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. 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

    Northey Cottage, Northey Island, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6PP

    Maldon

    Northey is an island in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, connected to the mainland by a causeway that is covered by the tide twice every day. It is a Site of special scientific interest with a large area of undisturbed Saltmarsh. It is also the site…

  2. Address

    Spital Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6EA

    Telephone

    01621 857373

    Maldon

    Remains of an ancient Leper Hospital said to have been founded in 1164 by Henry II.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Address

    40 40a 42 High Street, MALDON, Essex, CM9 5PN

    Telephone

    01621 843617

    MALDON

    Marks and Spencer Simply Foods has a wide selection of food and drink, along with flowers and greetings cards. Food can also be ordered for collection from M&S

  6. Address

    Elysian Gardens, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QN

    Telephone

    01621 869039

    Tollesbury

    This is a large, open site with good views across the Blackwater Estuary towards St Lawrence. Car park, hall, cricket and football pitches, pavilion, unfenced play site, benches and monument.

  7. Address

    Cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Telephone

    01621 855058

    Maldon

    Brent has been a much loved local landmark for over 40 years. It is the last surviving steam tug of the Port of London Authority’s fleet. Full restoration is planned for this unique vessel.

  8. Address

    Basin Road, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RJ

    Telephone

    07950 636 660

    Heybridge Basin

    The little church building behind the bus shelter in Heybridge Basin began life during World War 1, as an Armstrong Hut, used as the Sergeants’ Mess hut on Goldhanger Airfield. This airfield was first used as a night landing ground by the Royal…

  9. Address

    St Stephens Road, Cold Norton, Essex, CM3 6NP

    Telephone

    01621 829566

    Cold Norton

    Small wooded area with a pond in St Stephens Road. Picnic table and access for walking. Nearby lay by has parking for 2 cars.

  10. Address

    End of Main Road, St Lawrence, CM0 7NA

    St Lawrence

    St Lawrence Bay, also known as Stone, is undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in the Maldon District, and the broad sweep of shingle and sand is worth the effort to get to. If you travel by car you will need to park at Jubilee Field car park as you…

  11. 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.

  12. Address

    All Saints Church, Church Hill, Purleigh, CM3 6QJ

    Purleigh

    The war memorial at Purleigh stands in the graveyard extension opposite the Grade I Listed All Saints Church and takes the form of a 10ft granite obelisk on a three-stepped base, built by Wray & Fuller of Chelmsford. It commemorates the lives of 25…

  13. Address

    Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    Situated in the centre of Promenade Park in Maldon, the Skate Park features a variety of ramps, jumps, rails and other obstacles for all ages and abilities.

    The Skate Park offers the perfect safe space for skaters whether you're a pro or just…

  14. 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.

  15. Address

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

    Telephone

    07701365122

    Maldon

    Every Tuesday. Walking netball is just what it says - netball, like you remember from school, but walking. No running, jumping or leaping allowed!

  16. Address

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

    Telephone

    01621854477

    Maldon

    A brand-new project on the back of the success that the Lionesses' achieved during 2022.

    The sessions are run by Simon and Ben from Maldon District Council's community health and wellbeing team and is open to women aged 18+ and costs just £1 per…

  17. Address

    Southminster Railway Station, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7EG

    Southminster

    A voyage of real ale discovery along the scenic Crouch Valley railway line from Wickford to Southminster in the heart of the Dengie Peninsula

  18. Address

    4 King Georges Place, High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BZ

    Telephone

    01621 840870

    Maldon

    Phoenix stocks an eclectic range of women's clothes & accessories for all ages, sizes 8-20. We offer affordable fashion collections from a vast range of designers, There are stylish dresses for that special occasion as well as funky tops and tunics…

  19. Address

    North Fambridge Station, Station Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6NP

    North Fambridge

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 10.2 miles. This is a long and challenging, linear walk along the scenic River Crouch, using the train service to return to the start. The views of the river and landscape are breathtaking and Butts Cliff is an…

  20. 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…

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