South Coast watering holes

The Folly Inn 

One salty hostelry where there is always a warm welcome. In the height of the season, don’t be surprised to raft two deep on the visitor pontoons in the Medina. This Isle of Wight institution lies up the picturesque Medina past East Cowes and is a rustic sailor’s haven with no-nonsense food and live music every weekend. Don’t be surprised to see patrons dancing on the tables at the weekend.

Master Builder’s 

For Solent boaters, a cruise up the Beaulieu River cannot be missed. The surrounding landscape is cloaked in New Forest beauty and this hostelry with rooms is footsteps from the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour. The Master Builder’s Yachtsman’s Bar & Garden is great for a casual dining option and has an open garden terrace overlooking the water and a bar with open fire and cosy nooks for a winter pint of local ale. Located in the historic ancient shipbuilding village where Nelson’s ships were built, the Master Builder’s is steeped in history and makes the most of its picture-perfect waterfront setting.

The George 

This historic 17^th century townhouse is imbued with old-world charm and elegance. Now a boutique hotel with a smart restaurant and more casual conservatory dining room, the jewel in the crown of The George is its garden terrace right on the waterfront. The garden has an outdoor bar and is the ideal place to set up on a balmy afternoon to watch life on the water. Slap bang on the water’s edge, and with a slither of shingle beach, The George is in the heart of the bustling town of Yarmouth and delightful in summer Solent weather.

The Bankes Arms 

Studland Bay is one of the finest cruising areas on the South Coast, with sweeping beaches, undulating dunes and magnificent cliffs backed by rolling Purbeck countryside. Anchor in the emerald shallows of South Beach off Studland and after a refreshing dip, tender in to shore and wander up the path from the beach to The Bankes Arms, where local ales and bulging sandwiches and Ploughmans will be waiting. Head for the front garden lawn, which boasts glorious views out across Studland Bay to Old Harry Rocks. The pub is also the home of the Isle of Purbeck Brewery, so a fine ale is always on the cards. An atmospheric old inn with an open fire and rambling sticks by the door.

Ferry Boat Inn 

Cocooned in a picturesque Devonshire valley, Dartmouth’s townhouses line up along the hillside like bunting. Across the water, Kingswear’s pastel-hued houses complete the picture of this coastal idyll. Take your time to explore the delights of Dartmouth and its many ancient, low-beam pubs but be sure to also cruise up the Dart towards Dittisham, where the tranquillity of the river’s creeks, ancient oaks and verdant surrounds will take your breath away. At Dittisham Village, the Ferry Boat Inn serves real ales with one of the best views in Devon.

Lemon Arms 

Tongues of cobalt extend in all directions in the Fal; picturesque creeks and inlets meandering inland, often with an ancient hostelry along the way. Along the banks of the river, particularly in its upper courses, the woodlands and pastures are home to fallow deer, peregrine and buzzards. Mylor is an idyllic place to spend a summer’s evening, especially if the tide is high when you can tender a mile up Mylor Creek where the scenery and river is all the more tranquil. Tender past woodland gardens and ancient forests that drift down hillsides to meet the shore and land at Mylor Bridge. The Lemon Arms is a short wander from the bridge and has a warm, Cornish atmosphere.

The Pandora Inn 

Unmatched in terms of charm, character and quintessential coastal vibes, this thatched pub dates back to the 13^th century and lies in one of the prettiest stretches of the Fal. Cruise up Restronguet Creek and relax in the achingly beautiful surroundings of this historic waterfront hostelry, watching river life at its best.

Ferryboat Inn 

The Helford River is another magnet for Cornish cruisers. Around four miles south west of Falmouth, the Helford’s quiet coves and tranquil creeks are brimming with Cornish character. The Ferryboat Inn lies on the north side of the Pool. If lady luck shines, grab a table on the popular terrace to watch the river life go by and enjoy the sun trap until sunset. On the south side, visitors will find the Shipwrights Arms.