The River Hamble is English boating. Home to thousands of leisure craft it sits just on the edge of the Solent, at the bottom of Southampton water. Numerous marinas line the river and several villages nestle along its banks. No Solent charter is complete without a visit to The Hamble.

In the 1980s, The Hamble was made famous to millions of viewers in the UK via the BBC’s drama series “Howards Way”. Today you can not only visit the locations used during filming but even dine at the Jolly Sailor which sits next to the Elephant Boatyard.

Bursleden village is, like all the villages along The Hamble, a sleepy, traditional English picture postcard village and an ideal place to walk off the excesses of a hearty lunch enjoyed at the Jolly Sailor. It is possible to explore the upper reaches of the river Hamble using the boat’s aluminium hull inflatable tender.

Hamble village after which the river is named is even more beautiful still. Cobbled streets, centuries old houses and a riverside location provide all the ingredients necessary for a memorable lunch stop over on your charter. As well as pubs and restaurants, there is a wonderful walk which takes in woods, pasture and waterside pathways.

Hamble village also boasts some interesting history as a base for airplane building and maintenance. Particularly during the Second World War when many Spitfire and other planes were repaired there. Unsurprisingly sea planes also feature in its history.

On the opposite bank of the river lies the village of Warsash. Moored up on the Warsash jetty you look out across the entrance to Southampton water in the distance and from the flybridge you can raise an early evening glass to cruise ships as they depart Southampton with their excited cargo of holiday makers.

Indeed it is a quick hop up Southampton Water to the Southampton Docks where the cruise ships are based. Depending on what is in port on the day we can cruise right into the port for a perfect photo opportunity if you are enjoying your charter as a pre or post cruise treat.