You can book and pay by card online

Welcome

 

You can now experience life on board Greta during one of the daily sailing trips around the Thames Estuary. You can chose to either stay on deck or use the lounge below deck. We provide tea/coffee but suggest that you bring sandwiches, snacks and cold drinks as the trip may last up to 6 hours. Maximum of up to 12 passengers on each trip.

We depart and return from the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour, Kent.  Whitstable is on the North Kent Coast  about 7 miles (11.5 km) from Canterbury.

CLICK HERE to see the Greta Barge Trips reviews on Trip Advisor

 

Find us on Google maps

The boat trips are subject to tide & weather conditions.

Greta is an historic Thames Sailing Barge launched over 120 years ago in 1892. As a working cargo barge she carried  ammunition, beer, grain, malt and building products. Although Greta no longer carries cargo she still works providing Thames Sailing Barge day trips for individuals and private charters.

'Greta'  is listed (no. 206)  on the UK National Historic Ships Fleet Register.

Association of Dunkirk Little Ships website'Greta' took part in the evacuation from Dunkirk in 1940, she is the oldest Dunkirk Little Ship that is still working today and is a member of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships.  

  

During the Sailing Season which is usually April to Mid October you will see an on-line booking option below where you can select a date.  You can also order Gift Vouchers that can be redeemed during the sailing season next year.

CLICK HERE  TO ORDER A GIFT VOUCHER 

 

You can also have private use of 'Greta' for up to 12 passengers  by booking a private charter

BOOK A PRIVATE CHARTER

 

 

One of Greta’s most popular trips is a visit to the World War II Army Forts designed by Guy Maunsell. The Forts can be seen from Whitstable and Herne Bay.
 We regularly sail through the Kentish Flats Wind Farm, out to the Red Sands WWII Army Forts or towards Herne Bay Pier, Reculver Tower and back to Whitstable Harbour.
 

On another trip we could take a relaxing sail up the River Swale, under Kingsferry Bridge and see the wreck of the USS Montgomery off the Isle of Sheppey. We often watch the seals and seal pups sunning themselves, or lazily playing in the shallow water. 

 Trips around the Isle of Sheppey can also be arranged but due to tides would need to be a longer day sail.

The day can be as relaxing or active as you like, either sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet whilst enjoying the view of the Kent Coast, or get involved with the sailing, hoisting the sails, winding the leeboards or taking the helm. The day is yours to enjoy and Skipper Steve Norris and crew are there to ensure you have a safe, relaxed experience on this lovely historic(1892) Thames Sailing Barge. 

Spaces are very limited on all sailings as we only carry a maximum of 12 passengers on any sailing. On Thames Sailing Barge Match days this is restricted to 8 passengers.  For last minute bookings Contact the Greta Skipper Steve Norris on 07711 657919 to check availability.

These trips can last up to 6 hours so bring food and cold drinks with you.  On bright sunny days we suggest a hat together with sun glasses, sun protection cream and a light jacket/fleece.

 Flat shoes on board please.

Safety Notes for all Passengers

Passengers board and disembark at their own risk via a near vertical ladder attached to the harbour wall. Passengers must ensure that they wear suitable clothing and flat footwear. A safety briefing is given on board prior to sailing.

Steve Norris - Greta Skipper - Tel: 07711 657919

 

 

 All Barge sailings are at the discretion of Greta's Skipper Steve Norris.

 

NOTE - WHEN BOOKING EITHER BY TELEPHONE OR ON-LINE YOU ARE AGREEING WITH OUR TERMS &CONDITIONS

The Greta sails from the South Quay of Whitstable Harbour, Kent, UK. 'Greta' The Historic Thames Sailing Barge (1892)

 

Our Whitstable Harbour mooring is adjacent to the Harbour Garden Café. Seafood Restaurant & Café

 

 

 

Greta Gift Voucher - Week Day (Mon-Fri) * excludes UK Bank holidays

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
  • Description
 Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Week Day Sailing Date

Greta Gift Vouchers are redeemed by the  Holder telephoning us  to make a booking. We will then confirm the booking by sending the Voucher Holder a Booking Confirmation by email

   Gift Vouchers are either sent by e-mail in the form of an E-Voucher or by post if an optional Greta Gift Card  at £2.95 is ordered. 

Gift Cards can be sent by post to an alternative Name & Address.  Tick the box at the checkout and add the other address.

(Allow 5 working days for delivery if ordering a Gift Card)

 

The booking confirmation & the E-voucher must be presented to the Skipper of the 'GRETA' on the day of sailing.

 

Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Week Day (MON-FRI) 

Not valid on UK Bank Holiday dates

Sailing depends on weather and wind conditions and is at the Skipper's discretion, therefore, some or even all of the boat trip may be under the power of a diesel engine.   As we may need to cancel your trip due to unsuitable weather conditions, please add a mobile phone no. to your booking so we can contact you. In this event we will re-schedule your sailing date.

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

( We moor next to the Harbour Garden Café on the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour CT5 1AB)

Maximum of 12 passengers on ALL trips with a maximum of 8 passengers if Greta is taking part in a Thames Barge Match.

Greta Thames Sailing Day Trips are usually up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you.  Thames Barge Match Days are usually shorter

DON'T FORGET TO BRING A PACKED LUNCH AND COLD DRINKS  - WE PROVIDE TEA  & COFFEE DURING THE BARGE TRIP. FLAT SHOES ON BOARD PLEASE. WE SUGGEST A HAT ON SUNNY DAYS AND A FLEECE ON OTHER DAYS. YOU CAN EITHER STAY ON DECK OR GO BELOW AND SIT IN THE LOUNGE. BRING A BOOK AND SIT BACK AND RELAX! ENJOY THE PEACE & QUIET!

Greta Gift Voucher - Weekend Day (Sat-Sun)

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
  • Description
 Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Saturday or Sunday Sailing Date

Greta Gift Vouchers are redeemed by the  Holder telephoning us  to make a booking. We will then confirm the booking by sending the Voucher Holder a Booking Confirmation by email

Gift Cards can be sent by post to an alternative Name & Address.  Tick the box at the checkout and add the other address.

(Allow 5 working days for delivery if ordering a Gift Card)

The booking confirmation together with the voucher must be presented to the Skipper of the 'GRETA' on the day of sailing.

 

  Gift Vouchers are either sent by e-mail in the form of an E-Voucher or by post if an optional Greta Gift Card  at £2.95 is ordered. 

Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Weekend Day(SAT or SUN)

Not valid for Thames Barges Match Days

Sailing depends on weather and wind conditions and is at the Skipper's discretion, therefore, some or even all of the boat trip may be under the power of a diesel engine.   As we may need to cancel your trip due to unsuitable weather conditions, please add a mobile phone no. to your booking so we can contact you. In this event we will re-schedule your sailing date.

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

( We moor next to the Harbour Garden Café on the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour CT5 1AB)

Maximum of 12 passengers on ALL trips with a maximum of 8 passengers if Greta is taking part in a Thames Barge Match.

Greta Thames Sailing Day Trips are usually up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you.  Thames Barge Match Days are usually shorter

DON'T FORGET TO BRING A PACKED LUNCH AND COLD DRINKS  - WE PROVIDE TEA  & COFFEE DURING THE BARGE TRIP. FLAT SHOES ON BOARD PLEASE. WE SUGGEST A HAT ON SUNNY DAYS AND A FLEECE ON OTHER DAYS. YOU CAN EITHER STAY ON DECK OR GO BELOW AND SIT IN THE LOUNGE. BRING A BOOK AND SIT BACK AND RELAX! ENJOY THE PEACE & QUIET!

Greta Gift Voucher - Private Charter - Week Day (Mon-Fri) *excludes UK Bank holidays

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
  • Description
 Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Weekday Sailing Date  - Private Charter  - Valid for up to 12 passengers. Not valid on Barge Match days where Greta is taking part.

Greta Gift Vouchers are redeemed by the  Holder telephoning us  to make a booking. We will then confirm the booking by sending the Voucher Holder a Booking Confirmation by email

  Gift Vouchers are either sent by e-mail in the form of an E-Voucher or by post if an optional Greta Gift Card  at £2.95 is ordered. 

Gift Cards can be sent by post to an alternative Name & Address.  Tick the box at the checkout and add the other address.

(Allow 5 working days for delivery if ordering a Gift Card)

The booking confirmation together with the voucher must be presented to the Skipper of the 'GRETA' on the day of sailing.

 

Gift Voucher for Private Charter of Greta. An Historic (1892) Thames Sailing Barge based in Whitstable Harbour sailing around the Thames Estuary. An ideal present for that special occasion, family get together and corporate award days.

Up to  12 passengers Maximum

Greta Thames Sailing Barge Day Trip (up to 6 hours) - WEEKDAY DATE  Mon - Fri

Not valid on UK Bank Holidays or Weekends

Sailing depends on weather and wind conditions and is at the Skipper's discretion, therefore, some or even all of the boat trip may be under the power of a diesel engine.   As we may need to cancel your trip due to unsuitable weather conditions, please add a mobile phone no. to your booking so we can contact you. In this event we will re-schedule your sailing date.

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

( We moor next to the Harbour Garden Café on the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour CT5 1AB)

 Maximum of 12 passengers on ALL trips with a maximum of 8 passengers if Greta is taking part in a Thames Barge Match.

Greta Thames Sailing Day Trips are usually up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you.  Thames Barge Match Days are usually shorter

DON'T FORGET TO BRING A PACKED LUNCH AND COLD DRINKS  - WE PROVIDE TEA  & COFFEE DURING THE BARGE TRIP. FLAT SHOES ON BOARD PLEASE. WE SUGGEST A HAT ON SUNNY DAYS AND A FLEECE ON OTHER DAYS. YOU CAN EITHER STAY ON DECK OR GO BELOW AND SIT IN THE LOUNGE. BRING A BOOK AND SIT BACK AND RELAX! ENJOY THE PEACE & QUIET!

Greta Gift Voucher - Private Charter - Weekend Day (Sat or Sun or UK Bank holiday)

Greta Thames Sailing Barge
  • Description
Thames Barge GRETA Sailing Trip Gift Voucher - Weekend Day Sailing Date Sat or Sun  - Private Charter Valid for up to 12 passengers. Not valid on Barge Match days where Greta is taking part.

Greta Gift Vouchers are redeemed by the Holder telephoning us  to make a booking. We will then confirm the booking by sending the Voucher Holder a Booking Confirmation by email.

  Gift Vouchers are either sent by e-mail in the form of an E-Voucher or by post if an optional Greta Gift Card  at £2.95 is ordered. 

Gift Cards can be sent by post to an alternative Name & Address.  Tick the box at the checkout and add the other address.

(Allow 5 working days for delivery if ordering a  Gift Card)

The booking confirmation together with the voucher must be presented to the Skipper of the 'GRETA' on the day of sailing.

 

Gift Voucher for Private Charter of Greta. An Historic (1892) Thames Sailing Barge based in Whitstable Harbour sailing around the Thames Estuary. An ideal present for that special occasion, family get together and corporate award days.

 Up to 12 passengers Maximum

Greta Thames Sailing Barge Day Trip (up to 6 hours) - WEEKEND DATE  Sat or Sun or UK Bank Holiday

Not valid on Thames Barges Match Days

Sailing depends on weather and wind conditions and is at the Skipper's discretion, therefore, some or even all of the boat trip may be under the power of a diesel engine.   As we may need to cancel your trip due to unsuitable weather conditions, please add a mobile phone no. to your booking so we can contact you. In this event we will re-schedule your sailing date.

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the departure time

( We moor next to the Harbour Garden Café on the South Quay, Whitstable Harbour CT5 1AB)

 Maximum of 12 passengers on ALL trips with a maximum of 8 passengers if Greta is taking part in a Thames Barge Match.

Greta Thames Sailing Day Trips are usually up to 6 hours long so bring food & cold drinks with you.  Thames Barge Match Days are usually shorter

DON'T FORGET TO BRING A PACKED LUNCH AND COLD DRINKS  - WE PROVIDE TEA  & COFFEE DURING THE BARGE TRIP. FLAT SHOES ON BOARD PLEASE. WE SUGGEST A HAT ON SUNNY DAYS AND A FLEECE ON OTHER DAYS. YOU CAN EITHER STAY ON DECK OR GO BELOW AND SIT IN THE LOUNGE. BRING A BOOK AND SIT BACK AND RELAX! ENJOY THE PEACE & QUIET!

Greta Card for Gift Voucher

Greta Thames Barge
Greta Card for Gift Voucher
  • Description
Greta  Card for Gift Voucher

Gift Cards can be sent by post to an alternative Name & Address.  Tick the box at the checkout and add the other address.

(Allow 5 working days for delivery if ordering a Gift Card) 

The booking confirmation together with the voucher must be presented to the Skipper of the 'GRETA' on the day of sailing.

 

Greta  Card for Gift Voucher