Which marina at Lymington?

[ianhs]

We're planning to visit Lymington for the first time on saturday and will stay overnight. Any opinions/recommendations on which marina to try to book first?
Many Thanks
Ian

 

[jfm temporary]

imho, Berthon, as it is closer to (the beautiful) town. Or even the town quay, but I dunno how you book that

 

[jhr]

The Yacht Haven is further downriver than Berthon but well-sheltered and friendly. There's some tall bloke with a Moody moored there that you may want to avoid . The Mayflower (nice pub with good food) is a short stroll from there, opposite the Lymington Town Sailing Club building.

Berthon is nearer the action, and the fleshpots of Lymington High Street, so a much wider choice of eateries and things to do on your doorstep.

Then there's the Town Quay and trot moorings, which are council owned. Much cheaper but you're unlikely to be able to get a walk ashore berth on a summer weekend so you'd need a dinghy with you. Don't think you can book but I've never heard of them turning people away.

 

[Nick_H]

Berthon is a fair bit closer to the town (5 mins walk vs 15 mins from yacht haven). Town quay is aptly named, as it's right in the town, and is also cheaper, but you will be rafted, and it could even be full later on as the weather forecast is good for the weekend. It may be a case of where you can find space, as I don't think any of them take advance bookings.

 

[ChrisE]

All of the options have been identified above. I live in Lymington and prefer the quay. The Quay as it is cheap and right in the middle of things but as others have said can get very crowded. Of the two marinas I find Yachthaven to be the friendliest and, by a very small margin, the cheapest. It has an onsite restaurant/bar The Haven which is very popular and usually a very lively place to be. This time of year you'll almost certainly have to book, which is true of almost all of the restaurants here. Talking of booking, you can usually get into either of the marinas on spec but it might be worth giving them a call before arriving as they do fill up as the day goes on and they do take bookings (or YH did a couple of months ago..).

I hope that you enjoy your stay here.

 

[gjgm]

I d take Yacht Haven. There is a pleasant walk ( starts far end of the car park) out past the (not very full!) nature reserve, going westwards, with fine views of IOW. Its also a pleasant stroll along the front of the marina berths towards the public slipway, then on past Berthons and into town. The marina bar food is OK, but the restaurant side is quite good for fish.. though like all fish, its not bargain basement. You might well need to book. The nearby pub is friendly enough, lots of people from the sailing club. Food is.. pub food, really. My preference would be the Ship by the town quay; one of the few places that gives you an accurate time to table, if you havent booked.
Town Quay will accomodate 4-5 boats along the pontoon (no power, I think), and the usual max is 4 deep...
Saturday is market day.. not a bad market at all, as street markets go. Fish and chip shop at the bottom of the hill is unusually good, or the hotel half way up the hill on the left has a pleasant atrium if thats more your bag.
Lots of clothes shops for SWIMBO, and several chandleries for you, so chill that credit card before arrival.

 

[mjf]

The others have summed it up nicely.

I would add that i too used to prefer Yachthaven as its close to a nice walk along the coast. Last summer I enjoyed some days on the piles off town quay and met some nice people who rafted up etc. Drank all my port too.

The HM will assist with lines etc too which is nice.

The pontoon mid steam is short no power nor water and you will be rafted on the outboard side. HM does not allow rafting on the town side as it narrows the fairway.
Problem here is that the ruddy fishing and tour boats blat by at full chuff and you will rock and roll.

Whatever you choose enjoy.

 

[nicho]

Fish and chip shop at the bottom of the hill is unusually good

And they do a "senior citizens" special during the week, £1 off. Don't ask me how I know that, someone just told me

 

[benjenbav]

I have stayed as a visitor at Berthon and the Yacht Haven and liked both, marginally preferring Berthon. I booked there last summer without difficulty.

 

[ianhs]

Many thanks everyone. Out of interest, you can advance book at both marinas.
Fingers crossed forecast stays good!
Ian

 

[tony345]

Yarmouth 'marina' every time

 

[mjf]

Yes - although expect by now with good Wx on the cards might be a little late.

The Town quay set up ashore, pontoons and piles are first come first served although the claim is that they have never turned anyone away!