If you’re making the trip down south for the Lymington Seafood Festival this year, why not stay the week or make it a long weekend? We’d love to show off our little town…

The High Street & Saturday Market

There’s more to Lymington’s buzzing high street than meets the eye… as well as the main street which extends from the top of the town right down to the quay, the more curious visitor will find even more to explore down the alleys and side courtyards set back from the main road. As well as high street fashion, there are an exceptional range of independent shops, not forgetting the famous Charter Market on Saturdays, which dates back to the Medieval 13th century history of the town.

The Quay

Historically the territory of smugglers and layabouts, Lymington Quay these days boasts sunbaked afternoons (usually!), sitting outside the Boathouse Café and The Ship Inn, or else bringing your fish and chips to eat on the quay wall. Looking at the yachts, or just watching the world go by – the quay is a favourite spot of ours to while away the hours.

The Sea Wall Walk & Nature Reserve

Just a ten minute stroll from the town centre and a few hundred yards from the festival site is the sea wall walk across the salt marshes towards Keyhaven. Starting from the Yacht Haven, this flat and accessible walk quickly has you blown away by spectacular sea views on all sides, as well as a fine look at the Isle of Wight on a clear day.

The Sea Water Baths

Situated just a few metres from our festival site at Bath Road are the Lymington Seawater Baths. As the oldest open air sea water baths in the UK, the Lido really is quite a feature, especially since having installed an inflatable obstacle course for young and old alike! As well as swimming, splashing and clambering, the Lido also offers a safe enclosed environment for paddle-boarding. Perfect to practice those turns before heading out on the sea!

The New Forest National Park 

We really are spoiling you for choice here – the likelihood is that on your way to Lymington you will have travelled through the rather special New Forest National Park. Whether you go for dog walks, picnics, horse-riding or just to look at the free roaming animals, the forest is a must-see when you’re in the area.

Is there anything we’ve missed? If you’re local to the town or know it well, we’d love to hear what you’d recommend for visitors to this part of the world…