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About
Brightlingsea Harbour is just 10 miles from the City of Colchester or Clacton on Sea. From June to September when tides are right Brightlingsea Harbour runs a Pub Lunch River cruise to The Anchor at Rowhedge which is a classic English pub right on the banks of the river Colne with amazing 180 degree waterfront views.
The trip from Brightlingsea to Rowhedge takes approx 1 hour15 mins then spend an hour and a half at Rowhedge enjoying lunch with some time to explore before returning to Brightlingsea.
Departing from Brightlingsea on our electric boat, Colne Innovation you will see our much loved promenade and one of our historic landmarks ,Batemans Tower. The tower was built in 1833 by John Bateman for his daughter to recuperate from consumption. During WW11 the Royal Observer Corp used the tower as an observation post. To date it is now used by the Colne Yacht Club for races.
As Brightlingsea fades away you will pass stunning countryside views and Alresford Creek in the distance which was a film location for the Essex Serpent.
Finally you will pass through the Colne Barrier 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 which has been home to many famous people over the years, including 'Miss Marple' enroute to Rowhedge.
On arrival at Rowhedge, Colne Innovation will ideally be moored alongside the jetty. If this is not possible the only other option will be to moor along side the sea wall where there is a ladder taking you straight up to The Anchor.
Passengers are required to be able to step down onto the boat and once at Rowhedge be able to step up onto the jetty and up and down a ladder. Please see our website for images of the mooring options as well as Colne Innovation. Sensible clothing and footwear recommended.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
Adult £40.00 Child under 12 £36.00
Book Tickets Online
Facilities
Accessibility
- Assistance dogs welcome
Booking & Payment Details
- Advance booking essential
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Children
- Children welcome
Groups
- Mini Coach Parties Accepted - All our boat trips can take up to a maximum of 12 people. For larger groups duplicate runs can be made. Please call the office to discuss 01206 302200 or email mail@brightlingseaharbour.org
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Public toilets - Public Toilets are found nearby at Waterside Marina
- Smoking not allowed
Target Markets
- Accepts groups - All our boat trips can take up to a maximum of 12 passengers. Please call for larger groups.
- Eco-Friendly - Colne Innovation is fully powered by electric.
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From Thorrington Cross take the B1029 to the Harbour Occie. Brightlingsea is 11 miles from the City of Colchester and 12 miles from Clacton on Sea and 15 miles from the A12, exit 28.
Public Transport Directions
Take the train from the City of Colchester or Clacton to Wivenhoe or Alresford and then catch the Fisrt Group Bus Service 87 to Brightlingsea. By bus from the City Colchetser use the First Group Bus Service 87 via Wivenhoe. There is a frequent service and the main drop off point is Victoria Place, Brighgtlingsea High Street. The Harbour office is then a 10 minute walk. From Clacton on Sea use Hedingham & Chambers route 6,6A or 6B to Point Clear then walk to the ferry pick up point on Point Clear beach and catch our foot ferry across to Brightlingsea or East Mersea. Alternatively from Clacton on Sea take bus route 74 to Thorington Cross to pick up the First Group Bus 87.
