The Pickup family has long been in love with a life on the water. When my parents got the chance to buy a magnificent Marina on the River Avon in 1996 it was a “no-brainer” as they say – and now, a quarter of a century on, the Saltford Marina is the home and livelihood of myself Jo Donoghue, my brother David Pickup. Supported by Mike the maintenance man and Rebecca in the office.
How very fortunate we are to run this idyllic private retreat that provides long-term moorings for 85 narrowboats, wide beams and cruisers, some of whom have their owners living permanently aboard and others who just “park” here in-between boating holidays.
We’re all one big happy family, in fact, at Saltford Marina, right down to our resident swans. We treat our customers like treasured guests, providing top class secure facilities, friendly service and a perfect location for a floating home between Bath and Bristol.
We’re passionate about British waterways (did you know the UK has more than 2,700 miles of navigable inland waterways!) and determined to do our bit to keep our little section of the network as pristine as possible.
This includes a commitment to quality in all aspects of the Saltford Marina operation. We’ve invested in all the infrastructure required for keeping the environment clean and healthy, as well as making sure our boating residents have everything they need to keep them comfortable, including water and electricity hook ups, storage units, a laundrette, impeccable modern shower blocks and so much more.
We’re respected members of the British Marine Federation – the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry – which has a code of practice demanding that members deliver services of a high standard. So, if you moor in our marina, you can be sure you’re going to be well looked after.
When you step ashore at Saltford you’ll realise that this beautiful historic village alongside the A4 – close to Keynsham and in easy reach of the cities of Bath and Bristol – is the perfect port to moor in on the River Avon.
Landlubbers have enjoyed this spot since ancient times, and with its pubs, restaurants and friendly local businesses it’s a great place to throw anchor. Being on the river Saltford is also a hub for marine sports and recreation, hosting the Bristol Avon Sailing Club and a busy Rowing Centre.
We at the Marina and our residents are accepted as an important part of the local community, so if you stay awhile, living aboard your boat, you’ll find plenty of activities to be involved in through the Saltford Community Association.
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