EXPLORE
Things To Do
It is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors with a broad range of activities on offer including walking, cycling, fishing, bird watching and horse-riding. Explore the ancient woodlands of the New Forest, coastal path walks and miles of glorious beaches that run westwards from Milford-on-sea to Bournemouth.
Lymington hosts a large charter market every Saturday on the High Street with a large variety of stalls catering for all tastes. The High Street has an abundance of independent shops, galleries and boutiques, complemented by some well-known stores including Waitrose and M & S Food. Everything is easily accessible as the Quay is a few minutes’ walk from the town centre.
New Forest Adventure Golf & ‘Pick Your Own’ Fruit Farm
New Forest Adventure Golf is an exciting concept in mini golf. Expertly crafted to mirror the New Forest, the 18 holes lead us from The Isle of Wight across the Solent to Lymington by moving ferry. The two mini-rivers flowing through the site are Lymington and Beaulieu rivers with towns and villages authentically represented.
The course is built on Goodall’s farmland and the Goodall’s ‘Pick Your Own’ site normally opens from May to August. Before you leave, take the opportunity to pick the most delicious strawberries and other fresh fruit you will ever eat!
St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery
Located at the heart of the beautiful, historic coastal market town of Lymington, St Barbe is both a dynamic museum and highly regarded art gallery that appeals to both locals and New Forest visitors.
The museum explores the history of Lymington and the New Forest Coast, inspired by local pride, and supported by the local community, its collections and colourful, hands-on displays offer a fascinating insight into the area for all ages with new exhibitions on a regular basis.
New Forest Tour Bus
The New Forest Tour Buses run regularly on a daily basis from the end of June to mid-September. There is a choice of three routes: Red (northwest), Green (southeast) and the Blue (southwest).
Stay on board for the full route or hop on and off wherever you like en route or switch between routes passing through many popular spots. The routes include stops such as Ringwood Brewery, Longdown Activity Farm, New Forest Wildlife Park, Beaulieu Motor Museum, Exbury Gardens and the Steam Railway. Take in a walk or cycle ride from the Tour (bikes go free – subject to available space). You’ll find easy routes in the guidebook on board, as well as tips for things to see and do along the way.
Lymington Sea Water Baths
The Sea Water Baths are the oldest open air sea water baths in the UK. Established in 1833 the baths have historically gained national interest for their health giving waters and natural mud minerals. With growing interest in preserving these historical sites for future generations the Baths gained Grade 2 listed status in 2012.
Today the site has increased it range of activities focusing on enriching the experience for the local community and tourists alike. As well as the swimming pool, paddle boards are available and the South Coast’s biggest inflatable obstacle course has been installed. There is also a kiosk/cafe providing a selection of hot and cold snacks, drinks and ice-creams.
Hurst Castle
Located within the New Forest National Park, Hurst Castle is situated on the seaward end of the shingle spit that extends 1.5 miles from Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire. Built by Henry VIII as a chain of fortresses to protect the Solent in 1544, this is the site where Charles I was imprisoned in 1648 before being taken to his trial and execution in London.
A lovely day out you can reach by walking from Lymington via Keyhaven along the Solent Way or take the small ferry from Keyhaven to the Castle. With plenty of open space for children to explore and fantastic views of the Isle of Wight, Hurst Castle is a must for visitors to this area.
Coastal and New Forest Walks
Walking is a wonderful way to see the New Forest National Park at your own pace. From Lymington you can access the coastal footpath running along the foreshore through the Lymington to Keyhaven Nature Reserve to Keyhaven and Hurst Point. Or head inland and explore the spectacular New Forest National Park where the ponies and donkeys, cattle, pigs, and deer roam free.
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding is a wonderful way of experience the Lymington River. SUP Styles based in Lymington offer a wide variety of experiences from taster sessions, river tours and paddleboard hire.
Cycling
If you truly want to experience all the wonderful coastline and stunning forest trails, two wheels are definitely better than four! With 40 miles of coastal paths to explore and over 100 miles of car-free approved cycle trails across the New Forest. Need to hire a bike, no problem. Visit local providers such as Jaunt Ebikes for retro style electric bike hire, NF Bike rentals in Lymington for a range of different types of bikes to hire and Cycle experience, based in Brockenhurst for easy access to the New Forest trails.
There are so many places to explore on two wheels in the local area. For more information on New Forest cycle routes click on the link below or download a PDF of the New Forest cycle routes map.
Relax with a spa day
Looking for something more relaxing? Why not treat yourself to a spa day! A wide range of options are available at places such as Lime Wood country-house hotel, Chewton Glen Hotel, Family-friendly New Park Manor, Careys Manor SenSpa and the newly opened Spa and Wellness centre at Balmers Lawn Hotel.
