The UK’s loveliest high street is in a stunning old port town on the south coast of England. There has been much talk about the death of the high street around the country, as independent retailers struggle to keep up with big chains and the explosion of online shopping. However, some high streets are defying the odds and remain busy hubs of business, despite changing times and increased costs for businesses. One of those high streets is in Lymington, Hampshire.

This high street is home to independent shops as well as high street staples such as Boots and Wetherspoons. Plus, it is a stone’s throw from where the river opens up to the sea, an area that is dotted with lovely pubs serving local brews and delicious pub grub. The high street in Lymington was named as the loveliest in the UK in 2024 by The Times, which examined high streets around the country and ranked them based on places to shop, eat and overall look and atmosphere. 

Perhaps a highlight of Lymington’s high street is its market, which takes place every Saturday between 8am and 3pm. The market offers a range of exciting things for locals and visitors, including vintahe bric-a-brac, plants, household goods, antiques and, of course, amazing food and drink. 

Make sure to arrive at the market hungry, as there is plenty to feast on. Think cakes, pies, meats, cheeses, local fish, bread, fruit and vegetables. 

However, the market isn’t the only draw to this high street. Amongst the independent shops is Elliot’s, a clothing store that has been open on this street since 1873. There is also Solent Cellar, a local wine shop with some lovely bottles on offer.

Other highlights of the high street include Hoxton Bakehouse, Thirty Three Boutique, Watches of Distinction and White Stuff. In terms of places to eat, there is Hazy Days Coffee, The Highstreet Kitchen, Babelas, Deep Blue Fish & Chips and Huddle.

Locals have no shortage of pubs on and around the high street. Lymington favourites include The King’s Head Inn, The Angel & Blue Pig, The Cellar Tasting House, Ship Inn and The Townhouse. 

Revealing why Lymington’s high street is the ‘loveliest’ in the UK, The Times author described it as “a best-of-both-worlds” situation with the architecture of an old market town mixed with seaside souvenir shops and the smell of the ocean. 

Locals and visitors alike have had similar thoughts about Lymington’s high street. One TripAdvisor user said: “Great market runs length of High Street – lots of variety, local produce and crafts. Particularly like the bookstall at the top end. Grab a pasty and eat sitting on the Quay.”

Another shared: “It’s always a pleasure to visit Lymington Market on a Saturday. There are plenty of bargains to be found, as there is so much choice of everything. My favourite stall is The Olive Direct Stall.”

A third wrote: “We had an enjoyable Saturday walking the market, some great cake and bread stalls, a large number of stalls with various items to suit all budgets. We did everything from getting a watch battery changed, a blankie for our cat and some sourdough bread. Would definitely go back and would recommend.”