All of the cruise ports in South West England
You can cruise to South West England?
Technically, yes, you can! While it’s not home to many of Britian’s biggest ports, cruise ships and ferries do dock into these ports, and they can serve as the gateway to many of the South West’s scenic spots and heritage attractions.
Here are all the ports in South West England (and what you need to know about visiting them).
Falmouth
Falmouth’s harbour is one of the deepest natural harbours in the world and allows cruise ships to anchor close to the town!
Passengers are tendered ashore to A&P Falmouth or Queen’s Wharf, within a few minutes’ walk of the centre.
Most passengers visit Falmouth to see the town itself. National Maritime Museum Cornwall details the area’s long relationship with the sea, and narrow streets lead to working docks, independent galleries and seafood restaurants.
Local tours often visit Pendennis Castle, the Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens, or head north to the Eden Project.
Falmouth handles everything from small expedition vessels to mid-sized international cruises. Its sheltered anchorage and scenic waterfront make it a firm favourite in Cornwall – and while you might be inclined to book an immersive Mediterranean cruise, Cornwall in summer can give Spain a run for its money!
Bristol (Avonmouth and Portbury)
Cruise ships calling at Bristol usually dock at Avonmouth or Royal Portbury Docks, both managed by The Bristol Port Company. Avonmouth sits around seven miles from the city centre, with transfer coaches arranged by cruise lines or local operators.
From the port, it’s an easy journey into Bristol, where highlights include Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain, and the regenerated harbourside filled with restaurants, galleries, and ferry boats.
Bath is less than an hour away, so some cruises offer excursions combining both cities.
Bristol’s terminal itself is functional rather than scenic, but the city’s connection to shipping runs deep.
In the 19th century, it was one of Britain’s major transatlantic ports, and today it remains a gateway to the West Country for smaller-to-medium sized vessels and expedition cruises navigating the Bristol Channel.
It’s benefited from easy access to the M5 and Bristol Airport.
Plymouth
Plymouth’s Millbay Docks are among the most historic in the country.
Plymouth was the departure point for the Mayflower and the city still handles visiting cruise ships alongside Brittany Ferries links to Roscoff in France and Santander in Spain.
The terminal is less than a mile from the city centre, so you can walk or take a short taxi ride to reach the Barbican, where cobbled lanes lead to the Mayflower Steps and harbourside cafés.
From Plymouth, shore excursions often explore Dartmoor National Park, Salcombe, or Cornwall’s south coast.
On foot, you visit Plymouth Hoe, with its sweeping views over the Sound, or the restored Royal William Yard.
Facilities at Millbay include a modern passenger hall, accessible boarding arrangements, and coach parking for organised tours.
Poole
Poole Harbour is one of Europe’s largest natural harbours and is a regular stop for cruise ships exploring England’s south coast.
The South Quay Cruise Terminal opened in 2023, giving the port capacity for vessels up to 220 metres long. It’s located a short distance from Poole’s Old Town and Quay, so passengers can easily walk into town.
Nearby, you can take the ferry to Brownsea Island, home to red squirrels and nature trails, or travel to Sandbanks, one of the most exclusive coastal neighbourhoods in Britain.
Further afield, organised excursions reach Corfe Castle, Swanage or Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast.
Poole also serves as a departure point for cross-Channel ferries to Cherbourg and the Channel Islands, so it’s well connected by public transport.
The terminal has modern facilities, efficient security checks and space for coaches.
Portland
Located on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, Portland Port has become one of the South West’s busiest cruise destinations.
It can accommodate ships up to 350 metres long and is open year-round. The port is built within a former naval base and sits alongside a deep-water harbour used since Roman times.
From here, you can visit Stonehenge, Salisbury or Bath, though many prefer local trips to Weymouth, Abbotsbury Swannery or the Jurassic Coast cliffs. Portland’s modern terminal offers free Wi-Fi and organised shuttles.
Cruise operators value its accessibility, as its only 15 minutes from Weymouth railway station and linked directly to major A-roads.
Interested in any of these places? Check out my Plymouth, Bristol and Dorset travel guides.
