Marinas in the Solent - Accesible by Charter Yachts

Marinas in the Solent

A practical guide to the main marinas and harbours around Portsmouth, Cowes, Lymington, Yarmouth, Bembridge and Buckler’s Hard. Ideal for yacht charter guests planning overnight stops, provisioning, dining ashore and short Solent cruising itineraries.

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Essential Solent Navigation & Harbour Radio Information

The Solent is one of the UK’s busiest sailing areas, mixing leisure craft, ferries, commercial traffic and naval movements. Before entering any marina, check local notices, tide conditions and harbour procedures.

Key VHF Channels

  • Ch 16 – Distress, urgency and calling
  • Ch 11 – Portsmouth Harbour / KHM
  • Ch 12 – Southampton VTS
  • Ch 14 – Portsmouth Harbour Radio
  • Ch 69 – Cowes Harbour Radio
  • Ch 68 – Yarmouth Harbour / Beaulieu River Radio
  • Ch 80 – Many marina working channels
  • Ch 66 – Lymington Harbour (not 24hr)

Useful Passage Planning Notes

  • Expect strong tides in the Western Solent, particularly near Hurst Narrows.
  • Portsmouth Harbour traffic can be intense, especially around ferry movements.
  • Cowes can be particularly busy during regatta periods and Cowes Week.
  • Bembridge requires more careful tidal planning than most larger Solent marinas.
  • Carry up-to-date charts, almanac information and official local notices.

Useful Admiralty Charts

  • Admiralty Chart 2045 – Solent & Portsmouth Harbour
  • Admiralty Chart 2036 – Cowes & River Medina
  • Admiralty Chart 2041 – Western Solent & Lymington

Portsmouth & Gosport Marinas

Portsmouth is one of the best starting points for a Solent yacht charter, with fast access to the central Solent, the Isle of Wight and sheltered overnight options close to restaurants, shops and transport links.

Haslar Marina, Gosport

One of the Solent’s best-known marinas, Haslar sits just inside Portsmouth Harbour and is an excellent charter handover location thanks to its easy access, quality facilities and short hop across to Portsmouth.

  • Website: Official marina website
  • Phone: 02392 601201
  • VHF: Ch 80
  • Best for: Easy Solent departures, shelter, marina facilities
  • Facilities: Fuel, showers, toilets, laundry, WiFi, security, boatyard services
Open in Google Maps The Lightship Portsmouth visitor info

Nearby pubs & restaurants: The Lightship, The Castle Tavern, The Still & West, and the wider Gunwharf Quays restaurant quarter across the harbour.

Local knowledge: A very practical first or last night stop for charter crews. Deep-water access and a straightforward run out into the Solent make it especially convenient.

Gunwharf Quays Marina, Portsmouth

Gunwharf Quays Marina is ideal for crews who want to berth right beside Portsmouth’s most vibrant waterfront destination, with shops, bars, restaurants and the Spinnaker Tower all on the doorstep.

  • Website: Official marina page
  • Phone: 02392 836732
  • Mobile: 07500 969540
  • VHF: Ch 80
  • Best for: City waterfront, dining, shopping, short-stay berthing
  • Facilities: Visitor berths, power, water, security, direct access to Gunwharf Quays
Open in Google Maps Gunwharf Quays Spinnaker Tower

Nearby pubs & restaurants: The Still & West, Brasserie Blanc, Las Iguanas, Loch Fyne and a wide mix of chains and independents at Gunwharf Quays.

Local knowledge: Excellent for a lively night ashore, but stay alert for harbour traffic and get local crossing instructions if required before entering.

Port Solent Marina

Port Solent offers a highly sheltered marina basin with a strong family-friendly feel, easy parking and a built-up marina village with restaurants, bars and entertainment.

  • Website: Official marina website
  • Phone: 02392 210765
  • VHF: Check current arrival instructions with the marina
  • Best for: Shelter, family stays, shoreside facilities
  • Facilities: Fuel pontoon, showers, toilets, laundry, parking, 24-hour security, boatyard, restaurants
Open in Google Maps Facilities Port Solent waterside village

Nearby pubs & restaurants: A large range of waterside restaurants and bars around Port Solent, plus nearby Portchester for a quieter stop ashore.

Local knowledge: Great in poor weather once inside, but lock access means arrival planning matters more than at open marinas.

Gosport Marina

Gosport Marina is another strong Portsmouth Harbour option, with quick access to the Solent and good technical support ashore.

  • Website: Official marina website
  • Phone: 02392 524811
  • VHF: Ch 80
  • Best for: Solent access, boatyard support, Portsmouth connections
  • Facilities: Fuel, WiFi, showers, laundry, 24/7 security, extensive boatyard
Open in Google Maps Facilities Arrival info

Nearby pubs & restaurants: Gosport town options plus the ferry across to Portsmouth’s old town and Gunwharf Quays.

Local knowledge: A practical stop for crews who want marina services without the bustle of central Portsmouth berthing.

Cowes Marinas

Cowes is the spiritual home of British yacht racing and one of the Solent’s most popular destinations. It is lively, walkable and full of sailing history.

Cowes Yacht Haven

Located in the heart of Cowes, Cowes Yacht Haven is one of the best berthing choices for crews wanting immediate access to the town, yacht clubs and regatta atmosphere.

  • Website: Official marina website
  • Phone: Check current berth booking contact on the marina website
  • VHF: Check marina arrival info; Cowes Harbour monitors Ch 69
  • Best for: Regattas, nightlife, central Cowes access
  • Facilities: Fully serviced berths, boatyard support, central town access, events and hospitality nearby
Open in Google Maps Useful local info Cowes Harbour

Nearby pubs & restaurants: The Anchor, Smoking Lobster, Murrays Seafood Restaurant, Coast Bar & Dining Room, The Globe and the wider Cowes High Street scene.

Local knowledge: If you want classic Cowes energy, this is the place. Expect a busier atmosphere during summer events and race weeks.

East Cowes Marina

East Cowes Marina offers a quieter feel than central Cowes while still giving quick access to the Medina and the town opposite.

  • Website: Official marina website
  • Phone: 01983 293983
  • VHF: Check current marina arrival instructions
  • Best for: Quiet overnight stays, western and central Solent cruising
  • Facilities: Visitor berths, showers, power, water, security, marina support
Open in Google Maps Arrival info Local area guide

Nearby pubs & restaurants: Marina-side dining, East Cowes options and quick access across to Cowes for a wider choice.

Local knowledge: A good compromise between convenience and peace, especially outside peak racing periods.

Shepards Marina

Shepards Marina is a very handy Cowes stop for visiting yachts, with a family-friendly feel and direct access to the town centre.

  • Website: Official marina page
  • Phone: 01983 297821
  • VHF: Ch 80, call sign “Shepards Wharf”
  • Best for: Central Cowes, short stays, easy walk ashore
  • Facilities: Modern berthing, shoreside access, nearby town amenities
Open in Google Maps Contact details Cowes navigation guide

Nearby pubs & restaurants: Cowes High Street bars, cafés and restaurants are only a short walk away.

Local knowledge: Very useful if you want the Cowes experience without committing to a larger marina environment.

Lymington Marinas & Town Quay

Lymington is one of the Solent’s most popular cruising towns, combining excellent marinas, a smart Georgian high street, direct New Forest access and quick passages to Yarmouth and the Western Solent.

Lymington Yacht Haven

A major western Solent marina with strong facilities, professional support and a very good location for cruising west towards Hurst, Yarmouth and Christchurch Bay.

  • Website: Official marina website
  • Phone: 01590 677071
  • Email: lymington@yachthavens.com
  • VHF: Ch 80
  • Best for: Western Solent cruising, provisioning, marina services
  • Facilities: Fuel, showers, toilets, lifting, storage, parking, boatyard, marine services
Open in Google Maps Contact page Live webcams

Nearby pubs & restaurants: The Haven Bar & Restaurant, The Ship Inn, The Mayflower, Stanwell House and plenty of Lymington High Street options.

Local knowledge: One of the most practical marinas for a western Solent itinerary, especially if you want easy access to provisioning and shore support.

Berthon Lymington Marina

Berthon is one of the South Coast’s most respected marinas and refit centres, known for deep-water access and high service standards.

  • Website: Official marina website
  • Phone: See current contact details on the marina site
  • VHF: Check arrival guidance before approach
  • Best for: Deep-water access, refit services, comfortable visitor berthing
  • Facilities: Washrooms, laundry, 24/7 security, fuel and concierge-style marina services
Open in Google Maps Marina FAQ Marina details

Nearby pubs & restaurants: Lymington town centre is an easy walk away, with strong dining choices around the quay and high street.

Local knowledge: A strong option for owners and visitors who want premium service levels and a classic Lymington base.

Lymington Town Quay

Town Quay offers a more traditional harbour feel than the larger marinas and is ideal for those wanting to step straight into the centre of Lymington.

  • Website: Lymington Harbour Commissioners
  • Phone: 01590 672014
  • Email: info@lymingtonharbour.co.uk
  • VHF: Ch 66, call sign “Lymington Harbour”
  • Best for: Central town access, short stays, harbour atmosphere
  • Facilities: Harbour services, washrooms, drying grids and direct access to town amenities
Open in Google Maps Harbour contact details Visitor information

Nearby pubs & restaurants: The Ship Inn, The King’s Head, The Angel & Blue Pig and a wide range of cafés and restaurants around the quay and high street.

Local knowledge: Best suited to crews who want to be right in town and don’t mind a busier harbour environment.

Yarmouth Harbour

Yarmouth Harbour, Isle of Wight

Yarmouth is one of the most popular overnight destinations in the western Solent, with walk-ashore berthing, a compact historic town and quick access to the Needles area.

  • Website: Official harbour website
  • Phone: 01983 760321
  • VHF: Ch 68
  • Best for: Western Solent stopovers, charming town, easy walk ashore
  • Facilities: Visitor berths, showers, toilets, fuel, water, shore power, harbour staff assistance
Open in Google Maps Harbour info Visitor berths

Nearby pubs & restaurants: The Bugle Coaching Inn, The King’s Head, Salty’s and a good selection of cafés within walking distance.

Nearby attractions: Yarmouth Castle, the pier, scenic coastal walks and easy access to West Wight.

Bembridge Harbour

Bembridge Harbour, Isle of Wight

Bembridge offers a quieter, more scenic harbour experience than the larger Solent marinas and is popular with crews looking for a relaxed overnight stop with a strong local feel.

  • Website: Official harbour website
  • Phone: 01983 872828
  • Email: office@bembridgeharbour.co.uk
  • VHF: Check latest harbour arrival guidance before approach
  • Best for: Scenic setting, quieter stopovers, east Isle of Wight cruising
  • Facilities: Visitor berths, marina area, harbour services, local dining and village access
Open in Google Maps Navigation guidance Tides & weather

Nearby pubs & restaurants: The Crab & Lobster Inn is the classic nearby choice, along with other Bembridge village cafés and pubs.

Local knowledge: This is a tidal harbour and the entrance bar needs proper attention. Check the latest local information before committing to the approach.

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour, Beaulieu River

Buckler’s Hard is one of the prettiest berthing locations in the Solent area, set on the Beaulieu River and surrounded by woodland, history and wildlife.

  • Website: Official harbour website
  • Phone: 01590 616200
  • Email: harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk
  • VHF: Ch 68, “Beaulieu River Radio”
  • Best for: Peaceful overnight stays, natural beauty, historic atmosphere
  • Facilities: Visitor berths, showers, WiFi, chandlery, boatyard, fuel and river moorings
Open in Google Maps Contact details Visitor info

Nearby pubs & restaurants: The Master Builder’s is the standout waterside choice for food and drinks.

Nearby attractions: Buckler’s Hard historic village, Beaulieu village, river walks and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.

Local knowledge: A superb destination for a quieter Solent night. The river setting feels very different from the busier marinas in Portsmouth and Cowes.

What to Expect at Solent Marinas

Common Marina Facilities

  • Shore power and fresh water
  • Shower and toilet blocks
  • Fuel or nearby fuel access
  • Chandlery or marine services
  • Provisioning within walking or taxi distance
  • Restaurants, pubs and cafés nearby

Great Overnight Choices for Charter Guests

  • For nightlife: Gunwharf Quays or Cowes
  • For an easy first night: Haslar or Gosport
  • For western Solent cruising: Lymington or Yarmouth
  • For something quieter: Bembridge or Buckler’s Hard

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Solent marina is best for a Portsmouth yacht charter start?

Haslar Marina, Gosport Marina and Gunwharf Quays Marina are all strong choices. Haslar is especially practical for easy harbour exit and quality marina facilities, while Gunwharf Quays is ideal if you want shops, bars and restaurants immediately ashore.

Which marinas are best for restaurants and nightlife?

Gunwharf Quays Marina and Cowes Yacht Haven are the standout choices for lively evenings ashore. Lymington also has a very good mix of pubs, restaurants and a smart harbour town feel.

Which Solent marinas are easiest for families?

Port Solent is particularly family-friendly thanks to its sheltered basin, restaurants, entertainment and easy parking. Yarmouth is also a favourite for families because the harbour is compact and the town is very easy to explore on foot.

Do I need to book Solent marina berths in advance?

In peak season, weekends and event periods, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially in Cowes, Yarmouth and central Portsmouth. Some harbours allocate visitor berths on arrival, but advance planning is always sensible.

Which Solent harbours need the most tidal care?

Bembridge needs careful tidal planning because of its entrance and bar conditions. Port Solent also requires lock planning, while Western Solent passages around Hurst can involve stronger tides than new visitors expect.

Which marina is best for a quieter overnight stop?

Buckler’s Hard is one of the best quiet overnight choices in the region, followed by Bembridge for a more relaxed and scenic harbour experience.

Need Help Planning a Solent Yacht Charter Itinerary?

We can help you choose the right marina stops for your charter, whether you want lively waterfront dining, an easy family cruise, or a quieter overnight anchorage and harbour route.

Speak to Portsmouth Yacht Charter