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The New Forest is a popular holiday destination. With plenty of nature to explore and becoming a national park in 2005, the area has plenty to offer holidaymakers.
Lymington was long rumoured to be the location of one of Johnny Depp’s house.
The Hollywood star was sighted all over New Forest, and even made an appearance at The Haven Bar and Restaurant back in 2013.
Lymington is a historic town with a long maritime history.
Holidaymakers wanting to explore New Forest or to go on a day trip to the Isle of Wight can use Lymington as a base.
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The town, on the edge of the Solent and located between Southampton and Bournemouth, has been named on the list of best seaside destinations by Which? readers.
Lymington has a long history of smuggling, with one particular anecdote shocking many a visitor.
The vicar of the church of St Thomas once upon the time allowed smugglers to store their ill-gained goods within the church’s towers.
Lymington is a traditional town and the Saturday market is a popular attraction with its 100 stalls selling everything from local produce to antiques.
The High Street is the location of the market, which has been held in Lymington since the 13th century.
The shopping street is lined by Georgian and Victorian buildings and a great place to spend an afternoon.
Lymington boasts two marinas, and a day on the water is a popular pastime for visitors and locals alike.
The cobbled streets surrounding Lymington Quay are also worth a look.
In town, the aforementioned church of St Thomas has foundations believed to date back to the reign of Henry III.
There has been a church on the site for 800 years, but the current church was largely rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries.
On Tripadvisor, Liz D said: “A delightful church in the heart of the town. Somewhere with peace and quiet and very interesting to visit.”
St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery is a fantastic place to learn more about Lymington and the area.
The museum explores the history of the town and the New Forest Coast and has hands-on displays.
Julia C said: “The museum is lovely, a small space filled with well displayed interesting exhibits that bring the local history alive, but not as much as the wonderful guide who delighted us with his stories and shared memories. What a treat.
“The art gallery was interesting and the shop full of high-quality beautiful things. We were so impressed with everything.”
Holidaymakers can also look for the gold post box of Sir Ben Ainslie, who won gold at the London Olympics.
The oldest sea water baths in the UK are located in Lymington and visitors would be remiss not to visit.
There’s loads to do at the open-air lido, with an inflatable obstacle course and stand-up paddle boards.
The water baths are opened seasonally and are currently closed until April 2022.
Outdoors enthusiasts can walk the Solent Way footpath to Keyhaven Nature Reserve.
The marshes reserve is a great place to birdwatch.
Adam P wrote: “Walks take you from Lymington Marina to Keyhaven along the sea wall and old salterns. Plenty of birdlife and beautiful views of the sea and Marsh areas.”
Further afield, visiting Britons can head to Hurst Castle.
JLM said: “Interesting castle, and a great walk to get there along the spit. great views as you are very close to the IoW.”
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