Explore the islands of the Blackwater estuary on these vintage sailing barge excursions departing from Maldon in Essex! Setting sail from Hythe Quayside, we offer both morning and sunset trips for an unforgettable experience. The vintage sailing barge ‘Reminder,’ built in 1929 as a cargo vessel, has been fully converted to include cabins, a lounge, a dining area, and a kitchen. Moored in Maldon, she provides the perfect starting point for relaxing sailing trips around the estuary. Many passengers particularly enjoy visiting the estuary islands. Osea is a private island frequently visited by celebrities seeking peace and tranquillity. Northey Island, managed by the National Trust, is a bird sanctuary home to diverse wildlife, where birdsong blends with the sound of the waves. While the causeways offer limited access at certain times, sailing around these remote islands offers the best views. The islands’ history, including shipwrecks and ancient battles, adds to their intrigue—but today, they offer peaceful scenes. Onboard your vintage barge, you can relax on deck, enjoy the scenery and sea air, or explore the gallery below, which tells the story of this historic restored vessel. For a unique Maldon experience, these vintage barge trips around the Blackwater Estuary are a fantastic way to explore this hidden Essex coastline gem!
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Overview
- Enjoy the beauty of the Blackwater Estuary on this Blackwater Estuary Vintage Barge Cruise
- Morning or Sunset sails are available
- See the likes of the Heybridge Basin, Blackwater Canal, the Bird Sanctuary owned by the National Trust and more
- Tour lasts around 2 hours
- This voucher is for One
What's Included
- Discover the beauty of the Blackwater Estuary aboard a timeless vintage barge
- Choose between a morning or sunset barge sail
- Sail past Osea and Northey Islands, spot wildlife at the bird sanctuary owned by the National Trust, see Heybridge Basin and Blackwater Canal, and admire the colourful huts of Mill Beach
- Discover the gallery below deck, showcasing intriguing historical documents, photographs, illustrations, and other artefacts related to the sailing barge
- The tour lasts approximately 2 hours
Morning Barge Sail: Freshly baked chocolate brownies, tea, and coffee can be added for an additional fee payable directly when booking
OR
Sunset Barge Sail: Locally produced fish dishes, a ploughman's dinner or seafood platter can be added for an additional fee payable directly when booking
Suitable For
- Minimum age 18
- This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users
Availability
- Available on selected dates throughout the year
- Dates and times are subject to availability
- Check in time is 30 minutes before sail time
Morning Barge Sail:
Scheduled 2026 Dates:
- 26th June
- 13th and 27th July
Sunset Barge Sail:
Scheduled 2026 Dates:
- 9th and 23rd July
- 7th August
- 5th September
Restrictions
Minimum Age: 18 years
Anything Else
- Suitable clothing must be worn
- It is recommended that visitors wear comfortable shoes
- Drinks can be purchased onboard
- Not suitable for spectators
How the Voucher Works
- Purchase the voucher online
- Receive your e-voucher or gift pack
- Redeem online to select location and date
- Enjoy your experience
