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Ticket Boat Trips

While away some time aboard one of our trip boats and experience the tranquillity of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation in rural Essex.  Trips depart daily, on the hour, from rural Paper Mill Lock and from Heybridge Basin on the Blackwater Estuary.

Boat Trips on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation

Hop on a boat from Paper Mill Lock near Chelmsford, or from the kiosk (just above Daisy Meadow car park) at Heybridge Basin, near Maldon. 

Trips operate most days, from Good Friday until the end of October, usually from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.  Trips depart every hour, on the hour, from both sites, and last just under an hour.  Trips do not run in poor weather or on Mondays other than bank holiday Mondays.

Trips from Heybridge Basin head towards Beeleigh, then turn and return to the kiosk.  Trips from Paper Mill Lock usually depart from just below the lock, and head downstream towards Rushes Lock, turn and return to Paper Mill – but sometimes boat can head upstream and turn to return before Baddow Mill Lock.

Victoria and Blackwater Dawn are fully equipped to cater for passengers in wheelchairs and pushchairs.

We are not able to provide car parking facilities at either location.

Trip prices (2024 rates) are:

  • £8.00 adults
  • £7.00 children aged under 16 (excluding babes-in-arms, for which no charge)
  • £28 family ticket (two adults and two children)

For Albert, you can book tickets on line via Bookeo.com here, or in person at the Navigation Office (far side of the lock) at Paper Mill Lock, or by telephone (01245 226245) – 7 days per week.

For Blackwater Dawn at Heybridge Basin, you can book tickets online via Bookeo.com here, or you can book in person at the Navigation Office (far side of the lock) at Paper Mill Lock, or by telephone (01245 226245) – 7 days per week.

Departure locations

Paper Mill Lock

North Hill, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, CM3 4BS

Heybridge Basin

Daisy Meadow Sales Kiosk, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, CM9 4RR

Our boats

Victoria

Up to 43 Guests

Victoria is perfect for wedding receptions, celebrations and group outings. The boat can accommodate up to 36 guests seated for food or 43 standing and includes a qualified skipper and crew. Our licensed bar also serves hot and cold drinks. Trips depart from Paper Mill Lock.

Albert

Up to 12 Guests

Albert is a 13.7m narrowboat, ideal for families and groups of up to 12 people and includes a trained skipper (with crew if necessary) and normally operates from Paper Mill Lock from Good Friday until the end of October.  Trips do not run in poor weather or on Mondays in October.

Blackwater Dawn

Up to 12 Guests

Blackwater Dawn is a widebeam trip boat for up to 12 people with an open forward seating area. Normally operating daily ticket trips from Daisy Meadow Car Park at Heybridge Basin, from Good Friday until the end of October.  Trips do not run in poor weather or on Mondays in October.  The boat is also available for charter bookings and early evening hire.

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