On a sailing holiday throughout the UK, you will be out on the open sea, soak up the sun, and discover new areas along UK’s coasts. You will enjoy this historic British pastime across the country, from Salcombe and Brighton to the wild Kyles of Bute in Scotland and the Hebrides Archipelago. Even if you are a beginner sailor or an expert one. In Britain, there are hundreds of great spots to sail. And, thousands of miles of lochs and stunning beaches just waiting to be discovered. So, where should you go sailing in the UK? In this article, I’m going to list the best sailing destinations in the UK in order to help you choose one or just all of them!

The Hebrides Islands

Scotland and its islands, with more than 10,000 kilometers of gorgeous shoreline, offer something for everyone; history, wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and world-class whisky. Many believe that Scotland’s 750 magnificent islands are the crown jewels of the country’s vast coastline. There you will find secluded sea lochs, and sheltering coves, many of which are unreachable by land. Six new marinas have opened along the island’s east coast, from Stornoway to Barra, giving sailors plenty of options.

You can choose between fully serviced first-rate facilities or remote wilderness anchorages thanks to the network of marinas. The bustling Hebridean capital of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, through Tarbert and Scalpay in Harris, Lochmaddy and Lochboisdale in Uist and beyond to the southernmost islands of Vatersay and Mingulay. You can do island-hopping to all of these and also sail down the more sheltered east coast. The west coast has white sand beaches, water lochs, and small island groups for the more adventurous. From there, you can sail to the renowned World Heritage Site of St Kilda.

The Sea of the Hebrides offers distant landscapes, historic monuments, indigenous cultures, and spectacular fauna. From the white sands of Iona to the lovely isles of Arran, Rum, Jura, and Islay. On the west coast, there’s also the Firth of Clyde on the mouth of the river Clyde. It is protected by the Kintyre peninsula and an archipelago of craggy islands.

The weather on Scotland’s west coast is notorious for its wrath. The region is located downwind of the Icelandic low-pressure zone, the Northern Hemisphere’s main weather maker, at 56 to 58 degrees north latitude. So, the best time to sail there is preferably in early summer, more specifically in May and June. And, as Scottish people say, there is no such thing as terrible weather in Scotland; only incorrect clothing.

The Broads, Norfolk and Suffolk

Many sailors select the Norfolk Broads for a sailing voyage. This is because it is one of the most photographed landscapes in the UK and a wildlife haven. The Broads are a 300-kilometer-long system of rivers and lakes. They provide plenty of space for you to enjoy some peace and quiet in this amazing natural setting. There are several ways to experience these calm reed-lined canals, whether by kayak, canoe, sailing boat, etc. The man-made Broads, a National Park with over 125 miles of navigable lock-free waterways is stunning countryside and it is interspersed with attractive and scenic towns and villages. It is, perhaps, Norfolk’s most famous feature. There are lots of spots to moor and hop out to explore charming villages and market towns. And, of course, visit a welcome pub, along the meandering canals.

Acle

The market village of Acle is the starting point for exploring the Norfolk Broads. The Norfolk Broads offer a unique sailing experience compared to the others on this list. This site has about 200 square kilometers of navigable rivers wide enough for sailing. This feature makes it a more unique sailing destination in the United Kingdom. The seas are as tranquil as may be due to their inland location. Sailing is one of the greatest ways to experience the Broads. This is because it allows you to glide over the marsh beauty and search out remote spots. For more demanding sailing conditions, head to the more active Norfolk coastline and settlements like Blakeney and Brancaster Staithe.

New Quay, Ceredigion, Wales

Many sailboats choose to explore the sheltered bay of New Quay. The beaches of New Quay stretch in a golden arc across the bay, perfect for relaxing and for coastal sailing. People visit New Quay in Ceredigion for a variety of reasons. Mostly because of its long, sandy beach, gorgeous harbor, and resident dolphins. The annual Cardigan Bay Regatta, which has been organized since the 1870s, is one of the area’s most well-known sailing events.

Milford Haven, Wales

Milford Haven’s estuary position and stunning natural harbor are what make it so beautiful. Furthermore, Milford Haven Waterway is noted for its diversity; there’s plenty of protected water for beginners, but the waterway’s mouth offers more demanding conditions. It is a European Marine Special Area of Conservation and a one-of-a-kind landscape in Wales. Milford Haven Waterway, Daugleddau Estuary, and Pembrokeshire Cliffs are all included in this single place. Note that the place was formerly a valley before being flooded at the end of the Ice Age, becoming one of the world’s deepest natural harbors. It is also Wales’ largest estuary, merging with the Daugleddau estuary upstream of the Cleddau Bridge to form the Daugleddau estuary. You may cruise along the spectacular Pembrokeshire cliffs, which are also home to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, after you leave the constraints of the waterway and estuary.

Balmaha, Glasgow

While officially only a village, Balmaha is the only direct way to Loch Lomond, and Loch Lomond is a great location for a fantastic sailing adventure in the United Kingdom. Despite being inland, this stretch of water in Scotland is a popular watersports destination around the world. The loch is the greatest stretch of inland water in the United Kingdom, with ideal sailing conditions. Loch Lomond enjoys a variety of circumstances, ranging from inlets and islands to wide water, particularly on the east bank near Milarrochny Bay. There is something for everyone, whether you want to sail along the longer sections or spend time visiting the islands.

Yorkshire

Yorkshire is a diverse and interesting county with a wide range of sailing clubs along its coastline. The best part about sailing in Yorkshire is the magnificent scenery; the views can be really breathtaking. Many of Yorkshire’s sailing options are found in maintained lakes high in the hills, which means plenty of windy days and plenty of sailing time. The Yorkshire coastline also offers some wonderful sailing opportunities, as well as some literary legends, such as Whitby, the landing location of Count Dracula in England.

Cornwall

There isn’t a single spot in Cornwall where you should sail because there are so many great mooring spots and things to do. Cornwall is a sailors’ paradise when it comes to sailing places. Explore the beautiful Isles of Scilly, visit well-known smugglers’ coves, or grab a surfboard and join the thriving surfing scene. Falmouth is a lovely seaside town with a big harbor, popular sights such as Pendennis Castle, and a variety of independent shops and cafés along Falmouth High Street. If you prefer to stay on the water, Cornwall is noted for its dolphin sightings. There have been reports of Porbeagle Shark sightings, although they are extremely rare.

Padstow

Padstow is endowed with spectacular landscape, big flocks of wading birds, and towering cliffs that are ideal for walking because of its location on the Camel Estuary. Chef Rick Stein, who owns a number of restaurants in Padstow’s small-town core, is responsible for some of the area’s popularity. If you’re searching for a sailing vacation with great meals, this is the place to go. There are plenty of places to eat local fish in the evenings. You can also sail to the estuary to neighboring Rock or Polzeath, where there are even more restaurants, surfing, and fewer people.

Dartmouth, Devon

Dartmouth has earned a reputation as a sailing paradise due to its unusual location at the confluence of the River Dart and the sea. Exploring the river by boat is a fantastic way to experience the scenery from a unique perspective. And, the choice of river or open sea sailing ensures some exciting days out. Dartmouth is one of the top sailing ports in the West Country, with a diverse range of sailing sports. The Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week, in particular, is a week-long regatta honoring Dartmouth’s maritime ties.

Portsmouth, Hampshire

Portsmouth is home to considerably larger, renowned, and historical boats such as the Mary Rose and the HMS Victory, as well as several mooring opportunities for small sailing boats. Moreover, there are plenty of fantastic locations to dine and have fun in Portsmouth. Next to the harbor lies Gunwharf Quays, which has a variety of shops and eateries to visit before setting sail for your next destination. Portsmouth is the place to go if you’re looking for a thrill. Because it is the UK’s only island city, it is surrounded by water, providing numerous opportunities for watersports. Portsmouth Watersports Centre offers a variety of activities for individuals looking for an athletic vacation, from powerboating to 13-meter climbing walls.

Channel Islands

These lovely islands are located on the English Channel, right off the coast of France. Sailing between Guernsey, Jersey, and Alderney is a short, peaceful cruise that provides enough challenge for enthusiastic and adventurous sailors. You will explore the various marine life the Channel Islands have to offer from one of the numerous protected areas along the coast if you have the proper technical clothing and equipment. Due to the effect of warmer water from the Gulf Stream, Basking Sharks, sometimes known as gentle giants, are prominent throughout the Channel Islands, as well as a diversified coral reef.

Brighton

Brighton Marina is the UK’s largest marina, so you’ll have plenty of room to moor while you explore this exciting city. The Laines, Brighton’s cobblestoned highstreets, are noted for their unique mix of independent local shops and fantastic cuisine restaurants. The i360, the world’s tallest moving observation tower, is a new addition to Brighton. There is a thriving cuisine, music, and art culture in this city, and there is enough to see and do there. In addition, Brighton’s sailing choices emphasize learning. Meaning that there are courses are tailored for a variety of ability and experience levels. Brighton Marina is a safe area to learn before venturing out into the open water without supervision.

Isles of Scilly

The continuous hammering of massive swells pouring in from the Atlantic Ocean has resulted in a plethora of spectacular, rocky coasts on the Isles of Scilly — steep rock walls and deep inlets. It’s made up of five inhabited islands: St. Mary’s, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes, Bryher, and Tresco (with its world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden). Large lengths of uninhabited white sandy beaches, rocky coves, spectacular seascapes, incredible ancient sites, beautiful hikes and landscapes along miles of coastline and nature trails may all be found on these magnificent islands. The entire archipelago is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s easy to see why!