing or sailing and we’re sure yachties will want to get a snap of the gold post box painted in honour of local sailing star Sir Ben Ainslie after his London 2012 Olympic win.

For those who enjoy a longer amble, why not take the Solent Way footpath and enjoy views across to the Isle of Wight? In fact, a regular Wightlink ferry runs between Lymington and Yarmouth making this New Forest town the ideal base to explore more of the fascinating south coast.

Stay put in Lymington and you’ll find plenty to see and do. Henry VIII’s Hurst Castle, which played an important part in our military history throughout the ages, can be found on a shingle spit to the west. The reed beds, salt grass marshes and mudflats in the surrounds are an important coastal nature reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest which houses a variety of fish, wetland birds and plants.  A boat trip that takes in the Lymington River, the marinas and the nature reserve is a must.

Perhaps you prefer to be in the water than on it. If so, you’ll love the local outdoor sea water baths. The oldest of its kind in the UK, Lymington’s open air sea water pool was built in the 19th century and not only offers a refreshing swim on a summer’s day but water sports fun and activities besides.  

Should you not manage to sample something fresh-off-the-boat on the quayside or attend the annual seafood festival in August, make sure you find your way to one of Lymington’s eateries that include everything from cafes to traditional pubs to fine dining restaurants. Whatever time of year you plan to visit, we’ll make sure everything is plain sailing when it comes to booking your Lymington holiday cottage.