Looking for a long-term liveaboard marina in London

[hoges in wa]

Hi.
We will be making our way to England in maybe September next year (currently on the East Coast of the USA). We will be crossing over in about May and cruising Ireland first, then looking for a 6 to 12 month berth in an interesting area close to transport. There is a lot we want to do in England. Once we are settled in a slip, we don't need to move for the duration i.e. we don't need to be near wide-open expanses. My first examination was of St Katharine's Docks but it looks a little pricey when you stick on extra charges.

Apart from investigating London itself, there are other places that are on immense interest to us so we don't need to be in London itself, just within commuting distance of it. (I want to go to Midsomer to see who's still alive ) And Whitby for some fish & chips. And Canterbury Cathedral....and... and and...... I hope a year will be long enough!.

Anyway, I'd appreciate suggestions re nice places to hole up - secure, pleasant, close to transport.

TIA
Hoges in WA

 

[jerrytug]

It would be the River Medway,fulfils all your criteria.Check out Rochester,Chatham,Gillingham and take your pick,Jerry.

 

[maby]

I did a lot of research on this earlier in the year and I think you'll find that the only marina on the Thames or Thames Estuary that officially permits liveaboard is South Dock Marina.

None of the Medway marinas officially permit liveaboard, though you may get away with if you keep your heads down.

 

[Conachair]

St Kats isn't that pricey long term actually, for london. Just noticed Sept arrival, least you won't be looking fo a berth during the olympics. The choices closest to central London are St Kats (easily the best), South Dock or Limehouse. SOuth Dock have a waiting list for long term berths but would likely put you on a visitors on a monthly rate, bit cheaper than St Kats but not too much in it. It's not the most fashionable area, but tube not too far a walk and rivier taxi very close. Limehouse don't seem too keen for long terms during the summer but you might get in over the winter, there's talk of new pontoons down there but not sure how far that's got. St Kats is perfect location, right next to tower bridge, very good transport links and close to everything.
Otherwise outside London, well, Brighton is nice place, a summer down there would be pleasant. Or the medway, though wouldn't be top of the pile for me.

 

[Sandyman]

If your into Maritime History then you wont want to miss Portsmouth Historical Dockyard & Museum. London is an hour away by train or Greyhound Coach for £1:00.
Marinas will allow Liveaboards just keep your head down as someone else suggested.

 

[mainshiptom]

St kats

I have stayed twice now in st kats and can not recommend it enough.the security guys are great,the other liveaborads are welcoming,the area is amazing ., I use to walk into whitechapeel and get reallyu good curiosa and off course you can walk into west end or get a cab.


I paid last time 500 a month Inc of elec for a 43 foot boat, I love it ,go for it, it's a memory you will never forget


Tom

 

[Forbsie]

What size and type of craft do you have?

 

[hoges in wa]

Catalina 42

 

[HinewaisMan]

We arrived in the UK last year, looked at the south coast marinas, London, Medway etc and in the end decided on Ipswich Haven Marina.

It’s way cheaper than the others, is well sheltered up the river, right on the edge of town (great pubs and good shops), 10 min walk to the station with trains straight into London or an easy zap down the A12.

Pretty good community as well.

 

[rickf]

London

We stayed in London 4 years ago at St Kats.
the other option is Limehouse.
Limehouse is a lettle less expensive, but not so convienient.
In our opinion, St Kats is worth every penny. it is very convienient
to all transportation, so getting around is very easy. If you were
to stay in someplace like Brighton, you would have that much more
to do for transport and that is expensive in England.
Technically, liveaboards are not allowed, but non-citizens are allowed
to stay on their boat for the winter. I already k now of one american
boat planning on staying there this coming winter.
Rickf
S.V. Calaloo

 

[rickf]

more,

wife just reminded me, that besides the expense of trains,
if you go for a day or two into London, the cost of a hotel will
more than make up the savings of staying outside. If you only
plan one winter there, St Kats is IMHO, the place.
For info e mail me at rick_finneran at yahoo dot com
We'll be back in the states this spring and also have some gear
for europe if interested.

Rickf