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. 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: 459

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    Landbreach Ltd, Downs Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HT

    Telephone

    07766480793

    Maldon

    From May 2023. This traditional pleasure boat was built locally in 1947 and, following a complete restoration, is once again offering trips around the estuary. Moored at the ‘little blue jetty’, the Viking Saga is the best way to view both the Hythe…

  2. Address

    Upper Plume school artificial pitch, Fambridge Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6AB

    Telephone

    01621854477

    Maldon

    Run by Simon and Ben from our community health and wellbeing team, Just Play Football is open to people aged 18-65 and is free to attend.

    Each session aims to get people who want to play football, but don't have the time or opportunity to play…

  3. Address

    Stow Maries, Essex, CM3 6SJ

    Telephone

    01621 862960

    Stow Maries

    This 5.5 acre reserve consists of the former Stow Maries Halt on the disused Maldon to South Woodham Ferrers railway line, along with an adjoining four-acre meadow acquired later.

  4. Address

    St George’s Close, Heybridge Basin, Essex, CM9 4RZ

    Heybridge Basin

    Lying alongside the sea wall and to the north of the Heybridge Basin's built-up area is the only open space contained within the village and available for public use. There's a popular, well-equipped play area for younger children.

  5. Address

    On the Latch, Burnham Road, Latchingdon, CM3 6BL

    Telephone

    07930 243225

    Latchingdon

    Dengie Petting Zoo is run by J&C Party Pets, owners of Maldon Promenade Zoo. This smaller venue, in the grounds of On The Latch restaurant, has around 20 species of animals, most of which are rescued. The playful meerkats are a particular favourite…

  6. Address

    Fambridge Yacht Haven, Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

    Telephone

    07760 268168

    North Fambridge

    Dawnbreaker IV has been built to a high specification to provide you with a fishing experience second to none. Fully insured and licenced for 10 persons and Code of Practice for up to 60 miles. Capable of up to 28 knots and with a comfortable…

  7. Address

    167 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

    Telephone

    01621 842963

    Maldon

    First Stop Supermarket is a well-stocked convenience store with an array of genuinely fresh vegetables, fruit and generous bunches of herbs, as well as all the everyday grocery and household essentials. The store also has an off-licence and is open…

  8. Address

    Edwards Walk Shopping Arcade, 22 White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5QP

    Telephone

    01621 488048

    Maldon

    Maldon Escape Rooms is suitable for families, groups, corporate team building, stag nights, hen nights and anyone wanting a good hour of fun solving puzzles against the clock. Can you escape our themed rooms in one hour or less?

  9. Address

    East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7PN

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    The Cockle Spit is a massive and ever-moving bank made from cockle and oyster shells. It's managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust and is visited by a huge number of wading birds. From here you can see concrete barges from the Second World War, used in…

  10. Address

    Braxted Lane, Great Totham, Maldon, CM9 8DD

    Telephone

    01621 891474

    Great Totham

    A pleasant, undulating site, approximately half woodland and half grassland with some large oak trees. Childrens play site, basketball net and kickabout area.

  11. Address

    2-6 Devonshire Road, Burnham, CM0 8BH

    Telephone

    01621 784378

    Burnham

    Hardware and homeware shop selling a wide range of decorating supplies, including Dulux paint, along with all kinds of items for the home and garden.

  12. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!

  13. 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.

  14. Address

    Bradwell Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QY

    Telephone

    0345 200420

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Essex Outdoors provides high quality outdoor learning opportunities to the young people of Essex, and the wider community.

  15. Address

    2 Chigborough Road, Essex, CM9 4RE

    Telephone

    07702244440

    An annual pass, £20 per person in 2022, gives permission to use the walking path around Chigborough Farm site, with proceeds going to Farleigh Hospice. Parking is not available, so pass holders must be able to walk to the site. Commercial dog…

  16. Address

    Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Overlooking the River Crouch, Burnham’s Riverside Park offers activity and relaxation in equal measure. It is an ideal place for a stroll, a run, a picnic or to take part in some sport.

  17. Address

    Mountains Road, Great Totham, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8BY

    Telephone

    01621 891215

    Maldon

    Mixed working farm that grows soft fruits and cereals and keeps livestock, including Christmas turkeys, with traditional "pick your own" available from around mid-June to mid-July, depending on the weather. Strawberries and raspberries are available…

  18. Address

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

    Maldon

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 7.25 miles. This most enjoyable waterside walk provides the perfect introduction to Maldon’s countryside and riverside, including the scenic Beeleigh Falls and the seawall beside the Blackwater Estuary.

  19. Address

    Muslim Hall, Church St, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HP

    Telephone

    +447904659177

    Maldon

    Maldon Masjid – the Maldon District Islamic Cultural Association is set in a building that was once the Labour Hall. The mosque opened in 2005 and has been restored and transformed into a tranquil place for Muslim prayers. There is a separate…

  20. Address

    Bell Meadow, The Street, Woodham Walter, CM9 6RF

    Woodham Walter

    2.7 miles. This undulating walk explores the pretty village of Woodham Walter and its nearby woodland, known as The Wilderness, plus a visit to the scenic Hoe Mill Lock with its canal boats and wildlife.

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