and Welcome Aboard Lotte!
Welcome to our web site, which I hope you’ll find interesting and informative.
If you are looking for a short break, well look no further as I think you might find what we are offering will appeal to all age groups.
'Lotte' has recently featured together with her owners David and Hilary Body on the 'Five' program 'Build a New Life in the Country' and was due to operate on the canals of France this year, offering weekly charters as she headed south through Paris and beyond. Since the making of the film however, our circumstances have changed and we have decided to postpone our trip for the time being due to family commitments. For this season as an alternative, it is our intention to offer short breaks a little nearer to home, on the Rivers Colne and Blackwater, fully catered for up to six people. Not quite the same as Burgundy I know, but nonetheless a great opportunity to experience the tranquillity and beauty of these famous and historical Essex rivers on a beautiful old barge, which in itself is a piece of history.
If you are looking for a short break, well look no further as I think you might find what we are offering will appeal to all age groups.
'Lotte' has recently featured together with her owners David and Hilary Body on the 'Five' program 'Build a New Life in the Country' and was due to operate on the canals of France this year, offering weekly charters as she headed south through Paris and beyond. Since the making of the film however, our circumstances have changed and we have decided to postpone our trip for the time being due to family commitments. For this season as an alternative, it is our intention to offer short breaks a little nearer to home, on the Rivers Colne and Blackwater, fully catered for up to six people. Not quite the same as Burgundy I know, but nonetheless a great opportunity to experience the tranquillity and beauty of these famous and historical Essex rivers on a beautiful old barge, which in itself is a piece of history.
Colchester is the oldest recorded town in England and examples of its Roman origin can still be seen today. Its Roman port is also purported to be one of the oldest in the world and is also home to 'Lotte'.
Colchester also had strong trading links with Holland and the old 'Dutch Quarter' has beautiful examples of architecture and whose buildings were once occupied by the wealthy traders of the day.
Bird Watchers, photographers and artists, will find the large sun deck and saloon an ideal platform from which to observe the abundance of wild life and ever changing vistas come rain or shine.
We carry bikes on board for those feeling energetic and the Wivenhoe trail offers a great ride on a purpose built path that follows the banks of the Colne from Colchester to picturesque Wivenhoe and beyond. Being easily accessible from one of our overnight stops, it adds another dimension to your holiday together with endless photographic opportunities.
Colchester also had strong trading links with Holland and the old 'Dutch Quarter' has beautiful examples of architecture and whose buildings were once occupied by the wealthy traders of the day.
Bird Watchers, photographers and artists, will find the large sun deck and saloon an ideal platform from which to observe the abundance of wild life and ever changing vistas come rain or shine.
We carry bikes on board for those feeling energetic and the Wivenhoe trail offers a great ride on a purpose built path that follows the banks of the Colne from Colchester to picturesque Wivenhoe and beyond. Being easily accessible from one of our overnight stops, it adds another dimension to your holiday together with endless photographic opportunities.
If you are just visiting Colchester and need overnight accommodation with a difference, why not consider staying a night or two on the barge, we would be happy to negotiate a B&B rate on a static basis. Unfortunately, we cannot offer the barge on a self catering basis.
Because the River Colne is tidal, all departure and arrival times are based on approximately one hour before high water.
'Lotte' is easily accessible from all major routes and is based at her permanent mooring in Colchester where there is ample free parking. We regret however that we cannot offer wheelchair access.
From the moment you step on board 'Lotte' our aim is simply to try to make your stay a welcoming, relaxing time.
Because the River Colne is tidal, all departure and arrival times are based on approximately one hour before high water.
'Lotte' is easily accessible from all major routes and is based at her permanent mooring in Colchester where there is ample free parking. We regret however that we cannot offer wheelchair access.
From the moment you step on board 'Lotte' our aim is simply to try to make your stay a welcoming, relaxing time.
