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What's the story here?

Located on the west bank of the River Hamble just inside the entrance, Hamble Point Marina is the first marina along the river and the nearest to the entrance. It is almost opposite Warsash, where the harbourmaster's office is situated. The substantial marina has 230 berths and includes a dry stack system capable of accommodating 121 motorboats up to 10 metres in length, in addition to its floating berths. It is part of the MDL Marinas group and is a well-known and highly regarded facility.




The marina can accommodate yachts up to 30 metres in length, with a maximum draught of 3 metres and a beam no greater than 12 metres. The River Hamble provides a minimum draft of 3.3 metres chart datum up to Hamble Point Marina.

Daily Visitor Berthing [2026]
Visitor Rates

• • Up to 12.5m: £5.55 per metre


• • 12.6m – 18m: £7.00 per metre


• • 18.1m – 24m: £7.80 per metre


• • 24.1m +:: £8.50 per metre

Short Stay Berthing (Up to 4 hours)

• • Up to 15m: £13.10


• • 15.1m +: Price on Application (POA)

Visitor berths must typically be vacated by noon on the day of departure. If you expect to arrive after 5 p.m., it is good practice to let the marina know. As is standard with MDL visitor structures, shore power is metered and paid for separately at the berth via your digital account or at the marina office.




However, Hamble Point 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 on Ch. 80/M [Hamble Point Marina], +44 23 8045 2464, enquiries@hamblepointmarina.co.uk or MDL web form .

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 final approaches, the marina is separated from the main river fairway by two lines of midstream pontoons and piles. It is easiest to access from the south by passing to the port side of the midstream moorings and aligning with the special events pontoon, where visitors are often berthed.




Berth as directed by the marina office. As with all the River Hamble's marinas, the helmsman should be mindful of the run of the tide when berthing at Hamble Point Marina.




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 depth decreases into the marina area, and in some cases, the tidal flow may diminish. It is useful 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?

Hamble Point Marina derives its name from its location on Hamble Point, the landform at the mouth of the River Hamble. However, long before it was recognised as an ideal site for a marina, the strategic position at the river's entrance, overlooking Southampton Water, had been utilised as an Iron Age settlement and later as a Tudor castle.




The area now known as Hamble Common, including Hamble Point, was the site of Hamble Common Camp, an Iron Age promontory fort or settlement. The 'point' of land, naturally protected on two sides by water, made it an excellent defensive position for a fort. Although often referred to as a "fort," it likely functioned as a fortified settlement, providing a safe haven for a community and possibly controlling access to the river's valuable resources and the surrounding lands.




Evidence of this settlement is mainly found today in a "linear bank" and a ditch. The earthwork ran across the site, effectively dividing the western half (including Hamble Point) and forming a defended enclosure. The wet conditions of the surrounding area have helped preserve the earthworks over the centuries, with much of the original structure still visible today. Archaeological finds in the broader area, including Neolithic tools and Romano-British artefacts, show that the site has been inhabited and used for thousands of years. However, the most notable features associated with Hamble Common Camp are the remnants of its Iron Age earthworks.




Centuries later, the strategic importance of Hamble Point was again recognised by King Henry VIII in the 16th century, when he embarked upon his massive coastal defence programme known as the "Device Forts" or "Henrician Castles." This was in response to the perceived threat of invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire, particularly after Henry's break with the Papacy. He constructed an artillery fort, St Andrew's Castle, between 1542 and 1543, which was one of several such castles built to protect the Solent and the vital port of Southampton.




This castle was constructed at one end of the Iron Age ditch, emphasising the location's continued strategic importance. St Andrew's Castle consisted of a tall, square stone keep (main tower) with a semi-circular gun platform facing the sea. A wide moat and a wooden breakwater further protected it. Its design was similar to that of other contemporary castles, such as West Cowes Castle, and it was heavily armed for its time, housing various types of artillery and smaller firearms for close defence. St Andrew's Castle remained operational until it was decommissioned by Parliamentary forces in 1642 during the English Civil War.




Unfortunately, the shoreline in this area has been retreating significantly, meaning that much of the castle has been lost to the sea. Only a few parts of its masonry and earthworks are still visible today. No drawings specifically of St Andrew's Castle remain to this day. The castle's design is described as similar to that of West Cowes Castle, for which many images remain.




From a boating perspective, Hamble Point remains a highly strategic boating location today. Situated at the entrance of the River Hamble, it provides unparalleled, effortless access to Southampton Water and the excellent sailing grounds of the Solent. If the boat needs attention, the marina is a comprehensive marine service centre offering a wide range of specialised repairs for anything nautical.




Those seeking a more terrestrial experience can stroll into the heart of Hamble-le-Rice. With its cobbled streets and historic architecture rich in maritime history, along with a superb selection of traditional pubs and restaurants, it is a village that seems to have gently resisted the relentless march of time. For those who like to stride out, the 55-acre heathland area of Hamble Common offers beautiful walks, wildlife-spotting opportunities, the remains of Iron Age settlements, and the scant remains of the gun battery.

For those simply wishing to relax with a view after a day's sailing, The Ketch Rigger Bar and Restaurant overlooking the marina offers the perfect vantage point.

What facilities are available?

The pontoons provide power and water. All domestic requirements, including WiFi, can be found within the marina area. A launderette is open 24 hours a day. Gas cylinders are also available from the local chandler. The marina provides general waste disposal and full recycling facilities. Arrangements can be made for the disposal of waste oil. Diesel and unleaded petrol are available at the fuel bay located at the head of pontoon 'B' of MDL's Port Hamble Marina, ½ a mile upriver.




The marina offers extensive shore-side facilities. It has a slipway, a 4-ton crane for masts/engines, a 75-ton boat hoist and extensive hard standing with undercover storage. Over 50 on-site tenants provide a wide range of marine services, including marine electronics, GRP repairs, cosmetic work, and engineering. This makes it an ideal place to winter a boat or have extensive repairs carried out. It also has ample brokerage firms with an excellent range of new and used boats for sale. Besides this, there is a well-stocked chandlery, bar and restaurant. A 20-minute walk, with a daylight shortcut through parkland, leads to Hamble village, officially Hamble-Le-Rice, which features several restaurants and pubs plus a functional Co-op where provisions may be bought.

Access to the marina by road from the M3 is via the M27 Eastbound for Portsmouth. Exit at junction 8 of the M27 for Southampton East/Hamble, taking the B3397 to Hamble. The B3397 is the only main access road that serves the Hamble Peninsula. Approximately three miles long and running straight through the village, it is subject to heavy road traffic, with daily congestion and slow-moving queues.

The village is served by Hamble railway station, which provides services to Southampton Central and Portsmouth Harbour. These services run once per hour in each direction. From Hamble rail station, a local bus service operates to Hamble village. It is also linked by ferry to Warsash and has bus services from pre-dawn to late night / early morning to and from Southampton and Eastleigh.

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 area with controlled access and CCTV throughout.

With thanks to:

Jay Cooper of MDL Marinas.