Lymington is an attractive Georgian market town and port on the edge of the New Forest National Park, a large area of heathland and ancient woodland with native ponies wandering freely. Its sheltered position at the mouth of the Lymington River make it a popular yachting centre and Lymington is good base for exploring the coast and New Forest by public transport. A market is held in the High Street on Saturdays. The Solent Way Long Distance Path passes through Lymington.
From Lymington Pier there are ferries to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight operated by Wightlink.
In summer (early July to early September) the New Forest Tour buses stop near the station and they are a good way to see and explore the New Forest.
Cycling is another good way to explore the New Forest and cycle hire is available from the car park at Brockenhurst station: www.cyclex.co.uk
For walking and cycling in the New Forest I recommend the Ordnance Survey 1:25000 Explorer map: OS map New Forest.
You can also subscribe to OS Maps Online to view and print detailed maps covering all of England, Scotland and Wales, excellent value if you plan to explore several areas: OS Maps Online
TI St Barbe Museum, tel. 01590 676969.
www.thenewforest.co.uk | www.thenewforesttour.info
Distances to the attractions are shown from Lymington Town station.
The history of Lymington, New Milton and the New Forest, covering the rich maritime heritage of the area where
boat-building and salt-making were important trades. Smugglers operated here too. Gallery exhibitions programme. Café.
Open M-S 1000-1600.
www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk
A large area of brackish lagoons and grazing marshes inside the sea wall plus saltmarsh and mudflats on the
seaward side. The shallow lagoons known as salterns were created for salt making, once an important industry here. The area
supports a wide range of wetland and coastal wildlife which can be seen from the Solent Way sea wall path to Keyhaven
(about 5 miles from Lymington).
Open at all times.
www.hants.gov.uk (inland marshes) and
www.hiwwt.org.uk (coastal area)
Beaulieu is famous for the National Motor Museum with over 250 vehicles including F1 cars, land speed record breakers
and early cars from the pioneering days of motoring. Victorian Beaulieu Palace House, the Montagu family home. Flower and kitchen gardens, topiary.
Beaulieu Abbey ruins. Monorail and open-top veteran bus rides. Secret Army Exhibition about the SOE of the Second World War.
Restaurant and picnic areas. Beaulieu is pronounced 'Bewley'.
Open Daily 1000-1700 (1800 Jun-Aug).
www.beaulieu.co.uk
Bus from early July to early September
New Forest Tour buses daily from Gosport Street near station to entrance,
one way circular route continuing to Beaulieu Road and Brockenhurst.
Also 112 from High Street to entrance, TTh only infrequent, operated by More.
Beaulieu is 3¼ miles from Beaulieu Road station.
The Gardens are famous for rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Other highlights include herbaceous borders,
rare trees and shrubs, irises and water gardens. Riverside walk with views of Beaulieu River. 12¼" gauge steam railway.
Adventure play area. Tearoom.
Open Apr-Oct, Daily 1000-1730.
www.exbury.co.uk
Bus from early July to early September
New Forest Tour buses daily from Gosport Street near station to entrance,
one way circular route continuing to Beaulieu Road and Brockenhurst.
Buses operate all year from Totton and Southampton
to Blackfield then 1¾ miles walk to Exbury Gardens.
Built in a commanding position by Henry VIII to protect the Solent entrance, Hurst Castle was one
of the most advanced artillery fortresses in England. It was used as a prison for King Charles I and strengthened
during the 19th and 20th centuries. Tearoom. A Ferry operates from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle.
Open Apr-Oct, Daily 1030-1730 (1600 Oct).
www.english-heritage.org.uk |
www.hurstcastle.co.uk (ferry)
Bus X1 from Gosport Street near station to Milford on Sea, then 2½ miles walk
or 1¼ miles to ferry. 17 minutes journey, M-S hourly but less frequent in afternoon, Sun & BH infrequent.
Operated by More. Buses also operate from New Milton.
In summer (early July to early September) New Forest Tour buses
operate daily from the station to Needles Eye Café (2 miles walk to Castle) on a one-way circular route, continuing to
Lymington and Brockenhurst.
