Lymington

Lymington (population over 14,000) is a popular market town on the southern edge of the New Forest National Park between Southampton and Bournemouth.

The town sits at the western end of the Solent and is renowned as a sailing resort. There are two large marinas and two sailing clubs. Close to the sailing clubs is an open-air seawater bath that was built in 1833.

Lymington has a number of interesting independent shops including some designer boutiques. On Saturdays a popular market is held in the High Street; the market’s origins are thought to date back to the 13th century. From the bottom of the High Street you can follow a cobblestone road down to the Old Town Quay, which is still used as a base by commercial fishing boats. There is a car ferry service from Lymington across to the Isle of Wight.

Lymington has a community cinema and a recreation centre with a swimming pool. Just off the High Street, St. Barbe Museum has been established to tell the special story of the coastal strip between the New Forest and The Solent, with its fascinating past and present.