When overseas travel isn’t on the cards, the south coast of England is the next best thing! Outstanding natural beauty, sheltered anchorages and excellent sailing conditions make a yacht charter on the Solent a perfect choice for a weekend getaway or a week’s worth of fun and adventure.
Here at Fairview Sailing, we know how important it is to explore the seas in all their glory, but when you have a stretch of water as beautiful as the Solent on your doorstep, it’s worth remembering that sometimes, home is where the heart is.
All of our bareboat yacht charters start from our base in the pretty village of Hamble, a short distance from Southampton. From here, you can expect world-class sailing conditions and fascinating scenery, from beautiful natural countryside to historic warships. The protected waters provide a special sailing experience, suitable for both novices and experienced sailors, and as such, are a popular choice for first timers and returning guests year after year.
The south coast of England really is a wonderful location to explore and to help you plan the perfect itinerary, we’ve pulled together a list of locations for you to visit on your next bareboat yacht charter from Hamble.
Portsmouth
Sail east from Hamble and you’ll find yourself in the maritime city of Portsmouth. Famous for its Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth is bathed in naval history and is home to the world renowned HMS Victory, the Royal Navy flagship captained by Lord Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The renovated warship is a sight to behold and a must when visiting the city. In addition to Victory, visitors can see various other naval gems including HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose.
Head to Gunwharf Quays where shoppers will be in their element, sip cocktails at one of the marina bars and enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants. Our favourite is Loch Fyne, situated on the waters edge overlooking the marina.
Southampton
Turn to Starboard as you head out of Hamble River and in just over 3 miles you’ll find yourself in Southampton, the UK’s biggest cruise port and the departure point for the famous Titanic in 1912. The city is full of history and a visit to the SeaCity Museum is perfect for those interested in all things nautical.
For a spot of retail therapy, head to West Quay Shopping Centre with it’s 130 + shops and a range of restaurants. For a real treat head to ThaiKhun, a thai street food outlet serving up delicious cuisine from traditional pad thais and currys to platters influenced by the night street food market in Bangkok, Sukhumvit 38.
Cowes
Head across the water to the Isle of Wight and visit the town of Cowes. The town is full of small yacht merchandise boutiques so is perfect if you need to pick up any sailing gear. Pay a visit to the Classic Boat Museum where you can see over 50 old and new yachts, powerboats and lifeboats and discover the history of this town’s wonderful maritime history.
Take a walk along the esplanade to Gurnard, great if you’re sailing with children or visit the Wight Military and Heritage Museum, which exhibits tanks, armour and other interesting military artifacts from the 19th century to present day.
If you’re looking to travel further onto the Island, a day at Black Gang Chine is a great adventure for those with children and the beaches in Sandown are glorious. There are an abundance of fabulous restaurants to choose from in Cowes and one of our favourites is Murray’s Seafood Restaurant located on the High Street where you can taste locally caught fresh seafood including oysters, squid and smoked mackerel.
Beaulieu
Head west from Hamble and you’ll find yourself at Beaulieu, a small village located on the edge of the New Forest National Park. This quaint little gem is full of history giving sailors a chance to explore the shore while discovering interesting historical facts.
A visit to Beaulieu Abbey will transport you back to the early 1200s where around 30 monks lived after the erection of the stone building was founded by King John. For car fanatics, head to the National Motor Museum where you can view over 250 old and new vehicles and visit specialist exhibits.
For keen foodies, dining at Monty’s Inn will be a real treat, where you can enjoy home cooked food and fine local ales, including game pie, succulent steaks and tender pork, all reared from local farms.
Lymington
Further west from Beaulieu you’ll arrive at Lymington, a small port town with a range of exciting things to see and do for both adults and children. Visit the open air Lymington sea water baths for a day of fun and adventure with a whole host of adventurous water sports to take part in including an on-water obstacle course and aqua jousting.
For those looking for a little history, head to the St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery where you’ll find art exhibitions and a selection of historical artifacts from the New Forest area. If you fancy a wander, take yourself off to Solent way, a 60-mile long coastal path that ensures beautiful views of the south coast of England.
Take advantage of some of the small restaurants and bistros that the town has to offer. One of our favourites is the Angel and Blue Pig, located on the High Street and serving a range of dishes including delicious burgers, steaks and fresh mussels.
Find out more
To find out more about chartering a bareboat yacht from our base in Port Hamble Marina, call us today on 02380 457023 or email info@35.178.158.241
