Family cycling

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New Forest Walks

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New Forest Tour

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Isle of Wight

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Hythe Ferry update - 8th May 2025

We wanted to provide a brief but important update on the investigation works that took place this morning.

You may have spotted the Williams Shipping barge at the end of the pontoon today, we're incredibly grateful to them for assisting us with this crucial first phase of works.

Phase One; focusing on testing the strength of the structure that supports the walkway.

This needs to be lifted or moved before we can begin the critical repairs to the pontoon and piles. It's a vital step and the results of this phase will determine how we proceed with Phase Two (pontoon repairs) and Phase Three (pile works).

We're currently working with three specialist contractors on this stage:

* Below the Hook Ltd.

* Ultramag Inspection Services

* Williams Shipping

At the same time, we’re also planning for our annual ferry refit, required by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). This typically takes place in June/July and the cost was around £60,000 last year.

We're doing all we can to carefully manage timelines and budgets to get the ferry service up and running again as soon as possible, and in the most cost-effective way.

Lastly, despite repeated efforts, we’ve yet to secure any financial support from New Forest District Council (NFDC).

We still have a long way to go, but we’re pleased to be able to bring you a positive update today.

Thank you for your continued patience and support. We know how important the ferry is to the community, and we’ll keep doing everything we can to bring it back into service safely and sustainably.

The Hythe Ferry sails daily between Hythe and Southampton Town Quay providing a car free, carefree, and fun trip for all ages and the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling port of Southampton.

Sailing from the end of Hythe’s historic Pier, one of the ten longest piers in the British Isles, and with the World's Oldest Pier Train (official Guinness World Record), the Ferry trip offers some of the best views of the cruise liners in port as it sails right past the berth of Queen's, when at home.

The Hythe Ferry also offers a great link to the Isle of Wight in in partnership with Red Funnel Ferries.

Call us on 023 8084 0722 or email at [email protected]

Treat the Family on the Famous Hythe Ferry

Car free, carefree and great fun for children, set sail on the Hythe Ferry and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling international trading port of Southampton.

 

Family cycling

The friendly and knowledgeable cycle hire operators will be able to provide you with bikes to meet your needs and advise on the best places to explore on two wheels.

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Ramble across open land

Walking is a wonderful way to see the New Forest National Park close up, with dozens of walk routes that take you into the woods, along the coast, over heathland or by rivers and streams.

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Open-top New Forest Tour

Enjoy grandstand views of the National Park and its animals on the open-top New Forest Tour. Explore the Forest in a unique and exciting way. Hop on and off at villages.

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Ride the World's Oldest Pier Train

Arriving at Hythe Pier, board the World's Oldest Pier Train (official Guinness World Record) and after the short ride of 640 metres (2,100 feet) you will have travelled along one of the ten longest piers in the British Isles.

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Get up close to the Ocean Superliners

The Hythe Ferry sails right past the berth of Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth, when at home. Take a trip on the Hythe Ferry, one of the best views of these Great Ships as you sail past them their home berth.

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