There are few marinas to match Southampton’s Town Quay when it comes to the convenience of city centre berthing, writes Sue Pelling50.8952° N, 1.4051° W
Those familiar with the Red Jet facility at Southampton will have doubtless noticed the conveniently located Town Quay Marina, which is tucked away and well-protected yet offers easy, direct access to the world-renowned cruising and racing waters of the Solent. If you are wishing to explore the south coast or further afield to places like the Channel Islands and France, Town Quay Marina is a particularly good option as a base/starting point. For short stay or long-term berthing, this Southampton-based marina offers a warm welcome and all the facilities you’d expect from a prime city-centre location.
Town Quay is known as a transport hub, so as well as the Red Jet/Red Funnel services to the Isle of Wight, there is also the Hythe Ferry, and a host of other travel connections including the Quay Connect bus running to the city centre, Westquay shopping centre and Southampton Central Railway Station.
Its central location, which is also virtually next door to Mayflower Park – the home of Southampton International Boatshow – makes Town Quay Marina a prime place to berth up and capture the atmosphere of this popular show. Some of Southampton’s best restaurants and bars are close by too, with cinemas, theatres and Westquay Shopping Centre just a short walk away. For some extra special provisioning – Swedish meatballs or marinated herrings – take a short walk to Ikea just along the waterfront.
This 130-berth marina can accommodate motor and sailing vessels from 6-20m mostly on finger pontoons with some alongside berths available, and access is at all states of the tide. Water points are located on the pontoons and electricity is available by means of a prepaid system (Meter Macs). The good news for visitors is that short term berths have electricity included in the berthing fee. Lift out and fuel facilities can be found at nearby boat yards and marinas, some of which offer a discount to Town Quay Marina berth holders.
Town Quay Marina is also a social hub with a barbeque terrace for use by visitors and berth holders at a cost of £6 and, the marina provides free bicycle usage for any berth holder or visitor wanting to cycle into town. You will also find that many of the local coffee shops, restaurants and other businesses offer discounts to berth holders when presenting the Town Quay Marina discount card when booking or paying for services
