Lymington news, events and information

Lymington.com provides everything you need to know about Lymington, whether you live locally or are visiting the area. Lymington.com brings you local news, events, things to do and useful information, including where to stay, where to eat and drink, as well as places to visit; it is your local link. The Lymington.com Directory provides a comprehensive guide to local businesses and organisations, with a search function enabling you find what you are seeking.

About Lymington

Lymington is a pretty Georgian market town in the south of the New Forest, Hampshire. It is surrounded on three sides by the New Forest National Park, offering a delightful combination of wooded forest and open heathland. The town sits on the western bank of the beautiful Lymington River, leading onto the Solent, with idyllic views of the unspoilt coastline and the Isle of Wight. To the west of Lymington is a coastal nature reserve to Keyhaven and Hurst Castle, recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Lymington has a population of 15,407 (urban area, 2011 census). With the nearby parish of Boldre, including Walhampton, the population is 17,410. 

Georgian Market Town

Lymington’s town centre was predominantly built in Georgian times and has a number of very fine and attractive Georgian buildings, which lend an air of history and elegance, in particular along the High Street, with its hotels, inns, shops and other businesses. There are a number of excellent boutique shops and independent cafés, with a good choice of well-known retail outlets.

The large and busy Charter Market has origins back to the 13th century and fills both sides of the High Street from Church Street to Quay Street all day every Saturday, come rain or shine. The cobbled Quay Street leads down to the Old Town Quay, still used as a base by local fishing boats.

Lymington boasts a variety of restaurants for all tastes, and many excellent pubs, both in the town centre and on the outskirts, as well as further afield in many of the nearby New Forest villages.

Major Yachting Centre

A major yachting centre with three marinas; Lymington is the heart of the UK’s acknowledged Sailing Mecca and famous for its connections with Sir Ben Ainslie and other sailing legends. 

The open-air Sea Water Baths date from 1833 and has recently been restored, making a popular activity for locals and visitors throughout the summer months. The town also boasts a successful coastal rowing club and a host of other watersports including kayaking, powerboating and paddle-boarding.

Lymington has a vibrant marine industry, from chandlers, yacht sales and race crew management to yacht service, marine engineering and components. 

Between Forest and Sea: a wonderful place to live - or visit!

With all this in mind, it’s not surprising that Lymington is one of the “Best UK Coastal Towns in Which to Live”. Combined with accessible road and rail links north to London, west to Bournemouth and east to Southampton and beyond, as well as the car ferry service to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, the town combines practicality with pleasure; the perfect work-life balance. There are many excellent schools and a wealth of local sports, clubs and leisure activities.

The town has a large tourist industry, based on proximity to the New Forest and its harbour. There is holiday accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes; excellent hotels, pubs with rooms, bed and breakfasts, self catering holiday cottages, holiday parks, campsites - you can even stay in one of the marinas on a luxury yacht!