This month we are visiting Parkstone Bay Marina, which is ideally positioned within the heart of Poole Harbour, one of the South Coast’s most renowned boating locations.
Located at the heart of Poole Harbour, the second-largest natural harbour in the world, Parkstone Bay offers sheltered waters ideal for exploring the harbour’s islands, while providing quick access to the open sea along the Jurassic Coast. Boaters are welcomed into a vibrant community, with premium amenities including the waterside restaurant South Deep and a range of on-site services such as marine engineers, chandlery, yacht brokerage and RYA Training Centre. Committed to excellence and sustainability, the marina holds the International Clean Marina Award and received high commendation in the TYHA Marina of the Year 2025 Sustainability Award, while Parkstone Bay’s ongoing reinvestment ensures outstanding facilities.
FACILITIES & BERTHING
Parkstone Bay Marina is the only marina on the South Coast offering dry berthing for vessels up to 45ft, providing 24/7 access without the restrictions of stacked storage. The marina also offers swinging moorings, jet ski storage and pontoon berths, accommodating vessels up to 50ft LOA, with lifting capabilities for vessels up to 60ft LOA and 47 tonnes. Marina services on-site include vessel lifting, pressure washing and storage ashore, supported by a team of experienced marine professionals.
Marina facilities include:
- State-of-the-art hydraulic trailers and a Wiggins forklift
- Shore power and fresh water to all berths
- Free WiFi
- CCTV coverage and gated overnight access
- Newly refurbished toilets and showers
- Dedicated berth-holder parking with EV charging available
- On-site marine engineers and specialist contractors
- Yacht brokerage
- Fuel pontoon
- RYA Sea School
The marina is also home to the waterfront restaurant South Deep, offering convenient on-site dining, alongside a range of marine businesses such as a chandlery, engineers, electricians and insurance providers. Sustainability is central to Parkstone Bay’s operations, from responsible waste management to environmentally conscious maintenance practices, including their bunded washdown facility. The marina’s commitment is further demonstrated through the use of modern electric forklifts, which reduce noise and emissions, and the integration of solar energy to help power marina operations, all contributing to the protection of the natural beauty of Poole Harbour.
ACCESS
Parkstone Bay Marina is easily accessed by land and sea. By road, the marina is a short drive from the A350, providing straightforward links to the wider Dorset road network. Branksome and Parkstone railway stations are both nearby, offering regular mainline services to London Waterloo and the South West, making the marina convenient for visiting owners and crew.
By sea, access is via the main Poole Harbour entrance, following well-marked channels into the sheltered waters of the harbour. The marina lies within a tidal area, and visiting vessels should be mindful of depth restrictions and tidal windows when planning their approach. Care should be taken to always follow harbour speed limits and navigation marks. Please contact the marina should you require any navigational guidance.
CRUISING
Parkstone Bay Marina is perfectly placed for relaxed, family-friendly cruising in and around Poole Harbour. For easy day trips, the calm, sheltered waters of Poole Harbour are ideal for all experience levels, with popular stops including Brownsea Island, Studland Bay and the quiet creeks of the Wareham Channel, all great spots for picnics, paddleboarding and wildlife spotting.
For weekend adventures, nearby destinations such as Swanage and Christchurch Harbour offer welcoming harbours, sandy beaches and shore-based attractions.
More experienced crews can venture further along the Jurassic Coast or east towards the Solent for longer cruises. Boaters should be mindful of tidal streams at the harbour entrance and changing weather conditions in Poole Bay, particularly during fresh south-westerly winds.
OUT AND ABOUT
Parkstone Bay Marina is ideally located for exploring both Poole and the wider Dorset coastline. Within Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island offers scenic woodland walks, wildlife spotting and a fascinating history as the birthplace of the Scouting movement. The surrounding coastline provides excellent walking and cycling routes, with harbourside paths offering beautiful views across the water.
South Deep restaurant can be found within the marina itself, while a selection of welcoming pubs, cafés and restaurants are within walking distance in Parkstone and nearby Poole, catering for everything from relaxed family meals to evening dining. Poole Quay, with its historic charm, shops and attractions, is a short drive or taxi ride away.
Local supermarkets are conveniently located nearby for provisioning, and regular bus services connect the marina with Poole town centre and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available, and nearby railway stations provide easy access to Bournemouth, Southampton and London.
BUSINESSES AT THE MARINA
Parkstone Bay Yachts – Vessel Sales & Brokerage
Harbour Sea School – RYA Powerboat & Shorebased Training Centre
The Boat Club – Membership Boating & New Boat Sales
Haven Knox-Johnston Specialist – Marine Insurance Providers
Yellow Penguin – Marine Engineering
Saltwater Solutions – Marine Engineering, Yamaha and Windy Boats Dealer
Key Marine & Aviation Finance LLP – Specialist Finance Provider
A4 Marine Supplies – Chandlery & Spares
Platinum Marine – Electronics Specialists
JS Marine – Fibreglass Specialists – Repair and Refit
Level Peaks – Specialist Marine & Tactical Clothing
Axcom Creative Marketing – Marine Marketing Specialists
PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Parkstone Bay Marina is highly recommended by its berth holders, who value its welcoming atmosphere and practical facilities. Mr Shephard, who keeps his White Shark 205 on dry berthing at Parkstone Bay, said: “The team in the yard are very welcoming. Other places do not have the same inclusive atmosphere. The logistics of keeping a boat here are excellent, but the real reason I am so pleased is the friendly approach to customer service. Thank you…”
This sense of community, combined with the marina’s environmental commitment and award-winning sustainability practices, makes Parkstone Bay a standout marina on the South Coast.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Parkstone Bay Marina
Turks Lane, Poole, Dorset BH14 8EW
what3words: ///draw.eagle.help
General Manager – Henry Cobley
Marina Manager – Mark Dillon
Tel: 01202 747857
E: info@parkstonebay.com
W: www.parkstonebay.com
