Southampton International Boat Show 2026

The Southampton International Boat Show returns to Mayflower Park from Friday 18 to Sunday 27 September 2026. It's Britain's largest marine festival, and it takes over the park for ten days, so you've got plenty of time to work around it rather than rushing in on a single weekend.

What it is, in simple terms, is a massive gathering of the boating industry. They bring together everything from stand-up paddleboards to superyachts, with plenty of ground in between, so it's as much for people who just fancy a paddle as it is for those who follow the bigger end of the marine world. It's described as family-friendly, and that's a fair call — it's the kind of thing you can wander through with kids in tow without feeling like you're out of place.

One of the bigger draws is the Watersports Zone, which is its own dedicated area for getting on the water. They've got a range of activities running, from kayaking to diving, and there are experts on hand to talk you through them, so it works whether you're already comfortable in the water or just curious about where to start. If you're not looking to get wet, there's still plenty to see on the grass, with the boats and stands taking up most of the park.

It's a ticketed event, and you'll want to book in advance. Adult tickets start at £21, and under-15s get in for free, which makes it an easy one to bring the whole family along. For something more, there are Premium tickets from £129. The show runs from the 18th through to the 27th of September at Mayflower Park, Southampton, SO14 2AS.