These are just a few places you can sail to from England. Each route offers something special. Have you thought about where you might sail? What destination excites you the most? The sea awaits with its endless possibilities.
Whether you are sailing as a foot/car passenger or as a private boater, here are some of the places that it’s possible to sail to, from the English coast.
For private boaters, read our post for sustainable sailors (and take a course at WiSe Scheme, to be a certified wildlife-friendly sailor).
Sail to the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is known for its sailing events like Cowes Week, the island a hub for yacht enthusiasts. With its dramatic cliffs and quaint villages, there’s plenty to explore.
The island’s proximity to the mainland makes it ideal for both short sails and longer stays, providing a perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity.
From Portsmouth, you can also take a hovercraft trip on England’s last remaining commercial service.
Hovercrafts are actually a sustainable form of transport, as there are no rudders (the hovercraft simply glides on top of the sea). So it does less damage to underwater vegetation and wildlife.
Sail to the Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly scatter off the tip of Cornwall, looking every inch like a postcard come to life. This group of islands feels remote but not out of reach, drawing in sailors with its clear water and quiet anchorages.
Despite looking like the Caribbean, don’t be fooled. This area is notorious for its shipwrecks, and the original lighthouse blew down in a storm, and had to be built again.
- Sailing time: Most boats leave from Falmouth or Penzance, with the average passage taking 6 to 10 hours, depending on the weather and tides.
- Where to Arrive: Private boaters usually arrive in St Mary’s Pool, which sits just outside the main harbour, or duck into Tresco for some shelter and easy landings by tender.
Many sailors call the Isles a welcome change from busier European ports, with sandy beaches and tiny, family-run pubs. Long summer evenings here feel like they could last forever.
Sail to the Channel Islands
Jersey and Guernsey are reachable by boat, a blend of sandy beaches and historic castles, sheltered bays and pretty harbours. A short hop from the English south coast, with Jersey and Guernsey most popular for visiting boats. The crossing from Devon or Cornwall patters through reliable routes, and you’ll find the entry straightforward if you plan with the tides.
Private boaters often arrive from Plymouth or Salcombe, setting out at first light, to catch the best tidal flow. Navigation here is simple with clear charts, though some tidal streams can run strong between headlands.
- Customs rules: The Channel Islands are not part of the UK or the EU. You need to check in with customs and fill out forms, but the process is usually smooth and you’ll often have help on the pontoon.
- Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey harbours:
- Jersey offers a lively marina scene. St Helier is packed with shops, cafes, and a lovely sea wall.
- Guernsey’s St Peter Port feels like a step back in time. Stone streets, local markets, and friendly dock staff make your arrival easy.
If you want, you can hop between the islands—Alderney and Sark in particular stand out for their rugged beauty and hidden beaches.
Sail to France
There are regular boats from Kent to Calais and Boulogne. A longer journey of around 4 hours is Newhaven to Dieppe. Another 4-hour trip is Poole to Cherbourg.
- Short crossing: The Dover to Calais route is famous for its short, direct crossing. It usually takes four to six hours for most yachts in fair weather.
- Ferry alternatives: Ferries run like clockwork between Dover and Calais, and also to Boulogne from Folkestone, so if the weather’s against you, the option for road and rail is always there.
- Once docked: You can step off into French life straightforwardly. Both ports come with modern marinas, visitor berths, and fresh bread within easy walking distance.
- In Calais, many yacht crews make a beeline for the old town or the bright market.
- Boulogne’s beach and historic centre, make lingering here a tempting option.
Cherbourg: Route from Portsmouth, Facilities, and Attractions
Cherbourg sits tucked in the Cotentin Peninsula, straight across from Portsmouth. The route is popular with those looking for a crossing that feels like a true challenge but still fits in a three-day weekend.
Most sailors head out from Portsmouth, making the 70 nautical mile trip south across the Channel. In decent weather, it usually takes about 12 to 15 hours, so many plan an overnight sail or leave at first light.
Cherbourg’s harbour is easy to spot, with a long breakwater that keeps the swells at bay. Once inside, you’ll find one of France’s biggest and best-protected marinas.
On dry land, Cherbourg is a lively town with tree-lined streets, a daily indoor market, and plenty of cosy brasseries. If you like a bit of shopping or a stroll along the seafront, you’ll find Cherbourg friendly and full of French character.
Le Havre and Normandy: Sailing Distances
Le Havre stands at the mouth of the River Seine, acting as a wide entry point to Normandy’s historic coastline. The trip from the south coast of England to Le Havre is about 85 nautical miles if you head straight from Portsmouth or a bit less from Brighton or Eastbourne.
Most sailors spend 14 to 18 hours on the crossing, so it makes sense to check tides and winds for a smooth ride. Once docked, you step into a city known for its modernist architecture and relaxed style. Le Havre rebuilt itself after wartime damage, with bold concrete buildings and a buzzing arts scene.
Sail to Ireland
You can take the notoriously choppy ferry from Holyhead in North Wales (and watch ‘waves fly past the windows’).
Apparently the journey is not so rough these days. Or take the longer trip from Liverpool, which takes around 8 hours (compared to 4 hours from Wales).
Popular Harbours on the Irish Coast:
- Dublin: The capital city is a bustling port that welcomes visiting yachts. The main marina, Dun Laoghaire, sits just south of the city centre and offers secure pontoons along with easy rail access into town.
- Galway: On Ireland’s west coast, Galway is a lively spot, packed with music and seafood. You’ll find a busy dock scene, and the marina is within easy reach of the old town’s winding streets.
- Cork: Further south, Cork Harbour is one of the world’s largest natural harbours. Crosshaven is a favourite first stop for many, known for its strong sailing community and warm welcome.
Most crossings work best if you time your departure to ride the tides. Weather in the Irish Sea can change quickly, so always check the latest forecasts and don’t rush if gales are about.
Local Sailing Tips:
- Watch the weather: Westerly winds and sudden rain showers are common. Allow for delays if strong systems move in.
- Mind the ferries: Irish channels are crisscrossed by large ferries, especially near Dublin and Cork. Keep a radio on and give way early.
- Tidal streams: Currents in the St George’s Channel and approaches to Irish harbours can be fast. Study the tides and plan your arrival for slack water if possible.
Sailing to the Scottish Highlands
The trip north to Scotland brings a real sense of wilderness and grandeur. Starting from the Isle of Wight, sailors often thread their way up the west coast, ticking off classic Scottish stops along the way.
Standout Scottish Harbours and Anchorages:
- Oban: Known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” Oban is often the first choice for sailors heading to the west coast. The town marina is modern with good shelter and the town centre is packed with places to eat. Ferries and boats keep the port lively all hours.
- Isle of Skye: Skye feels both dramatic and gentle, with steep peaks, quiet anchorages, and tiny harbours like Portree and Carbost. Arriving by sea, the sight of the Cuillin mountains rising above the mist is something you won’t forget.
- The Scenic Lochs: Scotland’s west coast is famed for its deep sea lochs like Loch Linnhe, Loch Fyne, and Loch Torridon. These waters are usually calm and surrounded by lush hillsides and scattered stone villages. Dropping anchor here often means you’ve got the wilderness almost to yourself.
- Scottish west coast weather keeps you on your toes. Rain comes and goes, often with sudden bursts of sunshine and calm spells not far behind.
- Summer brings long daylight hours, making it easier to time your passages and navigate around the headlands.
- Good charts are essential. Rocky outcrops and hidden reefs dot the coast, and mist can roll in quickly.
- Always call ahead to marinas and check if visitor pontoons are available, especially during regatta season or Highland games.
Sail to The Netherlands
For a longer voyage, you could sail to Rotterdam from Hull. It’s a bit further, but the trip is worth it. Holland is known for its canals and windmills, and the sail there is quite an experience.
Dutch Coast (Scheveningen, Hook of Holland)
Leaving the east coast of England, crossings to the Netherlands usually head from ports like Harwich, Lowestoft, or Hull. The open North Sea can test your sailing, especially if the weather turns. Most skippers keep an eye on North Sea traffic and work the tides to get the fastest, safest ride.
Tidal currents near the Thames, Humber, and Dutch coast can reach two to three knots, so plan your departure times to catch a fair tide.
Some of the favourite landfalls are Scheveningen (just outside The Hague) and Hook of Holland (near Rotterdam). Both offer easy approaches with good buoyage, modern harbour services, and friendly welcome for visitors.
Can You Sail to Scandinavia from England?
Not as a public passenger. There used to be a ferry from northeast England, but it got cancelled due to a combination of not enough passengers and Swedish environmental laws. There is one freight ferry still in use, but as a passenger it will cost you nearly £1000 to travel.
Swedish Archipelago
For private boaters, reaching Sweden’s west coast isn’t a quick hop. This is a proper passage, with most crossings from England starting at the Humber, Tyne, or Scotland’s east coast.
The North Sea can feel wild, with steep waves and a constant breeze, but the navigation is straightforward if you keep watch and keep your charts up to date. The best time to go is summer, with longer daylight hours and fewer storms.
A favourite first stop is Gothenburg (Göteborg), which sits north of Denmark’s headland and is easy to enter day or night. The city marina is well equipped, and friendly locals are used to foreign cruisers tying up after a long haul.
On the way to Sweden, many boats stop in Denmark, either at Esbjerg or the lively island havens off the Jutland coast. This breaks the trip and lets you rest up before the last hop across the Skagerrak Strait.
Key stops and tips for the Swedish archipelago:
- Marstrand: A classic boating town with lively atmosphere, historic fort, and sheltered marina.
- Orust and Tjörn: Islands with quiet creeks and small harbours—great for exploring by dinghy or kayak.
- Stockholm’s island chain: Over 24,000 islands to choose from. Pick almost any spot, tie up to a smooth granite rock, and jump in for a swim.
Conclusion
England’s coast gives you a head start on almost any sailing trip. From French towns rich with history, to the quiet charm of the Channel Islands, wild Scottish harbours, or the far edge of the Swedish islands, variety is always close by.
Planning a crossing is simple if you check the tides and weather, and welcoming harbours make every landfall something to look forward to.
Pick a route that fits your sense of adventure and just set sail. The open water puts new experiences within reach, and every trip adds to your story. Ready to go? Share where you’d head first, or ask for tips—your next voyage starts here. Thanks for reading and fair winds ahead.
