Ports, Marinas & Harbours  (currently being updated) from Ramsgate Royal Harbour to the Isles of Scilly. 

Ports of Call: A Harbour for Every Taste The English Channel is a tapestry of harbours ranging from the historic and quaint to the modern and luxurious. From Ramsgate Royal Harbour to the Isles of Scilly, each stop along the way offers its own character. Some have pubs where the ghosts of smugglers may still toast to a job well done, while others are havens for the eco-conscious sailor, rich with marine life and history.

Ditch-Crawling Adventures: Fun on the Muddy Side Not every voyage is about deep waters. For the brave and buoyant, ditch-crawling up tidal rivers like the Dart to Totnes or the Helford to Gweek offers a chance to revel in the art of patience and the joy of discovery. A shallow draft boat and a sense of humour are your best mates here—mind the mud!

Anchoring in Paradise: Marine Protected Areas While we’re all for adventure, some spots are better left untouched. Marine Protected Areas and Highly Protected Marine Areas along the Channel safeguard seahorses, seagrass, and other marine marvels. In these zones, anchoring and trawling are off-limits..

Destination Scilly: Where Time Stands Still Finally, set your sights on the Isles of Scilly—a paradise of turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and an otherworldly sense of calm. Whether you’re exploring on foot, bike, or by dinghy, these islands promise a chance to truly drop anchor and lose yourself in their beauty.

 

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.

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 east coast 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. 

 

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.

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

 

So there you have it, a sailor’s guide to the English Channel’s treasures, from mudflats to marine sanctuaries. Wherever you choose to drop your hook, may your journey be filled with calm seas, steady breezes, and stories worth retelling. As they say, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor,” but the English Channel has something for every kind of mariner. Happy sailing! 🌊⚓

The imardex-marine team

 

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