About

At Bournemouth Boating Services, we offer a wide range of boating experiences, from hiring your own private boat, to joining a ferry cruise; we’re based in Tuckton, on the bank of the River Stour which flows into Christchurch Harbour, adjoining Hengistbury Head!

We offer river cruises and a frequent ferry service from April until October between Tuckton Tea Gardens, Christchurch Quay and Mudeford Sandbank for the beach and Hengistbury Head. Self-Drive Motor Boats are also available for hire at Wick Ferry & Christchurch Quay. Wick ferry is open in the winter months on Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 10am and 4pm and resumes a full service 7 days from April until October 10am to 5:30pm.

Tuckton Tea Gardens is a traditional cosy café set in beautiful gardens right beside the River; where you might like to hire a boat for an hour or two, to explore the stunning views down the river Stour and Christchurch Priory.

You can sit back, relax and watch the boats go by in our extremely well-kept gardens, enjoy a bite to eat or keep the children amused at our putting green and crazy-golf course!

self drive motor boats

Available for hire April – October

These are rented on an hour or half an hour basis as they are only allowed on the river Stour, with exit to the harbour and sea strictly forbidden.

Instruction and guidance on your route will be given at the time of hire.

self drive fishing boats

Self-drive fishing boat hire, grab your rod and tackle and head down to Christchurch for a great day of fishing.

Christchurch Harbour and the River Stour offer some of the best fishing in the country especially when it comes down to fishing for Mullet.

wick ferry

Wick Ferry runs across the River Stour between Wick village and Christchurch.

Some historians believe that the first ferry rights were granted before the Christchurch Priory was built, which would make the service nearly 1000 years old, but nobody disputes that the service is 200-250 years old.