The gorgeous UK seaside town where you're more likely to live longer than anywhere else

Pretty picturesque seaside town, Lymington in Hampshire, has been named as one of the best UK towns for longer life.

Lymington harbour

This pretty staycation destination is the place to go if you're trying to live longer (Image: Getty)

Lymington, a charming Georgian market town nestled on the coast within the beautiful New Forest National Park, is renowned for its many appealing qualities.

Nestled between Southampton and Bournemouth, this picturesque seaside town has been recognised for all of the right reasons.

According to research by Taking Care, a specialist in elderly personal alarms, have ranked Lymington as one of the best UK towns for longer life. 

It was found that the average life expectancy in this little seaside town — famous for its sailing history, panoramic countryside views, and narrow streets filled with pretty period cottages and houses — was 85 years for men and 87 years for women, compared to the national average of 81 years in 2023. 

Additionally, Lymington ranks among the top five UK towns and cities for the best cost of care for older people, factoring in the affordability of residential care and nursing care relative to house capital and pension pots.

Summer by the shore

The quaint town is perfect for a staycation (Image: Getty)

New Forest ponies, Mare and Foal interacting in the summer sunshine

The town is a stone's throw from the New Forest National Park (Image: Getty)

Resembling a scene on a postcard, this quaint harbour town offers one of the most picturesque locations of the Hampshire coastline.

The traditional harbour front of Lymington, known as The Quay, can be found at the end of the old town’s cobbled streets, and is still an active location for commercial fishing boats today. Here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the luxury yachts and fishing boats coming and going. 

Lymington's annual Seafood Festival is a treat for fish and seafood enthusiasts, featuring a variety of delicious stands, a chef’s demo stage, and evening entertainment with blues, rock, and pop music.

Every Saturday, Lymington's high street comes alive with a bustling charter market, a tradition dating back to the 13th century. 

From 8am to 3pm, the market offers an array of independent stalls selling plants, local produce, household goods, and crafts.

For a more relaxing experience, especially on warm summer days, visitors can enjoy Lymington’s 19th-century open sea water baths, perfect for outdoor swimming with friends and family.

Lymington Marina in Hampshire captured by aerial shots

Cobbled street in Lymington, Hampshire

You can enjoy a stroll down the cobbled streets of Lymington to soak up the atmosphere (Image: Getty)

People in the district of Lymington, UK

The market is a beloved staple of Lymington, hosting over a 100 stalls every week (Image: Getty)

While Lymington itself does not have beaches, several beautiful sandy beaches are nearby, including Lepe Beach, Highcliffe Beach, Steamer Point Beach, Friars Cliff Beach, and Avon Beach.

This upmarket port town is also recognised as the fifth most expensive seaside town in Britain. Its prime location on the edge of the New Forest National Park, with stunning scenery in every direction, significantly contributes to the area’s high property prices.

With that being said, the New Forest National Park, which is the UK’s most popular forest, is also practically on Lymington’s doorstep.

It boasts beautiful ancient woodlands and heathlands, offering miles of unspoiled walking trails, cycleways, and classic English villages to explore.

The town also offers a stunning view of Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, accessible via a convenient car ferry service operated by Wightlink, taking just 40 minutes. 

Alternatively, The Solent Way footpath provides a great coastal walk with fantastic views of the Needles and the Isle of Wight.

With all these wonderful features, it’s no wonder that living in Lymington is associated with increased life expectancy.

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