Lymington is where New Forest meets coast, and where stylish rubs up against casual. It has long been a destination for the yachtie set as it’s well known as an international sailing hub. Situated where Lymington River runs into the Solent, Lymington has a history of boat building, glamorous marinas, sailing clubs, and access to some of the finest sailing in the world on the sheltered waters of the Solent.
However, Lymington offers much more. This upmarket market town is the real deal with a weekly Saturday morning market, established back in the 13th century, which helps to give Lymington its bustling year-round energy.
Lymington attracts families, early retirees, London escapees, occasional commuters and second homeowners as it provides a relatively easy getaway. The drive through the Forest from the M27/A31 is picturesque, but can be slow. However, Lymington benefits from a station on a branch line running between the ferry terminal for the Isle of Wight (Yarmouth in 40 minutes) and Brockenhurst, where mainline services to London Waterloo take one hour 40 minutes (more or less).
School choices are strong. Lymington Infant School and Our Lady and St Joseph Primary are both ‘outstanding’ according to Ofsted, while Pennington Infant School, Lymington Junior School, Pennington Junior School and Priestlands Secondary are all ‘good’. Independents include Walhampton, a day and boarding school for boys and girls from two to 13, judged ‘excellent’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
As for that dream home? Take your pick from country estates and Georgian townhouses to Edwardian family homes, striking new builds, and waterfront apartments. So-called ‘South of the High Street’, a leafy residential area close to the marinas, attracts the highest prices. Pennington offers relatively good value property, and further west, Milford on Sea, an old fishing village around a pretty green, is also popular with home hunters.
EXPLORE
Lymington offers an outdoorsy, activity-led lifestyle that will appeal to cyclists, walkers and water sports enthusiasts. Walkers can stroll along the breezy seawall with its stunning views across mudflats and saltmarshes (all that remains of what was once the biggest sea salt industry in the country) to the Isle of Wight. Just to the north, the New Forest offers mile upon mile of wild heathland and woodland, criss-crossed by walking, running and cycling routes. And, of course, there are plenty of opportunities for both beginners and the experienced to get out on the water. These include Lymington Kayaks, Lymington Sea School and SUP Styles for Stand Up Paddleboarding. Escape Yachting offer sailing experiences or you can join one of the sailing clubs such as Lymington Town Sailing Club, Royal Lymington Yacht Club and Salterns Sailing Club. The last is run for children by children and based in an old saltpan, an ideal Swallows and Amazons environment.
More family-friendly exploits can be enjoyed at Lymington’s retro sea water baths. Opened in 1833, they’re the oldest in the UK and large enough to accommodate a massive fun inflatable obstacle course. Although this is not the classic bucket and spade resort, simple and nostalgic childhood fun can be had by crabbing on the quayside. Nets and buckets can be bought, along with an ice cream, on quaint cobbled Quay Hill as you wander down to the river. Alternatively, simply sit with a coffee and cake from Coffee & Drift and watch the world float by.
If you have worked up an appetite, Lymington doesn’t disappoint it has eateries galore from character pubs to fine dining restaurants. Just a few to mention are: Michelin-recommended The Elderflower where the owners source fresh fish direct from Lymington’s waterfront; Stanwell House’s Samphire restaurant and Salt Bar; The Larder deli, café and tapas bar; Monkey Brewhouse with live music Friday and Saturday evenings; The Haven with ‘wraparound’ view of the Solent; and The Tinker’s Granddaughter, a vegan café with supper club and Sunday roast club. Foodies will also be pleased to note that they don’t have to travel. Quality independents include Hoxton Bakehouse and Solent Cellar wine merchant alongside a Waitrose and M&S Food. The Saturday morning street market sells everything from fresh fish to bric-a-brac. Otherwise, Lymington’s handsome Georgian High Street is lined with chic designer boutiques, art galleries and coastal style interior stores.
Arts facilities focus around St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery. This dynamic little museum, tucked off the High Street and behind a wavy frontage, provides a fascinating insight into the history of Lymington and the New Forest coast, from salt to smuggling, as well as a lively events programme. Look out for children’s activities, adult workshops, community happenings and exhibitions including Cabaret Mechanical Marvels (until 8 September) and Lymington Afloat (from 14 September-11 January 2024). Further along the coast, Forest Arts Centre in New Milton has an extensive line up of creative clubs, live music (such as Curved Air on 16 August) comedy, burlesque and dance.
BAG A PROPERTY
Andrew Grice, Director, Coastal Sales, Spencers Coastal
‘After a slow and uncertain 2023 I am pleased to report that buyers are once more setting sail for Lymington. We have been looking for sunny spells in the otherwise damp squib of this spring to take the best photographs possible of an increased number of houses coming to the market.
‘Despite the drizzle, Spencers Lymington office had one of its strongest spring quarters for sales between February and April which was made possible by an improved level of commitment from buyers and some beautiful new properties to bring to the market.
‘Interest rate uncertainty has kept the sub £1,000,000 market steady rather than booming, but there have been some very notable and swift sales achieved in Lymington’s prime market in excess of £2,000,000 including a beautiful new build house in Milford on Sea with views to the Solent and a guide price of £3,995,000.
‘With an earlier general election than anticipated and increasing positivity that interest rates will follow a downward trajectory, there is a definite sense that both buyers and sellers have a growing sense of purpose about making a move.
‘We registered the interest of as many London and second-home buyers in April and May than we did in all of last year which is a clear indicator of a positive environment for property sales in our beautiful town and its surrounding villages.
‘These buyers are enthusiastic but selective. They are taking their time to find the right house, rather than any house, and are also closely researching comparable properties with a keen eye on value for money.
‘Overall, it has been an encouraging start to the year, and while I don’t foresee a sudden boom in prices, swifter sales are on the increase and there is a sense of calmer waters ahead.’
TOWN LIFE
Cllr Jack Davies, Town Mayor
‘I have been lucky enough to live in this beautiful part of the world my whole life. I was first elected to the Town Council at the age of 20 in a by-election in 2016. I was tied for votes with another candidate and won after my name was drawn out of a Tesco Bag-for-Life!
‘My decision to stand for the Town Council was made because I felt that local people were being ignored and forgotten. The best part about being a local councillor is having the power to help people. It’s a job I love.
‘Last year, at the age of 27, I became the youngest Mayor in Lymington and Pennington’s history. The response from local people has been incredible. People are so happy to see a young, energetic Mayor focusing on issues like housing and the environment.
‘Working full-time and attending lots of meetings, it’s always nice to get a rare day off to explore different parts of the town. We are very lucky to have Buckland Rings, an iron-age hillfort, within the town boundary as well as a stunning nature reserve between Lymington and Keyhaven which can be walked via the sea wall.
‘Representing the people of this beautiful seaside town is the honour of my life.’
