The historic coastal town of Lymington is loved by residents and visitors alike, including those searching for fashionable boutiques and other upmarket outlets. Other attractions include trendy cafes and an annual seafood festival that draws thousands of foodies from across the south. Once described by Daniel Defoe as a town "teeming with smugglers and all sorts of desperados", it also has a relatively low rate.
The 18th century author - best known for writing Robinson Crusoe - would struggle to recognise the town today. Its High Street has recently been named as one of the best in the UK. Citing Lymington's "grand architecture", the Daily Mail said the town combined "historical elegance with coastal charm".
Its verdict - the latest in a long list of accolades - has come as no surprise to the town mayor. Cllr Jack Davies said: "Like all High Streets, Lymington has its fair share of challenges. However, we're very fortunate to have a wide variety of independent shops, cafes, and bars.
"They help to give Lymington a unique shopping experience that can’t be matched. “The charter market on Saturday has been running since 1243. The number and variety of stalls, combined with the unique nature of the High Street, makes Lymington the best market in the south.
"I'm incredibly proud to have grown up working on it." Town centres across the UK have been hit by the growth of online shopping and the cost of living crisis, but Lymington is seeing something of a renaissance. Over the pa.