A Journey up the River Hamble
The River Hamble runs for roughly 10km. Firstly through Botley, Bursledon and Lower Swanwick before opening out into Southampton Water just beyond Warsash.
Scattered throughout the River Hamble are various Marinas, Yacnt Clubs, Pubs, Restaurants, Nature, plenty of mooring, fuel pontoons and much more!
This makes the Hamble a great spot for boaters. There's a huge amount to explore whether you're looking to relax on your boat or moor up on one of many vistor pontoons for a spot of lunch. Due to the calm waters and beautiful surroundings, it's a popular spot with paddle boarders, kayakers and sometimes swimmers too, especially around Hamble Country Park.
Hamble Point Marina
As you start your journey up river, Hamble Point Marina is the first of many marinas to point out. An MDL marina, popular with competitive sailors with is prime access to the solent and extensive shore-side facilities.
As well as boat repairs, lifting and storage, there's also the Ketch Rigger Bar and Restaurant. A waterfront bar and restaurant offering a nice place to unwind with views across the river hamble and some decent grub.
Royal Southern Yacht Club
Continuing up river, next up you'll pass the historic Royal Southern Yacht Club. Established around 1837, Royal Southern prides itself as "one of the worlds finest yacht clubs. With a sailing area to match."
I've not visited but have heard the food and service are great coupled with a prime location and beautiful views. Nice Breakfasts in particular seem to be mentioned a lot in reviews! Aside from eating and drinking, there's a huge amount to get involved with there too. So worth a look on their website for more info.
If you're looking to cruise up the River Hamble with a boat hire, check out our shortlist of places to hire RIBs from on the solent.
Port Hamble Marina
Past that, still on your port side, is Port Hamble Marina. Another MDL marina, very similar in facilities to Hamble Point but not quite such a prime location. Not bad though! Importantly, if you need fuel, you can get it here with their easily accessible fuel berth offers both pertrol and diesel, 7 days a week between 9am - 6pm.
After this, the River Hamble temporarily widens. At that point, again on your port side, look out for the Gaff Rigger. Another waterfront bar and restaurant, part of the Mecury Yacht Habour. A good spot to unwind with your drink of choice, with views back over the river.
Universal & Swanwick Marina
As you pass this, the River Hamble gradually starts to narrow with universal marina next up, this time on your starboard. Run by premier marinas, a popular, albeit expensive marina.
This is also home to Banana Wharf. Set back a little from the river, this quint little bar & restaurant provides decent food and a lovely, part covered, outside seating area. Also a "Captains Table" which I believe can be booked for larger groups but worth checking to be sure.
Head around the Bend from here and you'll see Swanwick Marina. Another Premier marina offering the full range of in-shore services and facilities, including as self-serve fuel ponton available from 08:00am - 18:00 in the summer. And daylight hours in the winter.
The Jolly Sailor
Opposite is a lovely pub, The Jolly Sailor. Highly recommend for a spot of lunch of just a drink. The Jolly Sailor offers a unique dining experience either inside the historic pub or, my personal highlight, the converted pontoon terrace, stretching out onto the Hamble with retracting roof and windows.
Having eaten in here recently (Summer 2024) I can say the food is pretty good and you certainly can't really beat the location. Be sure to ring ahead to check for availability but be aware that the outdoor tables and pontoon are all first come, first serve. We sat out on the pontoon tables and witnessed the windows and roof being opened first hand. This really makes the Jolly Sailor a tough location to beat for a waterside pub.
River Hamble Country Park
Beyond this is my favourite part of the Hamble. As you pass Bursledon train station on your port side, and under the A27, you'll eventually come across Floaters cafe. A popular floating cafe where you can get some drinks and snacks as you pass through. I've not stopped there yet but looks like a cool place so will report back onces I've stopped off.
Then once you go under the M27 bridge, you'll reach River Hamble Country Park. This, in my opinion, is where you can really relax and unwind. Whether you temporaroly moor up on River Hamble Ponton and navigate one of the many walks ashore. Or anchor up and soak up the incredibly views and stunning woodlands and wildlife.
The last time I visited, we moored up on the River Hmable Country park for a an hour or so and followed some of the walking trails ashore. Well worth bringing crab lines if you have them too, as the pontoon is a popular and relatively stress free area for kids to do some crab fishing.
Having not ventured much further upstream than this myself, all I can say is I've heard it's possible to continue much further from here. Even up to the Horse and Jockey in Curbridge. Just be aware of the tides once you go beyond Swanwick marina. You can defintiely get caught out and certainly only ever able to make it up to Curbridge timing the high tide right! Take a look at the latest tide times for the River Hamble around Bursledon
So that just about sums up a trip up the river hamble! So much to see and recommend it's worth just spending a day working your way up there yourself. As I mentioned, for me getting up to the River Hamble Country park is probably the highlight.
Aside from that, definitely check out the Jolly Sailor too, even if it's just for a pint. I visited for Sunday lunch and was easy to moor up on their pontoon and spend a few hours there before heading off.