A last-minute change of plans led a Metro reporter to discover Lymington, a charming Hampshire town on the edge of the New Forest, which offers a quieter, more laid-back alternative to Bournemouth.
The reporter, who had originally booked a stay at The Nici Hotel in Bournemouth, ended up at The Nici Hotel in Lymington after a last-minute change. The town, tucked away right on the edge of the New Forest, feels like Bournemouth's quieter, lesser-known sibling, with a quaint vibe rather than enormous sandy beaches and a lively centre.
A town with history and charm
After a three-hour drive from Essex, the reporter and their fiancé visited the Elderflower Restaurant on Friday night, enjoying freshly caught fish and scallops without a booking. The following day, they explored Lymington's Saturday market, which has been running for more than 770 years.
The High Street features cobbled streets with Georgian and Victorian architecture, independent shops, cafes, and pubs. Dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, the ancient seaport was known for salt-making and shipbuilding. Families and tourists sit by the waterfront as boats bob in the harbour and kids go crabbing.
Historic pubs and wild horses
Several historic pubs dot the town, many with live music. The Ship Inn serves an excellent Sunday roast, and The Chequers, dating from the 16th century, offers local history. A 15-minute drive leads to the New Forest, where the reporter spotted at least 20 of the 5,000 or so wild horses roaming free.
The reporter praised Lymington's lack of huge crowds, arcades, and frantic holiday buzz, describing it as charming, chill, and almost old-fashioned. It is not trying to compete with Bournemouth, and that is all for the better.
The Nici New Forest hotel
The reporter stayed at the Nici New Forest, a 10-minute walk from the town centre. The resort opened in June and features gleaming new decor, spacious rooms (around £295 on average), and balconies with views of the River Lymington. The hotel has two restaurants, Martha's Restaurant & Bar and Elms Café, plus a pool, gym, and a play area for kids.
Elms Café offers breakfast, lunch, and a bar area for pre-dinner cocktails. Martha's provides sunset views of the river. The reporter enjoyed a meal of seafood soup, pork belly with gravy, veal milanese, truffle mac and cheese, and apple tart, calling it one of the most splendid meals of the year. The pool was still being renovated during the visit but shaping up to be stunning.
Bournemouth might be the biggest name on the South Coast, but Lymington offers fewer crowds, a slower pace, and more room to breathe.
