What's the Cheapest Mooring in London? (3 Surprising Places)

Written by Desiree Vilar in Cost of Sailing

You might be surprised to know that there are a few hidden gems around London that offer some of the cheapest mooring rates in the city. In this article, we'll introduce you to three of these places where you can moor your boat, either permanently or just for the weekend, without spending too much.

Limehouse Waterside Marina offers mooring for as little as £15–£20 per day, while Little Venice in West London is a popular spot for Dutch barge owners and offers mooring for as little as £12 per day. Another option is the Brentford Dock Marina, where visitor mooring rates only range from £15 to £20 per night.

Besides the mooring fee, there are other expenses associated with mooring a boat in London, such as electricity and water usage, pump-out services, insurance, and even council tax. Let's discuss each one below and how they add up to the overall mooring costs.

Also read:

15 of the Most Fun Sailing Towns in the UK (and why)

Summary

  • While there are places that offer cheap mooring rates in London, living aboard your boat can still add to the overall costs. It's best to do your research and consider factors such as your boating style and preferred pace.
  • The cheapest mooring rate is offered by Little Venice in Central London, plus it comes with a picturesque view of the city.
  • The good thing about mooring spots in London is that they all offer basic amenities such as electricity, water, and waste disposal. They also have tight security measures, and most of them are located near transport lines and main roads.

Three Places With The Cheapest Mooring Fees in London

Here is a table of the three of the cheapest mooring spots in London and their mooring costs:

Location Type of Mooring Estimated Cost per Year
Limehouse Waterside Marina Residential £9,000
Leisure £2,500
Winter £2,000 (6-month stay)
Visitor £15-20 per night
Brentford Dock Marina Residential £5,000
Leisure £2,500
Visitor £15-20 per night
Little Venice Visitor £10 - £12 per night

The Limehouse Waterside Marina offers various mooring options

If you're looking for a permanent waterside living spot, the Limehouse Waterside Marina has residential mooring rates starting at just £9,000 per year, which includes water, electricity, and Wi-Fi.

For leisure moorings, the rates start at £2,500 per year, and for winter moorings, the rates start at £2,000 for a 6-month stay. For visitor moorings, the rates range from £15 to £20 per night, depending on the size of your boat.

Limehouse Waterside Marina is a popular mooring location in London for several reasons. Firstly, it is located in a prime location, just a short distance from Canary Wharf and the City of London. This makes it an ideal location for those who work in these areas, as well as for those who want to enjoy the many attractions that London has to offer.

Secondly, Limehouse Waterside Marina is a modern and well-maintained marina, with excellent facilities and services. It has 24-hour security, CCTV, and on-site staff to ensure the safety and security of boats and their owners. The marina also has electricity, water, and pump-out facilities, as well as a fuel station and a chandlery.

Thirdly, Limehouse Waterside Marina is situated on the Limehouse Cut, a historic waterway that connects the River Thames to the River Lea. This provides boaters with easy access to the River Thames and the many waterways of London and beyond.

Lastly, this marina is surrounded by a vibrant and diverse community, with a range of shops, restaurants, and pubs nearby. This makes it a great place to socialize and meet other boaters, as well as to explore the local area.

The Brentford Dock Marina offers some of the cheapest mooring spots in London

Brentford is a suburb located in West London that offers some of the cheapest mooring spots on the River Thames. The Brentford Dock Marina is one such spot that offers affordable mooring options. The marina offers mooring for as little as £10 per day, and they also offer long-term mooring options for those who need it.

Their residential mooring rates start at £5,000 per year, which includes water and electricity. They also offer a 20% discount for continuous cruisers who stay for more than 6 months. For leisure moorings, the rates start at £2,500 per year, and for visitor moorings, the standard overnight mooring charge is £20 per night.

Brentford Dock Marina is a popular mooring location in West London for several reasons. Firstly, it is situated in a tranquil and picturesque location, surrounded by green spaces and nature reserves. This makes it an ideal mooring location for those who enjoy a peaceful and relaxing environment.

It is also situated on the Grand Union Canal, one of the longest canals in the UK, providing boaters with easy access to a wide range of waterways. This makes it a great location for those who want to explore the many canals and rivers of the UK.

However, before sailing through the different channels, you might want to make sure that your boat will fit the canals. For this reason, you may read this article to find out the average canal lock size in the UK.

This marina is also closely located to a number of transport links, including the M4 motorway and several train stations, making it easy to access from other parts of London and beyond.

The Little Venice offers cheap mooring rates with breath-taking views

Little Venice is a picturesque waterway in central London, and it's one of the best places to moor your boat. It's a great location for boaters who want to explore the city and enjoy its nature. The rates for mooring in Little Venice are some of the cheapest in London, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious boaters.

The cost of mooring in Little Venice is around £10 - £12 per night per boat, which includes access to electricity, showers, and water. If you're a continuous cruiser, you can moor for up to 14 days in a 28-day period. After that, you'll need to move your boat to a different location.

In addition to mooring fees, you'll need to pay for storage if you want to leave your boat unattended for more than 48 hours. The cost of storage is £8 per day. You'll also need to pay a £20 deposit for a key to the lock that secures the mooring.

There are many reasons why you should choose Little Venice as your mooring location. First of all, it's a beautiful and peaceful area that's close to the city center. You'll be surrounded by nature, and you can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the canal. It's also a great location for boaters who want to explore London's many attractions.

Another advantage of mooring in Little Venice is the cost. As mentioned earlier, the rates are some of the cheapest in London. You'll get access to electricity, showers, and water, which can save you money on other expenses.

Breakdown of Mooring Costs in London

When it comes to mooring your boat in London, there are a few costs to consider. These include:

  • Mooring fees: The cost of renting or purchasing a mooring spot.
  • Electricity: The cost of using electricity to power your boat.
  • Water: The cost of using water for your boat.
  • Pump-out: The cost of emptying your boat's waste tank.
  • Council tax: The cost of paying council tax on your boat if it is your primary residence.
  • Insurance: The cost of financial protection that helps cover the costs associated in case of damage to your boat, theft, or liability for any accidents that may occur.

The cost of each one is estimated as follows:

Cost Factor Estimated Cost Range
Mooring Fees £3,000 - £15,000 per year
Electricity £0.20 - £0.30 per kWh
Water £0.05 - £0.10 per litre
Pump-out £15 - £25 per pump-out
Council Tax £0 - £2,000 per year (depending on boat size and usage)
Insurance £500 - £2,000 per year

The total estimated cost for mooring a boat in London can reach up to £3,520 - £19,025 per year, depending on boat size, location, and usage.

To know more about the costs of different mooring types in the UK, you can read this article.

Facilities and Services at Mooring Spots in London

When choosing a mooring spot in London, one of the many things you may want to consider is the facilities and services that are available to you. Here are some of the things you can expect at mooring spots in London:

All mooring spots in London have basic amenities

All mooring spots in London offer basic amenities such as electricity, water supply, and waste disposal facilities. Some spots may also provide gas and fuel services for your boat.

Security measures are very tight in mooring spots in London

Security is a top priority at mooring spots in London. Most mooring spots have CCTV cameras and security personnel to ensure the safety of your boat. Some mooring spots also have gated entrances and require keycard access for added security.

Mooring spots in London are placed near public transport and main roads

Mooring spots in London are conveniently located near public transport options such as the underground and bus stops. Some mooring spots also offer bike racks and cycle paths, making it easy for you to get around the city.

Lymington, a town in England, can easily be accessed via direct rail links to London Waterloo, making it an ideal location to take a break from the city.

Is Mooring in London for You?

Now that you know about the three surprising places with the cheapest mooring in London, you may be wondering if mooring in London is for you.

First, you may need to consider your boating style. If you are a continuous cruiser, you may find it challenging to find a permanent mooring spot in London. However, if you can establish a home mooring, you can enjoy all the benefits of living on the water while still being close to the city's amenities.

Second, you may want to think about your pace. If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful spot, you may want to consider mooring outside of central London. However, if you enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, you may prefer a mooring spot in the heart of London.

You might also need to consider the cost. While the three places we've mentioned offer affordable mooring options, the cost of living on the water can vary depending on your location, boat size, and lifestyle.

Living on the water can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it's not for everyone. If you're considering mooring in London, take some time to research your options and consider your boating style, pace, and budget. With the right information, you can make an informed decision and enjoy all that London's waterways have to offer.


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