Destinations
​Enjoy a day trip or a weekend adventure on the Solent, with plenty of great places to explore along the south coast. Whether you’ve got a destination in mind or you’re looking for inspiration, our friendly team can help.​
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Chichester Harbour is one of the largest recreational harbours in the UK, home to a fleet of some 10,000 vessels. It is widely known for the high-quality dinghy racing undertaken by most of the Harbour’s 14 sailing clubs. The Harbour is also popular with larger cruising vessels that take advantage of easy access to the Solent and Channel ports and picturesque deep-water anchorages, particularly at East Head adjacent to the south coast's premier beach at West Wittering. Visit the "Ship Inn" at Itchenor village with visitor moorings and ferry service or pop around to the famous coastal village of Bosham and take a picture of the Iconic village and church. and pop into the local pub "Anchor Bleu".​​
The Isle of Wight’s beautiful port town of Cowes provides the backdrop for the world-renowned Cowes Week, as well as the start/finish line for the thrilling "Round the Island Race". There are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops to enjoy, and if you’re a history nut, be sure to visit the magnificent former royal residency of Osborne House nearby.
Motor gently down the Medina River and stop at a great local watering hole. Visit the "Folly Pub"; berthing and local ferry service are available.​ Mooring at Colwell Bay with a free ferry service to the famous restaurant “The Hut”
With Yarmouth Castle and Fort Victoria Country Park to explore, as well as the gorgeous natural beauty of The Needles, which is just a 10-minute drive away, Yarmouth offers a particularly scenic gateway to the Isle of Wight. Don’t miss the biannual Old Gaffers Festival here in June, which promises exciting boat races, entertainment, and attractions on dry land. Moor up on a visitors berth in the very popular marina next to the town high street lined with bars and restaurants, if you would like a waterfront lunch, then you can book either the "George Hotel". For further restaurants or pubs to book for your day out, then visit the Isle of Wight website.
Butlers Hard is the natural haven where the New Forest meets the Solent. With a five-gold Anchor accreditation, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Marina offers a sheltered setting with serviced berths or more than 300 moorings. Just a short stroll from the marina, you’ll find the 18th-century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard, where ships were once built for Nelson’s Navy. Visit the Buckler’s Hard Visitor Centre & Museum to discover the history of this fascinating village, then explore the reconstructed cottage interiors to experience what life would have been like in the 18th century. Situated at the lower end of the Buckler’s Hard high street, just a few minutes walk from the marina, you’ll find the Master Builder’s House. Experience sumptuous fine dining in their Riverside Restaurant or good old pub food in "Henry’s Pub", which is open daily. The hotel also offers 25 guest rooms, some with river views. for further information to book a restaurant or pub lunch then please visit the website.​
Gunwharf Quays is set against the vibrant backdrop of Portsmouth’s Historic Naval Dockyard, this specially designed marina can accommodate power and sailcraft up to 80 metres LOA with a maximum depth of 5.5 metres. Offering spacious and easily accessible marina berths, this well-positioned marina offers all guests a unique waterside experience. Portsmouth has something for everyone. Enjoy shopping, dining and the nightlife at Gunwharf Quays (and visit the incredible Spinnaker Tower while you’re there) or explore the town’s rich maritime and naval heritage at the Historic Dockyard. Visit the "Lightship" in for a unique waterside food and beverage experience opposite Gunwharf at the Haslar Marina. Visitors can berth right next to the Lighthouse.​
Poole Harbour is Europe's largest natural harbour and a stunning location for all types of water sports. It is fringed with unspoilt woodland and coastal walks. Poole Harbour is breathtaking. With one of the longest coastlines, thanks to the 110 miles of inland harbour and fabulous beaches, you are spoilt for choice with superb al fresco dining options. Choose from beachside dining or Poole’s historic Quay overlooking the world-class setting of Europe’s largest natural harbour for some of the best tables and views in the UK.
Lymington is one of the UK’s premier yachting centres. It is located in an enviable position at the gateway to the western Solent, making it a popular destination for sailors, power boaters, and cruisers throughout the season. Experience the vast, open countryside of the New Forest with a visit to Lymington. There’s wonderful local wildlife, plenty of charming villages and even family-friendly theme park action at Paulton’s Park. There are numerous restaurants and coffee shops, some which offer alfresco refreshments giving the area a continental feel. As you would expect there are also plenty of pubs offering good food nearby including the "Ship Inn" with its waterfront patio area - perfect for enjoying lunch or relaxing over drinks as the sun goes down!​​