Lymington is a flourishing and famous Georgian market town in the New Forest dating back to pre 1086. It is now one of the leading centres of yachting in the UK. Originally, salt production was the main industry with over 6000 tons per annum being produced back in 1804, producing an income to the National Exchequer of GBP 55,000 per annum! It was crippling taxation that led to the demise of the industry by 1845 and the salt pans were then levelled for grazing.

Lymington also became infamous for the number of hostelries – there were 45 at one time, several of which were used as headquarters for the principal “occupation” of smuggling, and use was made of several drainage tunnels around the quay area to carry off the contraband!

Our base in Lymington Yacht Haven gives immediate access to the western end of the Solent, and is only a 10 minute walk from the High Street with its shops, pubs and restaurants. Whether you charter for a day, weekend or full week, you are spoilt for choice for destinations:

Travelling East:

• The  Beaulieu River meaders through the New Forest and is a picturesque and popular spot for anchoring. A few miles upstream lies Bucklers Hard, an eighteenth century village which is where shipwrights constructed warships for Nelson's fleet. You can spend the night in the Yacht Harbour Marina. The marina offers 110 berths, and full facilities to include toilets, showers, launderette fuel etc. The Harbourmaster's office is 01590 616200.
• Visit the historic Portsmouth Dockyard before heading on towards Chichester harbour.

• Yarmouth is the most western harbour on the Isle of Wight. It has become a very popular destination with virtually all weather and tidal access. Yarmouth is a delightful fishing, ferry and yachting port, widely regarded as one of the jewels on the south coast. There are many fine restuarants and pubs.
• Newtown Creek is said to date back to Roman times. The river is owned and administered by the National Trust. This is a favorite place for yachts to drop their anchors for a spot of lunch or an overnight stay.
• Cowes is world famous amongst sailors for its yearly regatta in August. It is a bustling town with narrow winding streets and an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants.

• Hurst Castle was initially built by Henry VIII between 1541 and 1544 in response to the threat of invasion from European Catholic powers. It has never seen action, but has been periodically refurbished to keep it up with advances in fortifications and technology. Hurst was garrisoned in both World Wars and formed part of the Coastal Artillery defences until 1956.
• Poole Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world and the largest in Europe. It can be entered day or night and at all states of teh tide. Much of the area is shoal, but there is still plenty of deep water for ships and yachts. Poole Quay has an excellent choice of bars, and reataurants. Alternatively, stop-over in Studland Bay or sail further west to Weymouth or beyond.
• Cross the Channel to the delightful ports of Normandy, Brittany or the Channel Islands.

Travelling to Lymington is easy by car, train or air. It is close to the motorways with London, the Thames Valley and the Midlands within 2 hours drive. There is plenty of free parking within the marina. The main London to Poole line stops at Brockenhurst, just a short taxi ride from the marina. There are two airports located nearby, Southampton and Bournemouth International Airports, with Southampton International being served by the main London to Poole railway line.