Hampshire / Lymington

Lymington is a coastal town located within the New Forest, surrounded by the Solent with the shadow of the Isle of Wight on one side, and the beauty and tranquillity of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest on the other, this ancient seaport is steeped in a rich history of maritime and sailing.

Lymington’s Charter Market takes place every Saturday in the bustling High Street from 8am to 4pm and is one of the New Forest’s hidden gems. It’s a superb day out, with stalls ranging from plants, local food produce, household goods, and craft items.

The Market was originally granted a Charter (a document providing certain rights to the people of the town) in the mid-13th Century, which enabled Medieval Lymington to hold its own market.

Farmers, traders and merchants would come from far and wide to sell their goods. This is still true of today’s traders. The High Street was deliberately designed to be wide enough for a market to be held regularly and this can still be seen in the current imposing Georgian architecture that lines both sides of the High Street, from the Quay in the East and up to St Thomas Church which holds a commanding position in the West.

There are approximately 90 stalls every week selling a manner of edible treats from olives, breads, cakes, fudge, pies, fruit and vegetables to take home with you. Don’t forget a cool bag to bring back local fish, cheeses and meats too. There is something to suit all budgets, whether looking for a hand crafted gift for a loved one or a special souvenir of your trip. Look no further than Lymington’s market for jewellery, bric-a-brac, clothes, shoes, plants and bedding. It is all there!

Visitors to Lymington should allocate a whole day to incorporate the non high street shops and boutiques, have lunch in one of the artisan restaurants or afternoon tea in a family owned cafe. Take a stroll down the famous cobbled street and watch the sailing boats and luxury yachts intermingle with the fishing fraternity.

FACT FILE

The Market is owned and managed by Lymington and Pennington Town Council. For further information please see our website http://www.lymingtonmarket.co.uk/or telephone 01590 630830.