Where to paddle on the Hamble: the Jolly Sailor, Manor Farm, the Hidden Tap and the Horse and Jockey

Half the fun of paddling the Hamble is having somewhere to aim for. Here are four favourites, from a pub you can almost see from our door to a brewery tap that's only reachable at the top of the tide. They're listed in order, heading upriver from our base at Swanwick Marina.

Before you go: the Hamble is tidal, and the further upriver you go, the more the tide decides your day. We'll plan your route and timings with you at your briefing, and some of the longer trips are best done with a guide. Read our routes and tides guide for the background.

1. The Jolly Sailor, Old Bursledon

Distance: just across the river
Best for: first-timers and short hires

The Hamble's most famous pub sits directly opposite Swanwick Marina. It's an 18th-century building that has been a pub since 1845, and it was the local in the BBC's Howards' Way. There's a pontoon paddlers can use, which makes it the easiest pub stop on the river. Our full guide covers how to paddle to the Jolly Sailor.

2. Manor Farm and River Hamble Country Park

Distance: upriver, beyond the M27
Best for: scenery, history and wildlife

Once you're under the M27 the river quietens down, and the woods and fields of River Hamble Country Park line the west bank. Manor Farm, a historic working farmyard with animals, a Victorian schoolhouse and a café, sits at the park's north-east end. Look out for the yellow marker over the wreck of the Grace Dieu, Henry V's flagship, which burned and sank here in 1439.

Manor Farm is best enjoyed as a landmark from the water, or as a land-based visit before or after your paddle. Ask us before planning to land: please don't land on private banks.

Where the river splits

Above the country park the river narrows and winds through woodland, then splits. The right-hand fork leads up Curbridge Creek to the Horse and Jockey; the left-hand fork is the longer arm to Botley.

3. The Horse and Jockey, Curbridge

Distance: further upriver, up the right fork into Curbridge Creek
Best for: confident paddlers and longer hires, or a guided trip

The right-hand fork takes you up the winding, tree-lined Curbridge Creek to the Horse and Jockey, a traditional country pub right by the water. According to the Harbour Authority, the pub has storage for paddlecraft, so you can stop for lunch. Time it on a rising tide so you aren't fighting the ebb on the way up.

4. The Hidden Tap, Botley

Distance: the top of the river, up the left fork to Botley
Best for: experienced paddlers, around high water

The Hidden Tap is Botley Brewery's tap room at Botley Mill, with picnic benches looking over the very top of the Hamble. Its best-known tradition: paddlers can ring a bell to order, and their drink is lowered down to them in a wooden box. Otters, kingfishers and deer are often seen up here.

There's a catch. The Botley arm is only reachable around high water, and the ebb on the upper river can run at more than three knots. This is a trip for experienced paddlers with careful tide planning. Check the Tap's opening hours before you go, as it's closed on Mondays and opens in the evenings midweek.

How to do these trips with us

• Short and easy: the Jolly Sailor works well on a one- or two-hour paddleboard or kayak hire.
• With a guide: our instructor-led Paddle & Pub and SUP Safari trips take you up the river with someone who knows the tides.
• Longer trips: talk to us when you book. We'll tell you honestly what's realistic for your experience, the tide and the length of your hire.

Please drink responsibly on the water: you still have to paddle back. And remember to be back on time: if you're running late, call us on 01489 536151 straight away.