Lymington Harbour
The Georgian market town of Lymington is set on the coast in the beautiful New Forest National Park, between Southampton and Bournemouth. Famous for its sailing history, there are two large marinas filled with fishing boats and yachts, as well as two sailing clubs. The town’s narrow streets are lined with pretty period cottages and houses, as well as plenty of local pubs and restaurants (Visit Hampshire, 2023).
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Rusty's Logbook Entry
01
Places to Walk
Bath Road Recreation Ground - this is a decent sized grassy space with a small pond and bandstand. It is about a 5 minute walk from the Dan Bran Pontoon and in front of the Fortuna Pontoon of Lymington Harbour. It isn't enclosed and there is a road that runs along one side of the grounds but it has minimal traffic.
Lymington Nature Reserve (Seawall Path) - dogs are currently allowed on a lead on the seawall path that works its way along the outside of the Nature Reserve (see image on left). It is well-paved and well sign-posted. Find out more here.
02
Dog Friendly Retail
Chandlers (dog-friendly):
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Force4
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Yachtmail Chandlery
Pet shop:
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Jambo's Raw Pet Foods
General Retail
Rusty visited:
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Musto
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Henri Lloyd
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Crew Clothing
Listed online as dog-friendly but not Rusty visited:
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Quba
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White Stuff
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Waterstones
Not dog-friendly shops you might still need:
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Tesco
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Poundland
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M&S
03
Dog Friendly Places to Eat
Rusty visited:
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The Mayflower Pub - dogs are allowed inside and outside. We had a delicious meal and the staff were super friendly and brought over dog treats for Rusty. There were even water bowls available! Right by Lymington Yacht Haven it is a great option when you don't fancy walking far from the marina.
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The Ship Inn - a short walk from the marinas, this is another great choice. It overlooks both the water and the town quay.
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Humbug - a traditional sweet shop and ice cream shop - they even have dog ice cream!
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Coffee & Drift (pictured) - a lovely coffee shop right by the town quay with a varied menu of healthy food options, hot and cold drinks. During the summer they have outdoor seating.
Not visited by Rusty but listed as dog-friendly:
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The Larder - a local cafe and coffee shop
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Lounges of Lymington - offers a coffee and cake or a light lunch
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Tres Bon - Local cafe and sandwich bar
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Hoxton Bakehouse - artisan bakery
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The Haven Bar & Restaurant - Salty sea dogs are welcome on the outdoor terrace and in the bar/ snug area. Located by Lymington Yacht Haven. To book a dog-friendly table call: 01590 679971
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eatPizza Lymington - allows small dogs in their garden. They also do takeaway and delivery.
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The Bosun's Chair - a little further from the two marina's and located in Lymington Town.
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The Tinker's Granddaughter - a vegan restaurant that welcome small and well behaved dogs to its first floor and outside dining areas.
Where the sea dog can't come in so takeaway is the next best thing:
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Deep Blue (Lymington) - Fish & Chips - located on Lymington High Street
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Lal Quilla - Indian - located on Lymington High Street (they also do delivery)
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Ciao Belli - Italian - located on Lymington High Street
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Koh Thai - Thai - located on Lymington High Street
04
Places to Visit
Hurst Castle - a artillery fortress built by Henry VIII in the hear of the New Forest.
There are a couple of ways to get to the castle:
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Catch the X1 bus from Station Street heading to Bournemouth and get off at the Barnes Lane Stop. It is then a 1 mile walk (20mins) to Keyhaven where there is a little (dog-friendly) ferry to the castle.
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A 15min taxi to The Lighthouse Pub, Milford on Sea, and then either a walk to the ferry in Keyhaven or a longer walk along the shingle spit.
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A longer walk following the Seawall path and then continuing along the Solent Way until you reach Keyhaven where you can either catch the ferry or walk along the shingle spit.
(Closed 1st Nov to 31st March each year)
05
Local Transport
Trains - stations:
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Lymington Town
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Lymington Pier
To and from Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier. From Brockenhusrt you can catch trains to Woking (connections to London), Southampton, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Poole.
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112 - Hythe to Lymington via Beaulieu, National Motor Museum, Norleywood, Boldre, Pilley
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Bluestar 6 - Southampton to Lymington via Totton, Rushington, Foxhills, Ashurst, Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Setley
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119 - Lymington to New Milton via Pennington, Everton, Hordle
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X1 - Lymington to Bournemouth via Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Christchurch, Highcliffe, Barton on Sea, New Milton, Milford on Sea, Everton
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X2 - Lymington to Bournemouth via Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Christchurch, Highcliffe, Walkford, New Milton, Hordle, Pennington
Ferries - direct to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight - find out more at the Wightlink website. Dogs are welcome onboard but Wightlink ask that you let them know that your dog will be travelling when you book. You can find our more in their Pet Travel Guide.