Oz turist in UK

[William_H]

Olewill and Mrs are visiting UK starting 27 May (on safari) and particularly wandering by car Cornwall then into Wales and later Lakes district and around Norfolk broads. Being a boat lover especially smaller sail types will be looking out for marinas to walk around.
Can anyone suggest particularly attractive boating areas and marinas that are tourist friendly. ie that I can actually walk onto pontoons. I went to Cowes some years back and while it was interesting to go to Mecca of sailing I just couldn't find a way to get close to the racing boats.
Thanks olewill

 

[Swagman]

Hi Will,
You'll find all UK marinas as easy (if not easier) to wander around than the clubs in WA. It is just like at home - just do it and you will not find anyone objecting.
Enjoy the vacation
JOHN

 

[A_7]

All Cowes pontoons are free to all I think except for the UKSA and ex-GBR Challenge area. Give me a shout in you come again and I will take you out for a sail. Have a great holiday!

 

[MASH]

St Olaf's marina (pronounced "Olive's) on the Waveny between Breydon Water and Beccles is busy, accessible and has pub, ancient church and some fabulous views too - don't underestimate Norfolk and the Broads.

And ('specially for an Ozmate visitor) one of the best and most unusual pubs in the country is the Locks Inn at Geldeston, head of navigation on the Waveny. 14th cent, miles from nowhere in the middle of the marshes and serves 4 -5 varieties of their own brand of beer which is scrummy...Hire an elelctric dayboat from Hippersons's yard at Beccles bridge and make a day of it.

 

[Clive_Rigden]

Do make sure you visit the village and church of St. Just, in the Roseland Penninsula whilst in Cornwall: web <a href="http://www.stjustinroseland.org.uk/page" target="_blank">http://www.stjustinroseland.org.uk/page[/url]</a> . The location is quite delightful and the church is next to a wonderful old boatyard. It's also near to St. Mawes with its harbour, Henry VIII castle and sailing community with a welcoming yacht club to vivitors. A ferry from St. Mawes goes over to Falmouth, the terminal for which is easy walking distance to the new and very excellent National Maritime Museum.

Enjoy!

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Horning in Norfolk is attractive, and has many small boats. Wroxham, the centre of boating in the Broads, is not the most attractive place to visit from the land.

 

[William_H]

Thanks very much to all for the responses. I will endeavour to check out all the suggestions. Rather look at boats and marinas than churches. olewill

 

[Joe_Cole]

If you are going to Cornwall the South Coast is better for what you want. Try Falmouth, Fowey and Plymouth. Further along the coast try Salcombe and Dartmouth.

Most Marina's have security and, whilst you can usually get in by sneaking through the gate, they don't encourage casual visitors. The places I've listed are largish boating areas and you can usually get close to boats without needing to get into a Marina.

At Falmouth the new National Maritime Museum is well worth a visit. At Plymouth the old Naval Dockyards are interesting but getting close to boats may be difficult, thoough there are several marinas. Dartmouth is a real delight. Salcombe is a bit touristy, but it has a very active club where they sail smaller boats.

I don't know how long you will be in the area, but you may be able to time your visits for the some of the Regatta's.

 

[graham]

If you visit Cardiff.Go to Mermaid quay which is the old docks area re generated into a pedestrian area with cafes and bars overlooking the bay.

You can get a waterbus across the bay which will land you on the barrage.You walk across the locks (,possibly have to wait while boats lock in or out)And could then walk around Penarth Marina. Catch the waterbus back later.

If your into Islands,there are boat trips for the day out to flatholme Island .The small ferry goes from Barry about 10 miles from Cardiff. Trip out takes about an hour.The length of time on the Island depends on the tides as the landing jetty is restricted by tide.I have PMd you my phone number .

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Give us a trip report when you're back, and some photos of boats to make it boaty of course...

When in Norfolk, try to spot a Wherry. Imagine trying to dip and raise their not insubstantial mast at every bridge.