Plan Your Visit to the Southampton Boat Show 2025: What to Know
The Southampton Boat Show is back, and it’s one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of life on the water, drawing sailing fans, families, and first-time visitors alike. Each September, the city’s waterfront transforms into a showcase of yachts, dinghies, paddleboards, and everything in between.
Thinking of going to the Southampton Boat Show 2025? This guide covers all the essentials, from dates and tickets to highlights and planning tips, so you can make the most of your visit.
When and Where Is the Southampton Boat Show 2025?
The Southampton Boat Show dates for 2025 are from Friday, 19 September to Sunday, 28 September. Over these ten days, Mayflower Park on the city’s waterfront becomes the hub of UK boating, with yachts, dinghies, paddleboards, and new attractions both on and off the water.
Opening times:
Fri 19 – Thu 25 Sept: 10:00 – 18:00
Sat 20 & Sat 27 Sept: 10:00 – 18:00 (Shipyard open until 21:00)
Sun 28 Sept: 09:30 – 16:30
The Shipyard’s extended hours on Saturdays mean you can stay for live music, street food, and a relaxed festival vibe after the main show closes.
How Much Do Tickets Cost and What Deals Are Available?
One of the reasons the Boat Show in Southampton attracts so many visitors each year is its flexible ticketing. Whether you’re coming for a weekday wander, a family weekend, or want the full VIP treatment, there’s a ticket type to suit.
Here’s a breakdown of the current pricing structure:
General admission:
Peak (Fri–Sun): £33 advance / £39 on the gate
Off-peak (Mon–Thu): £29 advance / £32 on the gate
Concessions: £23 advance / £26 on the gate (Available for NHS workers, emergency service staff, active and retired military, students, disabled visitors, and visitors aged 60+)
Children (15 and under): Free with a paying adult (up to two per adult)
Multi-day and group tickets:
Two-day ticket: £41 advance, useful if you want one day on the pontoons and another for talks or activities.
Groups (10+): Discounted rates, especially midweek.
Premium experience:
From £149 off-peak and ~£165 peak per person, including fast-track entry, access to the Waterside Lounge, a welcome drink, unlimited soft drinks, selected wines/beer, and a buffet lunch. The lounge also offers private seating with marina views.
Parking add-on for Premium: Official show parking can be added to Premium tickets for £30 (about 50% off the usual rate).
Accessibility:
Visitors who require support can request a complimentary personal assistant ticket, making the event inclusive for all.
What Is Included with Your Ticket?
Every standard ticket to the Southampton Boat Show unlocks far more than just entry. Unlike some trade-focused exhibitions, this is an interactive, family-friendly event with a packed programme included in the cost of admission.
Here’s what your ticket gets you access to:
The Show Marina: With over 300 boats on display, from small RIBs and sailing dinghies to luxury motor yachts and world premieres. Visitors can step aboard, explore layouts, and even talk to builders and owners.
The Boating Academy: Daily talks, expert demonstrations, and workshops for every level. Topics range from navigation and maintenance tips to inspiring tales of ocean crossings from world-famous sailors.
On the Water Stage: A hub of excitement in the marina, featuring live jet ski stunts, powerboat demonstrations, and waterborne shows designed to entertain and inspire.
“Try-a-Boat” and water sports sessions: Included in your ticket is the chance to paddleboard, kayak, or take a short dinghy sail on the show’s custom-built lake. All equipment is provided, making it safe and beginner friendly.
The Shipyard: A lively area filled with food stalls, live music, and entertainment running into the evening on weekends. Perfect for unwinding after a day exploring boats.
The Wooden Boat Stage: Celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation in traditional boatbuilding, with live demonstrations and discussions throughout the 10 days.
Many exhibitors also showcase eco-friendly innovations, from electric engines to the best solar generators for boats, helping visitors discover sustainable solutions for life on the water.
What to Expect at the Southampton Boat Show 2025?
The Southampton Boat Show 2025 isn’t just a display of shiny new yachts and sailing gear—it’s an immersive festival of all things marine. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a lifelong sailor, or just someone curious about life on the water, there’s genuinely something for everyone.
Here’s a look at what you can expect across the showgrounds:
4 Brand New Zones
The organisers have reimagined the layout for 2025, with 4 brand-new areas:
The Powerhub: This zone is all about powerboats, jet skis, and water toys. It’s where speed, tech, and performance meet. There will be live talks about safety, engine tech, and new gear. Also, the Cockpit stage (presented by Powerboat & RIB Magazine) will host demonstrations and discussions.
The Wooden Boat Stage: For lovers of craftsmanship and tradition, this zone brings together builders, makers, and enthusiasts. Live demos on steam bending, knotting, restoration, plus workshops and panels (including “Women in Boatbuilding”) make it a must-see.
Chefs’ Ahoy: This is where food meets boats. It’s a live demo kitchen with chef Martin Dawkins (The Rustic Chef) leading sessions, local producers showing off, and simple onboard cooking tips for every kind of galley. For anyone who loves cooking or just food with flair, this adds a tasty twist to the show.
The Boating Academy: New for 2025, this is a learning space. Expert-led talks and demonstrations aimed at both beginners and seasoned boaters. Think safety, gear, navigation, how to get more from your time on the water. If you want to pick up skills or just understand more, this zone will be useful.
World Premieres and Debuts
For boat lovers, one of the big draws of the boat show is the chance to see new models before anyone else. This year’s lineup includes:
The Oyster 805, making its show debut.
The Dufour 48, a world premiere sailing yacht.
The Thunder Child II, a record-holding powerboat capable of 54 knots.
Dozens of RIBs, sailing yachts, and catamarans shown for the first time in the UK.
For many visitors, these unveilings are reason enough to attend. You won’t get to see such a concentrated display of cutting-edge design anywhere else in the country.
Interactive Experiences
This isn’t a passive “walk around and look” type of event. The organisers encourage hands-on experiences:
Hop aboard a yacht during a Try-a-Boat session and experience life under sail.
Sign up for dinghy taster lessons on The Lake.
Take part in interactive workshops on everything from knot-tying to boat maintenance.
Family-Friendly Fun
Children aged 15 and under go free, and the programme reflects that. Expect:
Dedicated activity zones for kids.
Short, family-focused boat trips.
Friendly demonstrations designed to engage younger audiences.
Food, Drink, and Evening Atmosphere
The Shipyard becomes a lively spot in the evenings. On both Saturdays it stays open until 9pm, with street food, bars, and live music carrying the day’s buzz into the night.
How to Plan Your Visit to the Southampton Boat Show 2025
A trip to the Southampton Boat Show can feel overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead. With hundreds of boats, multiple live stages, and thousands of visitors, it pays to prepare. Here are some practical tips to make the most of your day (or days).
1. Choose the Right Day
Weekdays (Mon–Thurs): Quieter, with cheaper off-peak tickets. Best for those who want time to chat with exhibitors without crowds.
Weekends (Fri–Sun): Busier but buzzing with atmosphere. This is when headline talks, stunts, and live music usually take place.
Family visitors: Aim for weekends when kids’ activities are in full swing.
Serious buyers: Go midweek when you can get uninterrupted time with sales reps.
2. Book Tickets in Advance
Not only are advance tickets cheaper, but they also allow you to skip the long queues at the gates. If you’re considering a two-day ticket, decide in advance which areas to tackle each day. For example, devote one day to the marina and another to talks and water sports.
3. Plan Your Travel
By train: Arrive at Southampton Central and enjoy a 10-minute walk through the city centre to Mayflower Park.
By car: Pre-book parking if possible. Multi-storey car parks near West Quay Shopping Centre are a short stroll from the venue.
By air: For international guests, fly into Southampton Airport and take a direct train into the city.
If you’re making a weekend of it, the city offers plenty of places to stay, from marina-side boutique hotels to budget-friendly family options. Just make sure to book your hotel early. Local rooms can sell out fast.
4. What to Bring
Footwear: Comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll be walking pontoons, grass, and tarmac.
Weather gear: September weather can be unpredictable. A light waterproof jacket is always a good idea.
Reusable water bottle: There are refill points around the site.
Notebook or phone notes app: If you’re shopping for a boat, you’ll want to jot down specs and impressions as you go.
5. Think About Power on The Go
Between snapping photos, checking the event app, and social media, phones and cameras run flat quickly. That’s where a compact portable power station can come in handy.
With 286Wh of capacity and 600W output (boosting to 1200W for certain gear), the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station handle multiple phones, cameras, and laptops with ease. The clever part is how quickly it recharges, from empty to full in about an hour, and how quietly it runs, under 30dB. If you need more time off-grid, you can clip on an extra battery and triple the capacity.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station
For longer weekends, topping up with solar keeps everything running smoothly. The EcoFlow NextGen 160W Portable Solar Panel is a lightweight foldable panel that slips into the boot. It uses high-efficiency cells, unfolds in seconds, and is tough enough for UK weather thanks to its IP68 rating. Connect it to the RIVER 3 Plus and you’ve got a simple, renewable way to keep your kit ready for action.
6. Maximise Your Experience
Download the official show app for maps, timetables, and alerts.
Time your visit to catch headline speakers or stunt shows on the On the Water Stage.
Don’t forget to explore beyond the marina. The Wooden Boat Stage and The Boating Academy are new highlights for 2025.
Conclusion
The Southampton Boat Show 2025 is more than a showcase of boats. It’s a celebration of life on the water. With hundreds of vessels to explore, free on-water activities, new themed zones, and family-friendly entertainment, it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a casual enthusiast, or simply planning a fun day out by the harbour, this year’s event is well worth the trip. Book your tickets in advance, plan your route, and get ready to enjoy one of the UK’s biggest maritime festivals.
FAQs
What date is the Southampton Boat Show?
The Southampton International Boat Show takes place from Friday 19 September to Sunday 28 September 2025 at Mayflower Park. Most days the gates open at 10am and close at 6pm, though on the final Sunday it runs from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
If you fancy staying longer, The Shipyard area keeps the fun going with food, drinks and live music until 9pm on Saturdays. It’s worth checking the official programme too, as each day offers different talks, demonstrations and on-the-water experiences.
What to wear to the boat show?
There’s no set dress code, but comfort is key. You’ll be on your feet a lot, so comfy shoes are a must. Deck shoes or trainers are perfect. Be ready to slip them off if you’d like to step aboard some of the boats, as many ask visitors to remove or cover footwear.
Since much of the show is outdoors, it’s smart to dress in layers and bring a light waterproof in case the weather turns. On sunny days, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen come in handy, and a small backpack makes it easy to carry essentials.
Do you need tickets for the Southampton Boat Show?
Yes, you’ll need a valid ticket to get in. The best deal is usually to book online in advance, with adult tickets starting from around £29 on weekdays and £33 at the weekend. Buying on the gate costs a little more, £32 or £39 depending on the day.
Children do need tickets too, even if they’re free for those aged 15 and under, and anyone under 18 must come with an adult. If you’re planning your visit, check the official ticket site for the latest prices, family packages and special offers before you go.
How much is the Southampton Boat Show NHS discount?
NHS workers can buy a Concession ticket, which is currently priced at £23 online for any one day of the show. That’s a nice saving compared with the standard adult price of £29 on weekdays or £33 at weekends.
If you decide to buy at the gate, the concession ticket is £26, while regular adult entry is £32 or £39. Just remember to bring your NHS ID on the day to prove eligibility. Ticket offers sometimes change, so it’s worth double-checking the official site when you’re ready to book.