Lymington is a port town, just inside the estuary of the Lymington River, where it opens out onto the Solent. So the yachting marina is nicely tucked away from the worst of the Channel’s weather, and has views across to the Isle of Wight. Lymington isn’t as grand as some of its New Forest neighbours, it’s Georgian, but in miniature, with low-rise townhouses and modest sized housing. It’s also welcoming, with a great array of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants. Some folk searching for the best places to stay in Lymington will be on the hunt for a dry bed for a few nights, but for many visitors this is the perfect New Forest base. Our Gurus’ recommendations include a great value B&B in town, a couple of foodie favourites, and a romantic hideaway.

Lymington is a proper yachtie haunt, and one of the pleasures of staying here is strolling along the marina’s edge on a sunny evening admiring all the boats. If you pop across to the Isle of Wight — there’s a car and pedestrian ferry that leaves from the opposite side of the river — you’ll see the yachts in action, crossing the Solent, and sailing around the island. Inland are the charms of the New Forest, with the opportunity for pony spotting, trail rides, rambling, and visits to Brockenhurst, and Beaulieu for the motor museum, and Buckler’s Hard for the pub, and history of boat building.

It may be small, but this is a very popular destination especially during the peak summer months. If you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Lymington in July or August, do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Lymington

For Romantics

• Stanwell House has been converted from a townhouse in a super central spot between Lymington’s high street and the marina. Downstairs there are two restaurants, The Samphire, offering modern European cuisine, and the Salt Bar which has an all day bistro menu; plus a cocktail bar in a conservatory. Upstairs are 27 rooms and suites in a range of decorative style sand sizes. The Suites have private terraces, and the Four-Poster rooms have their own entrance to the garden — both ideal for a couples' getaway.

For Foodies

• Just outside Lymington is a great restaurant with rooms, The Mill at Gordleton. It is picturesquely positioned next to a stretch of riverside so peaceful it’s known for its kingfishers. The cuisine is modern British, locally sourced and served, when it can be, on a terrace next to the water, or in the conservatory. There are just four rooms, all uniquely and simply decorated. As well as the riverside, The Mill has a charming secret garden.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

• The Mayflower is a smartly renovated pub-with-rooms well positioned close to Lymington’s marina, and opposite the sailing club. There are only six rooms, named after historic yachts — our favourite is the one with the balcony — all simply decorated with nautical touches and imagery. The maritime decor is all over the pub downstairs too, in the AA Rosette awarded seafood restaurant, in the bar, and even on the lively terrace.

Best B&Bs

• Britannia House is a cosy five room B&B, ideal if you’re looking for a home from home atmosphere. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated and filled with art and antiques. There are twin rooms, as well as more romantic options, and they also have an apartment. There’s a comfortable lounge, and the breakfasts are hearty.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Lymington is Southampton Airport, which is about half an hour away by taxi or car, or about 50 minutes by train via Brockenhurst. London’s airports are next closest: Heathrow is about an hour and a half away by road, or about three hours by public transport. If you’re travelling via London by rail, the quickest route is out of Waterloo, and takes just over two hours.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Lymington is busiest during the spring and summer months, like the New Forest generally, but, while it’s certainly lovely to visit Hampshire when it’s sunny, this part of the world, close to the Isle of Wight, Southampton and Portsmouth, is a great place to visit in the autumn and winter too. Whenever you plan to visit there’s a decent chance you’ll see some rain — with more wet days in autumn and winter, so it’s definitely worth packing your waterproof gear, even if you’re visiting in the height of summer sunshine.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include our Gurus’ recommendations for all of the best places to stay in the New Forest
• Refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for to the best spa hotels in the New Forest, the best Pubs-with-Rooms in the New Forest or the best hotels for families in the New Forest
• Consider some of Lymington’s pretty neighbours like Brockenhurst or Beaulieu
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.