Fareham Marina is located on the south coast of England, on the east side of The Solent, in the northwest corner of Portsmouth Harbour. It is a small drying marina nestled in the centre of the historic market town of Fareham.

Drying, and situated at the head of the protected natural harbour, the marina offers complete protection. Safe access is available in all reasonable conditions during daylight hours for vessels prepared to work with the tides.

As the marina accommodates visitors in slots freed up by absent resident berth-holders, it is advisable to make contact in advance of any intended stay.

Keyfacts for Fareham Marina

Position and approaches

Haven position

50° 50.889' N, 001° 10.702' W

This is set on the southern end of the outer pontoon.

What is the initial fix?

This is the commencement of the Portsmouth Small Boat Channel. It runs for just under ¾ of a mile between the outer 4 Bar Buoy, QR, and Ballast Pile, Fl.R.2.5s, and is approximately 50 metres wide throughout its length.

What are the key points of the approach?

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What's the story here?

Fareham Marina is based at the head of Fareham Lake at the northwest end of Portsmouth Harbour, about 4½ miles above its entrance. It is situated on the old town quay of the historic market town of Fareham.

The marina dries to 0.9 metres CD, and its approaches dry ½ a mile below it. So, those intending to visit here must work with the tides; the mean high water spring (MHWS) is approximately 4.7 meters, and the mean high water neap (MHWN) is approximately 3.8 meters. Likewise, it cannot receive fin keels and is only suitable for yachts that can take the bottom. Its sweet spot is boats between 8 (26ft.) and 10 metres (32ft.). However, it also has moorings that will accommodate larger catamarans of up to 11 metres (36ft) and smaller boats up to 5.8 metres (19ft). There is a public quay or wall adjacent to the marina, which Fareham Borough Council manages. It is free to use on a first-come, first-served basis for a maximum of 48 hours. However, you should not block the public slipway when using this facility.




The marina holds no specific visitor berths and accommodates visiting yachts in the berths of resident holders who are away. It is therefore advisable to make berthing arrangements in advance by contacting the marina +44 (0)1329 233288, info@farehammarina.com or via their web form .

With both the marina and its approaches drying, tidal planning is essential for any vessel intending to visit Fareham. You must plan your arrival and departure around high water using the tide tables for Portsmouth.

How to get in?

Coastal guidance, tidal guides, waypoints, and pilotage are available in Navigating Portsmouth Harbour . The Eastern Approaches to the Solent covers southern approaches, while inshore east/west approach guidance can be found in Southampton Water to Chichester Harbour . The long pontoon of Portsmouth Marine Engineering, sometimes charted as Fareham Yacht Harbour, or Fareham Sailing & Motor Boat Club, will signal the approach to Fareham Marine immediately above.




On the final approach, pass two small private pontoons extending from Lower Quay. These belong to the Fareham Sailing & Motor Boat Club and Trafalgar Yacht Services, which are both located immediately ashore. The club pontoon is intended for small open dinghies, and the Trafalgar Yacht Services pontoon is part of the quay facilities, providing direct floating access for vessels needing service work, marine engineering, and periodic berthing for vessels in maintenance with Trafalgar Yacht Services.




Berth as directed by Fareham Marina. The pontoons are a mix of alongside and pontoon berthing. The fingers are generally generous in length. When coming alongside, be aware that the tidal stream does not run parallel to the pontoons but at an angle. This effect is most pronounced on the berths closest to the entrance.

Why visit here?

Fareham, known initially as Ferneham, derives its name from the conjunction of the words 'fearn' and 'hám' meaning 'homestead where ferns grow'. Places with 'ham' or 'ing' endings, such as Fareham, indicate they were Saxon settlements, and likely, the majority of the present-day market town dates back to the Saxon period.




Although little is known about Fareham during Saxon times, the early Middle Ages were a period of relative prosperity and rapid population growth in this area. New towns were being built, or villages expanded, and it is believed that Fareham had developed into a substantial settlement on the high ground above the River Wallington by the 10th century. The area was part of the original endowment of the "See" of Winchester. Since most villages with a stream or river nearby had at least one water-powered mill at the time, it was the location of the Bishop of Winchester's tidal mills. Additionally, the town quay was developing as a thriving port, and the current alignment of Fareham's High Street still follows that of the early medieval town.




Fareham's first documented history dates back to the Norman era when a part of William's army marched up from Fareham Creek before continuing to the then Saxon capital of England, Winchester. The Domesday Book listed it as Ferneham, noting that it had 90 households and that it was subject to a reduced assessment on account of its exposed position and liability to Danish attacks.




In 1205, Farnham had bailiffs, and by 1207, it was a mesne borough under the bishops of Winchester. The privileges of the burgesses likely lapsed during the 18th century, as by 1835, it was no longer a borough. The town was granted a two-day fair by Henry III (1207-1272). The fair was originally scheduled for 31st October and 1st November, but appears to have been moved to 29th and 30th June shortly afterwards. The island between Union Street and High Street was where the annual fair took place, trading in cheese, horses and cattle. It continued until 1871, when it was chiefly used for the sale of toys.




In the later Middle Ages, Fareham gained importance due to its commercial facilities. With a tide rising over 12 ft, it was a thriving free port with significant trade in wool and wine. The first record of boat building goes back to 1403 when the Marie of Fareham was built for Henry IV. However, its shipping activities declined, and by the 16th century, it was mostly a fishing village. Some shipbuilding occurred in the Lower Quay area, which was later connected to the town centre by a bridge over Gilly Creek. Salt production took place to the south of Lower Quay. Early maps indicate rectangular areas along the shore, probably evaporating bays, to the north and south of Salterns Quay.




But all that was set to change when Henry VIII declared Portsmouth Harbour as the home of the British Navy. Fareham's proximity to the centre of this enormous military effort would bring centuries of prosperity. In the late 17th century, buildings and stores on the quayside of Fareham Creek were used as hospitals for sick and wounded sailors, and became known as 'Hospital Yard'. By the latter part of the 18th century, Fareham was a well-established market town with a population of approximately 3,000.




These were economically lively times for the town, and its primary industries included the manufacture of sackings, ropes, bricks, coarse earthenware, terra-cotta, tobacco pipes, and leather. Vessels of up to 300 tons would arrive in Fareham Creek to unload their cargo of imported granite, timber, grains for milling, and coal from across Europe. They would then load up with chimney pots and Fareham Red bricks, which were exported worldwide. Many of Fareham's renowned red bricks would have had a shorter journey during the 19th century.




The need to defend vital dockyards and naval bases around Portsmouth Harbour led to the construction of a series of Victorian hill forts, completed by 1868. These include five forts along the chalk scarp of Portsdown Hill; from west to east, forts Fareham, Wallington, Nelson, Southwick, Widley and Purbrook. The line was finished at the eastern end with Crookhorn Redoubt and Farlington Redoubt. The remains of Fort Wallington are the only fort within Fareham Borough itself. The forts were built using bricks from a local brickworks just north of Fareham, and their sturdy red brick walls are clearly visible from the sea along the ridge of Portsdown Hill. Fort Nelson, completed in 1871 and known for its unique star-shaped layout, has been restored and now serves as a museum.




By the early 20th century, Fareham had grown into a major market town. A successful open-air market continues in the town centre today, every Monday, with a farmers' market held on the first Saturday of each month. With a history dating back to Saxon times, Fareham town centre features a historic High Street and waterfront, a modern pedestrianised central shopping area, and a secondary shopping street leading to the railway station. The prosperity of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries has left the town with many fine Georgian and Victorian buildings, and it is considered to be one of the finest county-town streets in the south of England.




The presence of many yachts, the mixture of uses, and ongoing marine activities preserve the maritime tradition of this part of the town and significantly add to its character. The Town Quay is adorned with several fine examples of late Georgian grain stores and is adjacent to an impressive early Victorian railway viaduct.




From a boating perspective, situated at the head of a creek opening into the north-western corner of Portsmouth Harbour, these waters are highly protected with excellent resources nearby. However, this is a drying estuary, making it suitable only for shallow draught, moderately sized creek-crawling cruising vessels that can comfortably bottom out at low water. In itself, it showcases the unique cruising opportunities these vessels provide.

What facilities are available?

The marina's facilities include water, showers, and toilets ashore, along with a lift-out and storage service for its berth holders and guests. The slipway next to Fareham Marina is managed by Fareham Borough Council and is open to the public. It is free to use and provides launch access for trailered boats, small craft, kayaks, and similar vessels.




Fareham town offers a wide range of provisioning options, bars, and restaurants, along with a new large Tesco, all within a short walk. The town is well connected by road and rail. The M27 motorway runs along the northern edge and serves as the main route into and out of the area. The A32 passes through Fareham at the Quay Street roundabout, a well-known bottleneck, on its way from Gosport to Wickham. Fareham railway station is on the West Coastway Line, with regular services to Portsmouth, Southampton, Brighton, Cardiff, and London. Bus services operated by First Hampshire & Dorset cover nearly all routes, extending as far as Winchester. The bus station is situated next to the Market Quay development.

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur S/Y Whistler.