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, unless pre-booked.

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:

• £9.00 adults
• £7.50 children aged under 16 (excluding babes-in-arms, for which no charge)
• £30 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.