Marinas & Harbours In The UK

If you own a vessel, you’ll understand the importance of finding great marinas and harbours boasting useful facilities, welcoming atmospheres and fantastic locations.

Here, we explore some of the best marinas and harbours in the UK, from the largest and deepest options to those that stand out as unmissable places to visit.

What is the largest marina in the UK?

With over 1,300 berths, Brighton is the largest marina in the UK. Located on England’s south coast, Brighton is a popular spot for tourists and is ideal for sailors looking to stop between Dover and the Solent, particularly when on the way to France.

Brighton Marina offers a wide range of facilities for both berth holders and visitors. You’ll find a self-service fuel pontoon, electricity, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, and easy access to the city’s restaurants, bars, beach, and entertainment options. The marina also boasts a full-service boatyard that offers everything from hull cleaning to maintenance.

What is the deepest harbour in the UK?

The deepest harbour in the UK, and in Western Europe, is Falmouth. At 34m in depth, Falmouth Harbour is the third deepest natural harbour in the world behind Australia’s Sydney Harbour and Menorca’s Port of Mahon.

Falmouth Harbour welcomes vessels of all shapes and sizes, with berths available for those up to 230m in length. The harbour can be used if you’re arriving at or departing from the area, sheltering, in need of assistance, awaiting orders, or just visiting.

5 of the best harbours and marinas in the UK

The UK is home to many amazing harbours and marinas offering something for everyone. Think great facilities, stunning locations, easy city access and fascinating history, whether you’re looking for short or long-term stays.

Weymouth Harbour, Southern England

Weymouth Harbour is undeniably one of the UK’s best. It’s perfect for visiting Weymouth and its surrounding area, stopping over on a trip to Northern France or the Channel Islands, or mooring your boat long-term. Offering overnight and short-stay berthing options, this harbour boasts a number of useful facilities and a friendly atmosphere.

 (Weymouth Harbour)

It’s also within easy reach of some of the most stunning walks in England. You can explore parts of the unrivalled Jurassic Coast, take in spectacular panoramas and enjoy the charming harbour itself. If the sun is shining, relax and unwind on Weymouth’s Blue Flag beach and have a paddle in the inviting water.

Royal Quays Marina, Northern England

Winner of the Yacht Harbour Association 'Marina of the Year' on numerous occasions and named a Five Gold Anchor Marina, the beautifully maintained Royal Quays Marina is one of the best in the UK. With the nearby entrance to the River Tyne and easy access to the sea, this marina boasts a fantastic location in North Shields and is considered the finest marina in Northern England.

It’s ideal for sailing, motorboating, sea angling and commercial users. Plus, it offers a huge range of facilities, including a café bar with panoramas of the harbour, 24-hour staffing, water, electricity and a boatyard service. There are 350 berths here with options for permanent berthing and visiting.

Penarth Marina, Wales

A sheltered and secluded harbour in Cardiff Bay, Penarth Marina provides easy access to the traditional seaside town of Penarth and the vibrant capital city, Cardiff. The marina boasts a wide range of facilities for berth holders and visitors, including electricity, fuel, Wi-Fi, security and dining options.

 (Penarth Marina)

Penarth Marina hosts social, cruising and training activities which you can take part in, or you can simply park up and head off to enjoy the marina’s picturesque surroundings. A stroll along the promenade is a must, and you’re sure to enjoy the views offered from the town’s pier. Penarth is also known for its excellent cuisine with opportunities aplenty to try locally sourced food and traditional recipes.

Tobermory Harbour, Scotland

Located on Scotland’s West Coast, Tobermory Harbour is considered to be one of the prettiest harbours in the UK. And it even predates the town itself.

 (Tobermory Harbour)

The harbour has 38 visitor moorings in total: 28 moorings for boats up to 38ft/15 tons, six moorings for boats up to 50ft/25 tons, and four moorings for boats up to 75ft/80 tons. Facilities include fuel, water, electricity and Wi-Fi.

When sailing into Tobermory, you’re sure to be struck by its natural beauty and the brightly coloured houses visible from the harbour. Known for its amazing wildlife watching opportunities, Tobermory is home to the world’s most famous white-tailed eagles, Skye and Frisa. Enjoy hikes, coastal walks, relaxing on the beach in warm weather, and visiting the 19^th-century Glengorm Castle.

Bangor Marina, Northern Ireland

Set on Belfast Lough, Bangor Marina has a central location and 5 Gold Anchor Accreditation. People come here to race, fish and enjoy leisure time out on the water, with options for berth holders and visitors. Facilities include an onsite chandlery, hot baths and showers, and a laundry service. Bangor Marina offers a range of packages providing stays of varying lengths, so you can choose the right option for you.

 (Bangor Marina)

You can easily access the town of Bangor and its restaurants, pubs, shops and entertainment options. Or jump on some nearby public transport to explore further afield. If you love golfing as much as sailing, you’ll be delighted to find five world-famous golf courses within just a few miles. The Royal Ulster and Ballyholme Yacht Clubs are also just a short walk from the marina.

Specialist boat insurance through Insure4Boats

Now you know where you want to dock your boat, you may want to consider protecting it against theft, accidental damage, malicious damage and salvage charges, with specialist boat insurance.

You can also opt to include Third Party Liability and contents protection, so you have nothing to worry about when cruising the waterways.

Discover more about the boats and crafts we insure, how we can help or get an instant online quote today.