Guide to England

From the hallowed sailing ground of the Solent, majestic Jurassic Coast and historic East Coast to the glittering splendor of the Channel Islands and beyond, yacht charters around England are in for a serious treat. The island nation also proves a popular jumping off point to the north and west coastal regions of France, not to mention it’s united cousins of Wales, Ireland and Scotland, and should be on anyone’s wish list for a luxury yacht charter vacation to remember.

South Coast

Many charters begin in the renowned sailing mecca of the Solent, where there are countless beautiful coves and hidden gems to discover. The Isle of Wight in the heart of the Solent became a sanctuary retreat for Queen Victoria, whose residence Osborne House is now open to the public where visitors can walk in her footsteps and admire the abundance of artifacts and treasures of her time spent here. 

Further along the coast you’ll find the prehistoric Jurassic coastline, which spans nearly 100 miles from Dorset to Devon, and is characterized by high limestone cliffs and sweeping golden sands. This breathtaking coast is England's only natural World Heritage site, steeped in a rich geological past that incorporates the popular towns of Swanage, Weymouth, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton. 

Devon

Of course, no trip to England’s south coast would be complete without a stop off along the South Devon coast. Famed for its rugged coastline, award-winning beaches, scalloped bays and historic villages, this region is sure not to disappoint anyone wishing to stop off on its shores. Devon is also well-known for its coastal walks, race sailing and old world pubs.

Cruise the beautiful meandering River Dart, where you can jump off and explore the historical town of Dartmouth, famed for both its naval and engineering importance as well as its rich cultural heritage; boasting castles, forts, historic architecture and museums, not to mention providing the inspiration for Agatha Christie’s acclaimed murder mystery novels. 

Another must-see, if you have time, is the enchanting Burgh island, located west of the boutique town of Salcombe – a firm favorite bolt-hole for Londoner’s wishing to escape the city – accessible either on foot from the tiny seaside village of Bigbury-on-sea across the silken sand bars, or by sea tractor at high tide, which is enormous fun.

Cornwall

This destination almost needs no introduction, famed for its vast golden sandy beaches, charming fishing villages, world-class surfing and striking natural beauty, Cornwall is one stop-off not to be missed on your England yacht charter.

Situated on the east coast of Cornwall, lies St. Georges island, a lovely nature reserve a stone’s throw from the mainland. Take a tender ride ashore for a hike along the well-trodden Looe to Polperro trail, which offers beautiful panoramic views of the Atlantic sea. Heading west around the peninsula, make time for a tour of the majestic Pendennis Castle perched on a promontory in the sailing hub of Falmouth Harbor. 

For yacht charters heading west of Falmouth, aim for Penzance, where you will discover Cornwall’s hidden gems; cruise past the enchanting fishing port of Mousehole famous for its dark smuggling past, before dropping anchor in the crystal clear waters of Lamorna Cove, an exquisite sheltered hamlet which has inspired famous creative artists for centuries. Here you can enjoy Cornwall’s spectacular shore diving scene amongst sea kelp, wrasse and inquisitive sea lions. 

Afterwards, perched high on the cliffs above the Atlantic ocean, you’ll find the amazing granite-hewn open-air Minack Theater, where you and your guests can enjoy an evening show as the sun slowly descends over the horizon. 

Scilly Isles

Located a couple of hours cruise from Land’s End, Cornwall, the Scilly Isles are an enchanting archipelago of 145 islands, of which only 5 are inhabited, including St. Mary’s, Tresco and St. Martin’s. These islands are famed for their soft sand beaches, Caribbean-esque turquoise waters, extraordinary wildlife and untamed beauty.

The Channel Islands 

Encompassing the main islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark, the Channel Islands are a popular destination for yacht charters, offering the perfect medley of laid-back lifestyle, idyllic anchorages and pretty bays alongside stately mansions and upscale restaurants and bars. The islands themselves are easily accessible from most of the ports on the South Coast of England, as well as being ideally positioned close to France. Yacht charters wishing to incorporate the Channel Islands with England’s south coast can do so easily, with longer yacht charters free to extend their itinerary along France’s acclaimed Brittany shores.

East Coast

Although it may not seem like the usual cruising option, the East Coast of England offers an array of memorable experiences and astonishing scenic beauty where the bucolic landscapes will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a Brontë novel or an iconic Turner masterpiece, From the pretty bay of Whitby – the town which inspired Bram Stoker’s tome Dracula – to the majestic castles which once guarded the Northumbrian coastline against Viking invaders hundreds of years ago, the East Coast is not to be missed. Yacht charters heading north to Scotland may wish to commence in this beautiful region. Alternatively, they can start in England’s capital London, where guests can get their fill of the big city lights before heading to the wild bluffs and warm hospitality of the north. 

There are countless picture-perfect places to discover around this beautiful stretch of coastline, whether you are keen on fossil hunting along the breathtaking Jurassic coast, strolling along Cornwall’s array of golden-hued beaches and charming fishing villages or witnessing the captivating beauty of the East Coast; there is a perfect yacht charter destination for everyone here.

If you are interested in a private crewed yachting vacation in the region, start planning your next vacation with a recommended yacht charter broker today.