thames cruise info

[taormina]

Hi all,
Have got myself 10 days off in July and was considering a potter up the thames, were based in west mersea so not to far to get to the start, we thought st Kats for first night and then onwards, dosent seem to be to much useful info around though, simple stuff like,what paperwork would one need, can you stop overnight anywhere etc. different routes, been on PLA site but not really what i was looking for any body know a good guide?

All info greatly recieved..............

 

[oldgit]

All info greatly recieved..............
this is a good start

www.teddington-lock.co.uk

 

[MiskinDriver]

Thames Info

The new PLA leisure boating website is pretty good - and the map (downloadable or they'll send you a free copy) is pretty good on the facilities between the estuary and Teddington. Its at:

http://www.boatingonthethames.co.uk

Thereafter, Nicholson's Guide to the Thames is probably the best (which means its my favourite - others will doubtless argue). Amazon or one of your local chandlers.

There are alternatives to St Kat's - though few marinas with better facilities within easy walking distance. And they're certainly the only one with a Starbuck's. Plus all the Thames barges should make you feel at home!

I'll be down your way in September for the oyster dredging match - nice place Mersea.

 

[jecuk]

Do you want tidal thames or further up the non-tidal?

Lots of moorings etc in non-tidal but depends on what you are looking for and how many days you want to spend heading up.

 

[spinreach]

Hi all,
Have got myself 10 days off in July and was considering a potter up the thames, were based in west mersea so not to far to get to the start, we thought st Kats for first night and then onwards, dosent seem to be to much useful info around though, simple stuff like,what paperwork would one need, can you stop overnight anywhere etc. different routes, been on PLA site but not really what i was looking for any body know a good guide?

All info greatly recieved..............

This is a useful site for lock and bridge information on the non tidal Thames.

http://www.the-river-thames.co.uk/riverthames.htm

Previous info provided on the mobo forum excellent. Plenty of Diesel available on the river but petrol limited to Shepperton, Windsor, Bray and Henley. The advice about a couple of mooring pins and a mallet is priceless as bankside mooring a must at some point to fully appreciate the river. Recommend the islands above Boulters lock on the Cliveden Reach. Plenty of marina mooring options right up the river plus EA or local authority moorings plus moorings at pubs and restaurants. If mooring bankside is not allowed, usually a sign or it's obviously someones garden or the main limitation is depth of water or suitable banking. Option to anchor just off the bank and spend the night on the hook (or two) is also popular.

Plenty of threads on this forum on restaurants, moorings, anchoring etc.

Good luck and enjoy.

 

[spinreach]

This is a useful site for lock and bridge information on the non tidal Thames.

http://www.the-river-thames.co.uk/riverthames.htm

Actually, looking at the site, I'd forgotten how useful this is. Plenty of other info beyond bridges and locks!

 

[rubberduck]

Only thing I will say is make sure you have enough water under you getting round to the Thames estuary, many been caught out trying to take short cuts.

 

[DryDock]

Hi,
EA have a site worth looking at you can zoom right in lots icons showing facilities etc

http://www.waterscape.com/canals-and-rivers/river-thames/map

 

[Hermitage]

Visitor moorings in central London

Hello Taormina

Hermitage Community Moorings is very close to St Kats on the main river on the north bank, just upstream of Wapping River Police, the big white strange looking building and just down stream of the fuel barges. We have 2 visitor berths up to 30m , 1.4m deep (Spring low water)on the inside arm and 2m same on the outside. Charges are £2.50 per meter per 24hr period and all the proceeds go to the educational charity Hermitage River Projects. You can book by calling Hermitage on 020 7481 2122. We have all the usual facilities and you will be surrounded by historic barges and it's very easy walk to Tower Bridge.
You don't need any paperwork unless you are going up beyond the tidal lock at Teddington. Then you can buy a BW license.

good luck!

 

[Chris_d]

Hello Taormina

You don't need any paperwork unless you are going up beyond the tidal lock at Teddington. Then you can buy a BW license.

good luck!

Uh hum... You buy a license from the EA nothing to do with British Waterways unless your going up the Grand Union at Brentford.


Great to hear about the visitors moorings though, are these available to anyone or type of boat?

 

[Hermitage]

Oh apologies for misinformation! The visitor berths are available to anyone and the only thing to consider is that it is a very busy stretch of water so can be bouncy for a small vessel on the outside berth but calmer on the inner one. Shallow drafted is best but on a neap tide you could moor up to 2m depth on the inside. Most of the charter Thames sailing barges have stopped here at some point over the last year. More info can be found at www.hcmoorings.org Also we have a Londons only floating Pier House which is available for hire with spectacular views of Tower Bridge.

 

[oldgit]

Thanks for the info,we only draw 1m so could tuck up inside out of the wash.Will contact you next time we come round from the Medway on our way up to Teddington to see if you have any room.
St Kats is getting a tad expensive

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Heritage sounds very interesting, especially the barges. I'm actually booked to go to Limehouse at the end of August but looks well worth the walk to come and see. There's the Prospect too ofc...

2m on neaps is fine for me, I like a meter or so under the rudders and props, what's it like at LWS?

 

[pheran]

I like a meter or so under the rudders and props,

On the non-tidal Thames????

 

[apollo]

On the non-tidal Thames????

Will soon be known as the Non-Fluid Thames

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

On the non-tidal Thames????

Nah, on sloshy bits. Been dropped into a "hole" once, no damage but damn near touched cloth at the noise.

 

[pheran]

Years ago I managed to run aground right outside Fulham football ground. Boat stopped and lurched to one side slightly and 'Er Indoors started to panic a bit. Cheered her up when I said 'Don't be so daft woman, if its that shallow you could walk ashore from here'. Floated off on the rising tide about 15 minutes later.