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
Previous Next

Number of results:

Number of results: 460

, currently showing 441 to 460.

  1. Address

    Brickhouse Road, Tolleshunt Major, CM9 8JZ

    Telephone

    01621 815327

    Tolleshunt Major

    Daymens Hill Farm is home to around 4,000 apple and pear trees. The farm is open from early September until mid-October for pick-you-own PYO apples and pears, then the seasonal farm shop stays open at weekends until the end of March selling apples…

  2. Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 851898

    Maldon

    Welcome to Maldon Splash Park, Essex's favourite children's water park!

    Located in the centre of Promenade Park in Maldon, the Splash Park offers a family and child friendly environment to cool off in. 

    Featuring a great selection of interactive…

  3. Address

    173 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HJ

    Telephone

    01621929978

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Grey Soft Furnishings is based in Burnham on Crouch, Essex, and we produce bespoke, made to measure curtains, cushions, blinds and all manner of custom soft furnishings. We now have a shop where you are able to view a large range of fabric books,…

  4. Address

    Post Office Road, Woodham Mortimer, Maldon, CM9 6SY

    Woodham Mortimer

    A small, attractive site surrounded by mature hedgerows. Car park, small hall, football pitch and swings.

  5. Address

    Church Lane, Little Totham, CM9 8LU

    Telephone

    07908 776750

    Little Totham

    This charming Grade I Listed church has a 12th century nave and 14th century chancel. There's a fine 17th century altar tomb monument and a 15th century font. In the churchyard are two Commonwealth War Graves.

  6. 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…

  7. Address

    Nipselss Chase, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6EH

    Telephone

    01621 743551

    Mayland

    Previously a dense blackthorn scrub that was completely inaccessible, this site has now been opened up in part with paths & a central glade. There are a number of picnic benches & an information board about the site & its abundant wildlife.

  8. Address

    1 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PB

    Telephone

    020 8090 5048

    Maldon

    We have now opened our own unique gift shop on Maldon High Street, specialising in Star Wars as well as expanding our range to include iconic science fiction and fantasy from film, TV and gaming franchises. 

  9. Address

    Burnham-on-Crouch station, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8BQ

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 5.5 miles. This superb linear riverside walk starts from Burnham-on-Crouch railway station, taking you westward to Althorne where you can take a train to return.

  10. Address

    Braxted Park, Braxted, Essex, CM8 3EN

    Telephone

    01376 572372

    Braxted

    A well established and challenging 9-hole course set in the beautiful parkland of The Braxted Park Estate.

  11. Address

    Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

    Maldon

    The Quaker Hall

  12. Address

    Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6EX

    Telephone

    01621 742051

    Latchingdon

    An all-year-round Indoor Bowls Facility, with cafe, bar and the Golding Room for Weddings, Christenings, Birthday Parties, Wakes and other celebrations.

  13. 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.

  14. Address

    Southfield Way, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7BB

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Southminster

    Seasons Wood consists mainly of hawthorn & blackthorn scrub. To the northern end of the site is a small area of grassland & a balancing pond.

  15. Address

    East End Road/High Street, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PY

    Telephone

    01621 779620

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Grade II Listed church dating from the 14th century, with the parish War Memorial inside and Commonwealth War Graves and a Roll of Honour memorial in its grounds. The church has a medieval timber porch, parish cage and peal of bells.

  16. Address

    Park Drive, Maldon, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5UR

    Telephone

    01621 851898

    Maldon

    At Blackwater Leisure Centre there is a huge range of activities on offer, including swimming, a gym, and fitness and pool classes, including a well-equipped spinning /indoor cycling studio with a variety of spin classes.

  17. Address

    Downs Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HG

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Maldon

    An area of grassland and trees which slopes gently down to saltmarsh at the edge of the River Blackwater. At the top of the site near the road is a tarmac path and a number of benches.

  18. Address

    Papermill Lock, North Road, Little Baddow, Maldon, Please select a region, state or province., CM3 4BS

    Telephone

    01245226245

    Little Baddow, Maldon

    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.

  19. Address

    Quay House, Bradwell-On-Sea, CM0 7QX

    Telephone

    01920 438403

    Bradwell-On-Sea

    Our aim is to promote and advance the enjoyment of sailing and in our case that of cruising as we do not have a junior or dinghy section.

  20. Address

    East St, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QD

    Telephone

    01621 869230

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury Congregational Church has served the village since 1803.

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The Hythe Quay MaldonHythe Quay, MaldonFor well over a thousand years, Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime community and the gateway to Maldon for vessels arriving from the sea. Linking the award-winning Promenade Park with the pubs, restaurants and shops of Maldon High Street, Hythe Quay is a 'must see' for any visitor to…