Lymington is situated on the south coast of England and lies immediately within the Western Solent. This historic harbour town is a key sailing centre that offers a diverse range of visitor berthing options. These include the facilities provided by the Harbour Commissioners, detailed here, and two separately covered marinas, among the largest in the Solent.

The small and well-protected harbour provides complete protection. Safe access is provided in all reasonable conditions, night or day, and at any stage of the tide.

This is a very popular harbour that can get busy when hosting events or at weekends during the sailing season. Therefore, it is best to call in advance to make arrangements. This is particularly true if the intention is to use the harbour master's Town Quay facilities.

Keyfacts for Lymington Harbour

Position and approaches

Haven position

50° 45.151' N, 001° 31.434' W

This is the position of the south end of the northern wave screen, at the entrance to the harbour and Horn Reach.

What is the initial fix?

This is located on the 319½° T leading line and is adjacent to the seasonal spherical race buoy Fl.Y.4s. The leading line, which is illuminated in fixed red at night, is marked by an 11-metre high metal column and a second column, 17 metres high, situated 400 metres to the northwest on the outer edge of the river wall at Horn Reach.

What are the key points of the approach?

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What's the story here?

Lymington Harbour is a small, historic market and harbour town located within the Solent, three miles northeast of Hurst Point. The town lies on the western bank of the Lymington River, which flows into the northern side of the Solent through a salt marsh. It is accessed via a well-marked channel that begins over two miles from the Town Quay, and its winding route is shared with a fleet of car ferries that continuously travel back and forth to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. The west side of the river hosts two of the Solent's largest marinas (the separately covered Lymington Yacht Haven and Berthon Lymington Marina ), along with a town quay, several pontoons, and moorings. On the east side of the river, there is a terminal for the busy Wightlink ferry service that crosses to Yarmouth. The town boasts two large sailing clubs and serves as a major centre for sailing.




The harbour is managed by Lymington Harbour Commissioners, who provide the following visitor berths:

• • The Town Quay pontoon can accommodate vessels up to 12 metres (40 feet) with a draft of 1.6 metres LAT, and it provides the closest berths to the town centre.


• • Four 'fore and aft' visitor moorings located opposite the Town Quay pontoon.


• • The Dan Bran Pontoon situated immediately inside the entrance to Lymington Harbour, which can accommodate large vessels of up to 26mm or up to 50 (10m) boats moored together as in the case of rallies.


• • The Harbour Master Pontoon has six bookable berths that are primarily suitable for RIBs, though they accommodate boats up to 8m LOA. These berths are next to the Royal Lymington Yacht Club and Lymington Town Sailing Club.

The harbour is bustling during the season, particularly when hosting events or on weekends. Therefore, it's advisable to make arrangements in advance. This is especially important if you intend to use the harbour master's Town Quay facilities. You can contact Lymington Harbour Commissioners at +44 1590 672014, Ch. 66 - [Lymington Harbour] (office hours), or via email at info@lymingtonharbour.co.uk.




The Town Quay pontoon has 26 finger berths and 22 rafting berths for boats up to 12.2m in length. Berting rates, per metre [2025] £4.50 weekdays, £5.10 weekends, short stay (max 4 hours) £2.15, 7-night rates of £24.80 are available with conditions. Discounts also apply when rafting, and the Dan Bran Pontoon has slightly reduced rates of about 10%. Town Quay moorings are £2.70 weekdays, £3.05 weekends, short stay £1.30 and weekly £14.90 per metre.




Lymington is accessible to most leisure vessels at all stages of the tide, but it is not an excessively deep harbour. The construction of a causeway in the eighteenth century reduced the river's scouring effect and led to shallowing. The constant toing and froing of the ferries helps keep the lower channel's minimums to 2.4 metres chart datum, up to the entrance at Lymington Yacht Haven, and 2.2 metres chart datum, up to the ferry berth and Lymington Marina. But after this, the depth drops to 1.4 metres chart datum to the Town Quay, which has a depth of 1.5 metres chart datum and a size restriction of 12 metres. These depths should be taken conservatively as the river is subject to silting.

Although anchoring is prohibited in the Lymington River, anchoring outside on the Lymington Banks inshore of the seasonal spherical race buoy is possible.

How to get in?

Refer to Western Approaches to the Solent for appropriate navigational guidance. Vessels converging on the initial fix and using the Solent's channel marks will find no specific local obstacles to an approach to Lymington Harbour. By day, Lymington will make itself known from a great distance by the constant stream of Wightlink ferries that enter and exit the harbour and its forest of masts.




Keeping outside the line of spherical racing buoys and Hurst Light tower bearing no less than 225° T clears the mud banks on either side of the entrance. On final approaches, the Royal Lymington Yacht Club starting platform, located about 100 metres northwest of the outer end of the fairway, makes the approach path plain.



By night, keep south of the line of seasonal spherical racing buoys, Fl Y 4s, and do not go north of Hurst Light's white sector, Fl(4)WR.15s, until the alignment of Lymington's leading lights Fixed Red on the 319½° T.


LYMINGTON FERRIES


Vessels approaching Lymington should pay particular attention to the car ferries trailing between Yarmouth and Lymington approximately every 30 minutes via the entrance channel. If there is a ferry movement, rule 9 applies - IRPCS Vessels in Narrow Channels, and leisure craft must give way. The ferry will occupy most of the channel in Lymington's narrow fairway, and vessels must keep well over to starboard. When skirting the margins of the channel, be aware that the adjacent mud flats are very steep-to, and when the ferry passes, they tend to lower the water level momentarily, so it is possible to briefly touch the mud.




It would be advantageous to position the vessel at a wide point or in a position where it can be conveniently stepped aside when a ferry movement is imminent, or if the approach can be timed to follow the ferry.




From your initial fix, steer up the Long Reach channel on 319.5° True ready to stand off if a ferry approaches. The speed limit in the channel is 6kn, and the first outer mark is the port side 'Jack in the Basket' beacon, Fl.R.2s9m, that is conspicuous for its unusual black 'basket' topmark.




The channel is well-marked, but the helm must stay vigilant and strictly follow the markings; shallow water borders both sides of the fairway. Factor in strong breezes, tidal cross-streams reaching 2.5 knots, and a multitude of leisure boats (under sail and power) alongside the ferries, and you'll have plenty to keep your attention.





The Royal Lymington starting platform will be readily identifiable on the starboard side, close east of the river entrance, with the first starboard post, Fl. G 2s2m3M, 60 metres west of it. The No. 2 Port Cross Boom lies opposite and to the southwest, Fl.R.2s4m3M.





Pass between these beacons to enter the channel and follow the closely spaced substantial piles north-westward up the Long Reach that tracks in on the 319.5° True alinement. The port side red piles, with square top marks, all flash red every 2 seconds, the starboard side green piles, with triangular top marks, to starboard all flash green every 2 seconds.




Just over a ½ mile within, the channel enters the outer reaches of the drying salt marshes, where the Long Reach ends and the channel bends into a northward stretch. This ¼ mile section commences at the green starboard Tar Barrel beacon.




At night, it is supported by directional leading light-beacons aligned at 007° ½ on two black-and-white metal columns, primarily for the benefit of the ferries. The channel passes between isolated stone breakwaters, and the beacon off the eastern breakwater features a tide gauge.




Having passed between the isolated breakwaters, the channel then veers westward around
the northern end of the westernmost breakwater to enter the Short Reach, between the port hand Cocked Hat Fl.R.2s and the starboard Caged Boom Fl. G. 2s 4m3M.




Proceed westward in Short Reach for 400 metres to the harbour's well-signposted entrance and pass between its wooden wave screens on either side into Horn Reach.






Lymington Yacht Haven , Ch. 80 [Lymington Yacht Haven], +44 1590 677071, is entered to port immediately behind the southern wave screen on the west side of the river. By night, it has leading lights, inline on 244° T, both fixed orange.




Horn Reach turns north-westward from the entrance, and the primary concern in this stretch is a ferry arriving or departing from its berth at the head of Horn Reach, as there is very little room to spare. So, it is essential that the helm watches the ferry berth and checks for a ferry arriving astern. If there is movement, just slow down and step out of the way.




The Lymington Harbour Commissioners' Dan Bran pontoon is approximately 200 metres upstream on the port side, alongside the channel. For those who find berthing challenging, this option is the simplest, as the outer pontoon runs parallel to the channel, and all that is needed is to draw up alongside it. The Lymington Harbour Commissioners' office is located ashore, just south of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club.




The Harbour Master Pontoon is located to port approximately 200 metres beyond the Dan Bran pontoon and is situated just below the private berths of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club.




Berthon Lymington Marina , Ch 80. [Berthon Lymington Marina], +44 1590 673312, commences 300 metres above the clubhouse.
It is situated on the west bank, to port, opposite the Wightlink car ferry terminal. The marina can handle boats of all sizes and holds up to 70 visitor berths.





The channel can appear confusing thereafter due to the density of vessels extending from Berthon Lymington Marina and the pile berths beyond.




Effectively, the channel narrows to pass between the ferry or ferry terminal and the outermost trot of moorings standing off the line of Berthon Lymington Marina. A line of prominent port piles with red cone tops marks it.




The channel to Town Quay bends to the west opposite the second ferry berth. This is marked by port and starboard piles on either side. Turn to port and pass between the marks.




Then follow the fairway between the lines of moored boats for about 400 metres to the quay walls. The Town Quay can offer 46 walk-ashore berths, comprising 26 finger berths and 20 alongside/rafted berths.

Why visit here?

Lymington, historically known by a variety of names—including Lentune, Lemyntum, Lementum, and Liminton—derives its name from a lost Celtic river name, Limen, which is believed to mean "river of the elm." This Celtic root was later combined with the Old English suffix ton or tún, signifying a farmstead, hamlet, or village, particularly one situated by a river. Thus, the name Lymington can be interpreted as "elm river village."




The earliest known human activity in the area dates back to the Iron Age, as evidenced by the impressive earthworks at Buckland Rings. This hill fort, located just north of the present-day town, dates from around the 6th century BC and is considered one of the most significant Iron Age sites in the Hampshire/Dorset basin. The fort's massive ramparts and ditches are still clearly visible and mark it as a major local centre of prehistoric settlement. Another important ancient site is Ampress Camp (also called Ampress Hole), located northwest of the town. While Ampress Camp was traditionally thought to be of Iron Age origin, more recent archaeological research, including radiocarbon dating, suggests that its main period of construction may fall between AD 410 and 620, placing it in the late Roman or early post-Roman (sub-Roman) period. Some Iron Age pottery was found at the site. Still, the principal ditch appears to be from a later date, possibly representing one of the last defended enclosures built in southern Britain before the Saxon period.




During the Roman occupation of Britain, there is evidence of a Roman presence near Lymington, including the discovery of Roman relics and the possible site of a small camp. However, unlike other areas of Hampshire, there is relatively little evidence of substantial Saxon settlement in Lymington. The wider region was settled by the Jutes, a Germanic people distinct from the Saxons, in the 6th century. They established a settlement called Limentun, the precursor to modern Lymington.




Lymington is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Lentune. The entry suggests that, at this time, the settlement was relatively minor. Only after the Norman Conquest did Lymington develop into a more significant town. The primary impetus for its growth came in the early 13th century, when William de Redvers, 5th Earl of Devon and lord of the manor, granted the settlement borough status. This charter, issued around 1200, allowed Lymington to hold a weekly market—a vital privilege that stimulated urban growth and economic activity.




The town's success as a borough is evident from its expansion during the mid-13th century, when the boundaries of the borough were extended. Although the original charter has not survived, the town's rights and privileges were later confirmed in 1578 by a royal quo warranto judgment, which recognized the burgesses' freedom from toll, passage, and pontage, as well as their rights to collect tolls and haulage fees at the quay and to hold two annual fairs. These privileges were crucial in establishing Lymington as a thriving market town in medieval Hampshire.




Lymington's prosperity was historically based on several factors. Its location on the western bank of the Lymington River, close to the Solent, made it an important port for trade and transport. The town became especially well-known for manufacturing salt, an industry that dates back to Roman times. This was carried out on the marshes to the south of Lymington. There was a continuous line of salt works from Hurst Spit to Lymington when the coastline was a hive of activity.




Celia Fiennes, 1662-1741, noted in her visit to Lymington in around 1695, 'it's a mile to Limington a seaport town – it has some few small ships belonging to it and some little trade, but the greatest trade is by their salterns. She went on to observe, The seawater they draw into trenches and so into several ponds that are secured in the bottom to retain it, and it stands in the sun to exhale the watery part of it, and if it prove a dry summer they make the best and most salt, for the rain spoils the ponds by weakening the salt. When they think its fit to boil they draw off the water from the ponds by pipes which convey it into a house full of large square iron and copper pans; they are shallow but they are a yard or two if not more square, these are fixed in rows one by another up to twenty on a side. In the house under which is the furnace that burns fiercely to keep these pans boiling apace, they shovel it up and fill it in great baskets from which the thinner part runs through on to moulds which are set to catch it, and which they call salt cakes'.




Until the end of the 18th century, the area from Lymington to Hurst Spit was the site of the country's most significant sea salt industry. The salt industry thrived from the Middle Ages through the 19th century, with salt pans dotting the nearby marshes. Moreover, Lymington's coastal location made it a hub for smuggling, particularly during the 18th and early 19th centuries, when high taxes on imported goods rendered illicit trade highly profitable.




Lymington's emergence as a significant port did not occur until the early fourteenth century, despite earlier claims that it was made a port in the reign of Henry I. The town's advantageous position on the Lymington River, with access to The Solent, allowed it to develop into an important harbour for mercantile activity by the later medieval period. Wine and other imported goods arrived through Lymington, while exports included New Forest timber and agricultural products. The harbour's growing shipping trade led to frequent disputes with Southampton over the levying of customs duties. In 1329, a case regarding these duties was decided against Lymington, but over 400 years later, in 1750, the judgment was reversed and the town's right to collect petty customs was confirmed.




In the intervening period, Lymington gained a notorious reputation as a haven for smugglers, peaking throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries. During this time, the high taxes on goods such as wine, brandy, silks, coffee, tea, and tobacco created lucrative opportunities for local "free-traders." Smuggling was widely endorsed by the community and involved well-organised networks utilising secluded creeks and the maze of New Forest tracks to swiftly move contraband inland. Local folklore even points to sites like Ambrose Hole as storage depots for smuggled goods, with packhorses and carts used to transport cargoes under the cover of darkness.




During this period, the town also played a military role. In the late 18th century and during the Napoleonic Wars, Lymington hosted a depot for artillery and militia regiments and was home to a diverse population of troops and French émigrés. The town registers from 1784 to 1814 record the presence of these displaced individuals, reflecting Lymington's contribution to the coastal defences against French threats. During the Napoleonic Wars, the King's German Legion-Artillery was based near Portchester Castle and sent sick soldiers to Lymington or Eling Hospital.




Economically, Lymington's seminal moment occurred in the 18th century, underpinned by boat building, dairy farming, and especially the salt industry. This legacy is reflected in the town's Georgian architecture today. The marshes south of the town supported England's largest sea salt industry until the end of the 18th century, when competition from cheaper mineral saltworks in Cheshire and rising taxes led to the closure of the last local saltern in 1865. As the salt trade and shipping declined, Southampton's renewed significance as a commercial port further diminished Lymington's harbour activity.



By the mid-19th century, Lymington had reinvented itself as a genteel bathing resort. A bath house was established at Waterford (now the site of Lymington Yacht Haven), attracting visitors with its Georgian architecture, picturesque streets, and proximity to the New Forest. Large houses and villas were developed on the outskirts, and Lymington's reputation as a sailing centre grew rapidly. Its location made it a popular base for cruising the Solent and as a departure point for the English Channel and the Channel Islands.




In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Lymington emerged as a major centre for yachting. The Royal Lymington Yacht Club was established in the 1920s (originally as the Lymington River Sailing Club), followed by the Lymington Town Sailing Club in 1946 and the Berthon Lymington Marina in 1960. These clubs remain highly active, with the Royal Lymington Yacht Club now boasting over 3,000 members and hosting significant keelboat and dinghy events. The Lymington Town Sailing Club's popular Winter Series, known as the Solent Circuit, further enriched the local sailing scene. In addition to the clubs and the Harbour Commissioner facilities, there are two large marinas and three sailing clubs, making it a vast and very active centre for boating.




However, Lymington has managed to retain its genteel sailing town feel, with much of its Georgian and Victorian architecture and medieval street layout still intact. Surrounded by the beautiful New Forest countryside, it is a magnet for tourists. The town is fortunate that its historic structure and layout remain largely untouched and have escaped significant development. Lymington High Street features several independent shops, designer boutiques, and a local market held each Saturday, dating back to the original 13th-century charter. The town's narrow streets, lined with charming period cottages, houses, and numerous local pubs and restaurants, are delightful to visit, making it one of the Solent's most popular destinations among yachters.




Lymington is also the gateway from the Solent to the surrounding 1, 1,330 hectares (3,300 acres) of New Forest, which is protected and managed by the National Trust. Much of its coastline is designated as a special area of conservation, which can be explored via the Solent Way. The western end of the 60-mile coastal walk extends from Lymington to Hurst Castle, which can be reached by the more energetic within a two-hour walk. This route leads past coastal grazing, saltwater lagoons, and saltmarshes, offering views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Roydon Woods is a beautiful area of woodland, heath, fields, and meadows, featuring numerous streams and ponds located just south of Brockenhurst on the Lymington River.




Those wishing to relax will find Lymington a bustling, cosmopolitan town steeped in Georgian and Victorian architecture, with quaint cobbled streets. It has an excellent choice of local pubs and restaurants, renowned for the quality of their food. Families with small children will find a common green space and playground between the marinas, and another behind the Town Hall. An open-air pool adjacent to the Lymington Yacht Haven is perfect for older children.




From a boating perspective, Lymington's reputation as a sailing destination matches its appeal to visitors seeking relaxation. It has a vibrant mix of pubs, restaurants, and family-friendly amenities, including green spaces and an open-air pool near the marinas. Its excellent transport links, facilities, and provisioning make it an ideal staging point for Solent cruising and longer passages to the Channel Islands—approximately 100 miles away.

What facilities are available?

All yachting facilities are available in Lymington including a choice of chandleries. Lymington has all the services that you would expect from a town of this size. There are a choice of chemists, supermarkets, a post office, several banks and a host of bars and restaurants. The town also has a large range of independent shops and retailers.

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred to a vessel visiting Lymington.

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur S/Y Whistler.