Universal Marina is set in an enviable location. Nearby, waterside villages including Bursledon, Hamble-Le-Rice and Warsash provide beautiful riverside walks and wonderful opportunities to observe wildlife. The Solent, Southampton water and classic cruising destinations, such as Cowes and Yarmouth are easily accessible so whether you are looking for a day trip, like to anchor up in a secluded bay or enjoy a hearty meal at one of the countless waterside pubs, Universal Marina is the perfect base from which to explore on foot or by boat.
Scenic Boating Spots
Boat owners are spoiled for choice when it comes to cruising grounds, with the Isle of Wight ports close by. Cowes is only a one hour sail and home to Osbourne House, Queen Victoria’s former residence and a fine example of Victorian architecture.
From Cowes you can continue to the nature reserve of Newtown Creek, where subject to your boat’s draft, you can anchor up in this idyllic estuary with a small beach and an abundance of wildlife. Beaulieu River is another nature lovers’ destination with a meandering river cruise up to Bucklers Hard where Lord Nelson’s warships were once built.
Yarmouth, Lymington and Poole also make great destinations, with Colwell Bay boasting The Hut, a fantastic restaurant on the beach that sends a RIB to collect you from and drop you back to your boat.
Eateries on the Doorstep
When it comes to dining there are a range of options close at hand too, Premier Universal Marina has an onsite café, A&A Café offering a simple daytime menu with a takeaway service and also a restaurant serving Anglo-Mediterranean cuisine - coming soon!
For those that want to stretch their legs, the public path heading south along the river takes you to the Rising Sun in Warsash.
Over 200 years old with an upstairs section with views out over the river, it is the perfect spot to relax with a drink.
Closer to home, the Old Ship, a 16th century pub in lower Swanwick, is steeped in history and offers classic British favourites.