visiting this easter advise please

dabsolute470

dabsolute470

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 Jan 2010
Messages
639
Location
wickford essex, boat fambridge
www.coverdalegroup.co.uk
hi all thames forum

we are planning to visit the thames this easter and would welcome any recommendations on places to see.
we are coming from the east coast and staying in southdock on 22nd then going up river from 23rd until 26th april, we are a 43 ft pearl motor boat with a 14ft air draft.
we hope that we can make it as far as old windsor bridge but would welcome local advise.
are there any marinas we should visit and the best place to get fuel please.
many thanks
heather and steve
 
dabsolute470 said:
hi all thames forum

we are planning to visit the thames this easter and would welcome any recommendations on places to see.
we are coming from the east coast and staying in southdock on 22nd then going up river from 23rd until 26th april, we are a 43 ft pearl motor boat with a 14ft air draft.
we hope that we can make it as far as old windsor bridge but would welcome local advise.
are there any marinas we should visit and the best place to get fuel please.
many thanks
heather and steve
Click to expand...

Hi Steve

I remember that user name from an MBM cruise a few years back. Seem to recall it was a Princess/Sealine/Fairline then though. How you keeping?

Old windsor lock cut is 14'3" and windsor bridge is 13'2".

We just filled last week at Thames Ditton Marine. Not cheap at £1.16 per litre but probably as cheap as you'll find it on the non Tidal. You could also fill at Shepperton or Penton Hook marinas.

We are spending the summer up the Thames and will probably be around over Easter, so I'll give you a wave if we see you.

Neale
 
Hiya

yes that is me...lol it was dabsolute, princess 470... what a good memory you have and it was a great trip.
i sold her on the return from that trip and she has not moved from brighton marina since... such a shame.
be good to meet for a drink if your about.
we have a pearl 43 AC now, not many of them about....lol
look forward to it

steve
 
It depends what you like i suppose . I like pubs and barbies :) others like to eat out and go to bed early . I can only give you my point of view :)
If you have the high tide then go stbd of Eel pie island . The white swan pub is stbd just before the island so that will give you a clue . It might just look like a boat yard but lots of history there and the Barmy arms pub ( rugby pub ) . The port side of the island is boring .
Just after Kingston Bridge you have a wine bar / pub you can moor at port side or if you go a bit further there are wodden finger pontoons ( look out for shopping trollies ) If you moor there you have a nandos just over the road or can turn left back into Kingston for a full range of shops and places to eat . A good place to restock the boat with fresh food and beer :)
After that you will pass an island with a function room on it and then port side there is a fuel point /marina . Its hidden between about a mile of barges and rotting hulls . Then you will come to another island , if you go port side there is a nice pub that does grub with a pontoon . Its actually two islands so if you miss it and think nipping between them is a good idea then dont . You will run aground .
After that is Hampton court . Nice mooring but get there early if you want a spot . Just after Hampton court bridge on the port side there is a landing platform . It's before the hire boat place or you could moor at the lock cut and walk back but there is a lovely quirky road there full of junk shops and the like , a few pubs aswell and again somewhere to stock up on food and beer .
Oh but if you are posh just after Hampton court bridge on the stbd side there is a place that sells a pint for about £20 but you need to book first .
After going through the lock you can either crack on or turn to stbd and look at the live aboards and wave like a silly thing . Some nice pads around there and again a boat yard should you need it ( i hope not ) No fuel there as far as i know .
Next is a sailing club , those fookers aim at you just for fun ! But when it gets a bit hairy they can get out of the way and laugh about it . Just before then is another landing stage stbd and if you have any major boat problems the guy on the island who runs the hire boat place ( David i think ) is your man .
Then another island , up to you , they both have good water . Port is boats and used to be a shop there . Stbd is what used to be boats and used to be a boat yard . I prefer Stbd as its Thames history .
After that you can moor at Sunbury , stbd of the lock . Lovely little village with some nice pubs and a budgins incase you need to stock up with food and beer . Be warned though . I moor there and Mr Fanner is also there . Should you get caught at the wrong moment then may god help you :D
Depending on the time you get there if you walk by the side of the church and follow the road around you will get to a nice fish and chip shop . Not as nice as on the coast probably but the best chip shop in london !
Anyway i'm bored now . Might continue tomorrow if you want me to ?
 
Hi Cuchilo

thanks very much for the info, i think i will have to get a chart and make notes on it.
great to know the places to restock...lol
i think we will give the £ 20.00 a pint a miss though.
we will keep an eye out for you and be great to have a normal priced pint..lol
the information is very much welcomed
thanks
 
If you have had a long day

dabsolute470 said:
packing the boat up this weekend ready for the off next friday... getting excited now just hope the weather picks up.
Click to expand...

From South Dock, I would suggest first night at Teddington below or above and the lock keeper will tell you how to moor below.

More restaurants and pubs than you will ever need, also good for coffee, buying a house or getting your hair cut....
 
It'll depend on the tide , Hammersmith Bridge is the killer.

Something to bear in mind over the Easter Weekend is the DW race , lots and lots of knackered canoeists will be all over the lower thames. Shouldn't really interfere with the cruise , but just be aware that they will be around.

You are welcome to moor above the lock on our layby, but if you want electric and water you will need to speak to the marina below the lock ( Teddington Harbour 0208 977 9978 ) , you'll need to check Easter availability with them as they can have visiting clubs over that period.

Hope to see you soon.
 
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