About

Ferry trips

Brightlingsea Harbour is just 10 miles from the City of Colchester  or Clacton on Sea.  From April to September the Harbour operates a daily foot ferry service taking you across the river Colne to Mersea Island and Point Clear just waiting to be explored.

 Brightlingsea, an historic Cinque Port rich in heritage.  As well as the cultural aspect, Brightlingsea is an exciting, fun place to explore no matter what your age is; whether it be an afternoon crabbing, a day at our very own Lido, a ramble along the beach taking in the stunning views or simply a nice lunch in one of our many delightful eateries. Our Harbour ferry provides not only a means of crossing the creek but opens up opportunities to explore the local area and attractions. Use of the ferry greatly reduces road miles – typically a round trip by road between Brightlingsea and St Osyth is 20 miles but takes just 3 minutes on the ferry. The round trip by road to East Mersea is 40 miles, but only takes approximately 9 minutes by ferry

For cyclists and walkers too, using our ferry could provide an alternative route to Harwich, Clacton, and the City of  Colchester.

Book your ferry tickets online www.brightlingseaharbour.org

 

Ferry trip Brightlingsea to East Mersea & Beyond
Leaving Brightlingsea Habour our ferry drops you off at the edge of Cudmore Grove County Park. East Mersea.  Explore the park on foot or why not take your bike on the ferry so you can explore the rest of the island itself and admire the coastline. Cudmore Grove Country Park has an excellent coastal themed play area which will keep the younger visitors entertained for hours, or maybe take a walk along the numerous zig zagging paths across the park. Alternatively, if you would like to go further afield why not enjoy the various pubs, café and eateries such as Mersea Barns, Dog & Pheasant or  locally brewed beer at Mersea Island Vineyard.

 

Ferry trip Brightlingsea to Point Clear (St Osyth

Hop on our ferry to Point Clear and enjoy a 2km half hour ramble along the St Osyth Sea wall or the St Osyth/Point Clear Coastal 6km walk. Either one should be finished with a drink at the Ferryboat Inn or café on Point Clear, before returning to Brightlingsea. We have some maps in the Harbour office if you would like some ideas for a nice scenic stroll.

Electric Boat Pub Lunch River Cruise to Rowhedge
A lovely day out for couples/families/groups etc.
Enjoy the stunning panoramic scenery along the river Colne to the riverside village of Rowhedge on Colne Innovation our electric boat. 
The trip from Brightlingsea to Rowhedge takes just over an hour  then spend 1/1/2  hours at Rowhedge  enjoying lunch at The Anchor which is right on the river bank. The Anchor is a classic English pub with amazing 180 degree waterfront views. 

Departing from Brightlingsea you will see one of our landmarks Batemans Tower built in 1833,  stunning countryside views and Alresford Creek in the distance which was a film location for the Essex Serpent. Finally passing through the Colne Barrier which was built in 1989. Improving the tidal defences of Wivenhoe and Rowhedge but also the riverside residential, commercial and industrial areas of the City Colchester. Once through the barrier you will see the colourful village of Wivenhoe before arriving at The Anchor at Rowhedge.

 

Brightlingsea Harbour & St Osyth Boatyard Afternoon Tea

Brightlingsea Harbour & St Osyth Boatyard have worked together to plan a trip we are confident you will enjoy! Be the first to enjoy this brand new trip.

Departing from Brightlingsea, you will head up the creek towards St Osyth. Passing Brightlingsea Harbour moorings whilst enjoying picturesque creek views. From Brightlingsea Harbour, you will slowly enter St Osyth where you will then moor in St Osyth Boatyard.

St Osyth Boatyard is a family business operating on a site that holds a history as a port for over 800 years. Capable of providing services for all sizes and types of vessels from day boats to 100ft barges.

Once moored at St Oysth Boatyard, you will hop aboard the Thames sailing barge Bread & Roses where you will have an hour and a half enjoying a delicious afternoon tea below deck.

The Thames sailing barge Bread & Roses is an 81ft long Thames Sailing Barge made from wood at Cann's yard in Harwich in 1981. Below deck is cosy, warm, spacious and with a stunning oak table.

Menu:

Afternoon Tea consists of 3 decadent finger sandwiches per person including home roasted ham and mustard, classic cream cheese and cucumber and our popular egg and cress. Fruit scones are made daily and can be enjoyed with Tiptree jam and lashings of clotted cream.

To finish slices of homemade cakes and bakes to fully temp your tastebuds!

Collaborating with the Olive Room in Brightlingsea; the food will be freshly prepared ready for the trip each day.

Ferry Charter
Chartering our ferry is another way to explore the River Colne or can be a treat to a loved one for a special occasion, so let us create the perfect trip for you, your family and friends. We can take your party to Wivenhoe, Rowhedge, Hythe Quay or just spend time enjoying the coastline and wildlife.


Harbour Tour
If you are short for time and you want to take a closer look at the yachts and power boats moored within our harbour why not take advantage and book a harbour tour.  If tides are right you can go around Cindery island which is a salt marsh and is home to many local birds and wildlife. Tales too of smugglers, crime and cannibalism amongst crews that would use our harbour waters.

Brightlingsea Harbour accepts credit cards (no fee). Other amenities are available in Brightlingsea and the harbour office can pass on details.