Visiting non-tidal Thames

[snapper]

I'm planning to relocate from Fulham to perhaps Thames Ditton Marina for a few weeks this Summer. I want to try out cruising the "softer" side of the Thames.
With 2 young children, we will probably only go out for day trips, so I was wondering if anyone had any good tips one where to go, and where to tie up etc say within 2 or 3 hours cruising either side of Thames Ditton Marina.

Is it really possible to moor anywhere where there are no "No Mooring" signs?

Does my dream off mooring by a meadow actually exist?

Any tips would be very appreciated as I have never really been further up river than Richmond before.

Thanks!

 

[Wavey]

Hampton Court Palace (you can moor ourside on good moorings) is just a short distance up from Thames Ditton. Couple of decent pubs and foody places. If you don't want to pay the admission for the Palace or grounds then just across the road is Bushey Park and that's free. Mooring is free at HCP.

Nearest bit of green mooring would be between Sunbury and Shepperton locks (2 locks up from Thames Ditton) on the old course of the river next to Shepperton Manor. Short walking distance to the old Shepperton Square with again a couple of decent pubs and places to eat. Gets very popular at weekends especially.

 

[oldgit]

This is neat mooring in the middle of Windsor.

and your own personal private access to Eaton High Street.

 

[Captain Coochie]

If you want green moorings try a trip on the Wey navigation .

The bridges are low though !

 

[snapper]

That's fantastic. My boat is only small 22 ft, and it would be great to go to try the River Wey.

How long would that take from Thames Ditton?

 

[watson1959]

Cuchillo is pulling your leg about the bridges!

They're not ALL that high

It's horrible up here.....you'll hate it......kids will love the dragons though so probably worth a punt.

Enjoy your visit.

 

[thamesS23]

This is neat mooring in the middle of Windsor.

and your own personal private access to Eaton High Street.

is that a public mooring there or a private one that you were allowed to use?

 

[neale]

is that a public mooring there or a private one that you were allowed to use?

It is an EA 24hr mooring but you have to be quite lucky to get it as it is usually busy.

 

[oldgit]

is that a public mooring there or a private one that you were allowed to use?

It is a public mooring but the flat dwellers behind would prefer it not to be and have made no secret of the fact.
Best spot in Windsor,secure and fairly quiet,room for two at a squeeze,just keep an eye out as you leave the cut and whizz across if vacant..
When the flats were built it was on a specific condition that the public mooring was retained. Tee Hee.

 

[snapper]

Is rafting up frowned upon?

 

[Captain Coochie]

That's fantastic. My boat is only small 22 ft, and it would be great to go to try the River Wey.

How long would that take from Thames Ditton?

It only two locks ( i think ) up from you so not long at all .

 

[stuartbaggs]

Yup, up through Molesey and Sunbury locks. Entrance to Wey Navigation is just below Shepperton lock.

 

[Sulley]

Is rafting up frowned upon?

No, you can raft.

 

[oldgit]

Any rafting on Ye Thames is bound to result in some rower banging inro the back of your boat and then blaming you for the collision.

 

[dash300]

No, you can raft.

Probably goes without saying but don't raft without asking. Had the river version of the Queen Mary rafting up to us once whilst we were off the boat
Advised them of a more suitable mooring elsewhere.

 

[thames cruiser]

I thought normal practice was yes to rafting if: you know the other boat, or are part of a club (where rafting in company goes hand in hand with cruising in company), plus also at certain other additional regular accepted venues such as Henley events on the mid-river temp moorings and also maybe a couple of pub moorings that actively encourage (or warn of) it. Otherwise, not really very normal.

Am I wrong?... If so, guess I've just been lucky so far!

 

[boatone]

I thought normal practice was yes to rafting if: you know the other boat, or are part of a club (where rafting in company goes hand in hand with cruising in company), plus also at certain other additional regular accepted venues such as Henley events on the mid-river temp moorings and also maybe a couple of pub moorings that actively encourage (or warn of) it. Otherwise, not really very normal.

Am I wrong?... If so, guess I've just been lucky so far!

The EA made an attempt to encourage rafting a few years ago but boaters didn't really like the idea and it didn't get anywhere. In my view it is an extremely practical way of helping to ease the shortage of moorings in busy locations and has much to recommend it.
On the coast, particularly around the Solent in places like Yarmouth and Lymington, rafting is actually mandatory and can be several boats deep. Met a lot of new friends down there in my sailing days!

The TMBA have included it in their River Etiquette:
"DO be prepared to let other boats moor alongside you in busy locations whenever possible and do so as a matter of course if travelling in company."

EA Stickers may still be available at locks if asked:

 

[dash300]

I thought normal practice was yes to rafting if: you know the other boat, or are part of a club (where rafting in company goes hand in hand with cruising in company), plus also at certain other additional regular accepted venues such as Henley events on the mid-river temp moorings and also maybe a couple of pub moorings that actively encourage (or warn of) it. Otherwise, not really very normal.

Am I wrong?... If so, guess I've just been lucky so far!

Yes thats a fair summation. If 'if pikey pete' and his ilk want to raft up on me then I'm afraid it's a definate no.