thames and UK Coast highligths

DutchDan

DutchDan

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Hi,

This summer we are going to the UK for the first time (by boat). We want to go to London and maybe visit some more nice places on the Thames.

Someone has some good advice please?

We also want to visit the coast, please tell me what are the 'must see' and nice places for the holliday. (The kids also like some good beaches).

Kind regards,

Dan
 
well if it was me, I would want to see the Isle of Wight/Solent, maybe Lymington, Yarmouth, and Cowes (actually I'd want to go further West too, but I think that time might obviate that), I'd want to see the Needles and I'd want to go up the Thames at least as far as Cliveden reach, with at least one night in both Windsor on the non tidal, and St Katherine's dock on the tidal.
 
I agree. And we would give a friendly reception here. So if you chose to come up the Thames, there are people who would be pleased to see you.
 
If you have a fairly strict timetable then would stick to a Thames trip.This would apart from the trip across effectively mean that no matter what the weather the sheltered upper Thames would allow you to keep moving no matter what and the small fuel burn due to 8kms max would help with costs.
Would definately recommend a stop inSt Katherines Yacht Haven.It is the best located of all the tidal Thames Marinas due to its central location and loads of stuff to do within the area.Tower of London,Tower Bridge,plus transport links nearbye.
Expect to pay around £25.00 a night for 10m boat.Thrilling experience when you leave a few days later when you go right through centre of London.Teddington Lock the first lock is 2/3 hours further on,try to go up a couple of miles when through lock and moor at Hampton Court Place.The local boys can give you advice after this.
 
After Hampton Court Palace you could make your way to Penton Hook Marina. http://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/mdl-penton-hook-marina/

Lots of facilities there for the boat, power, water, showers etc. And for the kids the Thorpe Park Theme Park is just opposite. www.thorpepark.com

After that you can head further upstream to Windsor. Lots to see around Windsor including Legoland if the kids are of that age group. www.legoland.co.uk

DSC00089.jpg


Windsor castle from the Thames.
 
As a Thames user I would suggest you spend as much time on it as you can, it does have a variety of interesting places.

However do watch the weather, water tables are very high and if we get some heavy rain, it does not take long for the weirs to be opened and "Strong Streams" appear.

Now this is probably no worse than a lot of Tidal pulls, but if the Environment Agency decrees that it is "Red Board" you are not recommended to Navigate. They will not stop you, but you may not be insured as you are advised to moor until they decree otherwise.

Now with only three weeks......
 
Much depends on how soon you reach the UK.
Having done several 2 week holidays from Thames to Holland I think I would allow 1 week for travelling and 2 in the UK.
If you have not previously visited London, St Katherine Yacht Haven is a must. It is not the most efficient for entering but remains the best posing place for boats in London. You should book in advance if in July and August.
For young children some suggestions have been made which are good.
The beautiful part of the Thames, in my opinion, starts at Windsor but gets better the further up you go, but like the Dutch inland rivers and canals, progress is slow due to speed limits of 8 kph and frequent locks.
I think you may find it a rush to do both the Thames and the English South Coast. Nothing of significant interest between Ramsgate and Chichester.
The River Deben in Suffolk is very pretty. Tidemill Marina at Woodbridge is very well placed for the town. This might be a nice place to stop before your return to Holland.
Have a super holiday.
 
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