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

Located inside the protected waters of Southampton Waters about two miles upriver, the marina offers complete protection. Although most vessels can safely access it night or day and at any tide state, it is best that newcomers visit during daylight.

As visitors are accommodated on the berths of absent resident berth-holders, it is advisable to make contact in advance of any intended stay.

Keyfacts for Universal Marina

Position and approaches

Haven position

50° 52.443' N, 001° 18.495' W

This is situated on the head of the southern most '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?

Located on the east bank of the river, approaching two miles within its entrance, Universal Marina is the river's fourth marina. Part of the Premier Marinas group since 2021, the marina is renowned for its tranquil, rural setting, surrounded by 26 to 68 acres of wooded riverbank, marshland, and meadows, providing a peaceful and environmentally protected atmosphere. The site is home to a thriving wildlife habitat and even features a neighbouring donkey sanctuary, contributing to its rural charm.

The marina has more than 250 berths, along with a 130-boat dry stack facility, and can accommodate yachts of up to 24 metres in length with up to 4.5 metres draught. The River Hamble provides a draft of no less than 2 metres chart datum up to Universal Marina.




Universal Marina has not published information for 2025; therefore, please consider the following estimates. Marina rates can change, and it's always best to contact Universal Marina directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information tailored to your specific needs.

Daily Visitor Berthing (Excluding electricity):

• • Up to 12.5m: £5.35 per metre


• • 12.6m – 18m: £6.75 per metre


• • 18.1m – 24m: £7.50 per metre


• • 24.1m +: Price on Application (POA)

Short Stay Berthing (Up to 4 hours):

• • Up to 15m: £12.60


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

However, Universal 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 24/7, via Ch. 80/M [Universal Marina], +44 1489 574 272, universal@premiermarinas.com or Premier visitor booking page .

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 letter A to M ascends 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.



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.

Why visit here?

Unlike other local marinas such as Port Hamble, whose name references its function as a port or docking area on the River Hamble, or Hamble Point Marina, which is named after its geographic location, Universal Marina's name is not tied to the river's long-standing maritime traditions or historical nomenclature. Instead, it is likely an active branding choice by Avia Willment Ltd, which redeveloped the site that would become Universal Marina after acquiring a derelict shipyard in the late 1990s. Before that, the area was part of the broader industrial and working waterfront that had defined the River Hamble for centuries.




The river rises near Bishop's Waltham, its source formed by the junction of several small brooks in the area above, and it winds for 16 miles through the heart of Hampshire before merging with the Solent. Along its route, it has shaped a rich and diverse history, forging the region's identity as a maritime centre for over a thousand years. Human activity along the river dates back to the Iron Age, with a fortified settlement at Hamble Point overlooking the river's mouth. The earliest known vessel discovered on the river is a Saxon log boat found at Fairthorne Manor, dating from between AD 668 and 704. This artefact highlights the early use of the river for transportation and local trade. By the early medieval period, Hamble was already recognised for its strategic maritime position. The Venerable Bede, writing around 720 AD, mentioned the Hamble, then "River Homelea", as an important feature where tides met and opposed each other at the river's mouth. This natural phenomenon made the river a notable landmark for seafarers.




Throughout the Middle Ages, Hamble developed as a centre for shipbuilding and maritime trade. In the 13th and 14th centuries, records indicate that Hamble was a significant maritime hub for shipbuilding. It was noted in 1235 that eleven ships from Dunwich, laden with herring, were detained at Hamble for not paying customs duties. The river also contributed to supplying the English fleet during conflicts such as the Hundred Years' War. In 1339, Hamble provided provisions for part of the fleet, and in 1346, it supplied seven ships and 117 mariners for the Battle of Crécy, which exceeded Portsmouth's contribution at that time.



The Hamble's importance to English naval power grew during the reign of Henry V. Southampton was the principal centre for the royal fleet, but Hamble was used as a winter anchorage and fitting-out site. In 1417, twelve royal ships spent the winter anchored at Hamble, protected by archers. The most famous vessel associated with the river is the "Grace Dieu," built for Henry V and the largest ship in England at the time. After her active service, she was laid up in the Hamble and eventually lost to fire; her remains still lie in the river mud and are the subject of ongoing archaeological study. The river's strategic value was further underscored by the construction of St Andrew's Castle on Hamble Common in 1543, as part of Henry VIII's coastal defences. It continued to play a vital military role through to the Napoleonic Wars, with numerous warships constructed on the Hamble, including the 32-gun HMS Blanche.




Beyond its military role, the Hamble was a vital centre for trade and industry. It has had extensive fishing fleets from the early 17th century, and local fishermen supplied London markets with tens of thousands of lobsters, crabs, and oysters each year. The river's banks were home to salt pans and Salt houses, with salt being a highly valued and taxed commodity. The village even had its own Salt Officer to ensure taxes were paid. Hamble's location also made it a hotspot for smuggling during the 18th century, a period when smuggling was widespread along the Hampshire coast due to the heavy taxation imposed. A local man from Hamble, known only by his surname, Sturgess, became a highly successful river smuggler. By 1783, Sturgess had amassed enough wealth from his illicit trade to finance the construction of a new 20-gun cutter named Favourite, which he used to further his smuggling operations. Little else is recorded about Sturgess personally, but his activities and success highlight the central role that smuggling played in the local river economy during this time. It was said that many of its castle's governors included former pirates, reflecting the sometimes lawless nature of the river's history.




The 19th and early 20th centuries saw Hamble adapting to new industries. The rise of aviation led to seaplane trials at Hamble Point, and during World War I, companies such as Avro and Fairey Aviation set up factories along the river. Most notably, the Avro 504 training aircraft was produced in the A.V. Roe (Avro) factory in Hamble from 1916. Over 10,000 were built across all production sites, with the Hamble factory playing a significant role during its operation, which lasted until 1919. The Avro 504 was the Royal Flying Corps' first basic trainer and remained in service for decades. The river also contributed to the construction of X-craft midget submarines, which served a covert role during the war. Its importance in national defence continued during World War II when it was closed to the public and used for Admiralty operations. The U.S. Army Transportation Corps established a repair depot at Hamble in preparation for D-Day, and the PLUTO oil pipeline passed through an oil terminal located on the site now occupied by Universal Marine.




Since the 1920s, the site had been used for oil storage and distribution, featuring oil terminals and jetties. After the war, the site remained characterised by the traditional maritime industry: boatyards, commercial wharves, and slipways that supported fishing, shipbuilding, and the handling of industrial goods such as oil and timber. The transformation of the location into the modern marina it is today began after Avia Willment Ltd recognised that the Hamble's maritime character had shifted from industry to leisure, and it took over a derelict shipyard here in 1997. By then, Port Hamble Marina, one of the first in the country, had opened in 1964, followed by Mercury Marina in 1971 and Hamble Point Marina in 1973. These developments marked the start of the Hamble's evolution into one of Britain's leading yachting centres.




Peacefully situated in one of the Hamble Valley's most rural natural settings, Universal Marina arguably offers the strongest connection to the river. Surrounded by tree-lined riverbanks that invite strolls, it is ideal for observing local wildlife and enjoying the tranquil river scenery along the way to the local village of Warsash. The quirky pink ferry that shuttles between Warsash and Hamble provides a handy way to explore both villages and create a scenic circular route. Hamble-le-Rice, just a short journey downstream, is a quintessential English village with its charming cobbled high street, historic cottages, and a wide selection of pubs and restaurants. Afterwards, a cosy coffee shop at Universal Marina (Mermaid's) offers a place to relax, or its restaurant (Riverside Social) provides dining options, while the onsite spa may be enjoyed for complete relaxation.




From a boating perspective, Universal Marina remains a highly strategic location today, as it has been 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.

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 a day. Gas cylinders can also be obtained from the local chandler. The marina offers 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 downstream, or at Swanwick Marina's self-serve fuel berth on pontoon 'F', about half a mile upriver.



The marina provides extensive shore-side facilities. It features a slipway, a 75-tonne travel lift, and several companies, both onsite and locally, offering a wide range of specialist services, from sailmakers to engineers. Additionally, there is a well-stocked chandlery and a fully licensed bar that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Sarisbury Green, approximately a 15-minute walk away, has a One Stop shop offering basic provisions. It also features a cashpoint. Alternatively, Swanwick post office is within walking distance of the marina. The nearest large supermarket is Tesco, about 3.2 miles from the marina at the top of Hamble Lane, accessible by a 15-minute taxi ride or a one-hour walk.

Situated on a bend of the Hamble River just beyond the A27 Bridge, road access and parking are very convenient. Bursledon railway station, on the West Coastway Line, is a 35-minute walk from the marina. It offers an hourly service between Southampton Central and Portsmouth Harbour every day, with additional trains during peak periods.

Any security concerns?

The marina has 24-hour manned security, is monitored 24-hour's a day by CCTV, and has secure access control.

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur S/Y Whistler.