Spotlight on Lymington Gate

Located on the edge of the New Forest, Lymington Gate sits on the threshold of some of the most beautiful and varied countryside that Britain has to offer. Head inland and you have the natural wonder of the New Forest. Walk along the Solent Way coastal path and you have the rich birdlife of Keyhaven Marshes and the beachfront of Milford on Sea. And then there’s Hurst Castle, the mighty fortress built by Henry VIII, with its dramatic views of the world-famous Needles.Or why not join the thriving local boating community? After all, the town boasts the world-famous Royal Lymington Yacht Club, home to a vibrant scene of social and competitive yachting, dinghy sailing and motor boating. Alternatively, hop on a ferry from Lymington Pier and you can be exploring the Isle of Wight in just 40 minutes.

Brimming in history, Lymington was declared a town by Lord of the manor, William de Redvers, between 1190 and 1200. Deep-rooted in Lymington’s past are rumpus of the town’s smuggling days; it is said that tunnels built by smugglers connect the Town Quay and the old inns on the High Street. 

At the top of this High Street sits the Church of St Thomas the Apostle - an Anglican Church of England whose foundations are believed to date back to the reign of Henry III. This now Grade II listed building suffered extensive damage during the English Civil Wars and has since undergone architectural additions including the tower and beautiful glass doors. 

The town is also characterised by its rich community of art lovers served by a plethora of galleries and studios, and by the many artists drawn here by the crystal-clear quality of the coastal light.

If browsing shop floors has your heart, the picturesque streets of Lymington are a shopper’s paradise; from national chains and fabulous independent boutiques to the hustle and bustle of Lymington’s traditional Saturday market, this coastal town has everything your heart could desire. 

There’s nowhere quite like Lymington, with its picture-perfect blend of lobster pots and fishing boats, boutiques and market stalls, cobbled streets and café culture, smuggling heritage and community spirit. Lymington Gate is what its name suggests: a gateway to all that this picturesque Georgian harbour town has to offer.

Warm summers, mild winters. Open green spaces, fresh sea air. A corner of Hampshire brimming with history, colour and character. For most people, Lymington is a destination – a place to cherish for a few short days away. For the lucky few, it is a place to live all year round. A special place – like Lymington Gate – to call home.