There’s something about summer that invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and savour the warmer months. From the dappled sunlight streaming through swaying trees, the pop of a chilled bottle of wine, and the soft music drifting through the air. At Stanwell House, in the charming Georgian town of Lymington, we offer all of that, and much more.
Whether you’re travelling solo, planning a romantic couple’s retreat, or keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays, Stanwell House makes the perfect addition to any Hampshire day out or weekend away.
Our Hidden Gem: The Stanwell Garden
This summer, we invite you to dine, drink, or simply pause here. Stop in after a forest walk with friends or family, take a well-earned break on your travels, or make a special trip just for us for a lazy lunch or scenic detour. Our seasonal menus are crafted by our talented kitchen team, offering everything from sun-drenched salads to more indulgent small plates bursting with summer flavours inspired by land, garden and sea. Add to that our curated drinks list, with crisp wines, contemporary cocktails, botanical mocktails, and perfectly brewed coffee, and you have all the ingredients for a truly outstanding time.
Live Music in the Garden
Our Music in the Garden series brings an upbeat energy to Stanwell House! Held every Friday from 6pm to 8pm, bring your friends, order your favourite tipple, and settle in for an evening of acoustic sets, smooth melodies and great company. It’s the perfect way to transition from a day of exploring into the night!
Performances feature a rotating line-up of local artists and acoustic sets, all carefully chosen to match the garden’s laidback vibes. From jazzy instrumentals, soulful vocals, or acoustic favourites, there’s music that caters to all preferences. You can also unwind with our Sunday Sessions from 3pm – 5pm. With a slightly slower tempo, enjoy tear and share flatbreads, loaded with delicious toppings inspired by land, sea and from our very own gardens. Alternatively, opt for dishes from the grill, like Korean pork belly skewers or sizzling chicken shawarma thighs with smoked red pepper hummus and a crisp garden salad.
Check our What’s On page to see who’s performing next.
Gin Tasting
For those looking for a fun afternoon in the sun, don’t miss our Gin Tasting Experience with 820 Spirits, taking place on Wednesday 24th July.
Hosted in our events room in collaboration with 820 Spirits, this is a chance to explore the artistry behind locally distilled, small-batch gins, where each one is infused with Hampshire botanicals. Perfect for gin enthusiasts or curious first timers, receive a guided tasting of over seven gins, learn directly from the distillers about their process and story, and have the option to pair your drinks with light garden bites.
The experience promises something flavourful and distinctly different, with over seven exceptional spirits to savour.
With limited spaces, we recommend booking in advance.
A Whole Day to Explore
Stanwell House isn’t just perfectly placed within Lymington; it’s perfectly placed for exploring some of the best that Hampshire and the South Coast have to offer! Many visitors head straight to the Isle of Wight, and while that ferry ride has its charm, you don’t need to leave the mainland to enjoy a rich, refreshing, and inspiring day out right on our doorstep. Lymington and its surroundings offer more than enough to fill your itinerary, whether you’re travelling as a couple, solo, or with the whole family, with the Solent Way footpath providing fantastic views across the water.
Embrace the Outdoors
Start your day at the New Forest National Park, just minutes from our doorstep. With ancient woodlands, look out for five species of deer, or miles of cycling or walking trails, ideal for families and nature lovers alike.
If the coast is calling, head to Keyhaven Marshes and take the peaceful waterside paths and take advantage of birdwatching opportunities. Walk via the Solent Way through the nature reserve teeming with wildlife, spot the infamous Needles in the distance, or visit Hurst Castle, full of history and fun for the whole family. Or try something more active at Milford on Sea, from kayaking the Lymington River to hiring bikes and exploring the local area.
For those looking for a change of pace, explore Lymington’s charming, cobbled streets, boutique shops, and independent cafés. Every Saturday, the bustling market comes alive with its historic market, held weekly since the 13th century. Pick up everything from antiques and collectables to local delicacies. Down by the scenic quay, watch fishing boats come in and maybe even buy some fresh fish directly from the water’s edge.
For history lovers, Lymington’s open sea water baths are a short walk away. The oldest of its kind in the UK, they remain a popular fixture throughout the summer months.
After a morning of exploring, return to Stanwell House for a well-earned break. Choose a shady garden table or bask in a sunny corner and savour a leisurely lunch or a refreshing round of drinks. From crisp prosecco to summer spritzes and non-alcoholic creations, the drinks menu has something for everyone. Whether you’re celebrating, catching up, or just passing through, our garden is made for moments like these.
Stay With Us
Why not turn your visit into a night, or even a long weekend?
Linger longer under a shaded umbrella in our pretty garden or pick a sun-drenched corner while catching up with friends and family. As the sun goes down, stay for dinner beneath the starry sky, share a dessert or a bottle of wine for two, and let the music carry you into the evening.
Of course, if you’re not quite ready to leave when the music fades, why not turn your visit into a stay?
Our 27 boutique rooms are designed with comfort and style in mind, many offering views over the garden for a peaceful start to your day. Choose a garden-view suite for a touch of luxury or opt for one of our dog-friendly terrace rooms, perfect for guests travelling with four-legged companions and open directly onto the garden. After a restful night’s sleep, wake refreshed and enjoy a delicious breakfast as you ease into another beautiful summer’s day.
Closer Than You Think
Stanwell House is just 30 minutes from Bournemouth by car, and easily accessible from Southampton, Winchester, and the surrounding Hampshire towns. That makes our hotel ideal for:
- Spontaneous summer day trips
- Halfway stops on a longer journey for all the family
- Weekend getaways without the hassle of long travel
You don’t need to hop on a ferry or book days in advance. Just head our way, park up, and let the garden do the rest!
With our beautiful garden, seasonal food, and vibrant local experiences, every visit becomes a moment to savour. So, whether you’re planning your summer holidays, looking for a weekend adventure, or just craving a change of scenery, Stanwell House is ready to welcome you!
