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Step aboard a vintage sailing barge for a memorable river cruise. 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. Choose from a wide range of catered river cruises onboard our fleet of historic Thames Barges for individuals and groups plus 2 hour cruises, day sails, weekends away and static parties.

Secrets of the Blackwater Day Sail - A relaxing day sail from Maldon exploring the river Blackwater.

Two Island River Cruise - Join at Maldon Quay for a two hour cruise, past Northea 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

“Hands-on” Day Sail - Join our crew for a participation day to help set sails, take the wheel, find out how a barge is sailed by just two people.

See more examples on our website. We also offer weekend breaks for groups of up to 12 people.

Tickets limited. Book online via website or by phone. Escape your world and relax in ours!

Sorry disabled access restricted - please contact us for further guidance.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Private Hire - depends on location, duration etc - please ring office.
Public trips - full programme with prices on our website.

Visit the website for more information

Events

Saturday, 28th December 2024 - Saturday, 28th December 2024

Sunday, 29th December 2024 - Sunday, 29th December 2024

Monday, 30th December 2024 - Monday, 30th December 2024

Saturday, 18th January 2025 - Saturday, 18th January 2025

Two Island Winter Warmer CruiseWinter Warmer Cruise A two island cruise onboard a historic sailing barge from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. Adult £32.00 Child £22.00 Add Spiced Ginger Cake with a choice of Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate for £6.50 per person.: more info

Tuesday, 31st December 2024 - Tuesday, 31st December 2024

Wednesday, 1st January 2025 - Wednesday, 1st January 2025

Saturday, 1st March 2025 - Saturday, 1st March 2025

Two Island Slow Roast Barge CruiseAdd a warm baguette with slow roast pork and apple chutney for £9.50 per person.: more info

Sunday, 30th March 2025 - Sunday, 30th March 2025

Friday, 18th April 2025 - Friday, 18th April 2025

Saturday, 19th April 2025 - Saturday, 19th April 2025

Sunday, 20th April 2025 - Sunday, 20th April 2025

Saturday, 3rd May 2025 - Saturday, 3rd May 2025

Sunday, 29th June 2025 - Sunday, 29th June 2025

Two Island Cream Tea CruiseA two island cruise onboard a historic sailing barge from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back: more info

Wednesday, 9th April 2025 - Wednesday, 9th April 2025

Friday, 25th April 2025 - Friday, 25th April 2025

Friday, 9th May 2025 - Friday, 9th May 2025

Saturday, 10th May 2025 - Saturday, 10th May 2025

Monday, 9th June 2025 - Monday, 9th June 2025

Monday, 23rd June 2025 - Monday, 23rd June 2025

Tuesday, 8th July 2025 - Tuesday, 8th July 2025

Tuesday, 22nd July 2025 - Tuesday, 22nd July 2025

Wednesday, 6th August 2025 - Wednesday, 6th August 2025

Wednesday, 20th August 2025 - Wednesday, 20th August 2025

Friday, 5th September 2025 - Friday, 5th September 2025

Friday, 19th September 2025 - Friday, 19th September 2025

Two Island Morning Coffee Barge CruiseAdd a chocolate brownie and a choice of tea, coffee or soft drink for £6.50 per person.: more info

Friday, 11th April 2025 - Friday, 11th April 2025

Monday, 28th April 2025 - Monday, 28th April 2025

Monday, 12th May 2025 - Monday, 12th May 2025

Tuesday, 27th May 2025 - Tuesday, 27th May 2025

Wednesday, 11th June 2025 - Wednesday, 11th June 2025

Thursday, 26th June 2025 - Thursday, 26th June 2025

Friday, 11th July 2025 - Friday, 11th July 2025

Friday, 25th July 2025 - Friday, 25th July 2025

Friday, 8th August 2025 - Friday, 8th August 2025

Friday, 22nd August 2025 - Friday, 22nd August 2025

Monday, 8th September 2025 - Monday, 8th September 2025

Monday, 22nd September 2025 - Monday, 22nd September 2025

Two Island Lunch Barge CruiseLunch Cruise - Two Island Cruise onboard a historic sailing barge from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back.: more info

Wednesday, 16th April 2025 - Wednesday, 16th April 2025

Wednesday, 30th April 2025 - Wednesday, 30th April 2025

Thursday, 15th May 2025 - Thursday, 15th May 2025

Friday, 30th May 2025 - Friday, 30th May 2025

Friday, 13th June 2025 - Friday, 13th June 2025

Friday, 27th June 2025 - Sunday, 27th July 2025

Monday, 14th July 2025 - Monday, 14th July 2025

Monday, 28th July 2025 - Monday, 28th July 2025

Tuesday, 12th August 2025 - Tuesday, 12th August 2025

Tuesday, 26th August 2025 - Tuesday, 26th August 2025

Thursday, 11th September 2025 - Thursday, 11th September 2025

Thursday, 25th September 2025 - Thursday, 25th September 2025

Two Island Afternoon Tea CruiseA two island cruise onboard a historic sailing barge from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back: more info

Wednesday, 21st May 2025 - Wednesday, 21st May 2025

Wednesday, 4th June 2025 - Wednesday, 4th June 2025

Thursday, 5th June 2025 - Thursday, 5th June 2025

Thursday, 19th June 2025 - Thursday, 19th June 2025

Friday, 20th June 2025 - Friday, 20th June 2025

Friday, 4th July 2025 - Friday, 4th July 2025

Friday, 18th July 2025 - Friday, 18th July 2025

Monday, 15th September 2025 - Monday, 15th September 2025

Two Island Sunset CruiseA two island cruise onboard a historic sailing barge from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back.: more info

Facilities

Accessibility

Disabled access

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

Sole use of venue

TripAdvisor

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Map & Directions

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Road Directions

Maldon Quay - from A12 South take A414 for Danbury and Maldon and follow into Maldon. Follow signs for town Centre and come down High Street. At bottom of high street, take left fork down Church Street to Quay. Parking at bottom of High Street in Edward Bright Close (Marked "P-Hythe Quay". From A12 North take exit for Witham and follow signs to Maldon.

Public Transport Directions

The nearest railway station is Witham, which is 7 miles away.

Topsail Charters

Type:Boat Trips

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

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

225 reviews

Website

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Tel+44 (0)1621 857567

Awards

Visit England VistEngland VAQAS Gold 2018

Opening Times

* Available any day, any time.

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