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 301 to 320.

  1. Address

    The Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AR

    Telephone

    01621 784785

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Burnham's picturesque quayside is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

  2. Address

    Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

    Telephone

    07903827736

    Heybridge

    One-to-one and family group yoga sessions available. Please book in advance by texting 07903827736.

  3. Address

    Paper Mill Office, CM9 4RY

    Telephone

    01245 226245

    This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.

  4. Address

    14 Edwards Walk shopping Arcade, Maldon Road, CM95PS

    Telephone

    07964982299

    Maldon Road

    the Crystal Shack offers a large range of Crystals, rare, raw, polished & tumbled. Gifts and collectables from around the globe. Fair trade percussion & sound healing instruments. Himalayan salt & crystal lamps, incense, magical herbs, resins, eco…

  5. Address

    162 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HJ

    Telephone

    07534 090421

    Burnham

    Professional men's hairdressing, barber for men and boys by Sarah Mitchell. Hair and beard products available to purchase.

  6. Address

    Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ

    Telephone

    01621 859365

    Maldon

    The original modest chapel on this site was replaced by this handsome building in 1801. This was as a result of the popularity of the resident preacher Reverend Joseph Billio. His enthusiasm and inspirational energy had caused the congregation to…

  7. 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…

  8. Address

    48 The Street, Heybridge, CM9 4NB

    Heybridge

    Popular off-licence and convenience store with a wide range of products, including vegan and vegetarian, fair trade, whole foods, fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled and frozen foods and household essentials. The alcohol selection includes an…

  9. Address

    Homefield House, Witham Road, Little Braxted, Essex, CM8 3ET

    Telephone

    07740117688

    Little Braxted

    A recent addition to the charming Braxted Bakery is this quaint minitature railway which runs on site next the bakery!

    Started off as hobby by the bakery owners, the railway is now open to passengers and will be open alongside the bakery to…

  10. Address

    70a High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 855520

    Maldon

    W H Smith Ltd provides for all your stationery, art and school resources needs, along with newspapers and magazines, snacks, cards and a newly refurbished book department.

  11. Address

    The Street, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4NB

    Telephone

    01621 857004

    Heybridge

    A Grade I Listed building, this 12th century church was restored during the 15th century to its present condition. Seating for 200 including choir, with wheel chair access and hearing aid loop system.

  12. Address

    Burnham Road , Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6EU

    Telephone

    01621 773183

    Latchingdon

    This is a large well equipped rec ground with good access from the surrounding area. Car park, village hall/pavilion, children's play equipment, full size & mini football pitch, youth shelter, small woodland area & dog walking area.

  13. Address

    33 Main Road, St Lawrence, Maldon, CM0 7LY

    Telephone

    01621 779278

    St Lawrence

    The Dairy Store in St Lawrence is a convenience store offering groceries, including fresh bread and milk, fresh fruti and vegetables, frozen foods and newspapers. Hot drinks are available to take away.

  14. Address

    Online Store, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ED

    Telephone

    07873794107

    Maldon

    Independent online business creating bespoke handmade jewellery and spectacles, as well as spectacle repairs and refurbishment.

  15. Address

    Church Lane, Stow Maries, Essex, CM3 6SL

    Stow Maries

    The parish church of St Mary and St Margaret is Grade II* Listed. The church chancel was built in the 14th century and the nave in the 15th century. The churchyard has five Commonwealth War Graves.

  16. Address

    Church Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HP

    Telephone

    01621 857191

    Maldon

    St. Mary's Church is known locally as the Fisherman's Church as its tower guides sailors and their craft into the Hythe Quay. The existing building dates from 1130, but archaeological evidence suggests that it used to be the site of a Saxon church.

  17. Address

    The Esplanade, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AL

    Telephone

    01621 743551

    Mayland

    An area of grassland adjacent to the sea wall in Mayland. Across the middle of the site is the remnants of an old borrow dyke which is now dry most of the year.

  18. Address

    Junction of Beacon Hill and Kelvedon Road, Wickham Bishops, CM8 3HW

    Wickham Bishops

    Great Braxted, Little Braxted and Wickham Bishops war memorial is a Grade II listed stone memorial with a tall, hexagonal pillar topped with an orb and cross, standing on a three-step hexagonal plinth. The memorial was given to the area by Mr and…

  19. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    Maldon Mosaic, which can be found close the sandy play area at the western end of the lake, was designed by Susan Mason and created with her friends at the Limebrook University of the Third Age to celebrate Maldon and the significant events of 2012,…

  20. Address

    8-12 Edwards Wakj, High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PS

    Telephone

    01621 855 921

    Maldon

    Bespoke shoe repair service. All types of keys cut and guaranteed to fit. Watch batteries and straps fitted. We sell lots of different items, walking sticks, leather purses, leather wallets, luggage and bags, cuff links, padlocks, shoe laces and…

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