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: 460

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. 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.

  2. 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…

  3. Address

    West Field car park, North Street, Tillingham, CM0 7TP

    Tillingham

    2.73 miles. This gentle walk lets you explore Tillingham, with its pretty village green lined with weatherboarded cottages, and the wide-open expanses of the surrounding Dengie farmland. There's a historic church to investigate, and two historic…

  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

    Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Maldon

    For 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…

  6. Address

    Fambridge Road, Althorne, Nr Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6BZ

    Telephone

    01621 450450

    Althorne, Nr Chelmsford

    Come for our Fine Award winning wines and stay for the view! Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch, located in the beautiful village of Althorne. Visit us for Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea; Taste and Tour, Pair and Share.
    The Wine Barn has…

  7. Address

    Maldon Road, Langford, CM9 4SS

    Langford

    St Giles' is a unique Grade II* Listed parish church dating from the late 11th century, with an unusual apse at the western end.

  8. Address

    Ulting Wick, Ulting, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QX

    Telephone

    01245 380216

    Maldon

    Inspirational private garden open for charity.

  9. Address

    Keelings Road, Dengie, Essex, CM0 7UH

    Telephone

    01621 779620

    Dengie

    St James, Dengie is a small parish church serving the rural villages of Asheldham and Dengie. The Grade II listed church building dates back to the 14th century, but the Nave walls may be even earlier from Saxon times, and remains of Roman bricks…

  10. Address

    Off Woodrolfe Road, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621868113

    Tollesbury

    Walkers along the sea wall at Tollesbury will be fascinated by the large red ship moored on the saltmarshes. This is the Trinity Lightvessel, which was built in 1954 for Trinity House - the organisation which looks after shipping navigation marks…

  11. Address

    East St, Tollesbury, Maldon, CM9 8QD

    Telephone

    01621 869230

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury Congregational Church has served the village since 1803.

  12. Address

    Friends Meeting House (Quaker Church), Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

    Telephone

    01621 854056

    Maldon

    Maldon’s Quaker Meeting House was built in 1821. It comprises two separate rooms; originally one for women and one for men, but now everyone worships together. The Georgian benches and tiered elders’ benches remain.

  13. Address

    9-10 Mildmay House, Foundry Lane, Burnham, CM0 8BL

    Telephone

    01621 786688

    Burnham

    Beauty salon offering a range of treatments including nail art, eyebrow and lash tints, anti-wrinkle injections and fillers, needle-free Collagen Lift for face and body, microdermabrasion and facials.

  14. Address

    70 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 928 107

    Maldon

    Charity shop selling good-quality women's, mens' and children's clothes, along with china, collectibles, jewellery, housewares, accessories, shoes, books and more.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. Address

    School Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3NU

    Telephone

    0345 6037628

    Wickham Bishops

    Mondays. Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together! Come along and join in with Baby and Toddler Rhymetime at Wickham Bishops Library

  19. Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 776256

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Get on the water with Essex Outdoors and experience a day out with a difference on board a high speed RIB powerboat on the River Blackwater Estuary. Whether you want to learn the ropes and try your hand at helming or simply sit back, relax and enjoy…

  20. Address

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

    Telephone

    01621 850222

    Maldon

    Monkey Puzzle is holding a monthly play session during term times for children with additional needs (SEND). The sessions are closed to the general public, allowing a safe and comfortable play session for children with disabilities and their…

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