Nestled on the Lymington River, Lymington is a historic port town where you can find Georgian-style architecture, a popular market and almost 20,000 luxury yachts. Lymington’s High Street is lined with upmarket fashion boutiques and inviting coffee shops, while the surrounding region reveals national parks, nature reserves and tranquil waterways.

Things to do

Immerse yourself in the local history and art culture at the St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, where you can browse historic photographs, check out old documents and admire paintings by regional artists. Drive about 30 minutes to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu to see 250-plus vintage vehicles and a section dedicated to the TV show “Top Gear”.

Stroll down High Street to admire Lymington’s collection of Georgian architecture and browse fashion boutiques, such as Millets, EAST and White Stuff Lymington. There’s also a produce and handicrafts market held once a month, while the restaurants serve up classic British and international fare.

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss visiting Lymington Nature Reserve, which has well-signed paths for walking and cycling along the coastline. Keep an eye out for unique birdlife and wildlife within the reserve’s salt lagoons and marshes. Don’t forget about New Forest National Park, where you can explore forest trails and spot native ponies, owls and wolves.

Admire one of England’s grandest manors in Pylewell Park, home to a 17th-century mansion with manicured lawns and a range of regular cultural events. Afterwards, check out the Buckland Rings, which showcases the site of an Iron-Age fort.

Getting around

Lymington is connected to nearby towns via buses from Lymington bus station, ferries across Lymington River and trains from the Lymington Pier and Lymington Town stations. The centre of town can be explored on foot and public buses service the outer areas, but a private car is best for flexible travel.