Premier Marinas acquires Dart Marina Group

Premier Marinas has completed the acquisition of the Dart Marina Group in Dartmouth, bringing Dart Marina, Dart Marina Hotel and the Dartmouth Higher Ferry into its portfolio.

The company says the businesses will continue to operate under existing arrangements.

Pete Bradshaw, chief executive of Premier Marinas, says: “The Dart Marina Group is an already successful and highly respected collection of businesses, with a fantastic team and a strong identity of its own. Our intention is not to change what makes it special, but to support and build on it for the long term.

“We are particularly pleased to be welcoming the Dart Marina Group team into the wider Premier Marinas group, and we look forward to working together to continue delivering the high standards customers expect.”

The acquisition also brings together two Dartmouth sites that were historically linked to the former Philip & Son shipyard on the River Dart.

Premier Marinas says its immediate priority is maintaining continuity for customers and stakeholders, while it considers potential areas for future investment and operational development.

Bradshaw adds: “We would like to recognise the significant contribution made by the previous owner, Richard Seton, and his team in building Dart Marina into the successful business it is today. Their work has created a strong foundation, and we are committed to respecting that as we look to the future.”

The acquisition has been funded by Premier Marinas’ owner, Wellcome, which manages a long-term investment portfolio supporting scientific research and innovation.

Premier Marinas operates a network of sites on the UK south coast, including Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne, Brighton, Chichester, Southsea, Port Solent, Trafalgar Wharf in Portsmouth Harbour, Haslar in Gosport, East Cowes, Swanwick and Universal marinas on the Hamble, Noss on Dart and Falmouth.

In September 2025, the company acquired Boatfolk, which continues to operate marinas in locations including Conwy, Deacons, Penarth, Portishead, Portland, Rhu and Royal Quays.

The Dart Marina Group is located on the River Dart in Dartmouth, Devon. It includes a marina with berthing facilities, a hotel and the Dartmouth Higher Ferry, which provides a transport link between Dartmouth and Kingswear.