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The Most Stunning UK Boating Destinations

22nd April 2023

Are you looking for something a bit different for your next trip? Boating tourism in the UK is booming as more people than ever before are choosing sailing and boating holidays for their travel adventures.

Setting out on the open water, soaking up the sunshine and exploring new places are just a few things you can look forward to on a boating trip in the UK.

Hosts of the 2012 Olympic Games’ sailing competitions, the UK has thousands of miles of beautiful coastlines just waiting for you to explore.

Before Setting Sail On Your First Boating Adventure

While you’re planning your first sailing trip, you need to think about the type of boat you will be sailing. The term ‘sailboat’ can mean different things to different people, so knowing what kinds of boats will be available and which will suit your needs is very important.

Are you looking for a powerboat with an outboard motor or a traditional sailboat? Consider the size of the vessel you need, as well as the type of adventure you’re planning. If you have just bought a boat, you need to ensure that you follow the correct safety regulations and find out what insurance you may need.

If you will be using your boat on inland waterways, such as canals and rivers, you generally need to register it. Whether you are an expert yachtsman or a novice sailor, here are the UK’s top three boating destinations for you to discover.

Spot Dolphins In The Welsh Waters At New Quay, Ceredigion

Head to New Quay in Ceredigion for a huge stretch of sandy beach, a charming harbour and of course, the area’s resident dolphins. New Quay is well-known for its sailing opportunities, such as the annual Cardigan Bay Regatta, held here since the 1870s.

While you’re there, you can really test out your sea legs with sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding and water-skiing. If you want to try your hand at fishing, then you can hire a sailing dingy, or jump on one of the traditional fishing cruises that run from the harbour.

Sail Around Weymouth’s Jurassic Coast

This iconic seaside town in Dorset is famous for hosting the sailing competitions during the 2012 Olympic Games. It is an ideal location for you to take to the water. You can try your hand at crewing a Tall Ship, speed past the coastline in a powerboat or just bop around in a dinghy.

Weymouth’s views and unique geology make it an incredible place to sail. While you’re here you must sail around the Jurassic coastline on a Tall Ship or charter a modern yacht to truly make the most of the experience.

Enjoy Spectacular Scenery At Scotland’s Kyles Of Bute

If you’re looking for breath-taking scenery and beautiful wildlife on your boating adventures, then you should head to the Kyles of Bute.

One of the most awe-inspiring areas off the coast in Argyll, it acts as the divide between the northern end of the Isle of Bute and the Cowal peninsula, which is part of the Scottish mainland. It offers a prime location for sailing, and you may even spot bird life and feral goats on your trip.

Spending time on the water because it’s so calming it’s a chance to really soak up the beautiful scenery and get a good glimpse of the local wildlife. Are you ready for the most relaxing trip you will ever have?

Glide Across Lake Windermere

Whether you experienced on the water or keen to learn, head to the lakes for some glorious Summer sailing. Windermere is home to a number of sailing centres and marinas making it a popular destination for water sports.

Arthur Ransome’s “Swallows and Amazons” was inspired by the Lake District and when you sail here, you can see why.

If you have never tried dinghy sailing, then Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England and the perfect place to feel the wind in your hair as you glide along in one of these charming little boats.

Relax On The Norfolk Broads

If you like to keep things relaxed on your boating adventures, then sail along the wonderful waterways of the Norfolk Broads. You will find the pace is lovely and calm here, so just go with the flow.

With no locks, you can enjoy trouble-free cruising at your own pace. Along the way, there are plenty of places to moor-up so you can jump on land and explore the local country pubs, market towns and picturesque villages.