6 Miles to the East of Lymington and set in the forest is the picture postcard village of Beaulieu. The majority of the Beaulieu site is accessible to visitors, including the 14th century Palace House, the Motor Museum and Abbey. Several times a year the grounds host specialist "Jumbles" - for automobiles and boats.

www.beaulieu.co.uk

One of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses, it is situated at the western entrance to the Solent, at the end of a shingle spit extending 1.5 miles from Milford on Sea. Open to the public April - September, spectacular views can be enjoyed from the top of the centre keep.

www.hurst-castle.co.uk

Approx. 7 miles east of Lymington. Created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920s, the tranquil oak woodland gardens offer over 200 acres of natural beauty and horticultural variety. There is something to delight everyone at Exbury, from the world famous displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, to riverside walks, showpiece rock, exotic and heather gardens, to sculpture and art exhibitions. Free trail guides help you explore the best of Exbury.

www.exbury.co.uk