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The pretty little UK town with one of the best high streets that's 'frozen in time'
Reach Daily Express | October 12, 2025 7:39 PM CST

A charming UK town fringed by the coast draws in visitors and property buyers flocking to live in the picturesque spot that's 'frozen in time'. The high street has a healthy, beating heart with a thriving community, and it's a 'magnet' for tourists seeking something different from a street full of big brands and chain stores.

Historical Lymington in Dorset is surrounded by the coast, and the seaside is not far away. This pretty port town meets the River Lymington at its edge, and the other side is surrounded by the New Forest. But its high street also gives the place a unique vibe, pulling in visitors and locals, as it's packed with independent shops, including clothing retailers, designer boutiques, antique shops, and many great eateries. The town also has two train stations, a buzzing Saturday market, plus a gigantic and delightful seawater swimming pool that opens seasonally from April to September.

Lymington High Street was among 31 places featured in a list by the Daily Mail, the publication spoke to property experts and came up with several renowned locations, with this charming Dorset spot being one.

Described as having an elegant edge and a 'vibrant atmosphere', Lymington High Street is a place that locals and visitors love to explore.

The timeless architecture, classic seaside souvenir shops and 'relaxed but special vibe' has all been praised by visitors and residents.

Saddat Abid, senior property buyer at Property Saviour said: "It's a captivating fusion of historical elegance and coastal charm.

"The high street meanders down to the serene Lymington River, where the fresh sea breeze enhances the vibrant atmosphere of quaint seaside shops."

Despite online shopping being a trend for many these days, Lymington High Street seems to be going against the grain and its independent shops are popular and well supported.

Art galleries and gift shops are in abundance on this high street, it's an affluent area with property prices generally reportedly rating it the most expensive coastal town to buy a home in the South East, with house prices averaging out at £608,253.

Lymington faces the Isle of Wight and, besides being a major yachting centre, it has a car ferry service, as well as a large tourism industry, with visitors enjoying its elegant cobbled streets and all-year-round charm.

Every Saturday, a traditional market takes over the high street. With an array of food and craft stalls, it's described as one of the New Forest's hidden gems. The market runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather-dependent.

The Lymington Charter Market has been running since the mid-13th Century and has up to 100 stalls trading at busy times, making the high street even more popular with tourists and locals alike.


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