Ramsgate Royal Harbour

Ramsgate Royal Harbour, is a unique municipal port,  officially granted royal status by King George IV in 1821, Ramsgate is the only harbour in the UK with this distinction, lending a sense of historical prestige to the port. Ramsgate has a lot to offer the visiting sailor with the harbour virtually at the bottom of the high street, around the harbour are many attractions from coffee bars to restaurants and chandlers, and many marine businesses some floating, its a sailors paradise.

Today, the Royal Harbour Marina warmly welcomes visiting yachtsmen with its excellent facilities.  The marina is a lively destination for recreational sailors, with easy access to the English Channel and beyond. The harbour has a working port atmosphere inviting all who appreciate the maritime life.

Port of Dover 

The Port of Dover, one of the busiest cross-channel ferry ports in Europe, lies beneath the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. A vibrant hub, it serves both ferries and cruise liners, with dedicated wharfs welcoming passengers from around the world.

Dover’s newly developed marina, known as The Marina Curve, offers visiting yachtsmen a warm welcome and breathtaking views of the cliffs. With a lively atmosphere, The Marina Curve features occasional live music, waterfront eateries, and relaxed social spaces—perfect for enjoying the coastal charm of Dover.

Rye Harbour

Rye Harbour, nestled along the East Sussex coast, is a charming and active fishing port. Known primarily for its vibrant fishing community, Rye hosts a fleet of fishing boats, giving the area a unique, authentic coastal character.

For visiting yachtsmen, Rye Harbour offers a warm welcome, though it is best suited for those familiar with tidal conditions, as it features drying moorings, yachts with a shallow draft or bilge keels are particularly well-suited to visit. The harbour is a peaceful stopover with stunning views of the surrounding nature reserve and easy access to the charming medieval town and its amenities.

Eastbourne Marina

Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne offers top facilities, a full-service boatyard, and waterfront dining.Located on the East Sussex coast, this marina is ideal for yacht and motorboat cruising or fishing, with secure locked berths and storage options. Enjoy easy access to Channel ports and cross-Channel excursions.

Brighton Marina

Brighton Marina, the gateway to the English Channel, is vibrant, cosmopolitan, and welcoming, with easy open-water access and exceptional facilities. Nestled against white cliffs just east of historic Brighton, this bustling marina—the UK’s largest—hosts over 1,300 berths amid luxury apartments, lively bars, restaurants, and entertainment. With top-notch amenities and quick links to London, it’s an ideal haven for yachts, motorboats, and fishing craft.

Littlehampton Harbour

Littlehampton Harbour is a vibrant, active port featuring commercial and charter fishing, visits from small cargo vessels, and a warm welcome for visiting yachts. With a history stretching back to Roman times, the harbour remains a vital connection to the Arun Valley.

The Harbour Board office provides welcoming showers, toilets, and recycling points, with helpful staff on hand to assist mariners and guide them to local shops and restaurants, where to go fishing, diving, and charter fishing trips making it a favourite spot with visitors drawn to its maritime charm. 

Chichester Harbour & Marina’s

Chichester Harbour is a picturesque and ecologically significant estuary located on the southern coast of England, between West Sussex and Hampshire. With its calm waters, Chichester Harbour is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts, offering both recreational and competitive sailing opportunities while providing a tranquil escape for visitors looking to enjoy the natural scenery.

The Marina’s of Chichester Harbour offer distinct amenities and access points to the harbour's scenic waters and surrounding areas. The main marinas include Chichester Marina, Emsworth Marina, Northney Marina, and Sparkes Marina. With well-equipped facilities, these marinas are central to the area's vibrant sailing culture, providing seamless connections between land and sea

The Solent

The Solent is a beautiful stretch of water separating the Isle of Wight from mainland England, spanning about 20 miles . Known as one of the world’s busiest waterways, it is a hub for shipping, cruise liners, naval vessels, and leisure craft. Its rich maritime history includes connections to the Titanic and hosting events like Cowes Week and the America’s Cup, and HMS Victory with 246 years of service, still in commission at Portsmouth Naval Dockyard.

The Solent is home to numerous Marinas and a very busy Boating Scene making it a paradise for boating enthusiasts. Portsmouth, with its Spinnaker Tower, and Southampton, famed for its cruise liners and annual boat show, offer excellent facilities. Cowes on the Isle of Wight is a top destination for sailors, and Lymington to the west provides a charming setting for maritime adventures.

Poole Harbour

Poole Harbour, located on the southern coast of England in Dorset, is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. The harbour is a bustling hub for both commercial and recreational activities, with a rich nautical history. Today, it serves as a gateway for ferries, fishing vessels, and leisure boats while remaining a vital part of the local economy and a cherished natural landmark.

Poole Harbour is home to a variety of Marinas. These marinas, including the prestigious Poole Quay Boat Haven, Cobbs Quay Marina, and Salterns Marina, offer a range of facilities such as berthing, maintenance services, and access to local amenities, the marinas are popular stopovers for visitors exploring the South Coast or heading to destinations like the Channel Islands. With top-tier services and a vibrant town, they provide a perfect experience  to visiting yachtsmen. 

Weymouth Harbour & Portland Marina

Weymouth Harbour and Portland Marina sit side by side on the stunning Dorset coast, offering two distinct yet complementary destinations for visiting boaters. Weymouth Harbour, set in the heart of the lively seaside town, is steeped in maritime history and lined with traditional pubs, restaurants, and independent shops. The sandy beach, historic Nothe Fort, and vibrant events calendar make it a bustling and welcoming stop for sailors. Just a short distance away, Portland Marina lies on the Isle of Portland, surrounded by dramatic Jurassic Coast scenery and offering direct access to some of the UK’s best sailing waters, including the 2012 Olympic racecourse.

Both harbours provide excellent facilities for visiting boaters. Weymouth Harbour offers alongside and pontoon berths with water, electricity, and easy access to the town’s amenities, while Portland Marina boasts fully serviced floating pontoons, fuel, a boatyard with lift-out services, and on-site marine specialists. Portland also features a chandlery, a relaxed café and bar, and a modern marina village atmosphere. Whether seeking the charm of a traditional harbour or the convenience of a purpose-built marina, visitors to Weymouth and Portland can enjoy first-class sailing and a warm welcome on the Dorset coast.

West Bay Harbour

West Bay Harbour, located on the stunning Jurassic Coast in Lyme Bay, is a charming and picturesque spot known for its golden cliffs and scenic coastal views. The harbour sits at the heart of West Bay, a small but lively seaside destination with cafés, pubs, and fresh seafood stalls. Just a short walk inland is the market town of Bridport, offering a variety of independent shops, restaurants, and a rich arts and heritage scene.

For visiting boaters, West Bay Harbour provides a limited number of pontoons for short stays, though it is primarily a drying harbour. Facilities include water access, nearby fuel, and essential marine services. While tides must be considered when planning a visit, the friendly harbour team is on hand to assist. With its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, West Bay makes for an excellent stop along the Dorset coast.

Torbay - Harbours & Marinas

Welcome to Torbay, a captivating slice of South Devon's coastline that combines stunning natural beauty with rich maritime heritage. This vibrant region, fondly known as the English Riviera, is home to the charming towns of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. Whether you're drawn to luxury marinas, sandy beaches, or the bustling activity of a historic fishing port, Torbay promises an unforgettable seaside escape for all.

The Marinas of Torbay - Torquay & Brixham 
Torquay Marina sets the tone with its elegant blend of luxury yachts, colorful sailboats, and lively quayside atmosphere. Take in the coastal charm as you stroll past cafes and watch the boats bob gently in the breeze. A short journey away. Brixham’s historic harbour and Marina showcases a thriving fishing heritage, where trawlers unload their catch and the air is rich with the aroma of freshly cooked seafood.

Dartmouth - Marinas, River & Boatyard

Discovering Dartmouth: A Jewel of England's Nautical Heritage

Nestled on the banks of the River Dart in the heart of South Devon, Dartmouth is a charming coastal town steeped in maritime history and natural beauty. With its picturesque harbour, historic landmarks, and bustling waterfront, Dartmouth has long captivated visitors with its timeless allure, and its rich nautical heritage. 

Dartmouth boasts a selection of exceptional marinas, making it a haven for boating enthusiasts. These marinas are Dart Marina & Yacht Harbour, Darthaven Marina, and Noss on Dart - Marina & Boatyard, offering modern facilities, including secure berths, chandlery services, and stunning views of the picturesque river. The Dartmouth Harbour Authority offer moorings on the Town Quay and various locations along the River Dart.

Salcombe - A Coastal Gem

Salcombe: A Coastal Gem with Rich History
Nestled in the South Hams district of Devon, Salcombe is a picturesque resort town set on the stunning Kingsbridge Estuary. Once a quaint fishing village with a smuggling past, the town grew in prominence during the 19th century for its elegant sailing ships. Today, Salcombe thrives as a popular destination for tourism, pleasure boating, and yachting, while maintaining its traditional shellfish fishing heritage.

Boating Facilities and a Warm Welcome
Salcombe offers an array of boating facilities, with deep-water pontoons and swinging moorings providing a safe and welcoming haven for sailors. Though it lacks marinas, the Whitestrand pontoon offers two walk-ashore visitor berths, and the estuary stretches all the way to Kingsbridge, inviting water enthusiasts of all kinds. Renowned as one of the most beautiful harbours in the South West.

River Yealm

Exploring Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo
Nestled on opposite sides of the tranquil Newton Creek, Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo are two of South Devon’s most picturesque villages. Their charm lies in their timeless beauty, with quaint stone harbours and slipways harking back to their days as thriving fishing communities. Today, these idyllic villages are a haven for those seeking a slower pace of life, shaped by the ebb and flow of the River Yealm. 

Facilities for Yachtsmen
The River Yealm is managed by the River Yealm Harbour Authority (RYHA). While anchoring is not permitted within the river, there are plenty of mooring options, including two pontoons and six public moorings. Visiting yachts may also use vacant resident moorings, provided they are not in use. For an added touch of convenience, The Ship Inn offers an alongside mooring, though it does dry out at low tide. The River Yealm offers a well-organised and delightful experience for sailors.

Plymouth Sound

Plymouth Sound is a stunning natural harbour located in the southwest of England, surrounded by the historic city of Plymouth. Renowned for its maritime heritage, it has played a vital role in British naval history, serving as a gateway for explorers like Sir Francis Drake and the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620. With its dramatic cliffs, calm waters, and iconic landmarks such as Drake's Island and the Royal Citadel, it is a hub for nautical activities.

Plymouth is a haven for boating and sailing enthusiasts, offering world-class facilities. The city boasts several well-equipped marinas, including Sutton Harbour Marina, Queen Anne's Battery, Mayflower Marina, and the recently opened King Point Marina, each providing easy access to Plymouth Sound and hosting events such as regattas and sailing races. With excellent support services, chandlers, and training schools.

Welcome to Looe, Cornwall

Welcome to Looe, Cornwall
Nestled along Cornwall’s stunning southern coast, Looe is a charming fishing port brimming with character and natural beauty. Divided by the tranquil River Looe into East and West Looe, this picturesque town offers more than just fresh seafood and a bustling harbour. Visitors can explore its narrow, cobbled streets lined with independent shops, cozy cafes, and traditional pubs. 

Facilities for Visiting Yachtsmen
Looe itself is a drying harbour with available quayside drying berths, anchoring is not allowed inside the harbour. Ashore, sailors will find a variety of amenities, including showers (at Looe Sailing Club) local chandlers, as well as easy access to provisions, dining options, and public transport links. The friendly harbour staff and vibrant local sailing community make Looe a delightful stopover for cruising yachts and small boats alik.

Fowey - The Cornish Haven 

Fowey - A Historic Cornish Haven with First-Class Facilities for Sailors and Visitors.

Nestled along Cornwall’s stunning South Coast, Fowey is a captivating blend of history and maritime charm. Its cobbled streets, lined with pastel cottages and boutique shops, exude a timeless allure. Literary enthusiasts will find inspiration in the town’s connection to Daphne du Maurier, while food lovers can savour local delicacies by the water’s edge.

For sailors, Fowey’s sheltered harbour is a sanctuary, offering moorings, marina facilities, and a reliable water taxi to whisk you ashore. Explore hidden coves, paddle the tranquil river, or simply relax and watch the harbour buzz with life. Whether by land or sea, Fowey promises unforgettable experiences for every visitor.

Charlestown Harbour

Charlestown Harbour, located on the south coast of Cornwall, is a well-preserved Georgian port with a rich maritime history. Its unspoiled appearance and traditional tall ships have made it a popular filming location for numerous film and TV productions, including Poldark, Alice in Wonderland, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The harbour’s cobbled quays, wooden sailing ships, and period architecture make it an ideal setting for historical dramas.

For visiting yachtsmen, Charlestown offers a unique and atmospheric mooring experience, though access is tidal, and the harbour dries at low tide. Entry is controlled via a lock gate, and vessels should contact the Harbourmaster on 01726 70241 before arrival for guidance. While facilities are limited compared to larger marinas, the harbour does provide essential services, making it a charming stopover for sailors exploring Cornwall’s south coast.

The Fal Estuary

The Fal Estuary, one of the finest natural harbors in the world, is a haven for sailors, boaters, and visitors alike. Stretching from the vibrant maritime town of Falmouth through the sheltered waters of Carrick Roads to the picturesque village of Mylor and the historic city of Truro, this area offers stunning coastal scenery, excellent sailing conditions, and a rich maritime heritage. With charming waterfront towns, scenic creeks, and a wealth of attractions.

For visiting yachtsmen and boaters, the Fal Estuary provides top-class marina facilities, including well-equipped berths, moorings, fuel stations, and boat maintenance services. Falmouth’s marinas, Mylor Yacht Harbour, and Truro’s river moorings offer safe, convenient bases with modern amenities, while local chandlers, marine engineers, and repair services cater to every need. Whether stopping for a short visit or an extended stay, the estuary’s sheltered anchorages, scenic cruising routes, and welcoming maritime community make it an ideal destination for all who love the water.

The Helford River to Gweek

The Helford River, a picturesque estuary in Cornwall, winds its way from the open sea past wooded creeks and tranquil inlets before reaching the village of Gweek at its tidal head. Along the way, it embraces the atmospheric Frenchman’s Creek, made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name, with its overhanging trees and serene waters evoking a sense of mystery and romance. The village of Helford, retains its timeless charm with a quaint pub, a general store, and a well-regarded sailing club, making it a perfect stopping point for those exploring the river’s beauty.

For yachtsmen, the Helford River offers excellent mooring facilities, with visitor buoys available at the river’s entrance for secure overnight stays. From here, sailors can take a tender ashore to enjoy a meal and a pint at the Shipwrights Arms on the Helford Passage north side, or cross over to the south bank, where the Helford River Sailing Club in Helford  provides a warm welcome. nearby creeks offer peaceful anchorages for those seeking a secluded retreat. Whether stopping for a night or spending a leisurely few days, the Helford provides a perfect blend of sailing convenience and unspoiled Cornish charm.

Penzance Harbour

Penzance - Steeped in maritime history and coastal charm, Penzance is a vibrant Cornish Historic Town with stunning views across Mount’s Bay. Its picturesque streets are lined with independent shops, galleries, and cafés, while the famous Jubilee Pool, a beautiful Art Deco seawater lido, offers a refreshing dip by the shore. It's the mainland terminal for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company. With easy access to nearby beaches, the iconic St. Michael’s Mount, and the rugged beauty of West Cornwall, Penzance is an ideal base for exploring this captivating region.

For Visiting Yachtsmen - Penzance Harbour provides excellent facilities, offering a well-sheltered, tidal marina with secure berths. The harbour is conveniently located close to the town centre, with fuel, water, and provisions readily available. The nearby Penzance Sailing Club and friendly local chandlers ensure that sailors have everything they need, while good transport links make onward travel easy. Whether stopping over before heading to the Isles of Scilly or exploring the Cornish coastline, Penzance offers a warm welcome to seafarers.

Isles of Scilly

Scilly’s Unique Charm

Just off the Cornish coast, the Isles of Scilly boast a subtropical climate, exotic gardens, and breathtaking coastal walks. A paradise of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Isles of Scilly offer a tranquil retreat like no other. The five inhabited islands each have their own character, from the historic streets of St. Mary’s to the white sand beaches of St. Martin’s. With fresh local seafood, rich maritime heritage, and warm island hospitality, Scilly is a world apart, yet so easy to reach.

A Welcome for Visiting Yachtsmen

The Isles of Scilly provide excellent facilities for visiting yachtsmen, with secure moorings, sheltered anchorages, and shore-side amenities on St. Mary’s. The welcoming Harbour Office offers guidance on the best spots to drop anchor, while water, fuel, and provisions are readily available. Dinghy landing points and pontoons provide easy access to the islands, making it simple to step ashore and explore all that Scilly has to offer.