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The Lymington Sea Water Baths

The Sea Water Baths are probably the largest along the south coast and date back to the 1780s. Mrs Beeston, who took over the baths in November 1872 following her husband’s death, capitalized on the growing public health interest in sea water and mud by using an inlet from the Salterns and advertising her “strengthening sea baths”.

In 1825 the charges were: “For a warm bath: 3s. 6d; shower ditto, 2s. 0d; cold water bath with guide: 1s. od; without guide, 6d. Every care and attention to the comforts of the invalid and the convalescent will be found strictly observed.” The male guide kept bathers afloat with the use of a rope.

The baths gained in popularity with customers coming from all over England to bath in the health strengthening waters and mud. In 1833 a larger building was funded by shares and donations (£6000 in total) under the Lymington Bath and Improvement Co. to house hot, cold and vapour baths with separate wings for ladies and gentlemen and large swimming baths at the western extremity.

Further mud flat areas were taken over for pasttimes such as archery, rifle shooting and even a 12- hole golf course in 1893, all below sea level. With a membership of 200 in 1916 and a ladies club, the course was flooded and then again in 1937. With the onset of the Second World War the course was closed.

After various owners the local Corporation acquired it in 1929. The baths are now owned by Lymington and Pennington Town Council.

Sea Water Baths Opening Times

10am – 7pm (Weather Permitting) Please call 01590 678882 to confirm if open!

Entry Charges:

Adult	£ 2.00
Children/OAP	£ 1.00
Spectators	£ 1.00
Season Ticket Child/OAP	£25.00
Season Ticket Adult	£50.00
Hire of Lounger/Deck Chair – All day	£ 1.50
Hire of Canoe – per half hour	£ 2.00
Hire of Family Boat per half hour	£ 3.00
Family Ticket (2 Adult/4 Children)	£ 6.00