Thistle, Thames Sailing Barge

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About

Sailing Barges ‘Thistle’ built in 1895 and ‘Hydrogen’ built 1906 were once part of the East Coast's traditional fleet of cargo vessels; two of over 2,000 barges then. Today only a handful survive. A gentle cruise on one of these vessels allows you to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful rivers of the East Coast in a memorable and interesting way. Join us for one of our public cruises or be part of a group booking, catering for up to 50 people.

We also offer weekend breaks for groups of up to 12 people. Escape your world and relax in ours! Or enjoy a banquet on a river onboard our fleet of historic Thames Barges for individuals and groups, including two-hour cruises, day sails, weekends away and static parties.

Two Island River Cruise - Join at Maldon Quay for a two hour cruise, past Northey Island to Osea Island before returning.

Orwell River Cruise - A three or four hour cruise from Ipswich to the mouth of the river and back.

Suffolk Rivers Cruise - A relaxing day sail exploring the Rivers Orwell and Stour

Sorry disabled access restricted - please contact us for further guidance.

Guide Prices

Private Hire - depends on location, duration etc - please ring office.
Public trips - full programme with prices on our website.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (with charge)

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments

Groups

  • Facilities for groups

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing
  • Facilities for corporate hospitality
  • Wedding receptions

Parking

  • Parking with charge

Property Facilities

  • Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
  • Public toilets

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Topsail Charters

Type:Boat Trips

Cooks Barge Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Tel: 01621 857567

Awards

  • Visit EnglandVistEngland VAQAS Gold VistEngland VAQAS Gold 2018

Opening Times

* Available any day, any time.

What's Nearby

  1. For well over a thousand years, Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime…

    0.06 miles away
  2. St. Mary's Church is known locally as the Fisherman's Church as its tower guides sailors…

    0.06 miles away
  3. Maldon Masjid – the Maldon District Islamic Cultural Association is set in a building…

    0.1 miles away
  1. The Promenade Park maze was built in the 1990s and is a simple hedge maze that children…

    0.11 miles away
  2. Maldon Mosaic, which can be found close the sandy play area at the western end of the…

    0.12 miles away
  3. The trademark Penny Farthing bicycle entices visitors to explore the treasures of this…

    0.14 miles away
  4. An area of grassland and trees which slopes gently down to saltmarsh at the edge of the…

    0.17 miles away
  5. The World War One Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park begins by the coach park and…

    0.21 miles away
  6. Maldon Methodist Church has a varied programme of worship and activities. The main Sunday…

    0.23 miles away
  7. The Assumption of Our Lady Roman Catholic Church in Maldon was opened in 1925, replacing…

    0.22 miles away
  8. Maldon's Elim Pentecostal Church is the home of the Maldon Food Pantry food bank as well…

    0.23 miles away
  9. The building in Wantz Road has been used by the Salvation Army for many years as our…

    0.26 miles away
  10. The Quaker Hall

    0.28 miles away
  11. The Twinning Link sculpture was placed in Promenade Park in 1991 to celebrate the 22nd…

    0.28 miles away
  12. Maldon’s Quaker Meeting House was built in 1821. It comprises two separate rooms;…

    0.29 miles away
  13. We are a friendly bunch of people who take seriously our responsibility to seek first the…

    0.29 miles away
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Number of results:

Number of results: 583

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    12 Station Road, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

    Telephone

    01621 786 503

    Burnham on Crouch

    What would you do if you were handed the keys to your own hotel for a night? Invite all your friends for a big dinner party, play the bartender, sip cocktails, snoop around the rooms, have the spa to yourselves… but here’s the catch… you’ve got to…

  2. Address

    Burnham-on-Crouch station, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8BQ

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    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 7.2 miles. This attractive linear pub walk takes you from the charming riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch in a steady climb across the final outlier of the rolling farmland of central Essex, before reaching…

  3. Address

    6 King Georges Place, High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BZ

    Telephone

    01621 928063

    Maldon

    Welcome, my name is Faye and the reason behind my boutique is that I feel I have an eye for the stylish woman. I pride myself on the fact that my boutique offers a personal service, helping you to choose from a wide range of ladies fashions,…

  4. Address

    40 Chapel Rd, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8JA

    Telephone

    01621 852259

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    Burnham's Roman Catholic church of St Cuthbert was built in 1911 in the Early English style in red brick, comprised a small, aisle-less nave and chancel.

  5. Address

    6/7 Edward's Walk, White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PS

    Telephone

    01621 841498

    Maldon

    Ruby & Rose is a small fashion and lifestyle shop, established for 13 years at our current lovely location. We sell ladies smart casual wear, jewellery and accessories as well as shabby chic furniture pieces. 

  6. Address

    Basin Road, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RJ

    Telephone

    07950 636 660

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    The little church building behind the bus shelter in Heybridge Basin began life during World War 1, as an Armstrong Hut, used as the Sergeants’ Mess hut on Goldhanger Airfield. This airfield was first used as a night landing ground by the Royal…

  7. Address

    Braxted Park Road, Great Braxted, CO5 0QB

    Telephone

    07980 768616

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  8. Address

    62 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HF

    Telephone

    07872 168780

    Burnham

    Dog Grooming Salon based in Burnham-on-Crouch using 100% natural and vegan products. Garden for free-roaming during their stay.One on one upon request! We offer teeth cleaning and use natural healing products and remedies. We do not use cages.

  9. Address

    104 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 853148

    Maldon

    Foulkes Electrical.....Your local Independent Electrical retailer & Euronics Centre, we are able to offer our customers extremely competitive prices, on a huge range of product with Fast Free Local delivery.

  10. Address

    1-3 Foundry Lane, Burnham, CM0 8BL

    Telephone

    01621 784072

    Burnham

    Burnham Co-op Foodstore offers a great choice of locally sourced produce on the doorstep. Located on Foundry Lane, we are open seven days a week, stocking a fantastic range of everyday essentials, tasty local treats and great-value deals. Includes…

  11. Address

    Elysian Gardens, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QN

    Telephone

    01621 869039

    Tollesbury

    This is a large, open site with good views across the Blackwater Estuary towards St Lawrence. Car park, hall, cricket and football pitches, pavilion, unfenced play site, benches and monument.

  12. Address

    Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Maldon

    Maldon Gig Rowing Club has 2 Harker's Yard gigs and arrange club rowing, adventure rowing and race training to club members.

  13. Address

    1 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PB

    Telephone

    020 8090 5048

    Maldon

    We have now opened our own unique gift shop on Maldon High Street, specialising in Star Wars as well as expanding our range to include iconic science fiction and fantasy from film, TV and gaming franchises. 

  14. Address

    London Road, Maldon, CM9 6LJ

    Maldon

    Maldon Cemetery dates back to 1855 and the older parts of the cemetery are both havens for wildlife and fascinating places to visit. The cemetery is home to 21 Commonwealth War Graves.

  15. Address

    Rectory Road, Tolleshunt Knights, CM9 8HF

    Tolleshunt Knights

    This 12th century Grade II* Listed church is now owned by the nearby Orthodox Monastery of St John the Baptist. The churchyard has two Commonwealth War Graves.

  16. Address

    Wicks Manor Farm, Witham Road, Tolleshunt Major, CM9 8JU

    Telephone

    01621 860629

    Tolleshunt Major

    Wicks Manor Pork rears pigs fed on its own wheat and barley to produce succulent pork, gammon, sausages, ham and more. Free local delivery twice a week.

  17. Address

    Springfield Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8UA

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    This park is comprised of mown grassland with a large number of mature trees of different species and a play park.

  18. Address

    The Warren Golf & Country Club, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RW

    Telephone

    01245 223258

    Woodham Walter

    The Estate boasts superb golf courses, a welcoming clubhouse, beautiful barn style wedding venue, luxury lodge accommodation and Health Club.

  19. Address

    Five Lakes Resort, Colchester Road, Tolleshunt Knights, Essex, CM9 8HX

    Telephone

    01621 862324

    Tolleshunt Knights

    Come along to relax and dine with us at Brasserie 1, one of the best restaurants in Essex. What can you expect from the menu? International food with a great British twist, including fish, grilled meats and steaks, salads and much more.

  20. Address

    Church Lane, Little Totham, CM9 8LU

    Telephone

    07908 776750

    Little Totham

    This charming Grade I Listed church has a 12th century nave and 14th century chancel. There's a fine 17th century altar tomb monument and a 15th century font. In the churchyard are two Commonwealth War Graves.

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