Keyhaven
An ancient quay that is now a haven for walkers and wildlife

Keyhaven
Distance from Lyndhurst - 12½ miles (20 kilometres)

Situated 6 kilometres (4 miles) south-south-west of Lymington, Keyhaven has few modern amenities to attract tourists. In fact, there are just three: a pub, a car park and a public loo!

Keyhaven - walking and cycling
But instead, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views across the Solent right the way to the Isle of Wight, and wonderful coastal walks and cycle rides along the Solent Way, a specially designated 60 mile long coastal walking route.

Salterns
Bumps and hollows, wasted earthen banks and shadows cast by low, evening or early morning sunlight hint at the extent of former salterns, places where sea water was evaporated, leaving behind highly valued sea salt before this once thriving industry was driven out of existence by taxation and competition from inland salt mines.

Fishing, sailing, the Hurst Castle Ferry
Keyhaven continues, however, to support a small fishing fleet, and Keyhaven Yacht Club and Hurst Castle Sailing Club both have premises close to the quay from where ferries in season take trippers to nearby Hurst Castle.

Keyhaven wildlife
Wildlife, particularly wading birds and wildfowl, is abundantly present throughout the year, and there is much in the salty ambience of this place to attract those who simply want to get away from the crowds.

But Keyhaven is not suitable for swimming
This stretch of coast experiences strong currents, has no sandy beaches and is wholly unsuitable for bathing.