Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>So-called ‘Richmond by the Sea’,&nbsp;Lymington&nbsp;is the perfect combo of coast and New Forest, with a focus on&nbsp;sailing,&nbsp;shopping and sipping drinks in the various top-notch restaurants and cafes.&nbsp;It may have a blue-rinse rep (about a third of the&nbsp;population is 65 and over), but&nbsp;families and ex-city slickers are reeled in by the area’s excellent schools and idyllic surroundings. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-High-Street-Kitchen-Lymington.jpg" alt="The High Street Kitchen Lymington best places to live Hampshire move to" class="wp-image-28700" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-High-Street-Kitchen-Lymington.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-High-Street-Kitchen-Lymington-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-High-Street-Kitchen-Lymington-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-High-Street-Kitchen-Lymington-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-High-Street-Kitchen-Lymington-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The High Street Kitchen</figcaption></figure>



<p>The New Forest&nbsp;has some of the best foodie credentials in the UK, and&nbsp;Lymington&nbsp;is no exception. Amble down to the marina for an&nbsp;al fresco seafood lunch at <a href="https://www.havenrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Haven</a>.&nbsp;For&nbsp;dinner (particularly for a special occasion), head to Michelin-recommended&nbsp;<a aria-label="Elderflower (opens in a new tab)" href="https://elderflowerrestaurant.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elderflower</a> in the middle of town&nbsp;to sample their British-French fusion menu. </p>



<p>Also worth a visit, <a href="https://www.thehighstreetkitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The High Street Kitchen</a> (above) makes the most of the areas fabulous local produce in their seasonal menus. And then there&#8217;s the rather nice Samphire Restaurant and Salt Bar at <a href="https://www.stanwellhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanwell House Boutique Hotel</a>. Dinner out with the kids? Expect fresh, budget-friendly food at <a href="https://www.eat-pizza.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eat Pizza</a>. </p>



<p>Pubs-wise, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/the-old-mill-pub-lymington/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Mill</a> at Hordle is a real local favourite for weekend drinks and great Sunday roasts. And a short drive away in nearby East End, owned by Dire Straits guitarist John Illsley, food at the Michelin-rated <a aria-label="East End Arms  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.eastendarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East End Arms </a>features plenty of great local ingredients. Still very much a locals boozer, there&#8217;s a friendly welcome for all. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="961" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Blubambu-Bar-Table-1.jpg" alt="BluBambu Living" class="wp-image-38536" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Blubambu-Bar-Table-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Blubambu-Bar-Table-1-800x513.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Blubambu-Bar-Table-1-1000x641.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Blubambu-Bar-Table-1-768x492.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: BluBambu Living</figcaption></figure>



<p>Lymington is smart and stylish, with a good mix of chains and indie boutiques, and plenty to keep the fash pack entertained. There are national stores likes Joules and Henri Lloyd for the yachtie set, as well as boutiques like <a aria-label="Stanwells (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.stanwells.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanwells</a>, which is a favourite of ours (we’re in good company, as <em>Vogue</em>, <em>The Telegraph</em> and <em>Stella</em> have all previously named it one of their top 50 boutiques), and <a aria-label="Thirty-Three (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thirtythreeboutique.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thirty-Three</a>, a great spot for cherry-picked designer womenswear. </p>



<p>Interiors addicts will love the beautiful furniture, lighting and homewares at <a href="https://www.blubambu.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BluBambu Living</a> in Admirals Court and stylish decorating supplies and soft furnishings at <a href="https://www.newforestinteriors.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Forest Interiors</a> on Queen Street. There’s also a traditional weekly market on the High Street, which was established back in 1250(!) and has been held every Saturday since.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you like a tipple, Lymington also has a <em>very</em> good wine shop, <a href="https://www.thesolentcellar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Solent Cellar</a> &#8211; recommended by TV wine expert and New Forest local, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/life-2/people/my-hampshire-places-helen-mcginn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helen McGinn</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Hydrotherapy-Pools-Lime-Wood-Credit-Jake-Eastham-min.jpg" alt="Herb House Spa at Lime Wood Hotel New Forest Hampshire" class="wp-image-35265" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Hydrotherapy-Pools-Lime-Wood-Credit-Jake-Eastham-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Hydrotherapy-Pools-Lime-Wood-Credit-Jake-Eastham-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Hydrotherapy-Pools-Lime-Wood-Credit-Jake-Eastham-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Hydrotherapy-Pools-Lime-Wood-Credit-Jake-Eastham-min-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The Herb House Spa at Lime Wood </figcaption></figure>



<p>Coast or Forest, there are no shortages of beautiful places to walk, cycle or ride right on the doorstep. Lymington is also within easy striking distance of some amazing New Forest spas, including <a href="https://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Herb House at Lime Wood</a> and <a href="https://www.careysmanor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa</a>. Well-rated yoga classes include <a href="https://www.stanwellhouse.com/whats-on/yoga-with-alexa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weekly Yoga with Alexa</a> at the boutique Stanwell House Hotel. And for those of us who need a bit of a tune up, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/lymington-chiropractic-clinic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lymington Chiropractic Clinic</a> covers all kinds of therapies, from specialist chiropractic treatments to podiatry, massage, acupuncture and reiki. &nbsp;  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Sailing and water sports is where&nbsp;Lymington&nbsp;really excels&nbsp;(no surprise given the maritime history). There’s yachting&nbsp;courtesy of <a href="http://www.sailingspook.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sailing Spook</a>, <a href="https://www.lymingtonboatclub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lymington Boat Club</a> and <a href="https://escapeyachting.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Escape Yachting</a>. And you can even hire a rib with your own private skipper from <a href="https://www.solentribcharter.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solent Rib Charter</a>. </p>



<p>If that doesn&#8217;t float your boat, there are plenty of community facilities with something for all ages. In the summer months, head to the country’s oldest&nbsp;open air&nbsp;lido&nbsp;<a aria-label="Lymington&nbsp;Sea Water Baths (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.lymingtonseawaterbaths.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lymington&nbsp;Sea Water Baths</a> for a splash about&nbsp;with the family&nbsp;(top tip: <a aria-label="The Mayflower pub (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.themayflowerlymington.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mayflower pub</a> opposite&nbsp;is excellent for a post-swim slap-up lunch). Lymington also has a leisure centre and petanque court, not to mention <a href="https://lymingtonandpennington-tc.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parks and open spaces</a> such as Woodside Park with its skate park, sports fields and tennis courts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/St-Barbe-Museum.jpg" alt="St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery exterior  Lymington Hampshire" class="wp-image-28701" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/St-Barbe-Museum.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/St-Barbe-Museum-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/St-Barbe-Museum-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/St-Barbe-Museum-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/St-Barbe-Museum-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery</figcaption></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s a big art scene in the area, with lots of local galleries to see and buy works from local creatives like the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.coastal-gallery.co.uk/" target="_blank">Coastal Gallery Lymington</a> and nearby <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://palaisdesvaches.co.uk/" target="_blank">Palais des Vaches</a> in Exbury.&nbsp;The fantastic <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk/" target="_blank">St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery&nbsp;</a>was refurbed&nbsp;to tip-top condition&nbsp;a few years ago,&nbsp;and now hosts a rotation of art exhibitions. </p>



<p>For performing arts, the <a href="https://www.forest-arts.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Arts Centre</a> in nearby New Milton has a mixed bill of comedy, theatre, family shows and workshops. Or for West End touring shows, head for the <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mayflower Theatre</a>, around 30 mins drive in Southampton. </p>



<p>The festival&nbsp;season is always a foodie highlight too. Our favourite, <a href="https://www.lymingtonseafoodfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lymington Seafood Festival</a>, takes place in summer (two days of scoffing local artisan produce and drinks while listening to live music is a fabulous way to spend time, in our book!).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Beaulieu-cars-min.jpg" alt="National Motor Museum Beaulieu New Forest attractions Lymington Hampshire" class="wp-image-30454" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Beaulieu-cars-min.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Beaulieu-cars-min-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Beaulieu-cars-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/03/Beaulieu-cars-min-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Beaulieu, home of the National Motor Museum</figcaption></figure>



<p>Lymington is in easy striking distance from some top attractions like the <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/beaulieu-new-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Motor Museum at Beaulieu</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/furzey-gardens-minstead/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Furzey Gardens</a>. There&#8217;s also <a href="https://paultonspark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paulton’s Park</a>&nbsp;(home of Peppa Pig World), the beautiful&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exbury.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exbury Gardens</a>&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Property is in high demand here, with&nbsp;south of the High Street a particularly popular&nbsp;area&nbsp;with its&nbsp;Georgian buildings and sloping cobbled&nbsp;streets.&nbsp;Overall, the average property price is £536,867, with detached properties rising to an average of £858,321.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1096" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Lymington-House.jpg" alt="House for sale Lymington property Hampshire New Forest Best places to Live" class="wp-image-38085" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Lymington-House.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Lymington-House-800x585.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Lymington-House-1000x731.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Lymington-House-768x561.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 2-bed semi-detached Grade II listed house in Lymington. <a href="https://www.johndwood.co.uk/properties/20359498/sales/LYM220045#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market</a> for £480,000.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>The outdoorsy <a href="https://www.kidslovenature.co.uk/lymington" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kids Love Nature Kindergarten</a> is five mins drive from town in South Baddesley and rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Or if you&#8217;re looking longer term, Lymington&#8217;s <a href="https://www.walhampton.com/the-educational-journey/pre-prep-2-7-years/early-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walhampton School</a> takes nursery children from two years upwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>There are some very good&nbsp;primaries and secondaries here, both state and independent. <a href="https://www.lymingtonjuniorschool.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lymington Junior School</a>, <a href="https://www.olsjschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Our Lady &amp; St Joseph Primary</a> and <a href="https://www.priestlands.hants.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Priestlands</a> co-ed senior school are all ranked as Good by Ofsted. Of the independents, particular mention goes to&nbsp;<a aria-label="Walhampton&nbsp;School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/walhampton-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walhampton&nbsp;School</a>, a nurturing day and boarding prep and pre-prep that channels the ‘<em>Swallows and Amazons</em>’ experience.&nbsp;Nearby co-ed <a href="https://www.durlstonschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durlston School</a> and <a href="https://www.durlstonschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ballard School</a> in New Milton are both less than 20 mins drive and taking kids from nursery through to GCSEs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Serving much more than just coffee and cake (recommended, nonetheless) <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-larder-lymington/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Larder</a> off the&nbsp;High Street is a total hidden gem and a real local favourite café and deli.&nbsp;Head here at weekends for superb tapas and vino.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Lymington&nbsp;to&nbsp;London&nbsp;Waterloo is doable with a change at Brockenhurst station, but at 90 mins each way, it may not be everyone&#8217;s idea of a viable daily commute.&nbsp;Southampton and Bournemouth are both 30 – 40 mins by train.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Lymington

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