UK Marinas

The United Kingdoms sailing culture is characterized by a mix of traditional and modern elements. Historic events like the Oxford-Cambridge race and the Henley Royal Regatta https://www.hrr.co.uk/ , both held on the River Thames, showcase the sport’s longstanding traditions. Meanwhile, the countrys continued success in Olympic sailing demonstrates its ongoing commitment to excellence in the sport. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) https://www.rya.org.uk/ plays a crucial role in promoting and developing sailing across the UK, offering training and support for sailors of all levels.

From the popular cruising grounds of the South Coast to the challenging waters of the Bristol Channel, the UK offers diverse sailing opportunities. The Solent, separating the Isle of Wight from the mainland, is particularly renowned as a sailing hub, hosting world-famous events like Cowes Week. The East Coast, with its tidal estuaries and historic ports, provides a different but equally engaging sailing experience. In the north, sailors can explore the picturesque Lake District and the dramatic coastlines of Scotland. This varied landscape, combined with a strong sailing infrastructure of marinas, yacht clubs, and training centers, makes the UK a prime destination for both local and visiting sailors

We provide a detailed list of Marinas around the United Kingdom including coastal and inland waterway Marinas.

UK Marina Map

The UK sailing scene – https://www.sail.co.uk/ offers a diverse and captivating experience for sailors, with its rich maritime history, varied coastlines, and numerous ports and harbors. Sailing around the British Isles provides an opportunity to explore everything from bustling cities to remote islands, each with its own unique charm and challenges.

UK Coastal Region Marinas

Southern Coast
The southern coast of England, including the Solent and Jurassic Coast, is a popular starting point for many sailors. This area offers iconic locations such as Cowes, Portland, and the Beaulieu River. The coastline is known for its stunning geological features and historic ports.

Western Approaches
Sailing westward, you’ll encounter the rugged beauty of Cornwall and Devon. Padstow, with its inviting harbor and beautiful beaches, is a favorite stop for many sailors. As you continue, you’ll face the more challenging waters of the Celtic Sea.

Welsh Coast and Irish Sea
The Welsh coastline offers a mix of natural beauty and historic sites. Sailing in the Irish Sea provides opportunities to visit vibrant cities like Belfast and explore the Isle of Man.

Scottish Waters
Scotland’s coastline is a sailor’s paradise, featuring dramatic landscapes, countless islands, and historic sites. The Orkney and Shetland islands are cruising grounds in their own right, offering ancient archaeological sites and charming towns like Stromness and Lerwick.

Eastern Coast
The North Sea coast presents its own set of challenges and rewards. Sailors can explore picturesque harbors like Whitehills in Scotland and enjoy the striking views of Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands along the Northumberland coast.

South West England Marinas

Bridport Harbour

Bridport Harbour Office
West Bay
West Bay
Bridport
Dorset
DT6 4HE
Tel: +44(0)1308 423222

Brixham Harbour

Brixham Harbour Office
New Fish Quay
Brixham
Devon
TQ5 8AJ
Tel: +44(0)1803 853321
Fax: +44(0)1803 852434
Email: paul.labistour@torbay.gov.uk

Brixham Marina

Marina Devolopments Ltd
Burrhead Road
Brixham
Devon
TQ5 9BW
Tel: +44(0)1803 882929
Fax: +44(0)1803 882737
Email: n.salter@mdlmarinas.co.uk

Cobbs Quay Marina

Marina Devolopments Ltd
Cobbs Quay
Hamworthy
Poole
Dorset
BH15
Tel: +44(0)1202 674299
Fax: +44(0)1202 665217
Email: cobbsquay@mdlmarinas.co.uk

Dart Harbour and Navigation Authority

Dart House
Oxford Street
Dartmouth
Devon
TQ6 9AL
Tel: +44(0)1803 832337
Fax: +44(0)1803 833631
Email: dhna@dartharbour.org.uk

Dart Marina

Sandquay Rd
Dartmouth
Devon
TQ6 9PH
Tel: +44(0)1803 833351
Fax: +44(0)1803 832307
Email: marinas@philip-limited.co.uk

The eastern UK coast offers a variety of marinas and harbors for sailors, with numerous options along the coastlines of Essex, Kent, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Here’s a more detailed look at some of the notable marinas in the region, including information about Great Yarmouth:

Essex and Kent Marinas

Essex boasts several popular marinas, including:

  • Blackwater Marina
  • Bradwell Marina
  • Brightlingsea Marina and Harbour
  • Burnham Yacht Harbour
  • Essex Marina

Kent offers additional options such as:

  • Chatham Maritime Marina
  • Gillingham Marina
  • Royal Ramsgate Marina
  • Medway Bridge Marina

Suffolk Marinas

Suffolk provides a range of marina choices for sailors:

  • Fox’s Marina
  • Ipswich Haven Marina
  • Lowestoft Haven Marina
  • Shotley Marina
  • Suffolk Yacht Harbour
  • Tide Mill Yacht Harbour
  • Woolverstone Marina

Norfolk Marinas

Norfolk’s coastline features several marina options:

  • Wells Quay
  • Wisbech Yacht Harbour
  • Great Yarmouth Harbour

Great Yarmouth harbour boasts several unique features that set it apart from other coastal towns in the UK:

  1. The Outer Harbour, completed in 2009, is a modern deep-water facility designed to accommodate larger offshore vessels. Its construction involved:
    • Two breakwaters stretching 1,400 meters, using 850,000 tons of rock
    • Internal Combi-pile walls of approximately 400 meters in length
    • Dredging the seabed to an average depth of 10 meters, producing 1.65 million cubic meters of sand for reclamation work
  2. The harbour once hosted an impressive herring industry. In 1913, 1,163 fishing boats operated from the port, and on October 23, 1907, fishermen brought in nearly 80 million herring in a single day.
  3. The port features a unique combination of modern and traditional facilities:
    • The Outer Harbour for larger vessels
    • Long-established facilities in the inner harbour for smaller craft
  4. Historically, ships were moored so closely together that one could walk from ship to ship as if on a floating bridge along the shore-side for half a mile.
  5. The harbour area includes five main berths in two distinct terminals (North and West), capable of handling vessels over 200 meters in length with beams up to 40 meters.
  6. A 30-meter concrete RO-RO ramp is situated between the two terminals, facilitating roll-on/roll-off operations.

These unique aspects of Great Yarmouth harbour reflect its rich maritime history and its ongoing adaptation to modern shipping and offshore industry needs.

Norfolk Broads inland Rivers and Waterways

The Norfolk Broads is a vast network of waterways spanning Norfolk and Suffolk, consisting of around 40 inland water-filled broads connected by over 125 miles of free-flowing rivers. This unique landscape is divided into two main areas: the Northern Broads and the Southern Broads.

Northern Broads Norfolk

The Northern Broads are centered around three main rivers:

  1. River Bure: Considered one of the prettiest rivers, it flows from Coltishall through Wroxham and Horning to Great Yarmouth.
  2. River Ant: A narrower, more peaceful waterway that passes through Stalham and opens into Barton Broad.
  3. River Thurne: Norfolk’s shortest river at five miles, leading to Hickling Broad, the largest in the region.

Southern Broads Norfolk

The Southern Broads comprise:

  1. River Yare: The largest Broads river, flowing from Norwich through Brundall and Reedham to Breydon Water.
  2. River Chet: A small tributary of the Yare, leading to the market town of Loddon.
  3. River Waveney: Crossing the Norfolk/Suffolk border, it runs from Breydon Water to Beccles.

Norfolk Broads River Marinas and Moorings

The Broads offer various mooring options for boaters:

Free Moorings: Many locations managed by the Broads Authority provide free 24-hour moorings along the banks, rivers, and open broads. https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/

Boatyards: Several boatyards offer free moorings for hire boats, including locations in Acle, Brundall, Horning, Loddon, Reedham, Stalham, Upton, and Wroxham.

Fee-Payable Moorings: Some locations charge for mooring, including Acle Moorings, Port of Yarmouth run by Peel Ports https://www.peelports.com/marine/our-ports/great-yarmouth , Burgh Castle Marina, and various yacht stations.

Private Moorings: Companies like Norfolk Broads Moorings offer rental options for boat owners. For example, in Horning, they provide side-on and stern-on moorings with facilities such as electricity, water, showers, and parking.

Pub Moorings: Many waterside pubs offer overnight moorings for a small fee, often redeemable against purchases.

When mooring, it’s important to observe local regulations, pay attention to signs, and avoid mooring in prohibited areas such as those marked with red markers or near navigation posts. The Norfolk Broads – https://www.yarmouthnorfolk.co.uk/ many miles of lock-free waterways offering easy cruising, and multiple boat hire yards makes it an ideal destination for boating enthusiasts.

UK Sailing Key Considerations

Weather and Tides
The UK’s weather can be unpredictable, and tidal considerations are crucial, especially in areas like the English Channel and the Bristol Channel. Careful planning is essential to make the most of weather windows and tidal streams.

Navigation Challenges
Certain areas require particular attention:

  • The passage around Portland Bill
  • Navigating the Doom Bar when entering Padstow
  • Rounding Cape Wrath in northern Scotland
  • Dealing with strong winds in the Caledonian Canal

Marinas and Harbours
The UK offers a wide range of mooring options, from modern marinas to traditional harbor walls. Some notable mentions include:

  • St Katharine Docks in London, offering a central location near Tower Bridge
  • Shotley Marina near Harwich, ideal for North Sea crossings
  • Numerous small harbors along the Scottish coast, known for their warm welcomes

Cultural Experience

The United Kingdom boasts a rich and diverse sailing culture, deeply rooted in its maritime history and geography. As an island nation, Britain has long been associated with seafaring, from its naval dominance during the colonial era to its modern-day prowess in competitive sailing. The countrys coastline offers a variety of sailing experiences, from the bustling waters of the Solent in the south to the rugged shores of Scotland in the north.

Sailing around the UK isn’t just about navigation; it’s also a journey through history and culture. You’ll have the chance to explore:

  • Neolithic sites like Skara Brae in Orkney
  • Medieval castles along the coast
  • Vibrant maritime cities like Portsmouth and Plymouth
  • Traditional fishing villages and seaside towns

The UK sailing scene offers something for every type of sailor, from those seeking challenging open-water passages to those preferring sheltered coastal cruising. With proper planning and a spirit of adventure, a journey around the British Isles can be an unforgettable experience, revealing the nation’s rich maritime heritage and stunning coastal diversity.