Ipswich Haven - is it noisy and is it difficult to get out?

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stibbles

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Hi ,

Looking for a new permanent berth. These guys seems v friendly on the phone and helpful in their attitude towards accommodating a smallish cat. V tempting.

The city - ahem - town centre location quite appeals for the proximity to the train station, but I have read a few older posts that make brief reference to the noise. We expect a bit of course in a location like that, but is it likely to be loud enough to stop my kids from sleeping (the crucial test)? I'm happy with those bright, squashy ear plug things, but can't see the kids wearing them and they might even stick them in each other somewhere inappropriate.

Also, in practice does much of a queue build up for the lock?

Many thanks,

Stibbles
 
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Only been to the Haven and Neptune as a visitor. Getting in and out is no issue, the lock is easy and generally I class Ipswich as a "roomy" marina... 2012 visit coincided with the Maritime Festival and we could only get into Neptune. I was naturally concerned about the noise as we were effectively right up against Isaac's. I was pleasantly surprised that the main noise after the music was switched off (which was quite early -2230 IIRC) was just the hum of people talking which wasn't at all intrusive.
 
I spent 13 years at the Haven...since it opened in fact. I think the Neptune side was open longer?
Never had a problem sleeping on the boat despite the usual town centre noise, ambulances, revelry etc.
the lock is very big and rarely had to queue, however, because it is big, turnaround times are not the quickest. Nice easy pontoon inside except when the timber ship is due that day.
I heard about a new rule from the lock keeper last year stating that sailing barges had to lock through on their own so that might slow things down a bit?

Overall, I enjoyed my stay there, good facilities, and helpful staff. Does seem a bit full of boats that go nowhere so can be a bit soulless.
Avoid the area road approaches when when Ipswich are playing at home due to traffic.

I went to Fox's for a change of scenery and admittedly will save 30 minutes getting to sea. But it seems a lot more sociable there than the big wet dock marina.
 
As a visitor I use the Haven marina and not the Neptune because of the potential noise on the north side. Always found the Haven OK. Lock seems very efficient.
 
we used Haven last year for a few nights and thought it was very acceptable , didnt notice a noise issue but with 3 teenagers on board it was probably worse in the boat :rolleyes:

facilities were good so we will be going back .

stopped at foxes also but felt the ablutions let it down some what .
 
nigelm said:
we used Haven last year for a few nights and thought it was very acceptable , didnt notice a noise issue but with 3 teenagers on board it was probably worse in the boat :rolleyes:

facilities were good so we will be going back .

stopped at foxes also but felt the ablutions let it down some what .
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Fox`s are having a new toilet block 7 yrs ago, if that makes sense.
did you like the laundry & disabled toilets :rolleyes:
 
Thanks to all. Not the first time that I've been grateful for the assistance of this forum.

All sounds pretty positive with the marina. Got to this point by looking at Woolverstone first, but felt they were 'double charging' as couldn't store over winter on the hard there because of beam - would have to go to Haven for winter anyway - but this wouldn't have been reflected in anything at all off the annual fee.

Just found the cheapest off-peak return from Melton Mowbray-Ipswich for 2 adults + 2 kids this week would be £278!!!! Shocking IMHO. Maybe trundling down the A14 after all, but sounds like a good option at the end of it. Excellent.
 
Have berthed in Haven for three years. Far enough away from Quay and from Isaacs for the noise not to be a real problem. Sirens are a feature of life there though. On balance we feel proximity to town and facilities worth occasional minor nuisance. Similarly lock is usually straightforward and reasonably quick but there are odd times when you have to wait- worst for us was a single one hour delay in three fairly active years. Staff at Haven v helpful in my experience and facilities excellent.
Suspect you will get cheaper deal at competitor opposite but noise much more of an issue there.
 
Very frequent visitors to Haven and love the place, facilities, staff, access to diversions and restaurants is good as is road access if you need it. We normally park quite close to the Last Anchor and rarely find it intrusive but then we live in zone two London so maybe a bit more used to and tolerant of city background hum than some.
 
Phoenix of Hamble said:
I've driven down the A14 from the east midlands to the boat for the last 8 years and can count the times we've had a serious traffic problem on one hand.
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+ 1 most weekends and a 3.25 hour drive. I do find considering how busy the A14 is how few times we have a problem due to traffic incidents. Long may it continue!
 
We are over wintering on the Haven this year. Having moved from Fox's where the refit took place we launched on the 1st Dec. can say we have found the Haven to be a great location. Family have enjoyed walking into town, we had a great New Year's Eve on board and although there was some commotion until the early hours it was expected. Not as bad a St Katharines Dock where the pedestrian traffic around the marina rarely ceases. Being on the opposite side to the bars etc allows some separation. The Pizza Hut restaurant are very efficient taking on line or phone orders, some other delivery takeaways will deliver to the marina so if you arrive by train and don't fancy a walk the options are good.
The Ipswich lock guys have got to know us a bit given the relatively high number of times we have locked in and out over this short period and are very friendly and helpful. We have not had to wait for a lock in yet.
We travel from Lincolnshire to the boat and the A14 is pretty reliable.the train from Peterborough booked in good time was around. £10 er each way which for a single traveller is cheaper than car but with 5 of us on board it is far better to use the car.
So far really pleased to be in the Haven.
 
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As an occasional visitor the only problem I have had with the lock was when the pontoon had been removed which required some rapid adjustment of fenders. When I last visited the lock was ready as we approached both inwards and when leaving. Ipswich may be unique in providing "piped" music at the lock and the advice from the lock keeper "hang on tight, here we go!"

Regarding the A14, I used to find the stretch between Huntingdon and the Girton interchange particularly prone to problems and became well versed in the various alternative routes. :rolleyes:
 
Overall, a thumbs up, I would say. Many thanks for your opinions. I think we will look to move once the season starts. Hope to see some of you there!
 
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