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Finding a good mooring for a
barge is often a problem, especially in and around London.
<<< Previous Page Next Page >>> Information about the DBA Created 24th February 2003 -
Last updated
27 April 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finding a good mooring for a barge is often a problem, especially in and around London.
Our original intention was to moor along the Chelmer & Blackwater canal in Essex. A lovely canal and reasonably close to work, however it is not connected to the main canals without a trip around the coast, thus limiting our cruising capabilities. We decided to look around, to see what other options are available. Here is a selection:- Shepperton Marina is conveniently situated down river of the Thames between Shepperton Lock and Sunbury lock, the closest canals are the Grand Union canal and the Wey Navigation and they are also about 4 hours cruising time from rural Windsor and 5 hours from London. They are currently expanding the Marina into a new lake (Basin C) which is designed for vessels 40ft and larger and they will have the first phase complete with cruisers mooring in there from February 2011. Phase two will be complete from the beginning of April 2011 which is designed to accommodate Dutch barges and narrow boats up to 75ft long. Basin C will have brand new pontoons with shore power and fresh water which are swept daily, Brand new facilities (Toilets/Showers) and high level security for your vessel. this new basin also offers very wide berths with plenty of room for manoeuvring in and out whilst surrounded by natural habitat and tranquil settings. They also provide safe long stay parking, high level security and have the pleasure of having one of the largest chandlery on the Thames on site. www.sheppertonmarina.com
The Embankment Marina Gravesend. Small friendly marina on South bank of Thames at Gravesend (approx 5 miles downstream of M25 Queen Elizabeth Bridge). Mix of new floating pontoons with electricity and water laid on and buoy moorings. Lock access to tidal Thames. Toilets, shower, secure parking. Conveniently situated between central London and the River Medway; rail to Charing Cross 50 minutes plus bus/coach options. Five minutes walk into Gravesend town which has plenty of choice of shopping with most major outlets represented, banks, Post Office, etc.
weblink: www.theembankmentmarina.net
Port Medway Marina. Nice very secure moorings, a few miles up river from Chatham. Floating pontoons (almost all states of tide), electric hook up and water. Dry dock repairs, servicing. Restaurant & bar on historic Rochester Queen. Diesel, Chandlery and landscaping planned for near future....... We like it and our barge 'Elessina' was moored here. for 3 years
Cuxton Marina. Nice secure moorings, just a few hundred yards up river of Port Medway marina. Floating pontoons (almost all states of tide), electric hook up and water. Also washing machine and toilets. Overlooking farmland / fields.
Port Werburgh. Nice very secure moorings, downstream of Chatham. Mostly floating pontoons (access +/- 2 hours of High water), electric hook up, water and land phone. Everyone seemed very friendly. Lots of barges, old tugs etc. (mostly bigger than us!)
Gillingham Marina. Inside the locked marina is mainly for yachts and motor cruisers up to around 40ft. There is a tidal basin, dedicated to residential barges / boats with electric hook up & water. Has a waterfront leisure centre, club and bar, chandlers, diesel & LPG, repairs and servicing, 20 & 65 ton boat hoists (even a heliport!)
Chatham Marina. Locked marina. to expensive for us, so we did not visit.
Medway Bridge Marina. Very close to the M2 bridge, almost underneath it.
St Katherines Dock. Just down stream of Tower Bridge on the River Thames, ideal for central London.
too expensive for us, so we have not visited.
Gallions Point Marina. Approximately 500 mtrs. downstream from the Woolwich Ferry on the River Thames. Fuel, Showers, Toilets, Workshop, Electric etc.
Limehouse Basin Marina. A little down stream of St Katherines (R.Thames)
Penton Hook Marina. Large marina on the R. Thames opposite Thorpe Park. Close London M25 / M3 . http://www.marinas.co.uk/printablepages/pmarinas/ppenthtm.htm
Hallingbury Marina. On the River Stort in Hertfordshire. Nice pretty setting, but noisy with Stansted airport close by, and trains, and clay pigeon shooting!! 
Heybridge Basin, Essex. Just inside the sea lock (107ft x 26ft) of the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal (near Maldon). Nice secure moorings, electric hook up and water. Toilets, showers and laundry facilities. Two canalside pubs (serving good food) and cafe. Can cruise up to Chelmsford (14 miles, 12 locks) if under 60ft long, 2'-6" draft, 6'-6" air draft. No pump out facilities.
Further moorings around the UK can be found on the Living on Boats web site www.livingonboats.co.uk
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Created 24th February 2003 - Last updated 27 April 2011
