The Hamble-Warsash Pink Ferry – Hamble-le-Rice, England - Atlas Obscura

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The Hamble-Warsash Pink Ferry

Hamble-le-Rice, England

A ferry has operated across the River Hamble for around 500 years, but its distinctive bubblegum pink is a more recent addition. 

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The River Hamble and it’s surrounding areas have plenty of glorious nature walks but this small ferry service is a charming part of the area with roots that date back hundreds of years. The ferry has gained local fame for its unusual look: a coat of bright pink paint that stands out against the backdrop of white pleasure and racing yachts that dot the River Hamble.

Records indicate that there was a ferry service across the River Hamble as early as 1493. Records from 1572 document that the cost of crossing using the ferry cost a man and his horse one penny. In the early 1900s, a small shelter was constructed on the Warsash side to be used as a shelter for customers and keg storage. It still stands on the Warsash side to this day.

In 2002, the ferry service changed hands to its current owners, who decided to paint the boats an instantly recognizable shade of bubblegum pink. This was met with uproar, as the locals did not want to see their local ferry service (at the time, painted white) turn bright pink. However, any backlash quickly diminished as the Pink Ferry quickly became synonymous with the area.

Know Before You Go

The costs (as of November 2023) for a one-way crossing are: £2.50 for an adult, £2 for a child up to 12, £1.50 for under 1's, £0.50 for a bicycle and Dogs are free! The Ferry runs until 4PM during the winter period and until 6PM during the summer period. The last ferry of each day will leave the Warsash side 15 minutes before the ferry closing time, making the last crossing of each day over to the Hamble side.


Parking is available by the harbour,  follow the signs for foreshore from the village down the narrow lane. Easier parking is in the village square, which is a few hundred yards downhill from the ferry. 

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