Where can I find a chandlery in my area?

The fascinating history of the chandlery actually begins in medieval times, where the chandlery was the part of wealthy houses which dealt with wax and candles, as these were the days before electric lights. The individual who ran the chandlery was known as the chandler.

Many candles at this time were made from tallow, fat from cows or sheep, which was also a key ingredient in soap (and still is in some cases today). By the 18th century, many chandleries had become more commercial and were dealing in candles, soap and other general items.

Often, these general items included ships stores, so by the 1580’s the word chandlery became more aligned with how we know it today, although for a time they were known as ‘ships chandleries’ to help them stand out.

The job title chandler is still in use today, but has grown from being someone who is in charge of the household candles, to someone who works in, or manages, a chandler’s shop. A modern chandlery sells all variety of marine equipment, from charts and binoculars to paint, varnish, galley equipment and so much more!

No doubt you’re familiar with your local chandlery, but what can you do if you’re away and you need to find a chandlery near you? Our search facility is a great way to explore your options in the closest harbour or port. 

We’ve taken a look at some popular searches for chandlers in the UK, to give you some ideas for your next visit...

City Centre Chandlers

If you’re sailing into two of the UK’s biggest cities and need a chandlers, here are some options to try:

Chandlers in Liverpool

Bluepoint Marine - South Ferry Quay, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4EE

Liverpool Power Boats - 105 Rimrose Road, Bootle, Liverpool, Merseyside, L20 4HN

Reliance Marine - Unit 2 - 3 Carham Road, Carr Lane Industrial Estate, Hoylake, Wirral, CH47 4FF

Chandlers in London

Arthur Beale Ltd - 194 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, London, WC2H 8JP

Yacht Sentinel Ltd - Canalot Studios, 222 Kensal Road, London, W10 5BN

Chas Newens Marine Co Ltd - The Boathouse, Embankment, Putney, London, SW15 1LB

Chandlers on the South Coast

If are in need of a chandler on the south coast while visiting one of these beautiful and popular sailing destinations, here are some suggestions (or use our full search for more ideas)

Chandlers in Brixham

Dartside Quay - Dartside Quay, Galmpton Creek, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0EH

August Race - Unit 3, The Dart Building, Devon, TQ5 0GA

Darthaven Marina - Brixham Road, Kingswear, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 0SG

Chandlers in Falmouth

Bosun’s Locker - 6-17 Church Street, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3DR

Mylor Chandlery - Mylor Yacht Harbour Ltd, Mylor Churchtown, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5UF

Seaware - Unit 8b, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9EP

Chandlers in the Isle of Wight

Richardsons Yacht Services - Island Harbour Marina, Mill Lane, New Port, Isle of Wight, PO30 2LA

Kevin Mole Outboards & Chandlery - 4 Seaways, Seaview Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7US

Spencer Rigging - Empire Buildings, St. Mary's Road, Isle of Wight, PO31 7SX

Chandlers in Plymouth

Gael Force - Units 13/14 The Fish Quay, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LH

Force 4 - Queen Anne's Battery, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LP

Technical Marine Supplies - Tamar Building, Queen Anne's Battery Marina, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LP

Chandlers in Poole

Marine Spares UK - Unit 7, Cabot Business Village, Holyrood Close, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BA

Force 4 - The Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HF

UK Marine Spares - Cobb's Quay Marina, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL

Chandlers in Portsmouth

Marine Superstore Ltd - 7-11 The Slipway, Port Solent, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 4TR

YouBoat - Endeavour Quay, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1AH

WicorMarine Yacht Haven - Cranleigh Road, Porchester, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 9DR  

Chandlers in Southampton

Force 4 - Shamrock Quay, William Street, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 5QL

Bainbridge Sail & Cover - Unit 8, Flanders Park, Hampshire, SO30 2FZ

Marineware Ltd - 5 Tower Lane, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 6NZ

Chandlers in Weymouth

Kingfisher Marine - 10A Custom House Quay, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8BG

Bussells Chandlers - 30 Hope Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8TU

Apollo Marine - Puma Building, P3 Navigator Park, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1DX

Of course, if you’re heading to an area we haven’t covered, be sure to use our full search facility to find everything you might need, and don’t forget to take a look at our Route Assist to help you along the way.