The coastline around Lymington is, in our opinion, at New Forest Cottages, some of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas on the south coast. Expect panoramic views, a long menu of landmarks, nature reserves and an abundance of marine life. Here’s our take on some of the best beaches and coastlines near Lymington. And, if you have friends coming to the Lymington Seafood Festival looking for accommodation, we’ve suggested cottages to rent near each beach.
Keyhaven Nature Reserve
Locals will know all about this 500-acre nature reserve, which is a lovely walk from Lymington. For a couple of hours, you can head past the Lymington Seawater Baths and stroll meandering paths past mudflats and salt marshes, spotting birds and wildlife along the way to the village of Keyhaven. It’s identified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Milford on Sea
Exploring the pebble beach and cliff-top paths makes for a perfect day of walking and swimming while enjoying the views of the Isle of Wight and the famous rock formation known as ‘The Needles’ – which, at this point, are less than a mile away. You’ll be able to see King Henry VIII’s coastal fortress, Hurst Castle, which is well worth the mile-and-a-half walk along an impressive pebble spit from the eastern end of the beach.
Holiday cottages in Milford on Sea
Lepe Beach
Not only is Lepe Beach great for swimming, but it’s also packed with history, interesting views, and a huge country park. From a historical point of view, Lepe is fascinating to walk around. There are lots of information signs that chronicle how Lepe Beach was used in the preparations for D-Day. In the distance, you can see Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower soaring high in the sky, and closer to home, the Isle of Wight is just across the water. You’ll find loads of space for ball games, a children’s playground, a café, and a picnic area. And keep an eye out to sea for seals and dolphins who live and play in The Solent!
Barton on Sea
The cliffs have collapsed between Highcliffe and Barton on Sea, which has its pluses and minuses. With more pebbles than sand, you’d think the only thing to do here is walk, sunbathe and swim. That’s where you’d be wrong. Due to the erosion of the cliffs, Mother Nature has gifted happy hunters with a treasure trove of wild-growing Samphire and fossils to take home. All you have to do is find them!
Holiday homes in Barton on Sea
Highcliffe Beach
Highcliffe Beach is a mixture of soft, creamy sand, green-topped dunes and patches of pebbles. It’s completely natural here – just trees, beach and sea, plus sections of the beach where dogs are welcome all year around. You won’t find any shops, huts, cabins or toilets at Highcliffe Beach; they are a little further along at Friars Cliff and Avon Beach, where there are a couple of cafés, ice cream and fish and chips. The views from Highcliffe Beach take in Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve to the right, where beach huts on Mudeford Spit (the beach at the base of the reserve) have sold for £275,000!
Holiday cottages in Highcliffe
Christchurch Harbour
Technically, it is not a beach, but you can sunbathe in the sandy, grassy area and rent kayaks, paddleboards, and small sailboats to pootle around the huge natural harbour. You’ll float by beautiful homes and flocks of birds and ponies set out to pasture on Stanpit Marsh. Christchurch Quay is a popular spot to take children crabbing and grab something to eat. The Quay also hosts lots of arts and crafts, food and charity events throughout the year.
Find holiday cottages in Christchurch
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