Lovely Lymington by morebus!

Celebs, ponies and lovely scenery!

The historian and television presenter Dan Snow spent his childhood here, football manager Harry Redknapp was a resident, whilst Ben Ainslie the Olympian sailing gold medalist trained and competed in the town! Yes, it’s Lymington, a picturesque, paradisical setting on the edge of the New Forest with an array of attractions and activities for visitors.

Winners come to Lymington!

Lymington is also at the heart of the brilliant bus network served by the award-winning, “UK’s Best Bus Operator 2023“, morebus, headed up by leading transport industry figure, Andrew Wickham! You can catch the X1 or X2 from Bournemouth to get there, for more information, go onto  Plan your journey – morebus

Hustle and bustle

An exploration should begin at the Quay, a bustling hub where you can watch the boats bobbing in the marina and take a stroll along the waterfront. Explore the cobbled streets lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings, housing charming boutiques, art galleries, and traditional pubs.

Off the beaten track

For nature lovers, a visit to the nearby New Forest National Park really is a must. Here, you can hike or cycle along scenic trails, encounter free-roaming ponies, deer, and other wildlife, or simply enjoy a peaceful picnic in the idyllic countryside. In the Spring and Summer, be sure to check the three unbelievable New Forest open top bus tours from morebus. Customers are plunged deep into the serenity of the forest on an open-top bus, close up and personal with nature at its very best! Stay tuned to Great Scenic Journeys and we’ll let you know when these fab services start up again in 2024! They reached the Final of the UK Open Top Bus Cup, sponsored by Ticketer, in 2023, so they very much are worth a trip on-board!

Lymington’s Saturday market is a vibrant affair, brimming with stalls selling fresh produce, local crafts, antiques, and more. There’s a massive vibe about the place when the market is on!

Smuggled away

With its blend of natural beauty, fascinatingly colourful architecture,  maritime charm, and historical richness, Lymington promises a delightful experience for all types of folk.

An intriguing aspect of Lymington’s history is its connection to smuggling during the 18th century. The town was known for its involvement in smuggling activities, with hidden tunnels allegedly used by smugglers to transport contraband goods, such as tea, brandy, and tobacco, from the coast to inland locations.

One fascinating but obscure fact is that some of the old buildings in Lymington, particularly in the older parts of the town, are rumoured to have concealed passages and secret compartments used by smugglers to hide their illicit goods. While not all these stories can be confirmed, the idea of hidden tunnels and secret passages adds an air of mystery and intrigue to Lymington’s history, hinting at its clandestine past as a centre for smuggling activities along the coast. Be sure to check out the Smugglers Inn which is in the High Street and has a fantastic range of culinary treats and drinks….

Shipyard’s seafood delights

Other fab dining options in Lymington  include the Stanwell House Hotel Restaurant, which is an elegant restaurant, serving contemporary British cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. The ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it perfect for special occasions or a luxurious meal. The Shipyard Restaurant is also great and is situated on the historic quay and boasts picturesque views of the marina. It specializes in seafood dishes, offering freshly caught fish and shellfish, making it an ideal spot for seafood lovers – of which Lymington is a haven!

Meanwhile, The Elderflower Restaurant is known for its modern European cuisine and intimate atmosphere, The Elderflower offers an ever-changing menu featuring seasonal ingredients. It’s a great choice for those seeking a refined dining experience. The Ship Inn is a traditional pub located right on the quay, offering a cosy atmosphere and a wide selection of drinks. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a pint while taking in the blissful quayside views.

Bring on the Baffins!

If it’s a Saturday then a trip to see Lymington Town Football Club is always memorable and fun, even if the team has struggled so far this season. They did enjoy, though, their first win of the league campaign, against Blackfield and Langley, on 23rd December! The club was founded in 1888 and  currently compete in the Wessex Football League Premier Division. On 6th January, they host Baffins Milton Rovers and then on 13th January host Portland United – both games are sure to be crackers and kick off at 3pm.  The  ground is the Sports Ground at Southampton Road.

Freshen up!

If you haven’t freshened up at the footy, then there’s always Lymington Sea Water Baths, which is an atmospheric place to visit! It is an historic, traditional open-air seawater pool dating back to the 1830s. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the refreshing saltwater, making it a unique experience by the quay.

A quick dry off from the seawater and Quay Street is a charming street to peruse. It’s adjacent to the quay and is lined with boutique shops, cafes, and galleries housed in classic Georgian and Victorian buildings. It’s perfect for leisurely shopping and exploring local crafts and art, as well as an insight into the hustle and bustle of quintessentially Dorset life!

While not directly on the quay but within close proximity, the St. Barbe Museum and Art Gallery showcases local history, art exhibitions, and cultural displays, providing insights into Lymington’s heritage. Located inside, there is an awesome café that offers a range of light meals, sandwiches, and homemade cakes. It’s a great place to relax after exploring the museum.

Wistful walks overlooking the Isle of Wight

And if Lymington isn’t exciting enough there’s some great coastal walks, including to Milford on Sea with its atmospheric views over to the Isle of Wight. It’s really tempting to get on-board one of the Wightlink ferries over to Yarmouth on the Island, where a whole range of adventures await, all easily accessible by morebus’ sister company, Southern Vectis which offers fabulous scenic journeys and trips to the many attractions in this treasure trove of a place! Southern Vectis – The Island’s Buses (islandbuses.info)

To find out more about the ferry service over to Yarmouth from Lymington, check out Wightlink | Isle of Wight ferries – Wightlink Ferries