Moorings on the Humber Estuary

The Humber Estuary is one of the largest and most powerful tidal estuaries in northern Europe, stretching 62 kilometres from the confluence of the Trent and Ouse at Trent Falls eastward to the open North Sea between Spurn Head and Cleethorpes. The estuary is a working commercial waterway managed by ABP Humber, host to the major ports of Hull, Immingham, Grimsby and Goole, and a vital connection between the inland network (the Trent, Ouse, Aire & Calder, Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation) and the open sea. For boat owners, the Humber is genuinely sea-going territory — strong tides up to 7 metres, extensive sandbanks, heavy commercial traffic and exposed conditions demand serious passage planning and an experienced skipper. Long-stay moorings are available at Hull Marina (the main pleasure-boat base in the estuary), Grimsby's Meridian Quay, South Ferriby Marina (popular with sailing yachts at the entrance to the New Junction Canal route), Barton Haven and Brough Haven. The Humber Bridge, the Spurn Point lighthouse and the wide horizon-spanning skies give the estuary its dramatic character. Liveaboards based here enjoy proper coastal cruising on their doorstep — north to Bridlington and Scarborough, south to Boston and the Wash, or inland via the various lock-and-tide passages. A demanding but rewarding sea-going waterway.