The small market town of Lymington in Hampshire has been named as one of the best in Europe – and it’s perfect for foodies looking for the best seafood in the continent
This small British seaside town has been awarded as one of the best in Europe thanks to it’s delicacies. During the summer the market town of Lymington comes alive as it holds the annual Seafood Festival showcasing the best of the English south coast.
Nestled in the south east of England, Lymington in Hampshire has earned it’s spot on the map when it comes to foodie hotspots. For three sunny July days, Lymington is abuzz with bustling street food vendors, live music, and entertainment
Named on the global travel site Big 7 Travel, Lymington was included in the Top 25 Best Summer Food Festivals in Europe, providing inspiration for foodie travellers who want to enjoy some of the best local food cuisines.
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Lymington was also crowned by Which? as one of the UK’s top seaside towns to visit, boasting awe-inspiring sea views of the Needles in the Isle of Wight and picturesque Georgian properties. Although it lacks a beach, it compensates with a nature reserve, a hidden lagoon, and a seawater bathing spot, reports Surrey Live.
So instead of jetting off in the hope of some good food, Lymington is the perfect destination. The boutique festival is crammed full of epic street food and pretty much every fishy delight to sample across the three days. Visitors can graze their way around 80 different food stalls, with seafood at the forefront of each vendor from locally sourced garlicky prawns to zingy fish tacos, as well as meat, vegetarian and vegan options too.
There is also the Chefs Stage which hosts the very best local chefs showcasing local seafood and local produce from the region all while visitors can learn their secrets and tricks in the kitchen. For those who enjoy cooking, the Cookery School invites guests to brush up on their skills, as the local chefs put on masterclasses.
Once you’re full up, you can make the most of being by the seaside and seeing some of the nearby beaches as here are lots close by. The closest sandy beaches to Lymington include Lepe Beach, Highcliffe Beach, Steamer Point Beach, Friars Cliff Beach and Avon Beach. Other close beaches that are shingle beaches include Milford on Sea and Barton on Sea.
To get there, Lymington has its own railway station. Mainline trains link London Waterloo to nearby Brockenhurst, there’s then a short journey by train or bus to Lymington. Regular bus services with Bluestar connect Lymington from Bournemouth and Southampton. There is a regular ferry service from the Isle of Wight offered by Wightlink ferries.
The festival will run this year from, July 11 to July 13, 2025.
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