Padstow is truly one of the biggest gems on the north Cornwall coastline, the only problem with such a picturesque harbour town? Everyone else knows about it too. Come July and the quaint streets are flooded with people, so much so you can barely move to explore the shops, and forget getting into Rick Stein's, you need to have made your reservation in April. Instead, a quiet coastal escape for the weekend in these hotter months we'll be heading to Lymington.
Located on the coast of Hampshire, this New Forest harbour town has all the scenic shops cobbled streets and must-try fish restaurants you'll find in Padstow, but without having to travel six hours to Cornwall, nor having to fend off the crowds while trying to eat your ice cream.
With three marinas, a rich maritime history and plenty of independent shops there's enough to make you forget about Cornwall all together.
Curious to know more about this idyllic town? Here's everything you need to know about your next getaway.
What to do in Lymington
Walk along the marina
If one of your favourite parts of visiting towns like Padstow is walking around the marina then you'll like you're on holiday when visiting Lymington and you can take a walk around the historic quay.
Go for a swim
As a marina town there isn't direct beach access in Lymington, but that shouldn't stop you from going for a dip, thanks to the town's outdoor Sea Water Baths, which are the oldest in the UK and date back to 1833. The Baths offer swimming, paddle boarding and inflatable sessions.
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Explore the independent shops
The main high street of Lymington is lined with independently owned stores offering plenty to keep you occupied. On Saturday the town has a market which sees the street lined with nearly 100 stalls.
Visit the St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery
Set in a former Victorian school building the museum takes visitors on a journey of the town from the age of William the Conqueror to World War II. There's also a number of changing exhibitions and events on for families of all ages.
Go for a walk in the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve
Just outside of the main harbour town is the nature reserve which covers nearly 740 hectares of land and a variety of scenic nature paths to explore.
How to get to Lymington
It is very easy to get to Lymington without a car if needs be, with trains running from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst, which you can then get a quick train or bus from to Lymington.
Is there a beach at Lymington?
No, Lymington is a harbour town, so there is no beach as such. However, there is a selection of lovely beaches nearby including Lepe Beach, Calshot Beach and Milford on Sea.
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
