No matter how long you are staying with us in Lymington, we’re here to help you make the most of your holiday. Hampshire is full of so many exciting experiences and things to do locally and beyond. There is bound to be something that everyone will enjoy. Looking for something historical, family-friendly, or to connect you with nature or all three? We will take you through some amazing spots located just 0 minutes to 2 hours away, right from your suite. 

Start your holiday with serene coastal strolls hand in hand, perfect for a couple’s getaway to seek quiet moments together, learn more about beautiful works of art or the rich history of our land with our curated guide below.

0 minutes (0 miles) – The Salt Bar, The Garden & The Samphire

Perfect for: foodies, hotel guests & cosy evenings

Your journey can begin just 0 minutes away. Head down to our Salt Bar and be welcomed by a refreshing cocktail, a cold pint or a glass of your favourite wine, surrounded by our vibrant yet cosy atmosphere. Snuggle up by the fire in winter or even take your drink outside in our Garden. We then invite you, if you’re feeling hungry, to our Samphire Restaurant, where you can indulge in delicious fine dining dishes such as our decadent sharing boards, seafood platters or our juicy meats from the grill. Just moments away from your suite, you could be dining with loved ones, sharing unforgettable experiences. 

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0 minutes walk (0 miles) – Lymington High Street

Perfect for: hotel guests & art lovers

If you fancy a very short wander out of Stanwell House, past reception, you will approach Lymington High Street. Meander along the main road and down the lanes to discover wonderful hidden treasures of shops, bars, markets and more. For a shopping spree or just a browse, Lymington is full of independent boutiques and shops such as Buchana Fine Jewellery, which is the perfect place to discover something shiny to take home or LE VRAI for gorgeous antique furniture items or decorative pieces to place in your home. Do you like the candles and reed diffusers in the hotel? Then pop by La Bougie to bring the scent home with you to remember your holiday. Looking for a gift or maybe a new item of clothing? Pop into Perfumery & Company – Lymington or Between The Lines. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, you may even stumble across the Lymington Saturday Market, or if you want to be more creative, gaze at the beautiful works of the Clarendon Fine Art Gallery. There are so many gorgeous stops just outside our door. 

4 minutes walk (0.2 miles) – St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery

Perfect for: history buffs & art lovers

Wanting to find some inspiration or learn about the artistic expression of the Solent Coast and New Forest? Then visit the St Barbe Museum for a collection of 22,000 items related to the surrounding towns and villages. From prehistory to the present day, the collection studies a variety of periods and can be an ideal educational day out. The Museum and Gallery also have many different seasonal events and exhibitions, so make sure to check out what’s on before you visit. 

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15 minutes drive (5 miles) – Hurst Castle

Perfect for: history buffs, families & dogs

Overlooking panoramic views of the Solent, Hurst Castle sits on the shore of Hampshire. Once Henry VII’s fortress, the historic castle is just a short ferry ride from Keyhaven along the New Forest coastline, perfect for a unique day trip with the whole family (you may even spot some seals!) Even our little furry friends can enjoy the views and history of the castle as they welcome dogs inside and on the ferry, too. This is a must-visit for those who want to see the beautiful coastal nature nearby and find out more about the history of the fortress.

16 minutes drive (7.2 miles) Beaulieu

Perfect for: Motor enthusiasts, history buffs, families, & art lovers

There are so many things to do in Beaulieu. Located just a short drive from Stanwell House, Beaulieu in the New Forest is full of new experiences, exhibitions and attractions for all ages. From the captivating estate, the exhilarating attractions, to the remarkable collections of vehicles at The National Motor Museum, experience a day out like never before. Discover legendary F1 cars and classic vintage cars, and the world-famous collections of memorabilia. Ride the monorail or the Phantasmagorical ride, roam the beautiful grounds and gardens or explore the medieval abbey and Palace House. There’s a whole adventure waiting for you and the family. 

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22 minutes drive (9.9 miles) – Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

Perfect for: Nature explorers, train spotters & families

Wander and explore over 200 acres of woodland and gardens on foot or by steam railway. Play amongst the play area, log trails and explore riverside walks together. At Exbury Gardens, you will witness the glorious colours of the plants and flowers in each season of the year and enjoy spotting the wildlife amongst the forest. Experience breathtaking views of thousands of plant species and discover all the wonderful events Exbury hosts, such as summer garden games, animal walks and crafts workshops. You might even find some inspiration for your garden!

30 minutes drive (11 miles) – Hengistbury Head Beach 

Perfect for: Nature explorers, history buffs, families & dogs

Hengistbury Head – Anik Messier Flickr

Walk along the sandy dunes with the sea salt breeze and discover serene views of the Solent against the magnificent cliffs at Hengistbury Head Beach. Collect rocks on the south-facing pebble beach or wriggle your toes amongst the sandy beach at Mudeford spit, which is array with colourful beach huts. You can even take the land train to Mudeford and enjoy the view in one of our cafes. Keep quiet, and you just might spot some wildlife in this peaceful nature reserve. Dogs are welcome, but make sure they’re kept on a lead and not on the beach. For those ready to step in the footsteps of our ancestors, take a look at the events such as Iron Age Roundhouse Tours or take a stroll to the ancient earthworks, The Double Dykes. There are many other walks around Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head Beach if you fancy a longer hike. 

42 minutes drive (18.3 miles) – Southampton Ghost Tours

Perfect for: History buffs, older children & families

Maybe you’re visiting around Halloween, or you just fancy a good old scary story. Southampton Ghost Tours bring spooky encounters to life in the chilling setting of the Old Town and Medieval walls. Embark on a journey through history and the city’s dark heritage with the words of a storyteller to really make your spine shudder. From the Medieval merchants’ tunnels to the Medieval castle, Southampton is full of ancient ghost stories and mysteries to uncover. The Theatre of Dark Encounters also host other ghost story events and theatre productions at The Kings Theatre or around other historic locations nearby. 

42 minutes drive (18.3 miles) – Southampton Ghost Tours

Perfect for: History buffs & families

Jane Austen’s House – Danielle Flickr

Step into the world of Jane Austen and uncover the rich history and captivating stories behind one of England’s most beloved authors. Visit her cherished former home, the very place where she wrote her six iconic novels, and walk in the footsteps of literary greatness. Wander through the carefully preserved rooms and discover the inspirations that shaped her timeless storytelling. Marvel at a fascinating collection of personal treasures, handwritten letters, and rare first editions—all offering a glimpse into Austen’s life and creative process, including the famous tiny writing table where her masterpieces came to life. With immersive exhibitions, seasonal events, and engaging activities, including games and play areas for children, the Jane Austen House offers a delightful day out for all ages and lovers of her books.

1 hour 13 minutes (37.6 miles) – Stonehenge

Perfect for: families & history buffs

Embark on a journey into the heart of one of the world’s most famous Neolithic monuments. Walk amongst those who lived near the stone circle over 4,000 years ago and learn more about the secrets and mysteries of the wider Stonehenge landscape. From exploring the reconstructed Neolithic village to learning about the spiritual rituals and construction of the Sarsen stones, you’ll gain fascinating insight into this iconic prehistoric engineering.

1 hour 20 minutes (15.5 miles) – Dinosaur Expedition Centre

Perfect for: kids, families & history buffs

Do your kids love Dinosaurs? Regarded as the best place in Europe to find dinosaur fossils, the Isle of Wight coast is the ideal spot for fossil hunting, and Dinosaur Expeditions is a unique centre to learn more. Created by local fossil enthusiasts, this family day out allows the community to learn about our unique fossil heritage and locally produce palaeoart, as well as having the chance to adventure across the shore to find fossils of your own. Travel across the Isle of Wight and understand the processes of conservation and academic research, and explore a range of children’s activities and exhibitions. 

1 hour 45 minutes (58.8 miles) – Avebury

Perfect for: history buffs & families

If Stonehenge wasn’t enough for you, or you want to visit a Neolithic site for free, head to the impressive Avebury henge and stone circles. Walk around the huge circular bank and ditch henge and marvel at the neolithic stone circle, the largest in Britain, originally made of 100 stones. Uncover the ceremonial sites of pagans and the discoveries from aerial and geophysical surveys. Follow the footpaths along the procession route and visit other Neolithic and Bronze Age sites such as West Kennet Avenue & Long Barrow and Silbury Hill. There are also lovely gift shops and a great pub to stop at before travelling back.

 

We have so many hidden gems located near Stanwell House, so why not book your stay today?

Avon Beach

Credit: Saturdaywalker

Adventure across the sandy dunes, and feel the brisk salty sea air on your cheeks in the coastal town of Mudeford in Dorset. Just 11 miles from Stanwell House, gaze at the colourful beach huts and grab a light seafood lunch from the popular family deli, shop and bakery The Noisy Lobster. 

Avon Beach is a quarter-of-a-mile-long, family beach that is perfect for building sand castles, surfing and throwing a frisbee in the summer, as well as bundled winter walks along the promenade in the colder months. Full of life with cafes, shops and restaurants, it has all the essential facilities for an idyllic family day out. 

However, the real hidden gems are along the scenic coastal paths and natural trails that the surrounding area of Avon Beach has to offer. These trails are suitable for all levels of fitness and enjoyable for the whole family. Discover walking routes that connect you to nature and boost your wellbeing.

No matter which route you take, after any long walk, or cycle along the promenade, Saltwater Sauna on Avon Beach could be the relaxation you need to revitalise and detoxify your body. They also have locations in Sandbanks Beach, so you can unwind and alleviate after any local walk. After a hike, a sauna can help relax sore muscles, improve circulation, and speed up recovery by reducing inflammation.

Avon Beach to Mudeford Quay

Easy – 0.5 miles

Mudeford Quay

Credit: Chris

For stunning harbour views and ferry rides to Mudeford Sandbank, follow the promenade south-west to Mudeford Quay for roughly 10 minutes. Along this walk, you will pass eye-catching beach huts that are available for weekly or long period hire, as well as soft sandy stretches down to the water’s edge. You can stop and paddle your feet, take in the refreshing sensation and admire the vista. 

Mudeford Quay offers a playground for the little ones, shops and cafes such as the Haven House Inn & Cafe which opens from 11am for a much-needed coffee buzz and light seafood bites.
The Mudeford Ferry can take you across to Sandbanks, a natural coastal sand ridge, where you can explore the peninsula on the Hengistbury Head Land Train or along the seafront with your furry friend. Dogs are allowed all year off lead but should be under close control in the nature reserve. For a longer walk, connect this with our third walk below.

Highcliffe Castle Coastal Walk

Moderate – 2 miles

Highcliffe Castle

Credit: David Ball

Delve into the Gothic castle on the cliff and woodland trails with this English Channel coast walk. Along this route, you will discover the hidden histories of the 19th century as well as the beautiful secrets of the nature reserve. 

Begin at Avon Beach, where you can park at the beach car park and wander to Avon Run Road or to the shoreline adjacent towards Friars Cliffs. Pass picturesque rows of pine trees on the cliff’s edge and waves lapping the sand. 

Stroll along the sea wall for roughly 15 minutes and you will arrive at a break stop, The Beach Hut Cafe. This family run beachfront cafe is open all year round, and offers a friendly welcome. Tuck into a bite to eat and look towards the ocean from Hurst Spit in the East to Purbeck Hills in the West.

Once you’re ready to move on, head northeast until you reach the turning onto Penny Way, located behind the end of the row of wooden beach huts on your left. The path will curve up the hill to an open field. Across the road, spot the car park, and to the right will be a sign for the Steamer Point Nature Reserve. Feel the fresh salty air on your skin as you listen out for the wildlife surrounding you, as you follow the path east towards Highcliffe. This 27 acre woodland covers grassland, ponds, wetlands and sea cliffs with a variety of flora and fauna. You can also enjoy a picnic on benches whilst you immerse yourself in the scenery, spotting the Isle of Wight in the distance. 

At the end of the reserve, you will reach Highcliffe. Walk past the car park with Rothesay Park to your left and you will come across the beautiful gardens and architecture of Highcliffe Castle.  Experience the captivating past of these picturesque grounds that are open all year round from 7am or enter for a wondrous tour of the gothic mansion. Navigate through the gardens then sip on a cuppa in their tea rooms and reflect on a day well spent.

Hengistbury Head Circular Walk

Moderate – 3.8 miles

Hengistbury Head

Credit: Anik Messier

Explore panoramic coastal views, wildlife and ancient landscapes in this circular walk to Hegistbury Head. Begin the route at Hengistbury Head car park or take the ferry from Mudeford Quay and connect to our first route in this blog. 

Follow the walkway from the Hiker Cafe and head south towards the sea. Pass the land train terminus and the ancient earthworks, The Double Dykes. Turn left and follow the path towards the Hengistbury Head with the Isle of Wight on the horizon. 

As you meander down the path, you will begin to notice the sounds of the local wildlife from the Nature Reserve to your left and marvel at the harbour. You may even spot some rare Natterjack Toads in ponds along the way. As you continue up the incline, notice the spectacular views, and as you reach the top, pause and breathe in the fresh air and relax on the wooden benches provided. 

After a short rest, continue along the walkway and down the hill. Turn right at the crossroads, and walk along the edge of the cliff with the ironstone quarry to the left, to the tip of the Hengistbury Head. Continue along the path and look out for steps down to The Spit, where you will bear left and follow a narrow lane that leads to Mudeford Sandspit Lagoon and Holloway’s Dock. Turn right to visit the charming beach huts. Passing the train terminus and ferry, you may begin to feel a little hungry if you didn’t pack a picnic to eat on the hilltops. Located on The Spit, visit The Beach House, perfect for that takeaway snack and a thirst-quenching drink. 

Refuelled and ready to go, you can either explore The Spit further and follow the coast all the way round back to the Double Dykes, or you can pick up the path the other side of the lagoon through woodlands where the train passes, and head back up over the hill.

End your walk right and sleep tight

To end your night, why not travel back for a restorative night’s sleep at Stanwell House? We are also dog-friendly for those muddy paws. Rejuvenate and indulge in a hearty meal at our Samphire restaurant and then cosy up for a nightcap in our Salt Bar before retreating to your boutique room for a bubble bath and peaceful rest.