We are currently spending a lovely time in New Milton, Hampshire, visiting family. Using New Milton as our base, we’ve been exploring the gorgeous surrounding areas, and today, I want to share one of our favourite day trip destinations: the charming coastal town of Lymington.
Lymington is incredibly easy to reach from New Milton, making it the perfect hassle-free day out. Plus, if you are staying in London and wondering, “Can I do a day trip to the Hampshire coast?”—the answer is a resounding yes!
In this guide, I’ll cover exactly how to get to Lymington, the cost of transport, and a perfect one-day itinerary to make the most of this historic market town.
🇯🇵 この記事を日本語で読む: 【ハンプシャー旅】ニューミルトンからライミントンへのアクセス・行き方は？日帰り観光モデルコース＆料金目安を徹底解説！
- How to Get to Lymington from New Milton: Transport Options & Costs
- Can You Do a Day Trip to Lymington from London?
- 13:05 Getting on Bus to Lymington from New Milton
- 13:45 Arriving in Lymington: Exploring the High Street
- 14:00 Stroll Down the Cobbles to the Picturesque Quay
- Lunch: Fresh Seafood by the Water
- 14:15 Lymington Sea Water Baths (Seasonal)
- 14:30 Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve
- 15:16 A Final Stroll & Journey Back to New Milton
- Final Thoughts
How to Get to Lymington from New Milton: Transport Options & Costs
Located just about 7 miles (11 km) east of New Milton, Lymington is highly accessible. Here are the three best ways to travel, depending on your budget and preference.
1. By Local Bus (More Bus) | Most Affordable & Direct
If you want a budget-friendly and straightforward journey, the local bus (such as the Route 82) is your best option.
- Estimated Cost: £3.00 single
- Journey Time: Approx. 25 minutes
- Why choose it: There are no changes required; it takes you straight into the heart of Lymington (near the Main Post Office). It’s a wonderful way to sit back and enjoy the scenic Hampshire countryside rolling past.
2. By Train (South Western Railway) | A Classic Rail Journey
You can easily travel from New Milton Station to Lymington Town Station.
- Estimated Cost: £4.40 – £6.60 single (cheaper during off-peak hours or when booked in advance)
- Journey Time: 20 to 35 minutes (depending on connection times)
- Why choose it: While there is no direct train, the connection at Brockenhurst onto the Lymington Branch Line is seamless. Trains are fairly punctual, comfortable, and offer a classic British rail experience.
3. By Car or Taxi | The Fastest Option
If you prefer maximum flexibility or are travelling as a group, driving is a quick alternative.
- Taxi Fare: Approx. £17.00 – £21.00 one way
- Driving Cost (Petrol Estimate): Approx. £2.00 – £3.00
- Journey Time: Around 12 minutes
- Note on Parking: Lymington can get quite busy, especially on Saturdays due to the market. I highly recommend heading to the Bath Road Car Park near the quay if you want convenient parking.
Can You Do a Day Trip to Lymington from London?
For those staying in the capital who want to escape the hustle and bustle for a taste of the sea air, a day trip from London is completely doable!
Catch a fast train from London Waterloo toward Bournemouth. You will change at Brockenhurst Station, where you hop on the short 10-minute branch line train down to Lymington Town. The entire journey takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours each way.
Travel Tip: If you are coming from London, you could easily spend the morning exploring Lymington’s markets and quay, and then take the short bus or train ride over to New Milton in the late afternoon to enjoy a relaxing walk or a pub dinner before heading back to the city.
13:05 Getting on Bus to Lymington from New Milton
We set off for Lymington on the afternoon of 3 June because it had been raining all morning. As the forecast predicted clear weather for the afternoon, we decided to head to Lymington.
We took the bus from New Milton to Lymington. There is a timetable at the bus stop, noting that buses are often late.
On this occasion, too, the bus arrived about 15 minutes late. We bought our tickets by tapping our credit card and the fare was £3 per person paid on boarding the bus.
It was a Wednesday, and perhaps because it had just rained heavily, the bus was practically empty. We sat in the front seat on the top deck of the double-decker bus, but it was a shame we couldn’t really enjoy the view as it was still raining.
It’s interesting how familiar scenery looks quite different when viewed from the top deck of a double-decker bus.
You can’t see it very well in the rain, but the sea at Burton-on-Sea was choppy with white caps. Unsurprisingly, there was nobody in sight.
13:45 Arriving in Lymington: Exploring the High Street
We got off the bus at the High Street in Lymington. By this point, the rain had stopped completely and we walked straight down the town centre’s High Street, heading towards the harbour.
The Historic Lymington Charter Market
If you happen to visit on a Saturday, you are in for a treat. The High Street comes alive with the traditional Lymington Charter Market. Stalls line both sides of the road, offering everything from fresh local produce and artisanal cheeses to handcrafted souvenirs. It has a fantastic atmosphere that you shouldn’t miss.
14:00 Stroll Down the Cobbles to the Picturesque Quay
After browsing the market, follow the beautiful, historic cobblestone street (The Cobbles) as it gently slopes down toward the water.
This leads you straight to Lymington Quay. The view here is straight off a postcard—dozens of yachts and fishing boats bobbing in the water against a backdrop of classic coastal buildings. Grab a bench, listen to the gulls, and just take in the refreshing sea breeze.
Lunch: Fresh Seafood by the Water
You cannot visit a coastal town without sampling the local seafood! If you’re stopping by for lunch, why not give Rymington’s fish and chips a try?
Where to Eat:
The Ship Inn: Located right on the quay side, this classic pub offers great views and excellent food. Their fish and chips are highly recommended, and they have fantastic outdoor seating for sunny days.
For a more casual vibe, grab some traditional takeaway fish and chips from a nearby kiosk and enjoy them on the pier—just keep an eye out for the cheeky seagulls!
With lunch sorted, it’s time to stretch your legs and enjoy Hampshire’s stunning natural landscape.
There is also a car park at the harbour. Public toilets are located in the same area. From here, you can take a stroll along the coastline.
14:15 Lymington Sea Water Baths (Seasonal)
Although there are many boats moored in Lymington Harbour, there is no beach. The seawater swimming pool was probably built as a substitute.
If you are visiting during the summer months (typically May to September), check out the Lymington Sea Water Baths. Built in 1833, it is the oldest open-air seawater pool in the UK. Today, it features a massive inflatable obstacle course—brilliant fun if you are feeling adventurous!
14:30 Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve
From the seawater baths, we walked to Lymington nature reserve. We went through the boat parking area after the sign saying that we should keep on the public footpath.
What is a public footpath in England?
In England, a public footpath is a legally protected right of way allowing you to walk across privately owned land, including farms, woods, and estates. Part of a vast historic network, these paths are marked with yellow arrows and let walkers explore the countryside without trespassing.
While pedestrians, prams, and dogs are welcome, bicycles and horses are prohibited. Following the Countryside Code—like shutting gates and keeping dogs controlled around livestock—ensures a seamless blend of public exploration and private farming.
While walking near Lymington Yacht Haven, we stumbled upon an impressive lineup of luxury vessels up for sale. The striking, bright blue Axopar boat captured in the photo above caught our eye immediately with its sharp, ultra-modern Scandinavian design. It is amazing to see how Lymington’s historic shipbuilding legacy thrives today through cutting-edge marine engineering.
After the section of displayed expensive boats, we walked into the narrow public footpath, overlooking cows and horses.
There’s a walkway along the water front. However, it was super windy at that time after the rain storm. In the past, we had cycled around this area, but we wouldn’t do it on that day.
As you can see in the photo, the ground is covered with stones and gravel, so it wasn’t particularly muddy, even after the heavy rain.
15:16 A Final Stroll & Journey Back to New Milton
As the late afternoon sun begins to cast a golden glow over the marina, Lymington takes on a beautifully tranquil atmosphere. Take one last stroll along the water before making your way back to New Milton by bus, train, or car.
You can take a boat to Isle of Wight from here, Lymington harbour.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are basing yourself in New Milton like us, or planning a coastal getaway from London, Lymington offers the perfect blend of maritime history, boutique shopping, and stunning coastal walks. It’s an absolute gem of a town that you will surely fall in love with.
Pack your walking shoes and enjoy your day on the Hampshire coast!
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