What's the story here?

Deacons Marina and Boatyard is situated on the west bank and upper end of the winding Hamble River, just below Bursledon Bridge. The marina is operated by Boatfolk, the sixth marina on the river, and for most sailing vessels, the final limit of navigation is Bursledon Bridge, which has an air draught of 4 metres at MHWS.




The marina has around 130 berths afloat (for boats up to 14m in length) and space for 160–170 boats ashore. The marina is dredged to a depth of 2 metres, and can accommodate vessels up to 15 tonnes (or up to 20 tonnes and 45 feet for lifting).

Visitor Berthing [2025] (Boats to 14m LOA prices include electricity):

• • Nightly: £4.30 per metre


• • Week: £25.80 per metre

It's always recommended to contact Deacons Marina directly for a precise quote based on your specific boat length and needs, as prices can vary and may be subject to change. Likewise, Deacons Marina does not have designated visitor berths and guests are accommodated in vacant berths of resident holders. It is therefore recommended to arrange berthing in advance by contacting the marina by +44 2380 402253, deacons@boatfolk.co.uk or via the Boatfolk web form . The marina does not have a VHF Radio at this site.

How to get in?

Guidance, tide timers, and waypoints to Southampton Waters are provided in the Western Approaches to The Solent and the run-up to Southampton or the Eastern Approaches to The Solent and the run-up to Southampton . Approaches, tide timers, and waypoints for the run-up the river as far as Bursledon Bridge, the effective head of navigation for most sailing craft, are covered in the Navigating the River Hamble .

On the final stretch to Deacons Marina, the river turns northwest to pass outside Swanwick Marina . After this, it bends through 90° around the head of Swanwick Marina's long E pontoon, the fuel dock F pontoon, and a steel training wall on the river's starboard (eastern) side.




The Jolly Sailor pub and then the pontoons of the Elephant Boatyard stand opposite on the port (western) side. As the river continues northeast around the training wall, to pass under the bridge, the Elephant Boatyard pontoons lead into Deacons Marina and the adjoining boatyard immediately beyond.




Bursledon Bridge, with an air draught of 4 metres height (MHWS), marks the effective head of navigation. At Highest Astronomical Tide, the clearance would be reduced further, so vessels with an air draught close to or above 3.5 metres may not be able to pass under the bridge at HAT.




Berth as directed by the marina office. Pontoons (lettered A to E) descend in order as you travel upstream toward the bridge; berth numbers ascend as you move out from the main walkways along each pontoon. Y pontoon is a midriver pontoon that lies outside of pontoons C to A.




Significant caution is needed when berthing in the Hamble River on the ebb. This is particularly true during Springs when the 'river effect', caused by a very rapid initial tidal drop, is intensified by the Solent's double high 'tidal stand', which allows only 3-4 hours for the ebb to complete its cycle. The combination of the 'stand' and 'river effect' results in a disproportionately sudden and intense first ebb flush that is best avoided when coming alongside, or if the skipper chooses to proceed, requires close attention from the helmsman.




Likewise, be alert for strong cross currents when passing between the marina's pontoon heads. These currents will not remain constant as the depth decreases into the marina area, and in some cases, the tidal flow may even decrease. It is helpful to know the berth orientation in advance; if there is a stream, it is easier to approach against the tide. Therefore, having prior knowledge of the berth orientation or requesting a more straightforward berth to approach is advisable.

Why visit here?

Bursledon takes its name from Old English and most likely means "hill associated with a man called Beorhtsige". "Beorhtsige" is an Old English personal name meaning "bright victory," and "dun" means "hill" as in the modern word "down" for a hill. Over the centuries, the village's name has appeared in various forms, such as Brixendona or Brixenden in the 12th century, Burstlesden in the 14th century, and Bristelden in the 16th century, before settling into the modern spelling of Bursledon. This evolution reflects typical changes in English place-names over time, influenced by local dialects, spelling conventions, and linguistic shifts.




Evidence of Roman activity in the Bursledon area shows its importance long before the medieval period. The parish church of St. Leonard's, which underwent remodelling in 1888-89, traces its history to the latter half of the 12th century, with its original foundation charter surviving from between 1129 and 1171. Built for the "convenience of the parishioners" who previously endured a long journey to Bishop's Waltham, it became a prominent landmark visible from the river. During this period, salt making became a key local industry, with production sites near Hackett's Marsh that operated until around 1500. Long before salt making ceased, the village became a major centre for shipbuilding.




The village's strategic riverside location, especially its sheltered, deep water and abundant local timber, provided not only the necessary resources but also security and early warning of possible attacks, which directly contributed to its rise as a nationally important centre of shipbuilding. This strategic importance was underscored by its direct connection to the English monarchy; the first royal ship, the 'St George', was launched here in 1338 by King Edward III himself. The village's shipyards would go on to produce some of England's most significant vessels, including the ' Grace Dieu' —the largest ship built in England in the early 1400s, whose remains are still protected in the river today. Later, the River Hamble also served as a strategic station for King Henry V's fleet.




The consistent presence of shipbuilding for the Royal Navy from medieval times through the 19th century highlights Bursledon's sustained strategic importance to the British Crown. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Bursledon's shipyards experienced significant growth, and supporting industries, such as iron making, also developed and flourished in the village. Notable builders like William Wyatt and Philemon Ewer constructed major naval vessels, including 80-gun ships and the 74-gun 'HMS Elephant' , which later served as Admiral Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Copenhagen. The Elephant Boatyard, still in operation, takes its name from this famous ship. Shipbuilding contracts, especially during wartime, could be lucrative but also risky. The volatility of this crucial industry is revealed by the frequent bankruptcies among merchant shipbuilders who undertook naval contracts, illustrating the precarious balance between national defence needs and private enterprise.




In the 1700s, Bursledon was a small community of approximately 200 people, and various other industries were also developing alongside boat building. Bursledon Windmill was constructed in 1741 on the site of an earlier post-mill. It represented a rare example of an early tower mill in a county predominantly known for water mills. The village's pubs played a central role in local life. The Red Lion and The Swan, situated on opposite sides of the river, served travellers waiting to cross by ferry. The riverside Jolly Sailor pub, now a well-known landmark, was once used to store bodies recovered from the river until inquests could be held.




The arrival of the wooden toll bridge in 1783 (now the A27 crossing) marked a new era, improving connections between Portsmouth and Southampton. The Hamble Viaduct railway bridge, built in the late 1880s to carry the Netley to Fareham line over the River Hamble, further transformed the landscape, enabling the strawberry-growing industry to thrive, but also cutting off some houses from the river. Bursledon's Brickworks, founded in 1897 by the Ashby family, became one of the region's leading producers, manufacturing over 20 million bricks annually, and continued operations through both World Wars. By the 19th century, Bursledon's population had grown from approximately 200 residents in the 1700s to over 600, and more recently from 6,598 in 2011 to 8,073 in 2021.




Today, Bursledon's history is celebrated through local museums, heritage sites, and community events. It became a national icon when it served as a primary filming location for the 1980s BBC TV soap opera 'Howards' Way', particularly the Jolly Sailor pub and the Elephant Boatyard. Bursledon Brickworks is now the only steam-driven Victorian brickworks in the country, serving as a museum that offers a glimpse into the industrial past and the craftsmanship of the era.




The fully restored Bursledon Windmill stands as another testament to the village's rural heritage and ingenuity. Its five-storey circular brick tower houses a virtually unaltered set of timber machinery. However, its future is currently uncertain, as its operator, Hampshire Cultural Trust, ceased operations in April 2024 due to funding withdrawals and substantial health and safety costs associated with sail refurbishment.




From a boating perspective, Deacons Marina is an excellent base for exploring the Solent and the surrounding countryside. You can take the tender upriver for peaceful picnics, swim in calm waters, or head downriver for access to the Solent, Isle of Wight, or Portsmouth. Likewise, you have Bursledon's unique blend of maritime, agricultural, and industrial heritage, along with its role in popular culture, makes it a fascinating example of an English village shaped by both tradition and change.

What facilities are available?

Deacons Marina was fully redesigned in 2014 with high-specification non-slip decking, lighting, smart meter electrics, and Wi-Fi. It has seven unisex showers and WC cubicles and a family room ashore.

Deacons Boatyard has space ashore to store up to 130 boats on two acres of hard standing. It has a lifting capacity of 20 tonnes and can handle vessels of up to 45 feet in length. The boatyard boasts a highly skilled and capable workforce that can handle both large and small boat repairs. The large, well-stocked Force 4 chandlery within the yard offers almost any part imaginable. Swanwick Marina's fuel berth is directly opposite.

The marina features a fully licensed bar and restaurant, with numerous excellent pubs and restaurants nearby on either side of the river. The Swanwick post office, located across the river, is within walking distance of the marina. The nearest sizable supermarket is Tesco, a 20-minute walk (1.2 miles) from the marina at the top of Hamble Lane.

Situated on a bend of the Hamble River, just before the A27 Bridge, road access and parking are very convenient and usually available close to the main gangways. Bursledon railway station, on the West Coastway Line, is a short walk away. It provides an hourly service between Southampton Central and Portsmouth Harbour every day, with additional trains at peak times.

Any security concerns?

The marina is a secure access area with CCTV throughout.

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur S/Y Whistler.