Step aside, sterile mega-ferries. Dotted around the UK are a handful of wonderfully peculiar water crossings that are attractions in their own right. These unique vessels, born of necessity and preserved by tradition, offer a travel experience brimming with character, ingenuity, and charm. They are a testament to a time when local solutions created enduring and fascinating modes of transport.
Perhaps the most famous is the Glenelg to Skye ferry, the last of its kind in the world. This manually operated turntable ferry, built in 1969, is a marvel of practical design. The entire vehicle deck swivels to allow six cars to drive off forwards, a necessity created by the powerful and unpredictable tidal currents of the Kyle Rhea straits. Saved from extinction by a passionate local community, it’s now a celebrated icon of Hebridean travel.
Equally unique is the hand ferry across the River Wye at Symonds Yat. This isn’t a scheduled service but a journey that happens only when the barman at the Saracens Head pub is free. He momentarily leaves his post to pull a handful of passengers across the river using an overhead cable. It’s a delightful throwback that combines transport with classic British pub culture.
In Devon, the River Dart’s lower ferry eschews a self-propelled design for a classic tug-and-barge system, a powerful and photogenic solution for crossing the wide river mouth. These journeys are more than just a way to get from A to B; they are memorable, quirky adventures that celebrate British eccentricity and engineering, making them an essential part of any tour of the country’s hidden gems.