4/9/2026
Looking for a family day out with a difference this September? Southampton International Boat Show is packed with things to see, do and experience together, from getting out on the water and stepping aboard more than 250 boats to diving beneath the surface, trying paddleboarding, meeting Ted Funnel and enjoying live entertainment.
Taking place from 18 – 27 September 2026, the 10-day show offers plenty to keep all ages entertained – and kids aged 15 and under go free!
Here are some of the family-friendly highlights to discover at this year’s show!
Why just look at the boats when you can get out on the water?
Try-a-Boat gives visitors the chance to experience a range of craft, from sailing yachts and high-performance RIBs to the accessible Wetwheels boat. Clipper will also offer scheduled sailing on its Clipper 70 at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays, while UKSA’s J/80 will be available from 18 – 21 and 25 – 27 September.
Sessions are included with your show ticket and can be booked when you arrive – so grab your family and get ready for an adventure afloat.
Grab a paddle and hit The Lake
Head to the show’s purpose-built lake and have a go at paddleboarding or kayaking with Rockley Watersports.
With equipment provided and qualified instructors on hand, it’s an easy way for the whole family to try something new, whether you’re already a watersports pro or have never picked up a paddle before.
Spaces are limited, so head to the lake booking point when you arrive to secure your session.
Take the plunge at the Andark Dive Tank
Ready for an underwater adventure?
The Andark Dive Tank lets visitors discover what it feels like to dive beneath the surface, with expert instructors, equipment and changing facilities provided – just bring your towel!
It’s a chance to try something completely different – an experience young adventurers won’t want to miss. Sessions can be booked when you arrive, so add it to your family itinerary and get ready to take the plunge!
With more than 250 boats on display including brand-new debuts, families can wander along the waterfront, see a huge variety of craft up close and step aboard selected boats.
From luxurious superyachts and high-performance sailing boats to racing boats, leisure craft and workboats used in real-life rescue and service operations including vessels from the RNLI and Royal Navy, there’s something to capture the imagination of kids and parents alike.
And for something a little more competitive, the Key Yachting J/70 Invitational Cup makes its debut at the show on Saturday 26 September, with heats at 11.30am and 1.30pm, the final at 3.30pm and prizegiving at the Shipyard at 5.30pm.
The show is also home to an impressive collection of classic, historic and attraction boats, offering plenty of opportunities to discover the stories behind some truly special vessels.
In 2026, the Wooden Boat Stage, created through a collaboration between the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis (BBA), the Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association (WBTA) and Women In Boat Building (WIBB), will shine a spotlight on the skills, craftmanship and heritage of wooden boatbuilding in the UK.
On Saturday 26 September, Hanneke Wharram of Wharram Designs will also share stories of Polynesian canoe craft, sailing across the Pacific and the real-life seafaring traditions that inspired Moana.
The Wooden Boat Stage Afloat will bring a special collection of historic wooden boats to life on the water, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and stories from the past. Highlights include Gelyce, a 1930 Camper & Nicholson motor launch, Larry, a 1907 gaff cutter, and Guide of Dunkirk, a historic vessel involved in the 1940 Dunkirk rescue.
Build, play and meet Ted Funnel
The Kids’ Play Area offers a chance to burn off some energy, while the LEGO Maritime Project taking place in the New Wave Hall on 26 and 27 September invites young visitors to build, code and solve real-world maritime challenges – including designing an autonomous vessel.
And keep your eyes peeled for Ted Funnel, Red Funnel’s much-loved mascot, who’ll be making appearances around the show on 26 September. Don’t forget to grab a high five and a family photo!
For an extra special spectacle, visitors from 18 – 20 September can also look to the skies for a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, weather and operational conditions permitting.
Refuel, relax and enjoy the Shipyard
After a day of adventure, head to the Shipyard to refuel, relax and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere.
There’ll be live music, street food and drinks throughout the show, with a new Dockside food hall joining the line-up for 2026.
Families can catch live performances from acts including Blue Water Giants, Tennessee Twin and Southampton Rock Choir, while comedy duo Luke & Elliott will host family quizzes on 20 and 27 September, packed with games, audience participation and plenty of laughs.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the entertainment continues until 9pm, making it easy to turn a day at the show into a full evening by the water.
Make a day of it this September
With kids aged 15 and under going free, there’s never been a better excuse to swap the usual family day out for an adventure on the waterfront.
Southampton International Boat Show takes place at Mayflower Park from 18 – 27 September 2026.
Plan your family day out: Tickets – Southampton International Boat Show
