What's the story here?

Port Solent Marina is located in the northeast corner of Portsmouth Harbour, about 4 miles upriver from its entrance and half a mile northeast of the historic Portchester Castle. It is a purpose-built, large, nearly square basin that forms a self-contained complex offering a wide range of yachting and leisure facilities, including shops, restaurants, a health centre, and a large cinema.

The marina, which is entered through a lock 9.1 x 43 metres in dimensions and is available 24 x 7, has 900 berths and can accommodate yachts of up to 24 metres in length and 3 metres draught. Approaches through Portchester Lake have depths of from 4 to 9 metres at its entrance, shoaling gradually to 1.8 metres southward of Portchester Castle. From east of Portchester Castle, the channel is dredged to a minimum depth of 1.5 metres CD through to Port Solent Marina's lock.



Daily Visitor Berthing [2026]:

• • Up to 12.5m: £4.35 per metre


• • 12.6m – 16.0m: £4.85 per metre


• • 16.1m – 20.0m: £5.10 per metre


• • 20.1m – 24.0m: £5.10 per metre


• • 14.1m +: Price on Application (POA)

Short Stay Berthing (Up to 4 hours) £1.48 per metre. A minimum charge of 8 metres will be made in all cases. Wi-Fi is free, and a £10 electricity credit is available per stay (not per night). Visitor berths must typically be vacated by noon on the day of departure.





Port Solent Marina holds no specific visitor berths and accommodates visiting yachts on the berths of resident holders who are away. It is therefore advisable to make berthing arrangements in advance, particulalrly during high season, by contacting the marina by Ch. 80 [Port Solent], +44 (0)23 9221 0765, portsolent@premiermarinas.com or via their web form .

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 channel to Port Solent Marina is well-marked by closely spaced numbered beacons, some of which exhibit lights. The entrance to Portchester Lake is about 1½ miles north of the main entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, where it branches into Portchester Lake.



The channel then extends for about 2¼ miles to Port Solent Marina. The helm should stay vigilant at night for large unlit naval mooring buoys and yacht moorings in the channel.




Enter the lock under the instruction of the Lock Master, by VHF or loudspeaker. Red, stop, and green to proceed; traffic lights on the signal poles control access through the lock.




The lock has some free flow around high water, which is indicated by a flashing orange light, when vessels can freely transit the lock if there is no other vessel transiting.




Vessels will be instructed to enter the lock on the green light or, during busy periods when a 'queue' number system is in operation, when their designated 'queue' number is called. All vessels should enter the lock with fenders on both sides and proceed as far forward as possible or as directed by staff.





Berth as instructed by the Lock Master when passing through the lock. The pontoons commence at A directly within the entrance and then ascend to M with their root on the southern wall of the basin. N are finger pontoons extending from the east end behind the M pontoon.



The pontoons are constructed from concrete and sit quite high above the water, especially at low tide. Keep your fenders set high. The fingers are generously wide, making it easier to step ashore. If you are berthed among the apartments, watch out for their balconies. On many quays, they often significantly overhang the pontoons, so be very cautious of your mast and rigging when manoeuvring in tight spaces. It is very easy to clip a balcony with your mast or spreaders.

Why visit here?

Port Solent is a prominent luxury marina, residential, and leisure development located in the northeast corner of Portsmouth Harbour, on the eastern side of Paulsgrove Lake, between the north of Horsea Island and Paulsgrove Quay. Developed mainly on a reclaimed landfill site in the late 1980s, it was transformed into the vibrant marina village it is today, covering approximately 36 hectares.
The marina's designers, Arlington Securities, in collaboration with architect Hedley Greentree, drew inspiration from the Mediterranean, with colourful buildings, a waterfront promenade, and palm trees, creating a holiday-like atmosphere. When they branded the entire housing and leisure scheme "Port Solent," they combined "Port" (harbour) with "Solent" to evoke a Mediterranean-style waterside haven.




Although Port Solent might be a thoroughly modern complex, it is overlooked from the opposite side of Paulsgrove Lake by the magnificent Portchester Castle, which is steeped in history. First recorded as 'Porteceaster' in 960, and 'Portcestre' in the 1086 Doomsday survey, the area's name is made up of the conjunction of the Latin words of 'port', more precisely 'portus' as above, and 'ceaster', derived from 'castrum', meaning 'fortified place'; thereby 'Roman fort by the harbour called Port'.



This accurately reflects the site's historic significance, as before the medieval castle, a Roman fort stood here, overseeing Portsmouth Harbour. This fort was established by Carausius, who declared himself emperor in Britain and northern Gaul in 287 CE and reigned until his assassination in 293CE. The fort was known as 'Portus Adurni', and its original construction featured masonry walls and a series of towers within a double ditch system. It was part of the 'Forts of the Saxon Shore' that extended from Norfolk to Portchester.




Roman shore forts also served as fleet bases, and Porchester was undoubtedly supporting a fleet anchored in the comfortably protected waters of Portsmouth Harbour. Most likely, this was the main fleet base for the Roman galleys of the 'Classis Britannica', the fleet responsible for guarding Britain. Consequently, this part of the harbour area was not a backwater, but the region's focal point, which would have drawn a significant amount of water traffic from both military and civilian sides.




Portchester Castle likely remained the harbour's primary focus throughout the Anglo-Saxon period. The area became a possession of the Church before being exchanged with the Crown for the royal manor of Waltham, later known as Bishop's Waltham, in 904. King Alfred reinforced the defences of Portchester Castle when it became part of the system of 'burhs', a defensive network designed to protect against Danish raids. During this period, the fort developed into an Anglo-Saxon high-status residence featuring a great hall and tower.





The Normans introduced a new concept of defensive 'castles' with monastic foundations, large complexes of stone buildings, and extensive estates. They were responsible for transforming Portchester Castle during the 12th century into the medieval castle seen today. The circuit walls of the fort became the outer bailey wall of their castle and later a medieval palace. The inner moat was a defensive ditch that surrounded the medieval inner bailey and keep, making direct assault much harder. The primary entrance to the castle—including the gatehouse and drawbridge—crossed this moat, with additional fortifications such as a portcullis to further slow or repel attackers. The monarchy controlled the castle for several centuries, and it was a popular hunting lodge of King John. The large natural harbour, offering a safe anchorage, was often used as a landing site and muster point for fleets of ships and armies, with Portchester serving as the landing or embarkation point. Several French campaigns led by England's kings departed from these walls.




It was also a target for French attack, and the castle was besieged and captured by the French in 1216 before finally returning to English control shortly afterwards. In anticipation of a French invasion during the first quarter of the 14th century, Edward II spent £1,100 repairing and strengthening the castle. In 1415, while Henry V was at Portchester, a conspiracy known as the Southampton Plot to overthrow him was uncovered, and the culprits were detained at Portchester. The event features in Shakespeare's play, Henry V.




But in the 15th century, the town of Portsmouth grew to become a significant economic centre and an important port. Its increasing importance may have been caused by the gradual silting up of Portsmouth Harbour, which made it difficult for larger ships to reach Portchester. Nonetheless, it surpassed Portchester as a site of military importance, and the castle entered a period of decline. By 1441, Portchester Castle was described as being in a ruinous state, and by 1500, it was a complete ruin. In 1521, Henry VIII paid £400 for the construction of a large naval storehouse at Portchester Castle, completed in 1527.




A century later, in 1632, the castle passed out of royal control, and from the late 17th century onwards, Portchester's primary purpose became that of a prison. Over subsequent centuries, 18,000 French Prisoners of War were confined either on hulks in the harbour or at Portchester Castle. Those who died in captivity were often buried in what are now tidal mudflats south of the castle, with their remains occasionally disturbed by storms.




Today, Portchester Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building. The castle has been owned by the Southwick Estate since the 17th century, but is managed by English Heritage and is open to visitors all year round. The Norman church, St. Mary's, situated in the south-eastern corner of the grounds, falls within the Anglican Diocese of Portsmouth.




From a boating perspective, Port Solent Marina, owned and operated by Premier Marinas Limited, offers excellent protection against any weather conditions. It is an ideal place for those wanting to stop, relax, and enjoy the amenities of a 21st-century modern marina complex. A key highlight is 'The Boardwalk', the waterfront promenade lined with numerous restaurants, casual eateries, bars, boutique shops, and a multiplex cinema. There is plenty here for the whole family to enjoy, including a children's playground. For those who like to stretch their legs, there are also many walks on the open land to the south of the marina.




There is plenty of history here to explore. The impressive Portchester Castle, with its commanding position overlooking the marina, offers the perfect setting for a relaxed, enjoyable, and historic day out for all the family. For more historical insights, take a short train ride to Portsmouth and visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose Museum, as referred to in the Gunwharf Quay entry. It provides access to 800 years of naval history, and a quick ferry ride from there opens up several more days of historical discovery in Gosport, as referred to in the Gosport Marina entry. Thus, a visit to Port Solent offers access to both the old and the new in a highly protected part of the harbour.

What facilities are available?

Electricity and water are available on all the pontoons at Port Solent Marina. Overnight berthing includes free water and up to £2.00 of electricity. Additional credit can be obtained from the Marina Reception. Contact the Marina Reception on VHF Channel 80 or call 02392 210 765 to arrange connection. Premier WiFi is accessible throughout the marina, with an option to upgrade to Premier WiFi Plus for unlimited usage over 24 hours for up to three devices and VPN access. The Marina Reception also sells bags of ice during the summer.




Diesel and unleaded petrol are available 24/7 at the fuel bay on the starboard side, immediately within the entrance. Please request fuel using VHF Channel 80 before leaving your berth. The fuel pontoon operates from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm from April to October and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from November to the end of March. Out of hours, the operation of the lock takes priority. Gas cylinders are also available. Pump-out facilities are available at the fuel bay, usually requiring 24 hours' notice. A coin-operated launderette is located on the ground floor of the Port House, equipped with an iron and board. The marina offers full recycling facilities on-site, with waste disposal areas near each bridghead.

The marina features a fully serviced boatyard, including two hoists—a 40-tonne travel hoist and a 1.8-tonne jib crane. It also has a chandlery, several marine electronics outlets onsite, and a wide range of specialist services from rigging to marine electronics, GRP repairs, cosmetic work, and engineering. There are a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, a health centre, and a cinema surrounding the marina complex. Excellent provisioning is available at the Tesco Extra within a 10-minute walk along the perimeter of the complex. Portsmouth is just 18 minutes away by train from the nearby Portchester station.

Any security concerns?

CCTV cameras cover berths, car parks, bridgeheads, and the shoreside. There are also 24-hour security patrols. Each pontoon bridgehead has an access control system activated by a programmed fob.

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur S/Y Whistler.