Forest Retreat

In a tucked away location just behind Lymington High Street, Forest Retreat has been thoughtfully equipped as a comfortable base for up to six guests to explore all that the New Forest has to offer. Set over three storeys, the ground floor is a sociable open plan space for all the family to enjoy. A conservatory leading onto the rear courtyard garden offers a separate room to relax for a quiet read, and a little bench in a sunny corner of the front garden a perfect perch for an evening tipple! Upstairs, there are three double bedrooms, the master with en suite, and refitted luxury shower room. The top floor bedroom has glimpses of the Lymington River and Solent beyond.

Just a short stroll and you are in the vibrant heart of Lymington, with its bustling High Street, alleyways and courtyards all home to a variety of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. The ancient charter market lines the High Street every Saturday and is a must visit, with a wide selection of stalls and crafts. The Lymington Sea Water Baths with inflatable course is close by, as are the marinas and coastal path, with views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight. Wander down to the station to catch a train to the ferry port and onto Yarmouth, just a 30 minute trip. The beautiful New Forest National Park is within a 10 minute drive with miles of heathland to explore – enjoy walking, cycling or horse riding amongst the free-roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys.

Outside

The conservatory opens onto a small rear courtyard with seasonal planting. In the front garden there is a bench to catch the afternoon sun. A couple of comfortable loungers and two fold-up garden chairs are provided.

The local area

Visitors love this beautiful, Georgian market town that’s also a popular sailing resort. Lymington boasts three marinas and was the training ground for local hero Sir Ben Ainslie, you can see the golden letter box at the bottom of the high street, painted in recognition of his success with a fifth Gold Medal in the 2012 Olympic Games. Lymington is one of the largest towns in the New Forest and has a key role in the life of the area. This charming town is packed full of history dating back to the Norman Conquest, and is an important port on the west bank of the Lymington River on the Solent. Human habitation in the Lymington area dates back to the Iron Age, and a 6th Century BC hill fort known locally as Buckland Rings can still be seen today. As with many other towns and villages in the area, Lymington thrived during the Norman Conquest, thanks to its key location on the south coast.

If you want to leave your car at home and come by train, Lymington Rail line is a branch off the main Waterloo to Weymouth line. Once here, you’ll find regular buses with stops all over the New Forest and coastline.

There are lots of places to walk and amble in and around Lymington, these include characterful cobbled streets leading down to the town quay and harbour – a great place to relax and watch harbour life – fishing boats land their haul, yachts and leisure boats coming in and out.

There are lots of town events, activities and day trips from Lymington including fishing trips, boat and sailing charters, canoeing and kayaking, diving trips, mini cruises and ferry over to the Isle of Wight with your car or as a foot passenger.

Saturdays in the high street are a hive of activity, with a weekly street market selling everything from plants, clothes and household goods to home-made cakes, fruit and veg and a whole lot more. Shopping is great with a high street brands mixed with an interesting and eclectic mix of independent retailers and boutiques. There are a few supermarkets and specialist food shops for provisions to take back to your cottage, including one that makes their own home-made dishes and desserts and freezes them.

Lymington also has a number of really good eateries in and around the town, with the main concentration being around the high street. Lanes of Lymington serves superb food and also runs a cookery school. The Elderflower, whose chef/proprietor hails from the famous 5* Chewton Glen Hotel is superb.

During the warmer months you can relax in the bandstand gardens and enjoy some free musical entertainment. A few minutes’ further on are Lymington Sea Water Baths, the oldest of their kind in the UK, dating back to 1833. A short walk further on is the start of Keyhaven Nature Reserve. Well worth going to if you like birds, wildlife and natural beauty complimented with wonderful views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

Parking

There is unallocated parking in the road; please park in front of the property if possible. A public car parking clock is provided for your stay for additional parking should it be required for the summer months only (against a £73.00 refundable deposit- the permit will be left in the cottage for your arrival). A parking clock isn't available from October – April.

Additional information

Included: Bed linen and towels (bring own beach towels), central heating (gas), electricity, WiFi. Children: All ages welcome. Pets: Regret no pets. No Smoking. Bicycle Storage: Bikes can be stored in the conservatory. EV Charging is not available at this property. Shops: Lymington High Street, Tesco Express – 3 minute walk, Waitrose – 4 minute drive. Pubs: The Angel & Blue Pig, The Kings Head, The Ship Inn on the quay – all within a 5 minute walk. Restaurants: The Elderflower (3 AA Rosettes), Stanwell House, Lanes of Lymington – all within a 5 minute walk. Beaches: Milford on Sea, Barton on Sea, Avon Beach (sandy) all within 10 miles (15/20 minutes by car). Short breaks: Available low season bookable anytime, mid and high two weeks prior. Changeover: Saturday Property: Self-catering holiday home.