From the well-loved coast of England stretching from Cornwall to Brighton to the well-kept secrets of Scotland and the unspoiled coastline in Wales and Northern Ireland, you can have an unforgettable vacation by hiring a boat in the United Kingdom. You can easily find the ideal catamaran, sailboat, motor yacht, or speedboat of your choice from any port or marina in any of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom. You can directly contact the owners of the vessels for the ideal boat, or simply allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions.
You have plenty of options:
You can book and hire a sailboat or speedboat with a skipper, or without if you own a license, and enjoy a one-day cruise along any coastline of your choice that is part of the United Kingdom. You also have the option to rent a motorboat and cruise England’s 400-mile long coastline with ease or any beaches and sheltered bays in the United Kingdom with comfort. If you book a catamaran you can throw a birthday party or stag and hen party, you will also have plenty of space to enjoy a family reunion or corporate charter. Finally, you can hire a luxury yacht or sailboat and island-hop the destination of your choice, taking the time to explore England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland’s hidden beauties.
The United Kingdom encompasses England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Thanks to its diverse scenery and endless landmarks, it Is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. Britain became a world power in the 18th and 19th centuries by dominating the seas and till the present day has preserved most of its maritime heritage. You will find several maritime museums such as the Scottish Museum in Irvine, the Maritime Museum in Hull, or Portsmouth’s historical dockyard. All museums explore the seafaring and shipbuilding history of the UK. The nation is also packed with yachting clubs and training centres helping you learn to sail and build relevant skills. You can also attend the year-round sailing events and festivals such as Falmouth Week on the Cornish seaside town or the Cowes Week featuring the largest yachting regattas in the world on the Isle of Wight. The UK is an all-in-one destination that encompasses a rich cultural heritage and impressive outdoor adventures including, kayaking, windsurfing, hiking, and of course, sailing. Because of its dreary weather, it is often overlooked as a sailing destination, but several cities allow you to rent a boat and explore the area from a rather unique perspective.
England
Of the four countries which make up the United Kingdom, England is the largest and comprises several unique destinations on the south coast that are ideal for sailing. The River Thames crosses the UK’s capital city, London, and is a top attraction for enjoying a private boat trip in England. It is part of the longest river also home to more than 25 fish species. It is the only European river with a national trail going through its entire length. Several events take place near the river, including festivals and water sports. But the best thing you can do is take a boat and cruise along its course. If you’re lucky enough, you can spot the famous swans. Along the river, you will pass London’s most famous landmarks including St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and Shakespeare’s Globe. The beauty of cruising the River Thames is that you can book a short sightseeing trip or enjoy an evening, dinner, as well as an overnight stay. You can also enjoy a 5-day Thames River cruise and stop by Windsor, Maidenhead, Abingdon, and head as far as Oxford.
The Jurassic coast includes Devon, Dorset, and Weymouth and is an ideal place for a yacht holiday in the UK. Weymouth provides an excellent base for starting your trip and has many sheltered bays and beaches. Not far from Weymouth you can visit the Isle of Portland which is known on the world map for its sailing academy. From Portland, you can enjoy a one-day or two-day cruise to Lulworth Cove or Chapman’s Pool, some of the most fabulous anchorages in all the UK. By hiring a speedboat or powerboat, you can cruise the Jurassic coast with ease, taking in the magnificent shore in the finest way. Since the coastline is full of chalk cliffs and rolling green hills, you will find your own secluded spot to moor your vessel, especially around the areas of West Bay and Lyme Regis.
Another top destination in southern England is Cornwall. Tourists come here due to the popular beaches suitable for surfing. It is worth mentioning that the waters and winds here are unpredictable, which is why only experienced surfers should consider it for water sports. This is the finest surfing destination, but it is an excellent area for sailing, too. You can enjoy a day cruise to St.Ives Bay or a catamaran cruise to Falmouth, where you will spot wildlife and dolphins on your way. You can also visit the Isles of Sicily further afield with a yacht charter in Cornwall. These are a group of 140 tiny islands that are uncrowded and offer an exotic escape from the mainland.
Solent is another British area where you can enjoy spending time outdoors. The Solent stretches from Colwell to Whitecliff Bay, offering an interesting view over Southampton. On the northeast coast of the Solent, you can visit the city of Portsmouth, home to one of the three most important naval ports of England. The historic dockyard displays several ships that helped put Britain on the map. From Portsmouth, you can make stops at Brighton Marina, the largest marina in the UK. You can also spend a few days around the Isle of Wight, home to the most prestigious race (the Round the Island yacht race), or island-hop to Cowes where the most important annual sailing regatta takes place. Besides being a premium destination for sailing, An interesting fact about Solent is that it takes its local flora and fauna seriously. With a mix of inland and coastal sailing, you will have a memorable experience.
From the Solent, you can explore unique destinations such as Yarmouth, Hamble, Lymington, or Poole. You can also rent a sailboat or catamaran for a week and cross the Channel Islands. Being so close to France allows guests to enjoy an adventure between the islands of Guernsey, Jersey, and Alderney. We recommend you book a yacht with a captain on board since the winds are often quite challenging.
Scotland
The most northern of the four countries and the second largest. The Scottish coastline comprises over 100 islands and offers an exceptional sailing experience. From the colorful harbor of Torbery, you can sail the beautiful coastline of the Isle of Mull. Cruising around the Isle of Mull and the offshore islands on a sailboat or catamaran can take a whole week. There is a wide choice of anchorages including Duart Bay where you can spot dolphins and porpoises, Loch Spelve which is a breeding ground for shorebirds, the Treshnish Isles which is a haven for wildlife and the Isle of Staffa with its amazing geological features such as the Fingal Cave. With your Isle of Mull charters, you can also explore the Isle of Iona which is famous for its sandy beaches, and the islands of Rhum, Elgg, Muck, and Canna, which extend the majestic west coast of mainland Britain.
If you are ever sailing Scotland you can also visit the Faroe Islands which are situated in the far North Atlantic. This remote cluster of islands has dramatic high cliffs and exceptional beaches. Cruising these areas will allow you to explore Edinburgh which is Scotland’s charming capital, Aberdeen also known as the UK’s petroleum capital, and the port capital of the Faroe Islands known as Toshaven. Your cruise can extend all the way to Reykavik which is the capital city of Iceland.
Wales
To the west of England, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea to its north. Wales is known for its rugged coastline, mountainous national parks. With a boat trip in Wales, you can enjoy a cruise to Puffin Island and the Menai Strait. Here you will come across breathtaking scenery and architecture. The coastline in North Wales is known as Anglesey and extends over 250 miles long, allowing you to explore plenty of sights and take in the natural beauty of the islands.
Sailing Pembrokeshire is another option if you are visiting Wales. From here you can easily reach the Puffin Isles and the nature reserves of Skomer and Skokholm. You can also enjoy a week cruise to the Scilly Isles and the treasures of Southern Ireland.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is part of Ireland and remains within the United Kingdom. If you want to enjoy a boat trip in Northern Ireland, you can explore Fermanagh and its welcoming waterways. You can also visit Enniskillen and Devenish Island and enjoy a number of secluded islands and bays in the Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Finally, you can enjoy cruising the waters of Belfast and the Causeway Coast.
Below you will find some useful information for your boat hire in the UK.
Penton Hook Marina: This is Britain’s largest marina that can accommodate 575 berths. The marina can moor vessels up to 30 meters in length as well as pontoons, narrowboats, and dutch barges. From here you can cruise to Windsors and Datchet and follow the route right into Central London.
Weymouth marina: offers 280 berths with a maximum size of 30 m vessels. The marina is sheltered within Portland Harbour and has great onshore facilities including car parking, toilets and showers, and a customer lounge.
Port Solent Marina/ Gosport: Has earned the south coast marina with a prestigious five Gold Anchors Award and can store up to 500 boats plus. The marina has a friendly yacht club and offers secure and sheltered berthing for yachts and motorboats. From here you can easily reach Portsmouth’s historic dockyard, the famous yacht havens on the Isle of Wight, Lymington, or Poole further afield. There is also a fully serviced boatyard for lift and block-off services. You will also find an eclectic mix of shops, a children’s playground, and a health club nearby.
Townquay Marina: Situated in Southampton and offers direct access to the waters of the Solent. There is friendly and helpful staff offering security and convenience. Within the marina zone, there are shower facilities, free Wi-Fi, and car parking. This is the perfect place to capture the summer’s yachting events and is right next door to the Southampton International Boat Show.
Kemps Quay Marina, Southampton: Offers a berthing capacity of 260 vessels and is the oldest marina in Southampton. Fresh water and electricity are offered to all pontoons and vessels.
Portsmouth Harbour: There are 40 secure moorings in this harbour for yachts that go up to 8 meters. You can moor your boat in Portsmouth Marina or Trafalgar Marina within the harbor, which offers berths for catamarans and motorboats. Pontoons are easily accessible from the car park and you will have easy access to the Isle of Wight, Hamble, Lymington, Brighton, and beyond.
Brighton Marina: Offers over 1,200 berths and is the largest marina in the UK. Yacht owners or any visiting yachts will have secure shelter and regular maintenance as well as serious repairs. There is also free parking available for 1,500 vehicles and an exciting waterfront where you can eat, drink and shop.
Lymington Yacht Haven Marina: Offers over 600 berths for all types of vessels and they are all serviced with power and water. There is secure pontoon access and 24/7 surveillance. Free Wi-Fi throughout the marina, as well as free parking.
Marina 200, Cornwall: A marina with a berthing capacity of 160 boats. The marina has fuel services, nightly security, showers and restrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
Scotland
Tobermory Harbour: Offers around 60 berths and provides mooring for passenger boats, local boats, and any visiting yachts. Within a walking distance of the harbour, you will find excellent restaurants, bars, and shops. You will also find a bank and a post office and visit the fabulous Mull Aquarium.
Port of Torshavn: welcomes any visiting yacht and has a red circle reserved for any catamarans or motor yachts. There is electricity and fuel available at the yacht pier. From here you can go for an excursion to the Faroe Islands or any island in the North Atlantic.
Wales
Milford Marina provides over 300 berths and is situated in the heart of Pembrokeshire. The marina offers 24/7 security for all vessels and is an excellent stop-off point en route to Ireland. Near the marina, you will find an array of shops, restaurants, and marine facilities.
Holyhead Marina: situated in the largest town of Anglesey. The marina can host over 200 moorings and organizes several regattas and sailing events yearly. From here you can enjoy a day trip to Dublin or the entire coast of Anglesey.
Northern Ireland
Bangor Marina: A five Gold Anchor Marina situated on the south shore of Belfast Lough. The marina offers 530 berths and is open 24 hours a day. There is a public transport hub and a cinema, leisure centre and a sportsplex nearby.
Another option in Belfast is the yacht harbour of Belfast.
Bangor Marina is 9 miles away from Goerge Best Airport.
Moorings Marina in Lough Erne: Offers over 90 secure berths for all types of vessels that cruise the large areas of Lough Erne. The marina is in proximity to the town of Enniskillen and is ideal to explore the area of Fermanagh. Offers excellent facilities and security.
Booking Advisor Form
Fill in the form below and you will soon receive suggestions with the ideal yachts for your trip.
Your form has been submitted successfully!
A travel expert will contact you shortly to suggest the ideal yachts for your trip.
View suitable yachts now
