Recommend me a UK south coastal(ish) stopover

[geeman237]

I’m visiting the U.K. at the end of July and an American friend is joining me on their first trip to the U.K. We land around 7am and our first night will be a stopover in the New Forest/Bournemouth area. I’m considering Blandford Forum, Wimborne Minster or Lymington, or another quintessential smallish English market type town.
Which of those would you recommend or I’m open to other suggestions. Possibly Wareham too.

[Previous]

Was going to say you could go as far as Corfe Castle if near Wareham.

[DT1975]

Of the ones mentioned I'd recommend Wimborne, although I can't really comment on Lymington as haven't been there for years. Blandford and Wareham in particular are a little quiet at night and a bit out on a limb although as suggested Wareham is close to Corfe Castle and the Jurassic Coast. Wareham has a small quay area with a couple of nice pubs on it but apart from that not much else.

Wimborne has a charm of its own and some real history although the town is expanding rapidly . For example King Ethelred of Wessex (brother of Alfred the Great) is buried somewhere in the Minster which has public access. There are some nice restuarants, pubs and tea rooms. You're also just a short direct drive to Poole so could pop down to Poole Quay, Poole harbour, see Sandbanks ! etc for more options.

[Bobtherallyfan]

I’d opt for Lymington as it has the advantage of being on the rail network, on the coast and has easy access to the New Forest.

[Techno9000]

Sherbourne, IMHO the quintessential market town.

https://www.visit-dorset.com/sherborne/things-to-d...

[Bill]

Bobtherallyfan said:

I d opt for Lymington as it has the advantage of being on the rail network, on the coast and has easy access to the New Forest.

It's not that attractive as a town though IMO, and is heaving in summer.

IMO it very much depends on where you're going next or want to see in the area. New Forest Vs Jurassic coast, Blandford/Wareham are further west which adds travel time and is less convenient travelling on unless you're heading that way.