St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery in New Street, Lymington, wins ‘hidden gem’ award from VisitEngland

A LYMINGTON museum has scooped a prestigious national award for its exceptional visitor experience.

St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery in New Street received the ‘hidden gem’ of the south-east award in the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Accolades.

Director Maria Ragan shared her pride in the win, saying: “The award recognises the hard work of our staff and volunteers who go the extra mile to create a welcoming space for our visitors. This is a testament to their dedication and passion.”

The accolades, now in their 10th year, honour excellence in the sector, based on the results of the annual VisitEngland quality scheme assessment.

The organisation’s director Andrew Stokes said: “These accolades highlight the wonderful visitor experiences provided by English attractions, from the warmest of welcomes to amazing food and drink, from great storytelling to outstanding customer service.”

As reported in the A&T, an exhibition showcasing the maritime history of Lymington is on display at St Barbe until 11th January.

Lymington Afloat celebrates 1,000 years of maritime innovation and highlights the profound impact the Lymington River has had on both the town and its surrounding villages.

The exhibition showcases how this vital waterway has played a central role in shaping the work of some of the world’s foremost maritime designers and innovators.

Their contributions have influenced global boat design, solidifying Lymington’s reputation as a hub of cutting-edge yacht craftsmanship.

St Barbe is open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm. For more information visit www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk