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. 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
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Number of results:

Number of results: 583

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    Great Totham, Essex, CM9 8NN

    Great Totham

    This fascinating walk explores the myriad of lanes and footpaths encircling the villages of Great Totham and Wickham Bishops, and in springtime provides the perfect opportunity to see Maldon District’s most spectacular display of bluebells in Shut…

  2. Address

    103 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5EP

    Telephone

    01621 927080

    Maldon

    Salon Central Group are happy to be able to offer our hair and beauty services to Maldon! The main aim of our salon has always been to offer hassle-free hairdressing at better prices than our competitors. Eight years on, we have grown in 6 locations…

  3. Address

    St Stephens Road, Cold Norton, CM3 6NP

    Telephone

    07955 383364

    Cold Norton

    Scooty Wooty's is a small riding establishment that offers horse riding lessons, pony riding , stable management, own a pony sessions and children's parties.

  4. Address

    East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PW

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    This ancient Saxon chapel is the oldest church in England built by St Cedd in 654AD, it is one of the most restful and spiritual buildings in the country, a place to bring you peace and tranquillity. The old Saxon quote on the Chapel sign ‘In this…

  5. 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.

  6. Address

    Abbey Turning, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6LL

    Telephone

    0345 603 7624

    Maldon

    By appointment. Beeleigh mill was a large flour mill on the river Chelmer near Maldon, Essex. It had two water wheels driving 10 stones (later 12), to which was added a separate building which housed a steam-powered beam engine driving five…

  7. Address

    70-72 Imperial Avenue, Mayland, CM3 6AH

    Telephone

    01621 741395

    Mayland

    The Golden Platter Bakery offers a delicious range of freshly made rolls and sandwiches, sausage rolls, pasties, pies and snacks, along with cakes and drinks.

  8. Address

    132 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BX

    Telephone

    07496 375407

    Maldon

    Barber shop providing cuts and beard trimming for men and boys.

  9. 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.

  10. Address

    Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PQ

    Telephone

    01621 783963

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    All Saints' Church at Creeksea lies in an idyllic setting with beautiful views over the River Crouch. The current church building dates from the 1870s although there has been a church on this site since the 13th century.

  11. Address

    Southfield Way, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7RE

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Southminster

    Orchard Meadows consists of five adjoining meadows, each surrounded by hedges. The central meadow contains the remains of an old orchard with apple, pear, plum and walnut trees.

  12. Address

    Unit 3B, Bentalls Shopping Centre, Colchester Road, Maldon, CM9 4GD

    Telephone

    01621 850590

    Maldon

    The new Heybridge General Store and Post Office also offers stationery, books, news and magazines, essentials, snacks and an off-licence,

  13. Address

    2 High Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8RG

    Telephone

    01621 868684

    Tollesbury

    Convenience store selling groceries, confectionery, cards, wines and spirits, newspapers and more. Includes the Post Office, National Lottery and Cashpoint.

  14. Address

    1 Chandlers Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LF

    Telephone

    07801 364 135

    Maldon

    Marigold Charters offers sailing adventures on and around the river Blackwater. Their vessel Marigold is a Gravesend Bawley built upon the lines of the Lilliam in 1869.

  15. 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.

  16. Address

    8 Devonshire Road, Burnham, CM0 8BH

    Burnham

    Independent, family-run grocery, hardware and novelty goods store, offering a wide range of products at discount prices. From plants to cards, sweets to socks, you never know what you will find!

  17. Address

    Church Hill, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RF

    Telephone

    01245 373686

    Woodham Walter

    This is a steeply sloping site with a relatively flat area at the top of the site. The elevated position allows good views over the village of Woodham Walter and beyond to the Chelmer Valley. A new children's playground has recently been built and…

  18. Address

    Steeple, Essex, CM0 7JY

    Steeple

    This attractive walk branches off St Peter’s Way, the long distance footpath, at the village of Steeple. It heads north to the Blackwater Estuary and follows the seawall anti-clockwise until it returns to the village.

  19. Address

    17 Edwards Walk, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PS

    Telephone

    01621 851863

    Maldon

    Aesthetics

  20. Address

    Online gallery, Maldon, CM9 5BX

    Telephone

    07970 605361

    Maldon

    Angelique Hartigan is a Maldon-based artist who sells online at Maldon Studios. She specialises in local landmarks and landscapes, inspired by the pretty town and the surrounding countryside which she shares daily and in all weathers with her dogs…

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