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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).

Daily Visitor Berthing [2026]
Visitor Rates

• • Up to 12.5m: £4.80 per metre


• • 12.6m – 14.0m: £5.50 per metre


• • 14.0m +: Rates available on request

Short Stay Berthing (Up to 4 hours)

• • £1.60 per metre (subject to the 8-metre minimum charge)

Standard shore power hookup is billed at a flat rate of £5.00 per night for visitors. Metered units are billed at 32p per kWh if staying on a longer temporary contract. Short-stay berthing explicitly excludes overnight privileges and shore power hookups.

It's always best to contact Deacons Marina directly for a precise quote based on your boat length and needs, as prices can vary and are subject to change. Likewise, Deacons Marina does not have designated visitor berths, and guests are accommodated in vacant berths held by residents. 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 up to 45 feet long. The boatyard boasts a highly skilled and capable workforce that can handle repairs for both large and small boats. The large, well-stocked Force 4 chandlery in the yard offers almost any part you could imagine. 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.

River Hamble Harbour Master’s Office
The statutory authority manages the entire river ecosystem. Contact them to arrange mid-river visitor swinging moorings, use the public scrubbing grids (at Warsash), or pick up a berth on the public Warsash or Hamble Jetty pontoons. Their patrol boats monitor the river 24/7.
Address: Shore Road, Warsash, Southampton, SO31 9FR
[VHF] Channel: 68 [Hamble Harbour Radio] | +44 (0)1489 576387 | harbour.office@hants.gov.uk | Harbour Master's Website


Major Marinas & Dedicated Visitor Berthing
Port Hamble Marina (MDL)
VHF Channel: 80 [Port Hamble Marina]| +44 (0)23 8045 2741 | porthamble@mdlmarinas.co.uk | Port Hamble Marina Website .

Hamble Point Marina (MDL)
VHF Channel: 80 [Hamble Point Marina] | +44 (0)23 8045 2464 | hamblepoint@mdlmarinas.co.uk | Hamble Point Marina Website .

Mercury Yacht Harbour (MDL)
Situated slightly further upriver, offering a quieter, deeply sheltered woodland setting with a popular on-site bar and restaurant (The Gaff Rigger).
VHF Channel: 80 [Mercury Marina] | +44 (0)23 8045 5994 | Mercury Yacht Harbour Website .

Swanwick Marina (Premier Marinas)
VHF Channel: 80 [Swanwick Marina] | +44 (0)1489 884081 | swanwick@premiermarinas.com | Swanwick Marina Website .

Universal Marina (Premier Marinas)
VHF Channel: 80 [Universal Marina] | +44 (0)1489 574272 | Universal Marina Website .

Deacons Marina (boatfolk)
Deacons Marina does not actively monitor a dedicated VHF radio channel; instead, it relies entirely on phone and email for visitor arrivals and berthing assignments. +44 (0)23 8040 2253 | deacons@boatfolk.co.uk | Deacons Marina .


Chandleries & Essential Supplies
Force 4 Chandlery (Port Hamble)
One of the most heavily stocked retail chandleries on the South Coast, carrying standard marine parts, tech gear, electronics, safety kit, and foul-weather apparel.
Address: Port Hamble Marina, Satchell Lane, Hamble, SO31 4QD
+44 (0)23 8045 4858 | Force 4 Chandlery Hamble Website

Force 4 Chandlery (Shamrock Quay)
Located within the historic Shamrock Quay marina complex, this branch features a well-stocked retail footprint specialising in everyday marine electronics, safety gear, technical clothing, and general maintenance supplies.
Address: Shamrock Quay, William Street, Southampton, SO14 5QL
+44 (0)23 8063 2725 | Force 4 Chandlery .

Bainbridge Marine (Warsash)
While primarily a major commercial distributor, their trade counter and local presence in Warsash make them useful for sourcing specific marine hardware, sailcloth materials, and technical yacht rigging equipment.
Address: Unit 8, Flanders Park, Flanders Road, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 2FZ (Distribution & Trade)
+44 (0)1489 776000 | Bainbridge Marine Website

YouBoat Marine Chandlery (Swanwick)
A fantastic, heavily stocked independent chandlery located just off the river near Swanwick/Bursledon. They carry everything from anti-fouling and zinc anodes to foul-weather gear, safety equipment, and engine spares.
Address: Unit 2, Bridge Road, Swanwick, Southampton, SO31 7ED
+44 (0)1489 588355 | YouBoat Marine Website

Sea-Teach (Emsworth / Online Support)
Slightly eastward from the immediate Hamble banks, they remain a legendary local mail-order and technical-supply name for Solent boaters seeking specialised safety equipment, life rafts, and custom boat spares.
+44 (0)1243 375774 | Sea-Teach Website

Aspire Sailmakers & Canvas (Universal Marina)
While primarily sailmakers, they operate a small commercial loft shop on-site at Universal Marina, stocking essential canvas hardware, zippers, sail tape, ropes, and rigging accessories for emergency shoreside repairs.
Address: Universal Marina, Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green, Southampton, SO31 7ZN
+44 (0)1489 572400 | Aspire Sailmakers & Canvas Website

The Chandlery Barge (Bursledon)
A highly unique, independent chandlery built directly inside a floating barge at Riverside Boatyard. Famous for stocking traditional boat hardware, everyday maintenance essentials, rope, and odd-sized plumbing fixtures.
Address: Riverside Boatyard, Blundell Lane, Bursledon, SO31 1AA
+44 (0)23 8040 6349 | The Chandlery Barge Website

Heavy Engineering, Repairs & Rigging
R.K. Marine (Swanwick & Warsash)
The primary destination on the river for mechanical issues. They operate out of both Swanwick and Stone Pier (Warsash).
Address: Hamble River Boatyard, Bridge Road, Swanwick, SO31 7EB
+44 (0)1489 583572 | Parts Shop Phone: +44 (0)1489 583585 | R.K. Marine Website


Hamble Yacht Services (HYS)
A world-famous, heavy-duty boatyard site capable of massive refits, repairs, laminating, high-end race preparation, and mast/rigging projects. They feature an 80-tonne travel hoist for handling superyachts and large racing craft.
Address: Port Hamble, Satchell Lane, Hamble, SO31 4NN +44 (0)23 8020 1501 | info@hysgroup.co.uk | Hamble Yacht Services Website

Desty Marine (Hamble Point)
Specialising in structural or cosmetic damage to hulls, Desty Marine operates a massive 10,000 sq ft state-of-the-art workshop at Hamble Point.
+44 (0)23 8045 7776 | info@destymarine.com | Desty Marine Website


Local Logistics & Water Taxi
Hamble River Water Taxi (The Pink Ferry) Crucial if you are sitting on a mid-stream swinging mooring or want to transfer between Hamble village and Warsash on opposite banks.
VHF Channel: 77 [Hamble Taxi] (though local boaters will also frequently hail them as "Pink Ferry") | +44 (0)7720 438057 | Hamble River Water Taxi Website .

Any security concerns?

The marina is a secure access area with CCTV throughout.

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur S/Y Whistler.