Over night suggestions in the Solent?

[wipe_out]

Thinking of taking Monday off and heading from Poole into the Solent on Sunday then spending the night somewhere and coming back on Monday..

Looking for a marina on this occasion. Somewhere we can have a walk around in the afternoon, get some dinner, take in the sights then get some breakfast in the morning before heading off..

Where would you recommend?

 

[Firefly625]

Thinking of taking Monday off and heading from Poole into the Solent on Sunday then spending the night somewhere and coming back on Monday..

Looking for a marina on this occasion. Somewhere we can have a walk around in the afternoon, get some dinner, take in the sights then get some breakfast in the morning before heading off..

Where would you recommend?

just about anywhere once you head into the western Solent will do, so Yarmouth, Lymington, Beaulieu, and anywhere in Cowes.. take your pick!

 

[wipe_out]

just about anywhere once you head into the western Solent will do, so Yarmouth, Lymington, Beaulieu, and anywhere in Cowes.. take your pick!

Ok fair point..

Maybe put another way, what are your favourite places in the Solent to spend the night and why?

 

[KevB]

Four places I like if you fancy something a little 'countrified' and nice walks are Beaulieu, Island Harbour, Yarmouth or Bembridge. Yarmouth being the more convenient for you and offers everything you want.

 

[Sailorsam101]

For a nice walk it has to be Beaulieu. East Cowes is good nights sleep and a 15 min walk into West Cowes for a god night out.

Yarmouth is good for a walk also down along the river.

The Folly is a good night out, Food is OK and there are nice walks around it.

Forget anywhere in West Cowes...lumpy and loud.

But for your location i'd say Yarmouth is the best for what you want. If you've never been before it looks scary but it's ok. Just make sure you radio outside the harbour, get your berth, get lines etc set outside then go in. It gets a bit tight inside trying to hold position while crew do lines etc.

 

[Wavey]

Beaulieu might seem a bit scary first time. It's a bit limited on places to eat and drink compared to other destinations but certainly a lovely spot with good walking.

Yarmouth is more straightforward. Good choice of pubs/eateries. "On the Rocks" recommended as somewhere a bit different to eat. Great walks along the river. Good food at what was the railway station (now called "Off the Rails".

Folly is ok but the dancing on the tables bit put SWMBO off.

East Cowes quieter. Lifeboat pub on the doorstep. Good beer but food last week very mediocre. Also the outside seating bit was being rebuilt. Easy walk via chain ferry to West Cowes where there's plenty of choice.

Bembridge possibly the wrong end of the Solent for you. Also restricted by tides, as is Island Harbour (further up the Medina River from Cowes).

We like Lymington but haven't yet found much in the way of walks. Again plenty of choice for food etc.

My pick for a first time visit that really has a bit of everything - Yarmouth.

 

[Firefly625]

Ok fair point..

Maybe put another way, what are your favourite places in the Solent to spend the night and why?

Yarmouth, because its nice.

 

[wipe_out]

Thanks all for the suggestions and details of the different places..

I know many of you are based in Southampton or Portsmouth so anything there feels a bit like "staying home" but anywhere worth visiting around there? Or any reason to venture as far as Chichester (maybe not on this occasion but if we had a few days)??

 

[Wavey]

In case you decide on Yarmouth now or in the future, like Poole, the harbour guide is available as a download.

http://www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk/brochure-download/

Pity more places don't do pdf versions.

Southampton? We moor on the Itchen at the top end. Nice place to use as a base but not really much of a destination. The Hamble is nice and we often go to Hamble Point or Port Hamble (handy for the village but can be very busy) or Mercury or Swanwick if you want something a bit quieter.

Chichester? Only been once. Planned on a one nighter and ended up there for 4 days

Portsmouth? Haslar is the best bet just inside the harbour on the port side (Gosport). Nice marina with cafe/bistro bar place and the lightship bar/restaurant. Submarine museum next door. Get the ferry over to Portsmouth and there's plenty of shopping/eateries at Gunwharf Quays, Spinnaker Tower and of course the Historic Dockyard with the Mary Rose, HMS Warrior etc etc. Top end of the harbour is Port Solent with shops/eateries and cinemas, and Porchester Castle within walking distance.

 

[Fantasie 19]

...an interesting problem - where would I stay if I was an outsider coming to my stomping ground (Chichester)... ..if it was me I think I would recommend Emsworth Yacht Harbour, for the food in the village (an easy walk), and for the walking options in the area - Thorney, coastal path, etc

 

[admillington]

Thinking of taking Monday off and heading from Poole into the Solent on Sunday then spending the night somewhere and coming back on Monday..

Looking for a marina on this occasion. Somewhere we can have a walk around in the afternoon, get some dinner, take in the sights then get some breakfast in the morning before heading off..

Where would you recommend?

Berthons in Lymington - close to the town for restaurants etc - turn left and walk up to Yaht Haven and the great coastal walk around the old salt ponds.

 

[wipe_out]

Thanks all.. Quite a few good options so will keep an eye on Sunday/Monday weather forecast and then take it from there.. Currently looking a bit cooler than the last few days but will have to throw in an extra blanket and a fan heater in the hope we can get a power point wherever we end up..