Hamble Base Information
Hamble is a delightful maritime village with a superb view from the quay over the Hamble River and marinas.
The ‘mecca’ of yachting on the south coast, whose origins in maritime history go as far back as the 9th Century when King Alfred’s men sank as many as 20 Viking long ships at Bursledon! The coastline of the River Hamble is renowned worldwide for yachting and boat building. It was here that Nelson’s flagship in the battle of Copenhagen ‘Elephant’ was built in the 18th Century. Today, particularly during the summer months, river life is a hive of activity and the village is bustling with sailors and visitors.
The River Hamble is at the heart of the sheltered waters of the Solent protected from the open sea by the Isle of Wight, and benefitting from a two hour stand at high water. Thus it has become the ‘mecca’ of sailing on the south coast and is an ideal base for cruising, whether one’s horizons are limited to the Solent and Isle of Wight, or extend further afield.
Just across the Solent on the Isle of Wight is Cowes, a beautiful seafaring town world famous amongst sailors for its yearly regatta in early August which spans a whole week of racing and fun!
Going west down the coast from Hamble you will find the picturesque and peaceful Beaulieu River, a favourite spot for anchoring and having lunch. Just up the river is the 18th Century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s hard, occupying a superb location surrounded by oak woodland within the Beaulieu Estate. You can spend the night in the Yacht Harbour Marina in a beautiful and sheltered reach of the river.
There are many other seaside ports that are within easy reach of Hamble such as Chichester going east, and Lymington or Poole going west.
Our fleet is based at Port Hamble Marina, only a couple of minutes walk from the charming village with its excellent choice of inviting pubs and restaurants, as well as having Banana Wharf Restaurant with its large decking right by the marina. Access to Port Hamble is second to none being just 6 miles (12 minutes) from Junction 8 of the M27.
The 310 berth marina has a proud heritage of refitting and maintaining yachts, a tradition that continues today with many different yacht services based here. Apart from the excellent toilets and showers (well known on the south coast!), they have many other first-rate facilities such as on site electricity, fresh water, laundry facilities, bar and restaurant, fuel, a chandlery and 24 hour security to name but a few. Access to the marina is available at all stages of the tide.
Port Hamble Marina, Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton, is just 6 miles (12 minutes) off Junction 8 of the M27. Map to Port Hamble Marina.
mdlmarinas.co.uk/mdl-port-hamble-marina/
Lymington Base Information
The picturesque town of Lymington sits on the mouth of the Lymington River on the Solent and sheltered behind the Isle of Wight. As it makes such an ideal location for yachting it might be no surprise to learn that a longer maritime life predates the social sea traffic of the town today.
Lymington is one of those rare places that everyone falls in love with! A beautiful Georgian market town, with many of its cobbled streets, homes and distinctive buildings defining much of its character. The main street, for example, leads down to a cobbled road on the Quay where you will find the Harbour Master’s office, once a bathhouse dating from 1833!
Lymington has a distinctly nautical heritage and much of this is evident as you wander round the bustling and burgeoning little port. Salt is very much in the air and between the bricks, yet just behind you the river quickly winds its way into the New Forest.
By boat the access into the Solent takes no time at all and from there you have a wide choice of wonderful places to sail. Across the Solent on the Isle of Wight sits Yarmouth, a delightful fishing, ferry and yachting port widely regarded as one of the jewels of the south coast. Further down from Yarmouth you will find peaceful Newtown River, a wonderful place to put down anchor and spend the night. Cowes, the thriving yachting centre of the Isle of Wight, is only a 2/3 hour sail away. Hurst Castle and the Beaulieu River are all within easy reach of Lymington.
Going west you can sail into Poole Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world, where you can moor up on the town quay and enjoy a night out in Poole town with its excellent choice of restaurants and bars.
Our yachts are moored at the Yacht Haven Marina, only a 10 minute walk from the town with its wide range of shops, pubs and restaurants (as well as a very colourful Saturday market). The marina is supported by the Haven Boatyard, which provides a comprehensive range of marine services, including hoist and scrubs, engine servicing/repairs, rigging specialists, chandlers and dry berthing from its nearby Haven Quay site. The marina has first class facilities with excellent toilets and showers (opened 24 hours), overnight security patrol, fuel, and access at all stages of the tide, and much more.
The marina’s Haven Restaurant enjoys panoramic views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight and serves fine food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and light refreshments. There is also the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, Lymington Town Sailing Club and 2 excellent pubs only a few minutes’ walk away.
Lymington is less than half an hour’s drive from Junction 1 of the M27 taking you through the beautiful New Forest National Park. The unique beauty, buzz and character of Lymington make the journey well worthwhile. Map to Lymington Yacht Haven Marina.
www.yachthavens.com/site/site_welcome.aspx?i=2&siteid=lym
Places To Go from Hamble & Lymington
Chichester Harbour
Chichester Harbour lies west of Chichester and is an area of outstanding natural beauty with an entrance from the English Channel between Selsey and Hayling Island. It comprises an area of some twenty-seven square miles of navigable water and provides some of the most rewarding scenery in the south of England. It is one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas in Southern England and remain relatively wild. Its wide expanses and intricate creeks are at the same time a major wildlife haven and among some of Britain’s most popular boating waters. The massive stretch of tidal flats and saltings are of outstanding ecological significance. Very large populations of wildfowl and waders use the mudflats feeding on the rich plant life and the huge populations of intertidal invertebrates.
The harbour lowlands contain high quality arable farmland and boatyards, marinas and commercial fishing are important elements of the local economy. This is one of the south coast’s most popular sailing waters with as many as 12,500 craft regularly using the harbour, with competitive racing taking place among the 14 sailing clubs of the Chichester Harbour Federation. The villages, sea walls and footpaths are a popular leisure area for residents and tourists alike.
www.chichesterweb.co.uk/harbour.htm
Portsmouth Harbour
Gunwharf Quays Marina is just 5 minutes in shore, on the north side of Portsmouth Harbour — directly underneath the landmark Spinnaker Tower. The marina offers first class facilities on the door step of the world famous sailing waters of the Solent.
Yachts can moor for short stays and overnights and sailors can take advantage of the outlet stores, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities just outside the marina entrance.
www.gunwharf-quays.com/marina.htm
Hamble
The ‘mecca’ of yachting on the south coast, whose origins in maritime history go as far back as the 9th Century when King Alfred’s men sank as many as 20 Viking long ships at Bursledon! It was also here that Nelson’s flagship in the Battle of Copenhagen ‘Elephant’ was built in the 18th Century and a striving shipyard is there to this day bearing the same name. Today, particularly during the summer months, river life is a hive of activity and the village is bustling with sailors and visitors. The River Hamble is at the heart of the sheltered waters of the Solent and protected from the open sea by the Isle of Wight, and benefiting from a two hour stand at high water.
The charming village has a wide choice of pubs and restaurants and is only a couple of minutes walk away from Port Hamble Marina, on the west bank of the river, where we have our base. This 310 berth marina has excellent facilities and access is available at all states of the tide.
Port Hamble Marina, Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton, is just 6 miles off Junction 8 of the M27. Map to Port Hamble Marina.
mdlmarinas.co.uk/mdl-port-hamble-marina
Southampton Ocean Village Marina
Situated in the shelter of Southampton Water on the River Itchen, and right in the heart of Southampton, Ocean Village is more than a marina. Surrounded by attractive modern waterfront houses and luxury apartments, restaurants, cinemas and bars, it offers outstanding recreational facilities. Overlooking the marina is the Royal Southampton Yacht Club which, although a members club, offers berth holders and visitors a warm and friendly welcome and has a reputation for excellent food. The 375-berth marina, with excellent facilities, has access at all states of the tide.
Ocean Village is only a short bus ride from the Isle of Wight ferry terminal and West Quay shopping centre, both within 15 minutes walk, as well as Southampton’s Oxford Street, well known for its excellent restaurants.
Beaulieu River and Buckler’s Hard
Meandering through the New Forest, the Beaulieu River is a picturesque and favourite spot for anchoring. It is considered by many to be one of the most attractive harbours on the mainland side of the Solent. A few miles upstream, from the mouth of the river, lies Buckler’s Hard, an 18th Century village, occupying a superb location surrounded by oak woodland within the Beaulieu Estate. On a historical note, it was here that shipwrights skilfully constructed warships for Nelson’s fleet.
You can spend the night in the Yacht Harbour Marina in this beautiful and sheltered reach of the river. The marina offers 110 berths, full marina facilities to include toilets, showers, launderette, fuel, etc. Call the Harbourmaster’s office on 01590 616200.
www.bucklershard.co.uk/bucklershard/beaulieuriver
Bembridge, Isle of Wight
Bembridge is a compact, pretty harbour whose entrance, although restricted by the tides (recommended entry for a 1.5m draught is two and a half hours before High Water), is well sheltered in all but north-north-easterly gales. Offering excellent sailing clubs, beautiful beaches and fine restaurants, this Isle of Wight port is a first class haven with plenty of charm.
Cowes, Isle of Wight
Situated virtually at the centre of the Solent lies Cowes on the Isle of Wight. This beautiful seafaring town is at the mouth of the Medina River which, on favourable tides, is navigable for 4 miles up to the island’s capital, Newport. Cowes is world famous amongst sailors for its yearly regatta in early August, which spans a whole week of racing and fun!
Cowes is a bustling town with its narrow winding streets and abundance of shops, bars and restaurants. It is worth visiting the Maritime Museum. Exhibiting the Uffa Fox boats ‘Avenger’ and ‘Cowe Slip’, and the Sir Max Aitken Museum. Sir Max contributed enormously to Ocean Yacht racing and the museum is dedicated to his collection of nautical instruments, paintings and maritime artefacts.
Moor up at the Cowes Yacht Haven as this centrally located marina gives instant access into Cowes town centre, the Parade, with its range of yacht clubs, including the historic Royal Yacht Squadron.
THE FOLLY, MEDINA RIVER, ISLE OF WIGHT
The Folly Inn on the banks of the River Medina is a popular location for sailors. You can moor up at one of the visitor’s pontoons and sample a wide selection of hot and cold food and live music at the weekends. Excellent ales are served and a friendly river taxi is available to ferry you back to your boat.
Newtown River, Isle of Wight
The uninformed visitor to the magical Newtown River would never for a moment imagine the depth and length of its history. Said to date back to Roman times, the port of Newtown was sufficiently prosperous in 1001 to warrant sacking by the Vikings! Now overgrown tracks are all that remain of the busy streets, and nature, with her oak woods and salt marshes, remains unchallenged. The river is owned and administered by the National Trust. A favourite place for yachts and small water craft to put down anchor and spend the night.
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
The most western harbour on the Isle of Wight, Yarmouth is not only a convenient passage stopover, but has become a very desirable destination in its own right with virtually all weather and tidal access. With the exception of the town quay, the way ashore is by dinghy or water taxi. Yarmouth is a delightful fishing, ferry and yachting port, widely regarded as one of the jewels of the south coast. There are many fine restaurants and amenities. One of its primary features is the castle, constructed in 1547 by order of Henry VIII. It is not recommended for comfort in strong northerlies or north-easterlies, but is otherwise snugly sheltered.
THE GEORGE HOTEL, YARMOUTH, ISLE OF WIGHT
This is a very classy restaurant and hotel which has achieved three AA Rosettes and offers a full range of international cuisine. For sunnier days there is the garden, where lunches may be taken. The Brasserie provides lunch or dinner and overlooks the gardens, castle wall and sea.
Telephone: 01983 760331
www.thegeorge.co.uk
THE KINGS HEAD, YARMOUTH, ISLE OF WIGHT
The village inn of Yarmouth, situated opposite the harbour with stone floors, low ceilings, an intimate atmosphere and beer garden. Home cooked food with fresh fish and daily specials. Families most welcome.
Telephone: 01983 760351
ROYAL SOLENT YACHT CLUB, YARMOUTH, ISLE OF WIGHT
The Royal Solent Yacht Club occupies a superb position immediately to the east of Yarmouth Pier and within a short walk of the harbour. Views of the Solent from the bar and dining room are outstanding and enjoyed by members and visitors alike. It is a friendly club and they welcome members of RYA affiliated clubs and reciprocal clubs. The excellent food can either be taken in the restaurant or on the balcony.
YARMOUTH SAILING CLUB
The Yarmouth Sailing Club sits next to the swing bridge over the River Yar. It is a friendly and un-stuffy club with around 800 members and always extends a welcome to visiting yachtsmen.
www.yarmouthsailingclub.org.uk
Lymington
The very attractive Georgian market town of Lymington, known as the jewel of the Solent, lies at the western end of The Solent, just 3 miles from the Needles Channel. Besides the numerous attractions and activities to be found in the town itself, Lymington also benefits from having the recently designated National Park status of the New Forest, with its wild ponies, wonderful walks and picturesque scenery, on its doorstep.
The Yacht Haven Marina, where the FlexiSail fleet is based, is the first of the two marinas as you are approaching up the river, offering immediate access into the Solent. It is only a 10 minute walk to the town centre with its numerous restaurants, pubs, shops and colourful Saturday market. The marina has first class amenities and a bar/restaurant with stunning views towards the Isle of Wight. If you stay in the marina you will appreciate the exceptional natural and beautiful setting.
The Yachthaven is only 20 minutes from Junction 1 of the M27. Map to Lymington Yachthaven Marina.
www.yachthavens.com/site/site_welcome.aspx?i=2&siteid=lym
Hurst Castle
The core of the present castle was built by Henry VIII between 1541 and 1544 in response to the threat of invasion posed by the European Catholic powers. Although never to see action, Hurst was periodically refurbished in order to keep up with advances in fortifications and naval technology. Hurst was garrisoned in both world wars and formed part of the Coastal Artillery defences until 1956. Remains of the 20th Century armaments can be seen on the roof of the west wing.
The Keyhaven entrance is exposed to easterlies, but in normal conditions the creek gives a pleasant windy haven for small craft. Space is tight, however, so don’t expect panoramic water to anchor in. Hurst Castle, with its lighthouse, marks the westernmost extreme of the Solent. The lighthouse guides vessels through the hazardous western approaches to the Solent, indicating the line of approach through the Needles Channel.
Christchurch
Once an important commercial port and now silted up, Christchurch Harbour remains an interesting and surprisingly beautiful place to visit, if your draught permits. The town has many facilities and the environment of the harbour is surprisingly unspoilt. Here you will find a salt marsh, reefs, dunes and woodland, and the river winding up to the confluence of the Stour and the Avon at Christchurch Quay.
Poole Harbour
The second largest natural harbour in the world and the largest in Europe, Poole Harbour is considered by many to be among the finest. It can be entered day or night and at all states of the tide. Much of the area is shoal, but there is still plenty of deep water for ships and yachts in great numbers. Its north side incorporates several modern marinas in close proximity to a multitude of shops and restaurants, while its south side boasts tranquil anchorages set within unspoilt nature reserves. On Poole Quay, with its excellent choice of bars and restaurants, there are several places of interest, including the well known Poole Pottery and Waterfront Museum in Old High Street.
A visit ashore to Brownsea Island, with its interesting history and red squirrels, is worthwhile. Anchor in the entrance to South Deep, clear of the fairway, or off Goathorn Point clear of the moorings, or in one of the deep pools further up.
Weymouth
The seaside resort of Weymouth with its fantastic beach and vibrant harbour nestles perfectly alongside the rugged ‘Isle of Portland’. Weymouth is a gateway situated half-way along the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site on the Dorset and east Devon coast, important for its geology and landforms. Weymouth Harbour is home to cross-channel ferries, pleasure boats and private yachts, and nearby Portland Harbour is home to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, where the sailing events of the 2012 Olympic Games will be held.
Weymouth marina was refurbished to accommodate more vessels in the 1990s and access is via a lifting road bridge across the harbour between Weymouth and Melcombe Regis.
Hamble Accommodation
Swatchways B & B: 49 Mercury Gardens, Hamble. Friendly accommodation adjacent to River Hamble and reed beds, between marinas and yacht clubs, particularly suitable for yachtsmen. Breakfast in large conservatory. Hamble station and M27 nearby. Tel: 023 8045 2806, Mobile: 07899 752218
Prices from £30 (single) / £60 (double).
The Crows Nest B & B: Oakhill, Bursledon. Just off the M27, Jct 8 and ideally situated for the Hamble river, they offer comfortable rooms, excellent, home cooked food and plesant company, in a traditional pub atmosphere. Tel: 023 8040 3129, Email: thecrowsnest@fsmail.net
Prices from £25 (single) / £40 (double) / £50 (family).
The Spinnaker B & B: Bridge Road, Lower Swanwick. Family run pub/restaurant with good quality well equipped rooms. Situated next to Hamble River, convenient to M27 and airport. Tel: 01489 572123, Fax: 01489 577394
Prices from £30 (single) / £40 (double).
Botley Park Hotel Golf and Country Club (4 Star): Winchester Road, Boorley Green, Botley. Within easy reach of M27/M3 and a short drive of many local attractions. The hotel offers one of the finest leisure complexes in the region. Tel: 01489 780888, Fax: 01489 789242, Website: www.botleypark.com, Email: botleypark@macdonald-hotels.co.uk
Prices from £95pp. Inc. breaskfast.
Chilworth Manor (3 Star, SILVER AWARD): Chilworth. An Edwardian Manor House set in 34 acres of landscaped grounds only one mile from J14 of M3, on the A27 Southampton to Romsey road. All of their comfortably furnished bedrooms are en-suite, with tv, telephone and tea and coffee making facilities. Extensive conference facilities and ample free parking. Tel: 023 8076 7333, Fax: 023 8076 6979, Website: www.chilworth-manor.co.uk, Email: enquiries@chilworth-manor.co.uk
Prices from £55 (single), £110 (double), £125 (family). Inc. breakfast.
Lymington Accommodation
The Angel Inn: 108 High Street, Lymington. If you wish to look at this pretty and very central former coaching inn on the internet then go to www.roomattheinn.info/detail.php?index=13. Tel: 01590 672050
Stanwell House Hotel and Restaurant: High Street, Lymington. This is a lovely 3 star boutique style hotel which is highly recommended. You can visit their website on www.stanwellhousehotel.co.uk. Tel: 01590 677123
Wistaria Restaurant and Hotel: St. Thomas Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9NE. Lovely accommodation with excellent restaurant in a recently Grade 2 listed building in the heart of Lymington. Tel: 01590 688 090, Fax: 01590 677 010, Website: www.wistaria.org.uk, Email: enquiries@wistaria.org.uk
The Bosuns Chair Pub: Station Road, Lymington. This is a comfortable and central place to stay. Please note that the bar closes in the evenings at 12.00, so there may be some noise heard before then. Tel: 01590 675140
The Mill at Gordleton: Silver Street, Hordle, Hampshire, SO41 6DJ. Once a 17th century water-mill, the hotel boasts an idyllic and tranquil riverside location with fabulous gardens. Only 10 min drive from Lymington. Tel: 01590 682219, Fax: 01590 683 073. Website: www.themillatgordleton.co.uk, Email: info@themillatgordleton.co.uk
Passford House Hotel: Mount Pleasant, Near Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 8LS. Passford House offers 55 delightful bedrooms, half of them being twin bedded, half double bedded. All rooms are complete with en suite bathrooms, as well as remote control television, direct-dial telephone, tea and coffee facilities, trouser press, hair drier and other complimentary extras. Room service is available at all times. There are two comfortable suites, one of which is situated across the old stable yard and consists of two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, lounge, and kitchenette, and is self-contained. Tel: 01590 682398. Fax: 01590 683494. Website: www.passfordhousehotel.co.uk, Email: sales@passfordhousehotel.co.uk
Jevington B & B: 47 Waterford Lane, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 3PT. Family run B&B located in quiet lane. Ideally located, easy walk into town. All rooms en-suite, TV with Freeview, tea/coffee tray, superking size or twin beds. Children over the age of four years welcome. Off-street parking. Tel: 01590 672148. Email: jevingtonbb@lineone.net
The White House B & B: Main Road, Walhampton, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 5RE. This B&B has beautifully appointed en-suite rooms with tea and coffee making facilities, colour TV and clock radio alarms. This family home is situated 1 mile from Lymington and 4 miles from Beaulieu and is in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Tel: 01590 674893. Email: barbara@barbarawalton.wanadoo.co.uk.
Leyland Country House B & B: Undershore Road, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 5QA. This is a truly sumptious and highly contemporary country property. Located in 2 acres of land and only 15 minutes walk from the amenities of Lymington, Leyland affords its guests incredible comfort, privacy and tranquility. There are 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a very comfortable converted barn and a beautiful cottage. Tel: 0789 235834/01590 677675. Website: www.leylandcountryhouse.com
Bluebird Restaurant B & B: Quay Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 3AS. Charming restaurant and comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation right on the quay with 4 ensuite B & B rooms and 1 family room. Tel: 01590 676908. Website: www.bluebirdrestaurant.co.uk
Durlston House B&B: Gosport Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9EG. English Tourism Council Four Diamonds award. Large detached home with six ensuite comfortable rooms. Warm and friendly atmosphere and good food. Tel: 01590 677364. Website: www.durlstonhouse.co.uk
Auplands B & B: 22 Southampton Road, Lymington, Hampshire, S041 9GG. A very warm welcome awaits you at this delightful period house. Rooms en-suite, pine furnishings, remote colour TVs, tea/coffee facilities. Hearty English or continental breakfasts. Tel: 01590 675944. Fax: 01590 675944. Website: www.auplands.com Email: sue@auplands.com
Britannia House B & B: Mill Lane, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 9AY. Nestled in the heart of historic Lymington, minutes from the High Street and quayside, award-winning Britannia House offers a luxurious and welcoming base to enjoy the splendour of the New Forest and the South Coast. Please take their tour through the web pages to view the accommodation and to glimpse the beauty of the surrounding area. Whether you are planning an overnight stay, a weekend away or a longer retreat, Britannia House can provide the luxury to make your visit to the New Forest a memorable one 01590 672091 or 0870 3303633. www.britannia-house.com. Email: enquiries@britannia-house.com
