Sailing sweet spots throughout the UK
Giving you the chance to escape from city streets and unwind away from your normal routine, sailing offers an exceptionally effective way to relax.
Thanks to its thousands of miles of coastlines, the UK also happens to be particularly well suited to boating adventures. Whether you’re looking for a quiet lake to coast or some choppy waters to conquer, you’re sure to find your sailing sweet spot
Lovely lakes for relaxing sailing trips
There are few things as calming meditative bob of a boat on water and the UK offers plenty of perfect places to enjoy it. Pay a visit to Chew Valley Lake in Bristol for a beautifully relaxing day on the water. You’ll find a tea shop and a restaurant on the banks of the lake and this semi-natural reservoir is also a hot spot for bird watchers.
The Lake District in Cumbria is another natural choice for boating enthusiasts, thanks to its extensive supply of lovely lakes and rivers. Explore the waters by finding the right area for you on the Go Lakes site, which can also put you in touch with some great hire facilities and lesson providers.
Scotland is also home to some fabulous places to set sail. Loch Insh in Inverness-shire offers some stunning views while Loch Tay, also known as the gateway to the highlands, is a breath taking experience for even the most seasoned sailor
Coastal adventures for experienced sailors
Set out on the open seas and absorb some gorgeous sights and wonderful moments of silence, broken only by the call of gulls and the splash of the waves. When you’re looking for the ideal casting off place, there are few better places than Cornwall. Boasting many sheltered bays and inlets that make easy mooring points, it’s a sailor’s paradise. Get started with a few tips from the Visit Cornwall team.
Cowes is another brilliant place for boating fans, especially during August, when it holds Cowes Week. This special event is a weeklong mix of competitive sailing and social activities and is great fun for beginners and experts alike. While excitement may peak in the summer, it’s worth a visit all year round, thanks to its quality facilities and rich sailing traditions.
Sailors looking for a light challenge should pay a visit to Devon, where testing waters are tempered by the relative shelter of the channel. These conditions make it a great place for new sailors to try out their developing skills and the scenery is gorgeous to look at too
Useful sailing resources
You’ll find a wealth of online resources to help you make the most of your sailing expeditions, including First Sail – a handy site for new sailors hoping to expand their knowledge – and The Guardian also has a fun guide for aspiring sailors.
If you’re serious about sailing you might also wants to look at Practical Boat Owner, an indispensable publication for anyone who’s invested in their own boat, and all boat lovers should be fully acquainted with the breadth of information on offer from the Royal Yachting Association.
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