HYTHE FERRY

HYTHE FERRY The Hythe Ferry has connected communities across Southampton Water for generations and remains one of Hampshire's most iconic transport links.

The ferry service is not currently operational following its suspension in 2024.

THE HYTHE PIER COMPANY ACQUIRES ASSETS OF HISTORIC HYTHE & SOUTHAMPTON FERRYAcquisition secures strategic assets to prot...
18/06/2026

THE HYTHE PIER COMPANY ACQUIRES ASSETS OF HISTORIC HYTHE & SOUTHAMPTON FERRY

Acquisition secures strategic assets to protect the long-term future of the historic waterway crossing.

The Hythe Pier Company is pleased to confirm that it has completed the acquisition of the assets of Hythe & Southampton Ferry Company Limited, from the Liquidators.

The acquisition includes a range of strategic assets associated with the historic Hythe–Southampton ferry operation with one clear objective: to help protect the long-term future of the historic crossing and preserve the opportunity for a future passenger service across Southampton Water.

The Hythe–Southampton route has served communities across Southampton Water for generations and our priority is for it to return to being an important part of the area's transport network, local tourism and maritime heritage.

Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan, Director of The Hythe Pier Company, said:

"This acquisition is first and foremost about protecting the future of this historic route, as well as creating an opportunity for a future service across Southampton Water.

Over the last few decades, different parts of the service have become increasingly fragmented. I therefore saw this as the perfect opportunity to bring many of them back together. Whilst this does not mean the immediate return of a scheduled ferry service, it does give us the best possible foundation to explore what comes next.

The crossing is a crucial part of Hythe’s heritage, and I believe that the assets associated with it should remain connected to the pier and the Waterside community it serves.

Discussions are already taking place with potential operators and partners about what a future service might look like, and how a sustainable transport link across Southampton Water may once again be delivered.

There is a huge amount of work ahead, but this is an important step towards protecting the future of a service that has connected communities across Southampton Water for generations."

09/04/2026

Hythe Ferry Update - Thursday 9th April 2026

The Hythe Ferry has long been an important and historic transport link for the local community.

Over the past 18 months, the owner of The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company has worked extensively to try and find a sustainable solution that would allow the service to return.

This included exploring funding opportunities, grant support and inviting potential investors or operators to come forward.

Unfortunately, despite exhausting every possible avenue, no viable proposals or interested parties have emerged.

Following legal advice, the difficult decision has therefore been taken to place The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company into voluntary liquidation.

This is a deeply disappointing outcome and not one that has been reached lightly. We know how much the ferry means to the local community.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported the ferry during this challenging time.

04/02/2026

Hythe Ferry Update - Wednesday 4th February 2026

The Hythe Ferry has long been an iconic and historic transport link, connecting Hythe and Southampton for generations. Serving both local commuters and visitors, it remains a vital part of the Solent’s heritage and community.

Since Red Funnel’s acquisition of the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company in September 2023, the ferry has operated over 5,500 sailings and carried more than 70,000 passengers, providing essential connectivity at a time when the service might otherwise have ended.

To date, Red Funnel has made significant investment into the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company, including a complete vessel refit, ongoing running costs, upgrade works and pontoon repairs. We have continued to support key team members while working tirelessly to secure funding for further essential infrastructure and safety works. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the service has remained suspended since August 2024 due to ongoing infrastructure and funding challenges.

Following its acquisition of Red Funnel and subsidiary, the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company, Njord Partners recognises the ferry’s historic importance but feels its expertise and portfolio aren’t best suited to operate the service moving forward. Therefore, we are actively seeking a new owner who shares our vision to restore, modernise and unlock the full potential of this historic route.

This is an exciting opportunity for an investor to acquire the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company. Allowing them to bring innovation and technology to a well-established service with strong local support and heritage value. Interested parties should contact [email protected] for more information by 19th February 2026. In the interest of all parties, it is expected that this process is completed within a rapid timeline.

We continue to work closely with the Hythe Pier owner during this transition and remain committed to supporting colleagues.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported the ferry during this challenging period, including those who contributed to the GoFundMe page. Funds raised will continue to be allocated to repair the pontoon, however, anyone wishing to have their donation returned should contact [email protected].

While it is deeply disappointing that more progress could not be made to resume the service, we remain hopeful that, with a new investor and strong community engagement, the Hythe Ferry will be preserved, modernised and developed for generations to come.

⛴️

18/12/2025

Hythe Ferry update - 18th December 2025

We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and continued support as we focus on finding the best way forward to protect this important service for our local community.

Essential works to support the pier and ferry operations are progressing, and we’re pleased to confirm that the owners of Hythe Pier recently completed critical electrical repairs.
This is an important step forwards but there is still work to be done.

The ferry is a much-loved and historic part of our community, and we’d like to reassure you that there’s a lot happening behind the scenes, with our team, to find the right way forward and secure its future.

As soon as we have any further updates we will let you know.

In the meantime, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas ⛴️

Address

The Pier, Prospect Place
Hythe
SO456AU

Telephone

02380 840722

Website

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