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Lymington

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About Lymington

Lymington is a port town, just inside the estuary of the Lymington River, where it opens out onto the Solent. So the yachting marina is nicely tucked away from the worst of the Channel’s weather, and has views across to the Isle of Wight. Lymington isn’t as grand as some of its New Forest neighbours, it’s Georgian, but in miniature, with low-rise townhouses and modest sized housing. It’s also welcoming, with a great array of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants. Some folk searching for the best places to stay in Lymington will be on the hunt for a dry bed for a few nights, but for many visitors this is the perfect New Forest base. Our Gurus’ recommendations include a great value B&B in town, a couple of foodie favourites, and a romantic hideaway.

Lymington is a proper yachtie haunt, and one of the pleasures of staying here is strolling along the marina’s edge on a sunny evening admiring all the boats. If you pop across to the Isle of Wight — there’s a car and pedestrian ferry that leaves from the opposite side of the river — you’ll see the yachts in action, crossing the Solent, and sailing around the island. Inland are the charms of the New Forest, with the opportunity for pony spotting, trail rides, rambling, and visits to Brockenhurst, and Beaulieu for the motor museum, and Buckler’s Hard for the pub, and history of boat building.

It may be small, but this is a very popular destination especially during the peak summer months. If you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Lymington in July or August, do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Lymington

For Romantics

  • Stanwell House has been converted from a townhouse in a super central spot between Lymington’s high street and the marina. Downstairs there are two restaurants, The Samphire, offering modern European cuisine, and the Salt Bar which has an all day bistro menu; plus a cocktail bar in a conservatory. Upstairs are 27 rooms and suites in a range of decorative style sand sizes. The Suites have private terraces, and the Four-Poster rooms have their own entrance to the garden — both ideal for a couples' getaway.

For Foodies

  • Just outside Lymington is a great restaurant with rooms, The Mill at Gordleton. It is picturesquely positioned next to a stretch of riverside so peaceful it’s known for its kingfishers. The cuisine is modern British, locally sourced and served, when it can be, on a terrace next to the water, or in the conservatory. There are just four rooms, all uniquely and simply decorated. As well as the riverside, The Mill has a charming secret garden.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

  • The Mayflower is a smartly renovated pub-with-rooms well positioned close to Lymington’s marina, and opposite the sailing club. There are only six rooms, named after historic yachts — our favourite is the one with the balcony — all simply decorated with nautical touches and imagery. The maritime decor is all over the pub downstairs too, in the AA Rosette awarded seafood restaurant, in the bar, and even on the lively terrace.

Best B&Bs

  • Britannia House is a cosy five room B&B, ideal if you’re looking for a home from home atmosphere. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated and filled with art and antiques. There are twin rooms, as well as more romantic options, and they also have an apartment. There’s a comfortable lounge, and the breakfasts are hearty.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • The closest airport to Lymington is Southampton Airport, which is about half an hour away by taxi or car, or about 50 minutes by train via Brockenhurst. London’s airports are next closest: Heathrow is about an hour and a half away by road, or about three hours by public transport. If you’re travelling via London by rail, the quickest route is out of Waterloo, and takes just over two hours.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Lymington is busiest during the spring and summer months, like the New Forest generally, but, while it’s certainly lovely to visit Hampshire when it’s sunny, this part of the world, close to the Isle of Wight, Southampton and Portsmouth, is a great place to visit in the autumn and winter too. Whenever you plan to visit there’s a decent chance you’ll see some rain — with more wet days in autumn and winter, so it’s definitely worth packing your waterproof gear, even if you’re visiting in the height of summer sunshine.

Still not sure where to stay?

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Best Hotels in Lymington

  • Britannia House Lymington (Hampshire) 5 rooms from CA$143

    Great walks  -  The New Forest has an abundance of routes of try The Solent Way coastal walk
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Hurst Castle, Henry VIII's fortress and Beaulieu Abbey-Palace House
    Sailing  -  Lymington is a sailing mecca
    Restrictions on children  -  Over 10's welcome
    GardenParkingNo pets

    Enjoy a memorable stay at this characterful "home away from home" B&B. Each of the five rooms are filled with artwork and antique pieces; richly coloured fabrics and furnishings. There is also a separate apartment to rent. Enjoy a hearty full English breakfast - fuel for the days outdoor pursuits! See More

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  • The Mayflower Lymington (Hampshire) 6 rooms from CA$185

    Local exploring  -  Whether you're a yachtie or land lubber, there's plenty in the surrounding area to keep everyone happy.
    Birdwatching  -  Britain's largest colony of Black headed gulls can be found in the North Solent Nature Reserve
    Sailing  -  Charter a boat and enjoy a day's sailing off the South Coast
    Sights nearby  -  Motor mueum at Beaulieu, plus gardens at Exbury and Furzey
    RestaurantGardenViews

    The Mayflower is a smart pub with rooms close to Lymington's marina. Six individually designed rooms, all with a cool nautical theme & one with private balcony. Dinners (AA Rosette standard) feature delicious locally sourced, seasonal fare. A great base for exploring the coast or New Forest. See More

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  • Stanwell House Lymington 27 rooms from CA$236

    Local exploring  -  Situated in the pretty market town of Lymington and right between The Solent and the New Forest National Park.
    Great walks  -  Grab a packed lunch and head out to explore the miles of beautiful countryside in the New Forest National Park.
    Local markets  -  Lymington's famous Saturday market is not to be missed, packed with the cream of local produce.
    Sights nearby  -  Check out the neighbouring historic towns of Winchester, Southampton, Romsey, and Lyndhurst.
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyParking

    Boutique townhouse hotel in the centre of delightful Lymington. Rooms feature large windows and contemporary chic design. A host of dining options including fine modern European cuisine, private dining and a laid back all day bistro menu. Well priced and placed for local exploring. See More

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  • The Mill at Gordleton Lymington 12 rooms from CA$253

    Foodies  -  Delicious food, crafted by Chef Toby Hill from only the best local produce- everything you eat is made in house, heaven!
    Country Escape  -  A charming converted mill, surrounded by flower filled gardens, right on the outskirts of the New Forest.
    Sights nearby  -  Less than 30 minutes away is the medieval Beaulieu Abbey.
    Great walks  -  Miles of countryside to be explored in the New Forest.
    RestaurantGardenParking
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Rural restaurant with rooms in an idyllic riverside location with "secret garden" and wildlife galore including kingfishers and heron. Pretty country rooms some of which feature lovely views over the river. Modern British cuisine and a snug bar. Ideally placed on the edge of the New Forest. See More

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