As warmer days stretch a little longer, evenings feel softer, and life naturally moves outdoors, summer has a natural way of changing the daily rhythm of things. At the heart of Lymington, nestled between the New Forest and the Solent coastline, Stanwell House captures this seasonal shift perfectly.

With the arrival of June comes the much-anticipated return of alfresco living. Our hotel’s walled garden has fully reopened as a beautiful, relaxed social space in collaboration with Joseph Perrier Champagne. This is where summer at Stanwell House truly shines, where dining moves outdoors, drinks are shared in the open air, and long, leisurely afternoons turn into chilled sunset evenings, all accompanied by a thoughtfully curated Champagne selection perfectly suited to the season.

Whether visiting for a seasonal lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a boutique coastal escape, Stanwell House becomes a destination defined by outdoor living, exceptional food, and easy-going luxury.

The Return of Outdoor Living

Outdoor living in the coastal town of Lymington is all about fresh sea air, the warmth of the sun on stone walls, and the relaxed pace of the harbour, all of which set the tone for summer.

The season is one of the most versatile times to visit. Midweek stays feel peaceful and restorative, weekends bring energy and atmosphere, and the evenings extend into golden sunsets in the garden.

At Stanwell House, this feeling is brought into the heart of our hotel through our brilliantly designed garden space. As the seasons turn, our garden transforms into a living extension of the hotel, one where guests can unwind from morning to evening. Shaded seating areas, soft greenery, and carefully curated planting all create a calm yet social environment.

Designed for flexibility: a coffee in the morning sun, a long lunch with friends, or a cocktail as the evening light fades, the return to outdoor living reflects a broader shift in how we experience hospitality in summer – less formal, more immersive, and deeply connected to place.

The Garden Fully Reopens

The official reopening of the garden at Stanwell House signals the start of alfresco season in full. More than just an outdoor dining space, the garden becomes the beating heart of our hotel. It is where guests gather spontaneously, conversations stretch across tables, and where the atmosphere shifts throughout the day. In the morning, it is peaceful and slow-paced, ideal for a freshly brewed coffee or a light breakfast. By lunchtime, it becomes sociable and lively, filled with the sound of shared plates and summer drinks. As evening arrives, it softens into something more atmospheric: warm lighting, relaxed energy, and a sense of lingering just a little longer than planned.

The Garden Launch Party

The start of the warmer season was marked with the much-anticipated Garden Launch Party, a celebration that officially welcomed summer back to Stanwell House.

Set within the walled garden, the evening brought together guests, locals, and visitors for an immersive experience of food, drink, and live music. Champagne on arrival set the tone, followed by seasonal tastings and dishes inspired by our new Mediterranean summer menu.

As the sun set over Lymington, the garden came alive with atmosphere – soft music, warm conversation, and a sense of occasion. Our Garden Launch Party fully marked the beginning of a season characterised by outdoor dining, social connection, and the joy of summer living.

Food and Drink at the Heart of Alfresco Season

At the centre of the summer experience at Stanwell House is our food and drink offering, thoughtfully designed to reflect the season.

Light, fresh, and ingredient-led, our summer menus are built around seasonal produce, coastal influences, and relaxed sharing-style dishes that lend themselves perfectly to outdoor eating.

Guests can expect:

• Crisp, seasonal salads and small plates
• Fresh seafood and coastal-inspired dishes
• Light, flavourful mains designed for warm weather dining
• Desserts that feel indulgent yet refreshing

Our drinks list is equally considered. Savour crisp wines, botanical cocktails, chilled rosé, or a choice of spritzes made for long afternoons in the sun.

The focus here isn’t on formality, but on pure enjoyment – food made for sharing, and the freedom to relax and dine entirely at your own pace.

At its heart, The Garden is about relaxed moments, where sharing plates and easy conversation take centre stage. This easy-going spirit carries through to the entertainment, with a rotating lineup adding to the atmosphere: mellow acoustic sets on Friday evenings from Harry Yates, and Sunday sessions led by DJ Abi Lemon and guest performers, bringing a bright, social energy to round off the weekend.

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Dining Spaces Across the Hotel

Here at Stanwell House, one of our defining features is the variety of spaces available for food and drink, each offering a different atmosphere depending on the moment.

The Garden

The true focal point of summer dining, The Garden at Stanwell House is an inviting, sun-drenched escape designed for relaxed, alfresco moments. Open, airy, and effortlessly stylish, it offers the ultimate outdoor setting, whether you’re gathering with friends, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or unwinding into the evening.

Set beneath cascading wisteria and shaded by chic parasols, the space captures the laidback charm of the New Forest, blending natural beauty with understated charm. Guests can sip cocktails, share seasonal dishes inspired by land, garden and sea, and soak up the gentle hum of conversation and clinking glasses.

Whether basking in a sunny corner or settling into a cosy spot as dusk falls, The Garden is made for slow, sociable summer moments.

The Orangery

The Orangery at Stanwell House offers a beautifully balanced indoor-outdoor experience, keeping you connected to the seasons. Flooded with natural light from its striking high ceilings and expansive glazing, the space feels bright, airy, and alive with colour, creating an inviting setting.

With its blend of classic period features and contemporary design, The Orangery is a sophisticated retreat, perfect for everything from morning coffee and leisurely lunches to indulgent afternoon teas and evening cocktails. The atmosphere is relaxed, where soft light, dotted furnishings, and a gentle buzz of conversation come together to create a space made for enjoyment.

The Orangery

The Salt Bar

Relaxed, sociable, and stylish, The Salt Bar captures the easy rhythm of coastal living, where good drinks, good food, and good company come together. With a welcoming feel, it’s an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks, casual bites, or a perfectly mixed nightcap.

Designed with comfort and character, the space blends contemporary touches with coastal charm, creating a fantastic backdrop for spontaneous get-togethers. Settle in with a signature cocktail, explore our curated wine list, or celebrate fresh, seasonal flavours.

The Salt Bar

Contemporary Dining

A sophisticated setting which meets the elegance of the coast. Our restaurant, Samphire, reflects our laidback identity while heightening every element of the dining experience.

At the heart of Samphire is our seasonal menus, which are crafted to showcase the best local and regional ingredients. Expect beautifully presented plates that balance creativity with simplicity, allowing flavours to shine through in every course.

The interiors also echo this ethos, with soft, natural tones that invite you to slow down and savour each moment. Whether you’re enjoying an intimate dinner, marking a special occasion, or simply indulging in an exceptional meal, Samphire offers a dining experience that feels effortlessly at ease.

Samphire

Turn Summer Dining into a Luxury Coastal Escape

While many locals visit us for our garden alone, summer at Stanwell House is best experienced as a full stay. Stay in a boutique room, which offers a calm retreat after a day of dining and exploring. Designed with comfort and style in mind, they reflect the relaxed charm of the hotel itself.

Guests staying overnight can enjoy:

• Boutique bedrooms with contemporary coastal design
• Garden or town views, depending on room selection
• Beautifully designed interiors for rest and relaxation
• A peaceful base just moments from the High Street and harbour

For couples, it becomes a romantic weekend escape. For friends, a relaxed coastal getaway. For solo travellers, a restorative retreat.

Explore Our Rooms and Availability

A Perfect Base for Long Weekends and Retreats

Stanwell House is ideally positioned for those looking to extend their stay into a full summer escape. Located in Lymington, we offer immediate access to both the town and the surrounding natural landscape.

Guests can enjoy a blend of experiences, including:

• Wandering Lymington’s historic cobbled streets and independent shops.
• Exploring the bustling Saturday market.
• Walking along the Solent coastline.
• Visiting nearby New Forest trails and woodlands.
• Sailing and harbour-side activities.

Whether planned as a long weekend or a spontaneous midweek break, we offer the ideal balance between relaxation and exploration.

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The Spirit of Summer at Stanwell House

What makes summer at Stanwell House distinctive is not just its setting, but its feeling.

It is the sound of glasses clinking in the garden. The warmth of stone underfoot as the sun sets. The ease of moving from lunch to lounging to late-afternoon drinks without ever needing to rush. It is a reminder that the best summer moments are often the simplest ones, with shared food, open air, and time well spent.

As alfresco season begins, Stanwell House invites guests to experience summer as it should be – social and full of flavour. Whether you are joining for a garden lunch, an evening cocktail, or a full coastal retreat, our hotel offers a space to step away from routine and into something more relaxed.

Dine in the garden. Stay for the weekend. Return again as the season unfolds.

Summer has arrived, and it begins here.

With more travellers choosing to holiday closer to home, the British staycation has taken on a new level of appeal. Nowhere is this more evident than along the south coast, where the charming town of Lymington meets the wild beauty of the New Forest.

At Stanwell House, our unique setting offers the best of both worlds: an alluring Georgian high street, a bustling harbour, and miles of ancient woodland and open heathland right on our doorstep, providing a relaxed base for an extended escape.

Staying with us for four or five days allows our guests to fully immerse themselves in the local area, balancing laidback exploration with time to unwind. From cycling through forest trails and sailing across the Solent to long lunches and slow mornings, our itinerary is designed to help you experience Lymington and the New Forest at their most rewarding.

Discover our New Forest Hub

Where to Stay

At Stanwell House, we offer a collection of thoughtfully designed rooms and suites that reflect the character of the surrounding area while delivering a high level of comfort and style. Each space has been curated with a soft, contemporary aesthetic, making it easy to settle in and feel at home from the moment you arrive.

For couples seeking something indulgent, our Suites offer additional space and design details, while our Luxury Rooms offer a refined yet cosy retreat. For a historic stay, our House Rooms are located in the Georgian part of the hotel, featuring historic touches, such as original windows and a cosy fireplace, while solo travellers can enjoy our cosy Loft Rooms, offering stunning rooftop views of the surrounding area.

For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle,  our Terrace Rooms are located on the ground floor, are dog friendly, and feature interconnecting options available for families or groups travelling together, while our Garden Rooms bring a sense of calm with a closer connection to outdoor spaces.

Explore Our Full Range of Accommodation Options

A Week Itinerary at Stanwell House

Day 1: Settling into Lymington

After checking into Stanwell House, your first afternoon with us is best spent easing into your new surroundings. Our hotel’s central location in Lymington places you just moments from the town’s high street, where independent boutiques, delicatessens, and galleries all invite a leisurely exploration.

Take your time wandering, stop in for a freshly brewed coffee or browse the local shops before making your way down towards the harbour. The sight of yachts gently bobbing on the clear water, combined with the salty air drifting in from the Solent, will set the tone for the days ahead.

As the evening approaches, return to our hotel to freshen up before dinner. Dining is a central part of the experience at Stanwell House, with each individual space offering a distinct atmosphere while maintaining a consistent focus on quality and seasonality.

Savour a delicious meal at our restaurant, Samphire, which features a seasonal introduction into our hotel’s culinary offerings. From locally sourced ingredients to wonderful dishes that even the fussiest eaters will enjoy, it is the perfect way to mark the beginning of your stay. Our menus evolve with the seasons, ensuring that each visit feels fresh and reflective of our surrounding area, reinforcing the connection between our hotel and our scenic location.

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Day 2: Cycling Through the New Forest

During your first full day, discover the New Forest in one of the most traditional ways possible: by bicycle! After a relaxed breakfast with us, where you can tuck in to a delicious continental breakfast or a filling cooked breakfast, set out from Lymington and follow quiet lanes and designated trails that lead directly into the forest’s open landscapes.

Move at a leisurely pace and take in the details that make the New Forest so special. Ancient oak trees line the paths, while ponies and cattle roam freely across the heathland, seemingly undisturbed by passing visitors. This sense of space and tranquillity is immediate and deeply restorative for all who visit.

Our local cycle hire partnerships, such as with New Forest Bikes, make it easy to arrange everything you need, whether you are an experienced cyclist or simply looking for a smooth, gentle ride. Routes can also be tailored to suit your preferences, from shorter loops that return to Lymington in time for lunch to longer explorations that take you deeper into the forest and beyond.

After a morning outdoors, return to Stanwell House and relax in your room or enjoy a quiet moment in one of our communal spaces with a good book. As evening draws in, venture to Salt Bar, which offers a more informal dining experience, where expertly mixed cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere create the perfect setting to unwind with your partner or group of friends. Try a fruity plum Negroni, a refreshing elderflower spritz, or, for something more special, opt for a curated collection of cocktails inspired by your zodiac sign! 

Day 3: Coastal Adventures & Time on the Water

Lymington’s identity is closely tied to the sea, and no stay would be complete without spending time on the water as the sun shines. Embrace the coastal side of our destination with a peaceful morning in the harbour.

Being on the water offers a completely different perspective of the area, highlighting the relationship between the town, the coastline, and the wider landscape. It is a refreshing contrast to the forest explored the previous day.

Discover our range of trusted local boat partners, including Solent Rib Charter and Lymington Yacht Charter, offering guests a variety of exceptional on-water experiences. While sailing trips can offer a hands-on way to explore the Solent, leisurely boat tours also provide the opportunity to fully sit back and take in the scenery. On clear days, views can even stretch across to the Isle of Wight, ensuring a sensational experience.

Returning to Stanwell House in the afternoon, unwind in our light-filled Orangery and enjoy a late lunch or afternoon tea, where you can choose several light dishes or a selection of savoury and sweet treats.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether that means retreating to your room, enjoying a drink in our stunning garden, or taking a gentle evening stroll down enchanting, cobbled streets and relaxing.

Day 4: Walking the Forest and Coast

After exploring by bike and by boat, the following day offers the chance to experience the magnificent landscape on foot. Walking with your loved ones allows for a deeper connection with them and with your local surroundings, encouraging you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of both forest and coast.

There are countless routes to choose from. From coastal paths that showcase exquisite views across the Solent, to inland trails that gently wind through woodland and open heath, at Stanwell House, we are more than happy to help you choose a walk that most appeals to you. Each route offers its own perspective, from quiet, shaded paths to wide, expansive spaces where the horizon stretches across the land.

While walking, you are also likely to stumble upon something new – a hidden pub, a quiet clearing, or a scenic gem that can become a memorable highlight of your day, adding to the sense of exploration that wholeheartedly defines the New Forest experience.

Returning to Stanwell House, there is time to rest before your final evening. Choose to dine once again at Samphire Restaurant or opt for a restaurant or pub you have seen during your travels. Wherever you choose, the last night of your stay is an opportunity to reflect on the variety of experiences discovered.

Things to Do

Day 5: A Gentle Farewell

For those extending their stay with us, the final morning is best approached without a fixed plan. A slow, leisurely breakfast sets the tone, allowing you to appreciate the last moments of your stay with us. If you opt for a short walk through Lymington, you can pick up local produce or small souvenirs before departure, or your favourite coffee. Upon leaving Lymington, the sense of calm and balance gained over the previous day remains, making the transition back to everyday life a little easier.

One of the defining qualities of Stanwell House is our flexibility. Whether you are travelling as a couple, with family, or even with your four-legged best friend, our historic hotel adapts to your needs. The proximity of forest, coast, and town ensures that each day can offer something different, while the comfort of our hotel provides a constant sense of ease.

Whether you find yourself cycling beneath ancient trees, sailing across open water, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a drink in hand, your experience will be shaped by a sense of place that feels both grounding and restorative.

Get in touch and plan your stay today.