Essex Waterways
Try the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Walk
Things To Do
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.
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 (2025 rates) are:
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.
Hop on our trip boat Victoria from Paper Mill Lock, Little Baddow and enjoy the tranquillity of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. There is easy access from the towpath to the boat, a short walk from the Willow Sett car park (open Wednesday to Sunday, or roadside parking Monday-Tuesday), across the small white foot bridge. Tickets can be bought online (see the links below) in advance, or call the staff at the Navigation Office on 01245 226245. All these trips last for two hours.
Victoria Cream Tea Cruises – £37.50 per person – usually depart at 3.00 pm or at 2.00 pm – dates, times and booking info. (then scroll down)
Victoria Charcuterie Cruises – £37.50 per person – usually depart at midday – dates, times and booking info. (then scroll down)
Victoria Ploughman’s Lunch Cruises (usually depart at midday) – £45 person – dates, times and booking info. (then scroll down)
Victoria Prosecco and Victoria Sponge Cruises (usually depart at 3.00 pm) – £37.50 per person – dates, times and booking info. (then scroll down)
Victoria Sausage Roll and a drink Cruises (depart at various times) – £30.00 per person – dates, times and booking info. (then scroll down)
Victoria Strawberries & Cream with Prosecco Cruises (usually depart at 3.00 pm)- £30 per person – dates, times and booking info.
Paper Mill Lock
North Hill, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, CM3 4BS
Heybridge Basin
Daisy Meadow Sales Kiosk, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, CM9 4RR
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 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, except Bank Holiday Mondays.
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, except Bank Holiday Mondays. The boat is also available for charter bookings and early evening hire.
Heybridge Basin & Paper Mill Lock
Canoeing & Paddleboarding
Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation
Camping
Hoe Mill Lock
Angling
Walk
