Thames/London

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catalac08

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Wondering about how attractive/interesting/expensive a visit to London would be via the Thames. I know nothing at all about this eg are there plenty of visitor facilities afloat eg Marinas, fuel availability and are the prices sensible. Also how far up the Thames can a sailing boat reach?
Is it pleasant, interesting or both?
 
There are a few marinas, the first one you come to is Gallions Reach, near to Excel and on the flightpath of London City, it can have certain aromatic properties when the wind is from the north, thanks to a fertiliser/tip near by. Rse end of the DLR, Gallions Reach

Next is Surrey Quays (other side of the river from canary wharf/isle of dogs) Watch out for the cross tide at the entrance. Quiet inside, but it's a bit of a walk to the shops....there is a big shopping complex nearby. Nearest tube Canada Water, a walk and a bit away on the Jubilee line

After the bend the next stop is Limehouse, home of the Cruising Association and a good pint of rev James and a library to get lost in, there's a Ramsay (as in Gordon) pub on the left of the lock as you go in, which has mixed reviews. Nearest DLR is Lime House

After that on your right before tower bridge is St Kats, a little haven in the heart of the city. It has pubs and restaurants galore, nearest tube is tower hill District/Circle Line or Tower hill DLR, best one for stopping and having a look around Laaadern Taawn

Beyond that you'll have to take yer mast down...
 
Thames to London

I have done this trip in deep winter.
It is interesting.
The clearances for the bridges are in Reed's, there are no problems with bridges as far up as St Kats marina. After that it depends on the size of your mast and the tide.
There are a number of marinas and moorings near central London again they are all in Reeds.
If you do make the trip remember to call up Thames Traffic and get clearance for the Thames barrier.
I have attached a few pics from the trip
 
Good idea to book with St Kats before you set off.

We tend to take the boat up once a year, on a Saturday, and leave it there until the following weekend; members of the family then use it as a base to go to the theatre etc. during the week

In effect you get your own flat by Tower Bridge for about 8 days at a cost of less than one night in the hotel
 
thanks chaps for info and particularly taking the trouble to post the photos - lots to think about but definitely on the list to do, unfortunately not until the spring now.
 
Hi Catalac08

I too have just done this trip and would add one thing more. I recommend you get a good book about the Thames and its history so you can pick out all the points of interest on the way up (and down). In fairness the views and the "sailing" (you'll be motoring for much of the time) aren't that great unless you know what you are looking at. I didn't have such a book (I'm sure they exist) but wished I had.
 
A quick summary:
Places to stop -
Embankment Marina, Gravesend, but only accessable at HW. Or you can pick up a mooring outside.
Thurrock YC, moorings.
Erith YC, ditto.
Gallions Point Marina, OK but rather close to London City Airport flight path.
Greenwich YC (just before the O2) might help with a mooring.
West India Dock, good but only for groups of 6 boats or more.
South Dock Marina (in the old Surrey Docks), good, great transport and some shopping.
Limehouse Marina, ditto.
St. Katharines, most convenient. Great ambience.
None are as expensive as you might have thought.
It's essential to pre-book any of the marinas.
Only place for fuel alonside is a barge just downstream from St.Kats, Ch14 'Heiko', not open at all at weekends so far as I know.
Can't speak for anything beyond Tower Bridge.
Every time I've been up the river I've thoroughly enjoyed it, always plenty of interest.
Additional up-to-date info via this page: http://www.eastcoastpilot.com/thames.html
Check with the PLA before you travel if there's bad weather forecast....if there's risk of a storm surge, or an abnormally high tide, the Thames Barrier may be shut. Also when that happens you cannot get into Embankment or Gallions as they both have EA floodgates outside which are shut at the same time.
 
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