A foot in both waters: where inland cruising meets the open sea.
For many boaters, the dream is simple: peaceful inland cruising when you want to slow the pace, and the thrill of coastal waters when adventure calls. Traditionally, those worlds have felt miles apart. But Tingdene Marinas are rewriting that narrative, offering a growing network of locations where inland waters and sheltered coastal horizons sit within easy reach of one another. From the reed-lined rivers of Norfolk to the tidal sweep of the Severn, and north to the dramatic mountain-backed lochs of Scotland’s west coast, Tingdene’s Marinas are redefining what it means to choose a berth. These are a comfortable base where a weekend potter can become a coastal passage, and where inland cruising delivers far more than you might expect. It is a philosophy rooted in choice, flexibility and the simple pleasure of knowing that when you cast off, multiple cruising worlds lie ahead.
BRUNDALL BAY MARINA: BROADS TRANQUILLITY, COASTAL FREEDOM
Set on the River Yare in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Brundall Bay Marina is an idyllic inland base. Life here moves to the gentle rhythm of tidal rivers, big skies and winding waterways, where days are measured in lock-free miles and evenings end with the clink of glasses on deck.
Yet Brundall Bay offers something more than classic Broads cruising. With Norwich just upstream and Great Yarmouth downstream, the North Sea is closer than many realise. A short and manageable journey takes boaters from sheltered inland waters to the open coast, opening up opportunities to cruise along the Norfolk and Suffolk shoreline or venture further afield.
For berth holders, this dual identity is key. Brundall Bay delivers all the charm and calm of inland boating, combined with the possibility of coastal exploration when conditions, and confidence, align. It is a marina that suits evolving ambitions, whether you are easing into longer passages or simply enjoy knowing that the sea is always an option.
UPTON AND STOURPORT: THE SEVERN AS A GATEWAY TO THE SEA
Few rivers in Britain offer the sense of scale and drama found on the River Severn, and Tingdene’s marinas at Upton-upon-Severn and Stourport-on-Severn place boaters right at its heart.
From these well-established inland bases, the Severn unfolds as a genuine cruising highway. Southbound, the river broadens and becomes increasingly tidal, eventually leading to Sharpness and the Bristol Channel beyond. It is a route that rewards careful planning and respect for the tides, but for many it represents a thrilling step up from purely inland cruising.
Upton Marina offers a relaxed, community-focused base with easy access to Worcestershire’s towns and countryside, while Stourport combines historic canal connections with river cruising possibilities.
Together, they form stepping stones on a journey that can begin among gentle riverbanks and end with salt spray on the bow.
This blend of environments is what makes the Severn marinas so compelling. You can spend a season enjoying inland cruising, honing skills and confidence, then take advantage of weather windows and tides to experience true coastal waters – all without changing your marina berth.
HOLY LOCH MARINA: COASTAL CRUISING, NATURALLY SHELTERED
If Brundall Bay and the Severn marinas show how inland routes can lead to the sea, Holy Loch Marina demonstrates the reverse: a coastal marina that feels wonderfully protected.
Nestled on Scot
land’s Cowal Peninsula, Tingdene’s newest marina, Holy Loch, sits directly on the Clyde Estuary, one of the UK’s most celebrated cruising grounds. Here, boaters are already on the coast, with immediate access to the Firth of Clyde, its islands, sea lochs and onward routes to the Inner Hebrides.
Yet despite its coastal setting, Holy Loch is reassuringly sheltered. Surrounded by mountains and embraced by deep, calm waters, it offers conditions that inspire confidence while still delivering big-water experiences. It is a place where coastal cruising feels accessible, without sacrificing comfort or security.
For Tingdene berth holders from inland marinas, Holy Loch also represents something more: a northern outpost within a familiar network, where coastal adventures can be paired with the reassurance of a trusted marina operator and a strong local community.
TRANSEUROPE EXPLORATION
There is another layer to that sense of freedom for berth holders at both Upton Marina and Brundall Bay Marina. Included with their berth is complimentary membership of TransEurope Marinas, an international cruising network that opens the door to visitor berthing across Europe. From the canals of France and the Netherlands to marinas in Germany and beyond, members can enjoy free or discounted stays while cruising or holidaying abroad. It is a benefit that quietly expands the horizon even further, turning a UK home berth into a gateway to continental adventures, and reinforcing Tingdene’s belief that boating should never be limited.
ONE NETWORK, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
What unites these marinas is Tingdene’s broader vision: creating a connected network that supports boaters at every stage of their journey. Inland, tidal and coastal waters are no longer separate choices, but part of a single, flexible boating lifestyle.
Through initiatives such as the Tingdene Privilege scheme, berth holders gain access to free visitor berthing across the network, making it easier to explore new waters with confidence. An inland boater from Norfolk can head west to the Severn, while a Clyde-based sailor can venture south knowing a warm welcome awaits.
It is about more than geography. Tingdene’s marinas share a focus on community, quality facilities and long-term investment, ensuring that wherever you moor, the experience feels consistent, supportive and welcoming.
FIND YOUR PERFECT BALANCE
Whether your ideal day afloat involves quiet river mornings, tidal challenges or coastal horizons, Tingdene Marinas offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the best of both inland and coastal worlds – often from the same berth, with premium facilities and a warm community.
As boating ambitions evolve, having options matters. With marinas that turn inland cruising into coastal adventure, and coastal bases that still feel sheltered and secure, Tingdene Marinas are making it easier than ever to choose a home port that grows with you. To discover which marina could be your gateway to both riverbanks and open seas, contact Tingdene Marinas and start your next chapter on the water.
FURTHER INFORMATION
T: 01933 427808
E: marinas@tingdene.net
W: www.tingdeneboating.com
