Top UK Cruises & Sailing Tours: Your Ultimate Guide
Looking at a different way to see the UK’s coast? Coastal cruises and sailing trips could be just the thing, providing a unique perspective that’s totally unlike anything you’d get from the land. Think of the crisp sea air, those great coastal views, plus seeing places you might otherwise miss. So, a boat tour could give you exactly that experience! Very different, right?
1. Island Hopping in the Scottish Hebrides
Islands with loads of character, that is what the Scottish Hebrides are known for. Often, these locations are calling your name. These remote islands are rich with history, and wildlife so spectacular you might not even believe it. Taking a small ship cruise allows you access to hidden coves, very much exclusive beaches and remote communities. Too it’s almost the kind of stuff you just cannot reach via standard transportation.
You know, it’s really hard to exaggerate the appeal of waking up to the sight of a new island almost every day, spotting dolphins from the deck, and exploring ancient castles that look like they’ve popped straight out of a movie, very story-book-like locations that they tend to be. A Hebridean cruise typically focuses on wildlife watching, historical sightseeing, and immersing yourself in Scottish culture. What makes these tours so exceptional are small-group sizes because, in that case, there’s a feeling, a feeling of more personalised care. Also there is greater access, and opportunities to interact with your environment so deeply, very special moments for people. So, you might like that.
2. Exploring the Cornish Coastline by Sail
Think beautiful sandy beaches, definitely picturesque fishing villages, and the occasional cove. Also there are dramatic cliffs and all can be discovered via a Cornish sailing tour, it’s more or less a totally new way of seeing Cornwall. This specific adventure can usually provide a mix of relaxation plus just enough adventure as you assist the crew if you like. Or, you know, you can just chill out on deck soaking up that gorgeous sunshine. Depending on how involved you wish to be in setting the sails and working a boat in general that is, too.
Rather more unique about a Cornish sailing trip? It’s all about how you see the scenery so very differently than say, you are driving, with unique views and angles that only those who are actually out on sea are privy too. Stops include places like Falmouth, or even maybe Fowey plus the Isles of Scilly. Very beautiful location right? You may even witness seals playing just near your boat, or spot the occasional basking shark in that location too.
3. Norfolk Broads Boating Holiday
That is a network, a network of mostly navigable rivers and super shallow lakes located mostly in Norfolk and Suffolk, which really does make up The Norfolk Broads. In short, renting a boat for a holiday here provides total freedom to explore, offering peace plus that bit of quiet time amidst lovely countryside scenes. Now is not that nice? It’s almost perfect if you’re aiming for a slower-paced travel experience. Boats on hire can often range from small day boats through to larger cruisers including all the modern facilities to live onboard!
Typically what families love, are how very safe plus protected this waterway area ends up being! That is, the area is often an extremely calm water location and mostly hazard-free that is good to know in most cases. A good amount of the local pubs plus restaurants possess moorings where you’re able to tie up directly so stopping somewhere is basically simple when the time feels good to grab lunch/dinner, and you know to stretch those legs out some, very much needed for most!
4. River Cruise on the Thames
This cruise on the famous River Thames could give you, your totally unique lens, your unique angle, very amazing view. What locations do they view? London, to be clear and several quite pretty towns plus villages dotted across the beautiful English countryside is that! River cruises may just be a great way, possibly the best way, to learn all the history of England, just by using a unique perspective. They can also provide relaxing travel options without even using trains, coaches etcetera very often! Usually people choose a partial section instead of the full-length that is, if a complete journey cannot be achieved at times too.
On the water, you’ll sail by famous attractions that almost anyone anywhere may just immediately recognize from postcard photographs in places like The Houses of Parliament right through to Windsor Castle – it can just be so awe-inspiring watching them from the River with cameras definitely in motion too. Plus, many river cruises often incorporate guided tours within ports plus a bunch of different on-board entertainment types too! This type caters for history nerds plus the average visitor almost the same in some respects. Very special times for you!
5. Sailing the Solent
Do you wish for some serious sailing experiences, in one of the best well-known sailing locations in England? Well, this could then be it in the form of The Solent. And yes, that bit separates the mainland area coming from the Isle Of Wight, and offers probably stunning challenges regarding sailing including variable tidal conditions with stronger winds at certain times that is, almost something for an avid fan. Therefore it provides almost the best opportunities out there to develop your sailing capabilities. In general some sailing tours could take on full day- or possibly multiple day experiences and occasionally including proper race events which are often fun too!
Locations such as Cowes located at the Isle of Wight have a world reputation of being sailing hot-spots around here! Plus there will often be the presence of very experienced skippers at all times whose job it is to help with guidance throughout trips plus making everyone actually feels super safe when on board too! Usually sailing throughout The Solent tends to be ideal even for newbie beginners just wanting their chance on the helm. Or very seasoned sailors which only helps add something somewhat different into any potential tour too, generally!