From the warehouses and wharfs where hovercraft, steam boats and yachts were once built to the Classic Boat Museum which now displays much of the rivers heritage alongside the history of yachting. Once past Cowes the river changes character and leaves behind the industrial scenery and swaps it for beautiful open countryside, abundant with wildlife and birds.

Well marked by buoyage and moorings, keep an eye out for the renowned Folly Inn, a favorite watering hole among sailors. There are pontoon moorings at the Folly with a regular river taxi. With good facilities, excellent food and popular live evening entertainment, this is one night you’ll not want to miss.

If the sound of all that makes you sleepy, cruise a bit further up the river and take a detour to the tranquil Island Harbor for an overnight anchorage. After the Folly the river progressively dries out as you near Newport Harbor. A secure haven in all weather and seasons, Newport Harbor lies at the heart of the Isle of Wight and is the ideal base to explore the island from.

Get your cultural fix at the Museum of Island History or the Roman Villa, or pay a visit to Carisbrooke Castle, which is where King Charles I was imprisoned. The small town is only a few minutes walk from the docks and has a wide variety of shops for stocking up on provisions. Before you leave take to the water on a very different boat with a trip around this ancient port aboard the PS Monarch, the world’s smallest commercially operated paddle steamer.