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.
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 tranquility.
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 Scilly Isles
If you fancy something different, consider the Scilly Isles. They are off the southwest coast of England. The Scilly Isles are known for their stunning scenery and lovely wildlife. The waters around these islands are clear and inviting.
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.
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.
Sail to the Channel Islands
Jersey and Guernsey are reachable by boat, a blend of sandy beache and historic castles, sheltered bays and pretty harbours.
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.
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.
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).
Can You Sail to Scandinavia from England?
Not any more. 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.
