The town was named one of the best places to live in the UK and after visiting the pretty market town, I can understand why – but there’s one reason I won’t be moving there any time soon
Lymington – a picturesque port town nestled near the New Forest and opposite Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight – is unlike other seaside towns.
It may not have its own beach, but it boasts a charming marina with a family sea pool open from April to September. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this historic market town several times over the years, always finding myself captivated by its unique character and charm, Express.co.uk’s Millie Bull.
The high street, brimming with independent boutiques and quaint cafes, is a particular highlight. Despite the influx of chain stores and popular coffee-shop brands over the years, the town has managed to retain its old-world charm.
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Its cobbled streets, pastel-coloured seaside terraces, and bunting fluttering in the wind are just some of the reasons why this delightful little seaside town consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the UK.
Lymington also holds the record for the longest life expectancy among retired Britons, with men averaging 85 years and women 87 – significantly higher than the national average of 81. And it’s easy to see why.
Perfectly situated a stone’s throw away from the scenic New Forest and offering spectacular views of the Needles and the Isle of Wight, Lymington isn’t just about pretty views and a charming high street – there’s plenty to do as well.
Lymington, a popular sailing destination, is home to the bustling Lymington Yacht Haven marina. Housing hundreds of yachts and boats, the marina also boasts its own bar and restaurant where visitors can relax with a drink while watching the maritime activity.
The town’s rich history is on display at the St Barbe Museum and Gallery, which features exhibitions from renowned artists and information about the surrounding villages and the New Forest. Every Saturday, Lymington Market fills the high street with stalls selling local produce, cakes, clothing and unique gift ideas.
A personal favourite spot in Lymington is Toot Sweets Ice Cream Parlour, offering a fantastic variety of ice cream, waffles, milkshakes and drinks – it’s a must-visit regardless of the weather.
Another gem is the Kings Head Pub, one of the oldest pubs in the New Forest dating back 300 years. This traditional English pub offers great food, an open fire and a wide selection of local real ales.
Despite the charm of Lymington, there’s one drawback – the house prices. A quick search on Rightmove revealed that properties in the area are out of my budget, with homes in Lymington having an overall average price of £581,901 over the last year.
In Lymington, most of the properties sold last year were detached houses, fetching an average price of £929,570. Flats were sold for an average price of £221,155, while terraced houses went for around £480,972.