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

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

    0.23 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. We are a friendly bunch of people who take seriously our responsibility to seek first the…

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

    0.29 miles away
Previous Next

Number of results:

Number of results: 583

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    54 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PN

    Telephone

    01621 853916

    Maldon

    Boots chemist shop and pharmacy has a wide range of medicines, vitamins and beauty needs. Prescriptions can be collected here, and flu jabs can be booked.

  2. Address

    2 East Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8QD

    Tollesbury

    WhimbrelArt in Tollesbury is a gallery specialising in the work of local artists and craftspeople, along with special occasion gifts and jewellery. Work is exhibited by artists including local watercolour painters Mike Lang and Jonathan Smith, mixed…

  3. Address

    White Horse Lane car park, White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QP

    Maldon

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.6 miles. If you want a mud-free stroll which takes in the lesser-known parts of Maldon then this walk is a good option. This easy circuit of Maldon uses plenty of quiet paths and lanes, giving you the chance to…

  4. Address

    4 Edwards Walk, High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PS

    Telephone

    07964 982299

    Maldon

    A local Independent health food store offering supplements, superfoods, health and nutrition advice and delicious fresh juices and smoothies.

  5. Address

    116a High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 842443

    Maldon

    The Skin Sorcerer offers bespoke tattoos, ear and body piercing and tattoo removal.

  6. Address

    Church Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3LA

    Telephone

    01621 892867

    Wickham Bishops

    St Bartholomew's Church is Grade II Listed and is a fine example of Victorian Gothic church architecture. In the churychyard you will find three Commonwealth War Graves.

  7. Address

    86 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HF

    Telephone

    07989 744869

    Burnham

    Contemporary jewellery and craft gallery, showing the work of designer/makers from across the UK, in Burnham-on-Crouch. 

    Ceramics, jewellery, art prints, watercolour paintings and more. Bespoke jewellery and jewellery making classes available.

  8. Address

    Unit D Wenlock Way, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5AD

    Telephone

    0780 3957620

    Maldon

    Men's hairdresser and barber offering a full range of hair cutting and treatments.

  9. Address

    Millfields car park, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HS

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 3.5 miles. This short Walk it Local route offers a delightful stroll around the yachting centre of Burnham-on-Crouch and nearby Creeksea, taking in river views along the seawall, birdlife, vineyards and historic…

  10. Address

    Woodrolfe Hard, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621 869039

    Tollesbury

    Woodup Pool open-air lido is a tidal salt water amenity pool with an area of sand at one end. Children should be supervised at all times as there are no lifeguards in attendance. During the summer months a portable toilet is provided.

  11. Address

    The Square, Church Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8QJ

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury's little prison was opened in 1700 and was in operation for around a century as a holding cell for accused prisoners and as a lock-up for drunken locals. Sometimes called The Cage, the tiny building can be found by the churchyard wall of…

  12. Address

    Church Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AS

    Goldhanger

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 8.3 miles. This long, circular walk combines farmland and seawall around the charming and historic village of Goldhanger, with its cottages, pubs and 11th century church.

  13. Address

    London Heys Farm, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6LQ

    Telephone

    01621 740282

    Latchingdon

    A small community theatre and auditorium, home of the Latchingdon Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS) as well as other local events. Set in a real farmyard barn with tractors.

  14. Address

    West Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AS

    Telephone

    01621 782624

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Our club offers a friendly atmosphere, a varied social programme and good facilities. We provide excellent training for our strong junior section. There is competitive Wednesday evening racing for cruisers, day boats and dinghies.

  15. Address

    Butt Lane Car Park, Butt Lane, Maldon, CM9 5HD

    Maldon

    Thursdays. The historic town centre of Maldon has had a street market since medieval times, and the tradition is about to be rejuvenated with the launch of a new outdoor market in October 2023. Opportunities are available for new stall holders!

  16. Address

    Saint Lawrence Hill, Steeple, Essex, CM0 7LN

    Telephone

    01621 776203

    Steeple

    This active rural parish church, situated on a hilltop overlooking the Blackwater Estuary provides exhibitions and community activities. Light refreshments available.

  17. Address

    Pantile Hill, Southminster, CM0 7BA

    Telephone

    01621 772238

    Southminster

    Friendly local convenience store and off-licence, selling a wide range of essentials.

  18. Address

    6 Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PZ

    Telephone

    01621 853125

    Maldon

    Hair Media is a women's hairdressing salon offering a full range of hair treatments.

  19. Address

    165 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HJ

    Telephone

    01621 785103

    Burnham

    Manythings is a family run business started in June 2005. We strive to find interesting and unusual gifts at competitive prices. We have a wide selection of items, including occasional furniture and homeware.

  20. Address

    H Wenlock Way, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5AD

    Telephone

    01621 928075

    Maldon

    We are a small family run business based in Maldon, Essex. We first opened our doors in 2016 in a cabin in a little shopping village. We quickly grew and shortly later we moved to Maldon where we still are!

    Our aim is to provide beautiful clothing,…

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