Swanwick Marina is situated on the south coast of England within the River Hamble that flows into the northeast side of Southampton Water. It is a modern marina located in the upper reaches of the Hamble river which is a yachting centre of considerable importance.

Located inside the protected waters of Southampton Waters and more than two miles upriver, the marina offers complete protection. Although it can be safely accessed night or day, and at any state of the tide for most vessels, it is best that a newcomer should visit during daylight.

Keyfacts for Swanwick Marina

Position and approaches

Haven position

50° 52.824' N, 001° 17.963' W

This is the head of the southernmost first A pontoon.

What is the initial fix?

This is located 80 metres southward of Hamble Point South Cardinal buoy Q(6)+LF1. 15s and on the line of bearing of 352°T, in the white sector (351°-353°) of Hamble Common Light-beacon.

What are the key points of the approach?

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What's the story here?

Swanwick Marina is situated on the upper navigational reaches of the winding Hamble River, over two miles above its entrance and on the east bank adjacent to the Bursledon Bridge. Managed by Premier Marinas, it is the fourth large scale marina along the Hamble River, and together with the other two marinas here in this final section below Bursledon Bridge, these represent the last berthing opportunities for most boats, as the bridges' air draught of 4 metres (MHWS) effectively marks the limit for navigation for most sailing vessels.




Swanwick Marina has nearly 400 berths for boats, including a mix of fully serviced pontoons, pile moorings, and an 80-berth dry stack for boats up to 11 metres. It can accommodate yachts of up to 30 metres in length and up to 2.5 metres draught. The River Hamble provides a draft of no less than 2 metres chart datum up to Swanwick Marina.

Daily Visitor Berthing High Season [per foot LOA from April 1st, 2025]

• • 25' - 32': £1.78 inc VAT


• • 33' - 40': £1.80 inc VAT


• • 41' - 44': £1.85 inc VAT


• • 45' - 49': £1.87 inc VAT


• • 50' - 59': £1.90 inc VAT


• • 60' - 66': £1.96 inc VAT


• • 67' - 100': £1.99 inc VAT

Daily Visitor Berthing Low Season [per foot LOA From November 1st, 2025]

• • 25' - 32': £1.11 inc VAT


• • 33' - 40': £1.12 inc VAT


• • 41' - 44': £1.15 inc VAT


• • 45' - 49': £1.17 inc VAT


• • 50' - 59': £1.19 inc VAT


• • 60' - 66': £1.22 inc VAT


• • 67' - 100': £1.25 inc VAT

All berths include electricity at 16 Amps, and visitor berths must typically be vacated by noon on the day of departure.




Visitor berthing at Swanwick Marina is available all year round, but the marina does not have designated visitor berths; instead, guests are accommodated in vacant berths of resident holders. It is therefore recommended to arrange berthing in advance by contacting the marina on Ch. 80/M [Swanwick Marina], +44 1489 884 081, swanwick@premiermarinas.com.

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 .




Berth as directed by the marina office. Pontoon letters, A to G, ascend in order as you travel upstream, berth numbers ascend as you move out from the main walkway along each pontoon, odd numbers on the downriver side, even on the upriver side, while the fuel dock is on the last pontoon.




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?

The name Swanwick reflects its origins. It comes from the Old English "swāna" (the genitive plural of "swān," meaning "herdsman" or "peasant") and "wīc" (a "specialised farm" or "dairy farm"). This essentially means "the farm or settlement of the herdsmen," a descriptive name used in several English locations, including parts of Derbyshire and Cheshire. This etymology aligns well with Swanwick's early development.




While archaeological findings suggest an earlier human presence, Swanwick's documented history truly flourished during the medieval period, deeply rooted in its agricultural and monastic heritage. Initially, it was probably a small farming community, its fertile lands providing sustenance. However, its strategic location on the navigable River Hamble – a natural harbour leading to Southampton Water and the Solent – quickly boosted its importance beyond simple agriculture. The river became a crucial route for trade and communication, and Swanwick prospered as a result of this connectivity. A pivotal moment in Swanwick's history arrived with the 13th-century establishment of Netley Abbey. This Cistercian monastery, situated just a few miles downstream, held significant land and influence, including portions of Swanwick. The monks extensively used the Hamble for transporting goods and materials, with Swanwick's river frontage serving as a convenient landing point. The dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in the 16th century undoubtedly reshaped land ownership and the local economy, shifting power from monastic orders to private hands.




Over the following centuries, Swanwick gradually evolved. While retaining its rural character, its maritime connections grew stronger. Small-scale shipbuilding and repair probably arose, supporting local fishing fleets and commercial vessels on the Hamble. The sheltered waters provided a safe harbour, and the area's natural beauty increasingly attracted visitors.




The 19th and 20th centuries brought a more dramatic transformation. The growing popularity of leisure boating and yachting in the Solent area firmly established Swanwick's reputation as a waterside destination. Marinas and boatyards multiplied, replacing older agricultural landscapes. What was once a humble landing point has become a busy hub for marine activities, a far cry from its farming origins, yet still deeply connected to the river that has shaped its future.




Today, Swanwick is a moderately sized village that functions as both a residential area and a lively hub for boating and maritime activities. Its history is clearly reflected in charming older buildings alongside modern marina facilities, highlighting its ongoing connection with the River Hamble. The village features a range of traditional pubs and eateries along the river. The Grade II-listed Old Ship, a 16th-century inn in Lower Swanwick, is a cherished spot for classic fare. For a riverside meal, The Jolly Sailor across the river in Bursledon offers panoramic water views, while the Boat House Café at the marina is ideal for a relaxed breakfast with views of passing yachts.




Beyond the marinas, Swanwick offers an oasis for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. A riverside public footpath runs along the marina, leading to miles of scenic river and coastal walks. These well-maintained paths wind through woodlands and alongside the water, offering peaceful vantage points for spotting wildlife and taking photographs. A notable natural feature is the Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve. Created from old clay pits, this 35-hectare (86-acre) reserve now serves as a sanctuary for local flora and fauna. Managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, it features calm lakes and is crisscrossed by woodland paths, ideal for quiet strolls and family picnics. A short walk over Bursledon Bridge leads to the quaint village of Bursledon and the historic Bursledon Brickworks—the last remaining Victorian steam-powered brickworks in England, now a fascinating museum.




From a boating perspective, Swanwick Marina maintains its highly strategic river connection today, as it has for centuries. It offers complete protection with easy access to Southampton Water and the excellent sailing grounds of the Solent and Isle of Wight. If a boat requires maintenance, the marina is a comprehensive marine service centre, hosting a wide network of specialised repair services capable of handling anything nautical. Immediately outside the modest-sized village of Swanwick, with Bursledon and Fareham beyond, will usually be available to meet any requirement.

What facilities are available?

The pontoons supply power and water. All domestic needs, including WiFi, are available within the marina area. A launderette is open 24 hours. Gas cylinders can be obtained from the local chandler. The marina provides general waste disposal and comprehensive recycling facilities. Arrangements can be made for the disposal of waste oil. Diesel and unleaded petrol are accessible at a self-serve fuel bay at the head of pontoon 'F'. The large and well-stocked Force 4 chandlery has almost any part imaginable available.




The marina boasts extensive shore-side amenities, including a slipway, a 65-tonne travel lift, a 25-tonne transporter, and a 20-tonne mobile crane. The boatyard offers a wide range of marine services, including electronics, GRP repairs, cosmetic work, and engineering.

The marina's fully licensed bar and bistro overlooks the river and operates all year round, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are numerous excellent pubs and restaurants nearby on either side of the river. The renowned Jolly Sailor pub, facing the marina from the west bank, is particularly notable. The Swanwick post office is within walking distance. The nearest large supermarket is Tesco, approximately 1.5 miles away at the top of Hamble Lane, a 30-minute walk.

Situated on a bend of the Hamble River just beyond 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, providing hourly services between Southampton Central and Portsmouth Harbour daily, with additional trains during peak times.

Any security concerns?

The marina has 24-hour manned security with 24-hour monitored CCTV and secure access control.

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur S/Y Whistler. Photography Michael Harpur.