Lymington, a charming Hampshire seaside town on the edge of the New Forest, offers a quieter, more laid-back alternative to Bournemouth, complete with historic pubs, a 770-year-old market, and the chance to see wild horses roaming free. According to a review by Milo Pope of Metro's Live News, the town provides a refreshing escape from the crowds and frantic holiday buzz of larger resorts.
A Serendipitous Discovery in Lymington
Pope's visit came about after a last-minute change moved his hotel reservation from The Nici Hotel in Bournemouth to The Nici Hotel in Lymington. Initially looking forward to a staycation in Bournemouth, he stumbled upon what he describes as one of the country's best-kept secrets. After a three-hour drive from Essex, Pope and his fiancé enjoyed a Friday night meal at the Elderflower Restaurant, where they had freshly caught fish and scallops without needing a booking, a refreshing change from London.
The following day, they attended Lymington's Saturday market, which has been running for more than 770 years. The High Street features cobbled streets with elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, along with independent shops, cafes, and pubs. Lymington, an ancient seaport dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, was historically known for salt-making and shipbuilding. Today, families and tourists sit by the waterfront as boats bob in the harbour and children go crabbing.
Historic Pubs and Wild Horses in the New Forest
The town is dotted with historic pubs, many offering live music. The Ship Inn is noted for its excellent Sunday roast, while The Chequers, which has stood since the 16th century, offers a slice of local history. About 15 minutes by car takes visitors to the New Forest, where around 5,000 wild horses roam free. Pope reported seeing at least 20 of them on his drive back to Lymington, describing the experience as dream-like with the sun setting.
Pope highlighted the town's appeal: no huge crowds on the pavements, no rows of arcades, and none of the frantic holiday atmosphere of bigger seaside resorts. Instead, he found it charming and chill, with an old-fashioned quality. He noted that Lymington is not trying to compete with Bournemouth; it is the opposite, and that works in its favour.
Stay at The Nici New Forest
Pope stayed at The Nici New Forest, a 10-minute walk from the town centre. The resort opened its doors in June and is described as gleaming and new, with gorgeous decor and plants. Rooms average around £295 per night and felt spacious; those with a balcony offer lovely views of the River Lymington. The hotel features two restaurants, Martha's Restaurant & Bar and Elms Café, plus a pool, gym, and a play area for kids. Pope admitted to playing 10 games of table tennis there.
Elms Café serves a range of breakfast options, a lunch menu, and a bar for pre-dinner cocktails. Martha's is positioned for sunset views over the Lymington river. Pope praised a meal that included seafood soup, pork belly with gravy, veal milanese, truffle mac and cheese, and apple tart, calling it one of the most splendid meals he had this year. The pool was still being renovated during his visit.
Pope concluded that while Bournemouth may be the biggest name on the South Coast, Lymington offers fewer crowds, a slower pace, and more room to breathe. He was a guest of The Nici New Forest, but the review is noted as independent.
