Living in Lymington, Hampshire | Coastal gem in the New Forest
Combining the spectacular views of the Solent with the tranquillity of the New Forest, Living in Lymington is a dream come true for many.
Lymington is a picturesque coastal town situated in the county of Hampshire, in South East England. It sits on the banks of the Lymington River, which leads into the Solent and is just across from the Isle of Wight.
This Georgian market town is part of the New Forest District.
It is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich maritime history, and vibrant community.
The town’s distinctly nautical flavour is evidenced by its bustling waterfront and numerous yacht clubs and sailing schools.
Lymington is a wonderful place to live with its enviable coastal and forest setting, beautiful homes, excellent schools, and great transport links.
If you are thinking of living in Lymington, here is what you need to know:
What types of property are in Lymington, Hampshire?
Property in Lymington ranges from charming period properties – particularly from the Georgian period with its marvellous architecture – and sprawling rural mansions, to modern apartments and luxurious waterfront flats and homes.
For example, within walking distance of the marina and the high street, you can discover secluded, detached houses, often concealed from view along quiet, unassuming country lanes. These are ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful living environment.
In more central areas of Lymington, terraced houses are often charming and historic, offering proximity to the town’s amenities and the high street.
Recent developments have introduced contemporary apartments, often located close to the marina or within new residential clusters around the town. These are popular among young professionals and retirees looking for low-maintenance living.
Lymington also boasts traditional cottages, particularly in the older parts of the town and surrounding villages.
These properties are often quaint, with period features and a cosy atmosphere.
There are also high-end properties, including waterfront homes with stunning views of the Solent. Additionally, there are larger estates with extensive grounds, catering to the luxury market.
Schools in Lymington
Those living in Lymington can benefit from a choice of well-regarded schools, providing a range of educational options to meet the needs of families in the area.
The county also has several universities for those wishing to study further, including Bournemouth University in Dorset and the universities of Solent, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Winchester.
Primary Schools in and around Lymington
- Lymington Church of England Infant School – a co-educational school for students aged 5 – 7 years old;
- Milford-on-Sea Church of England Primary School – a mixed school for pupils aged 4 – 11;
- Our Lady & St Joseph Catholic Primary School – a co-educational school for students aged 4 – 11;
Secondary Schools in and around Lymington
- Priestlands School – a co-educational academy for pupils aged 11 – 16;
- The Arnewood School -a secondary, co-educational school for students aged 11 – 18;
- The Eaglewood School – based in nearby New Milton, this co-educational middle deemed secondary school is for pupils aged 7 – 16;
Independent Schools near Lymington
- Durlston Prep & Senior School – for pupils aged 2 – 16, this is a mixed private preparatory and senior school;
- Walhampton Prep – a co-educational private preparatory school for pupils aged 2 – 13 that has day and boarding options;
- King Edward VI School – a co-educational independent day school, based in nearby Southampton for students aged 11 – 18;
- Canford School – an independent co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 – 18, located just outside Wimborne.
Green spaces to enjoy when living in Lymington
Situated on the coastal edge of the New Forest, those living in Lymington who love the great outdoors can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Whether strolling along the waterfront, venturing inland to explore the woodlands and open heathland of the New Forest, or indulging in the many water sports on offer, there is lots to do in the area.
Hurst Castle
Nestled within the New Forest National Park, Henry VIII built this artillery fortress at the seaward end of a coastal spit.
With stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of the Wight from the top of the Tudor Keep and plenty of open spaces for children to explore, it’s a great day out for the whole family. The cafe offers hot and cold drinks, as well as homemade cakes.
Dogs on leads are welcome. Access to Hurst Castle is via a short ferry ride from Keyhaven or a 2-mile walk along Hurst Spit.
Buckland Rings
If you are looking for a picturesque walk in the country surrounded by nature and steeped in local history, then Buckland Rings fits the bill. It is an Iron Age hill fort located just outside Lymington, on the southern edge of the New Forest.
This rectangular fort features amazing tree-covered ramparts on three sides, which are prominent in the local landscape and offer expansive views of the surrounding area. The earthwork defences, consisting of banks and ditches, enclose approximately 4.5 hectares (around 11 acres). During snowfall, Buckland Rings is a popular sledging spot.
It is a great place for walkers, and dogs are welcome.
The New Forest National Park
The New Forest National Park covers around 219 square miles (566 km2), while the New Forest biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest covers almost 120 square miles (300 km2). Therefore, living in Lymington, you will never be far from the open countryside.
In the New Forest, you can explore ancient woodlands and heathlands on foot or by bike along scenic trails. Visit the picturesque villages of Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, or experience wildlife at the New Forest Wildlife Park.
Enjoy outdoor activities like horse riding, leisurely walks, or a boat trip on the Beaulieu River.
There are also plenty of parks and gardens to visit within the area (such as the stunning Braxton Gardens), and the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.
Lymington, Hampshire transport links
Lymington is very well-connected.
The A337 is the main road leading out of Lymington, heading to nearby Lyndhurst. Here you can get on the M3 motorway, which goes north towards London and Southampton, and south west towards Bournemouth and Christchurch.
London is just under 100 miles (161 km) away by road via the M3, taking just over two hours, or slightly longer if you go via the M4.
There are two railway stations at Lymington: Lymington Pier (for ferry connections to the Isle of Wight) and Lymington Town. Trains to London, Waterloo take about two hours (with a change at Brockenhurst).
The town has lots of options for travelling by bus, with routes to Southampton and Bournemouth. The New Forest Tour serves the town with open-top buses in the Summer.
Car and passenger ferries link Lymington to the Isle of Wight across the Solent in around 40 minutes.
The nearest airport to Lymington is Southampton Airport, which is just under 45 minutes away by road. The airport serves (often seasonal) short-haul destinations in Europe.
Heathrow and Gatwick Airports (offering short and long-haul flights) are between two hours and 2 hours 30 minutes away.
Places to eat, drink, and shop in Lymington
Lymington has excellent amenities, including boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, all centred around its vibrant market.
The Georgian high street (recently crowned “the prettiest high street in Britain”) features a diverse array of shops, from popular chains to independent retailers and designer boutiques.
On Saturdays, the Lymington Market fills the street with stalls selling fresh local produce and various goods.
Lymington has recently been recognised amoung the best seaside towns for food and drink in the UK.
Whether you explore the charming cobbled high street or the stylish marina, you’ll find an excellent selection of dining options in Lymington, from gourmet cuisine to cosy pub classics.
For smaller bites, there are independent cafes, coffee shops, and a tearoom, typically offering delicious local and homemade produce.
For fans of shopping centres, you can head to the Westquay shopping centre in Southampton (around 45 minutes away by road). Here you can find over 90 stores including designer brands and high street favourites such as Marks & Spencer. There are also a selection of cafes and restaurants if you fancy a break from the shops.
Why move to Lymington?
Lymington is a beautiful and desirable place to live, especially for those who enjoy coastal living and being close to nature. Its blend of historical charm, vibrant community, excellent schools, and transport links, plus its stunning surroundings make it a standout location in Hampshire
If you are considering living in Lymington and would like to discuss your plans, then please contact us at Garrington Property Finders – we are here to help.
