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
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Number of results:

Number of results: 583

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. Address

    Gardeners Farm, Maldon Road, Goldhanger, CM9 8BQ

    Telephone

    07375 666792

    Goldhanger

    Would you like to go for a swim with your dog? Well at Canine Dip and Dive you can enjoy all the fun of an open-air swimming pool while helping your furry friend to have fun and learn to love the water.

  2. Address

    Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7RB

    Telephone

    01621 776235

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Bradwell Marina, on the Blackwater Estuary is ideally situated for exploring the river, or for crossing to Holland, Belgium and beyond. It is accessible at most states of the tide to all but the deepest draft boats.

  3. Address

    Madison Heights, Park drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    01621 879552

    Maldon

    Funky Shack is a games and toys collectables and gift shop featuring Funko pops, Warhammer, Anime, Pokemon, Plushies, Star Wars,Tech Deck, Harry Potter, Stranger Things, Squishmallows, Ty Beanies, Disney, Marvel and more.

  4. Address

    134 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BX

    Maldon

    Style your wardrobe with the latest women's fashion trends, plus nightwear, accessories and shoes at this boutique shop.

  5. Address

    130 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HQ

    Telephone

    07957708493

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Beautiful nail art for every occasion, along with a range of other aesthetic treatments and training in nail techniques.

  6. Address

    Daisy Meadow Kiosk, Basin Road, Heybridge Basin, Essex, CM9 4RY

    Telephone

    01245 226245

    Heybridge Basin

    Spend a day at Heybridge Basin - you can have a picnic, view the boats and hop on a one hour boat trip on our canal boat Blackwater Dawn.

  7. Address

    Tinnocks Lane, St Lawrence, Essex, CM0 7NF

    Telephone

    01621 779344

    St Lawrence

    Sailing Club on the south side of the Blackwater River offering full dinghy racing programme and cruiser sailing with full social activities plus canoeing.

  8. Address

    117 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

    Telephone

    01621 843980

    Maldon

    Amy Nails offers professional nail care for men and women, along with semi-permanent make-up and aesthetic and beauty treatments.

  9. Address

    Woodstock Farm, St Stephens Road, Cold Norton, CM3 6NP

    Telephone

    07534 228961

    Cold Norton

    Woodstock Farm is a working farm that also offers farm experience days, a petting farm and children's parties and events. At Woodstock Petting Farm, children can cuddle small animals, feed the larger animals and meet and groom the ponies.

  10. 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.

  11. Address

    Common Lane, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6NF

    Woodham Walter

    This site is part of a large network of nature reserves that make up the Danbury Ridge Complex. Woodham Walter Common is mainly secondary woodland with a few open areas where heather grows.

  12. Address

    Birchwood Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6PR

    Telephone

    01621 828231

    Purleigh

    Small and friendly yard catering for all riders whether novice or experienced, either riding for fun or working for exams. Fully licenced and five star.

  13. Address

    5 High Street, Burnham, Essex, CM0 8AG

    Telephone

    01621 785339

    Burnham

    Helen Rollason Cancer Charity is dedicated to supporting people whose lives are touched by cancer. Our Support Centres in Essex and London are vital in helping people living with cancer. The centres offer a range of complementary therapies to…

  14. 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…

  15. Address

    85 East Street,, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SA

    Telephone

    01621 869217

    Tollesbury

    Eblex Quality Standard Beef and Lamb Butcher

  16. Address

    Station Rd, Southminster, Essex, CM10 7EW

    Telephone

    01621 772300

    Southminster

    Parts of this historic parish church are nearly 1000 years old, dating back to about 1100 AD. In modern times it has become a vibrant community church hosting a number of activities such as concerts and art displays.

  17. Address

    Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6QH

    Purleigh

    This walk explores the countryside around the hilltop village of Purleigh and provides an opportunity to visit a working vineyard and an historic World War I aerodrome near Stow Maries

  18. Address

    Beeleigh Falls, Maldon Road, Beeleigh, Essex, CM9 6QA

    Beeleigh

    Beeleigh Falls is home to a series of water falls, locks and weirs on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

  19. Address

    16 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PJ

    Maldon

    Anvil & Ivy makes contemporary jewellery on the premises, with a focus on soft organic form and texture and the finiest materials and gemstones. The collection includes wedding and engagement rings and bridal jewellery, along with gifts and…

  20. Address

    103 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HQ

    Telephone

    0345 603 7628

    Burnham

    Tuesdays. Baby & Toddler Rhymetime is designed for the under fives. Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together! No need to book, just come along and join in.

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