Lymington, Hampshire: Georgian Harbour Town, Salt History & Things to Do

Lymington is a harbour town on the Solent, on the southern edge of the New Forest, looking across the water to the Isle of Wight. Its broad High Street of Georgian houses runs down to a cobbled lane and the old quay, where yachts crowd the river.

Why Lymington Is Special

Lymington combines the charms of a market town and a sailing harbour. Its High Street is full of independent shops, and its Saturday market has been held for centuries.

The salt marshes along the coast are a haven for birds and walkers, and the New Forest begins just north of the town.

The History of Lymington

About 1200 the lord of the manor, William de Redvers, created the borough of New Lymington around the present quay and High Street. He gave the town its first charter and the right to hold a market.

Lymington was famous for salt-making from the Middle Ages up to the 19th century. There was an almost continuous belt of salt workings along the coast towards Hurst Spit, where sea water was evaporated in pans, and traces of them can still be seen in the marshes.

Today the town faces Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, and a car ferry crosses the Solent between them.

Things to Do in Lymington

Walk down the High Street and the cobbled Quay Hill to the Town Quay, and visit St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery for the town's story. Come on a Saturday for the market.

Walk the sea wall path through the salt marshes towards Keyhaven, with views of the Isle of Wight and Hurst Castle.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Lymington

The New Forest National Park begins at the edge of town; see our guides to the New Forest and Beaulieu. Exbury Gardens is famous for its rhododendrons and azaleas.

The Isle of Wight is a short ferry ride away; see our guide to the Isle of Wight.

Lymington Through the Seasons

Spring brings Exbury's azaleas into flower. Summer is the sailing season. Autumn and winter bring wildfowl to the salt marshes, and Christmas lights to the High Street.

Getting to Lymington

Lymington Town and Lymington Pier stations are on the branch line from Brockenhurst, on the main line from London Waterloo. Ferries run to Yarmouth.

Lymington: Questions & Answers

Is there a ferry from Lymington to the Isle of Wight?

Yes. A car ferry crosses the Solent from Lymington to Yarmouth.

When is Lymington market?

On Saturdays, in the High Street.

Our Advice

Our advice: Come on a Saturday for the market, walk the sea wall in the afternoon, and finish with supper by the quay.