We’re proud to be situated in some of Britain’s most beautiful towns and cities, this week Bryony from Joules of Lymington gives us a guided tour of this ever-popular Georgian town.
Situated on the southern edge of the New Forest, Lymington is surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty including ancient woodlands, New Forest heathlands and stretches of sandy beach.
Things you may not know
Our favourite day of the week here in Lymington is Saturday when our famous market, which dates back to the 13th century, is in full swing. Come early for freshly baked artisan breads and locally caught fish, stay for home and garden goods, fresh flowers and plants, vintage furniture and Persian rugs, to name just a few.
Lymington is the home of Sir Ben Ainslie, sailing champion and Olympic Gold Medalist. We’ve got a gold postbox right outside the shop to celebrate his success. Johnny Depp is also rumored to have a house in Lymington, we’re still looking for it though…
Our favourite finds in Lymington
We love to visit the monthly art exhibitions held at St Barbe Museum, showcasing work by local artists and a home to bags of local historic information.
Things to do with little ones
There are loads of activities to get stuck into with children here in Lymington. On a sunny day nothing beats a dip in the seawater baths (watch out for the crabs!) If you’re feeling more energetic hire a bike or tandem from Figgures cycles located just off the High Street. There are many good routes for beginners and more experienced riders alike. The New Forest open top double decker bus tour runs from the 28th June to the 14th September. Great for sightseeing and learning a bit of local history too.
A walk along the sea wall to Keyhaven takes an hour and a half , bring your binoculars, as there are great views across the Solent and lots of wildlife to be spotted. The reed beds are nesting grounds for the rare Cetti’s warbler and bearded tits as well as a habitat for martins, swallows and yellow wagtails. When all else fails, there’s nothing better than grabbing an ice cream from Alfano’s ice-cream shop (just over the road from Joules) and heading down to the quay for an afternoon of crabbing. (Don’t forget to pick up crabbing bait from Seafayre Seafoods). Dangle your feet off the harbor and see how many you can catch with a Joules crabbing kit, our record is 14.
The best place for cake and tea
There are lots of great places for good coffee and cake including Lounges and Willow but our favourite has to be Drifters. Situated on the cobbles near the Quay, Bianca bakes all her cakes freshly that morning (what a trooper!) and we’re so grateful she does because our lunch breaks wouldn’t be the same without one of her delicious chocolate brownies or slice of fluffy coffee cake to go with a cup of tea.
The best place to eat alfresco
We’re foodies here at Joules of Lymington and we all agree that food tastes better when it’s eaten outside, especially when it’s sunny. Our top pick for laid-back alfresco dining is Fine Food 4 Sail, tucked away between the mariners. Gastro dining in a relaxed atmosphere, we’re big fans.
The best place for a good night’s sleep
Stanwell House Hotel, a couple of doors along from Joules, would be our first port of call. It’s stunning yet affordable and attracts a famous face or two. A country retreat away from the hustle and bustle and just a stone’s throw from the High Street is Leyland Country House Bed and Breakfast. We hear the breakfast is a real treat.
We feel very lucky to live and work in such a lovely coastal town and we hope we’ve inspired you and given you a few ideas of what to do when you visit.
We hope to see you very soon!
Be sure to pop along and see us while the Lymington Regatta is on
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