Our Orwell River Cruises give you a unique way to see the sights around Ipswich! This wonderful half day barge cruise is like stepping back in time to an era when working barges filled the rivers transporting cargo & passengers around the country & beyond. These days the fully restored beautiful boats are a rare sight on the water. With the aim of preserving sail-barges & keeping them working by offering cruises on the Orwell & other English rivers Stephanie & Paul the husband & wife team who set up this company are incredibly passionate & dedicated. The company now boasts a fleet of five fully-restored sail barges namely SB Hydrogen Thistle Reminder & Kitty. & if like us you were wondering what the 'SB' stands for it's ' Sailing Barge'! As soon as you step aboard you'll appreciate the amount of work that has gone in to restore these vessels to offer comfy seating corner bars & convivial dining areas all using high quality marine woods. Able to comfortably welcome 50 guests onboard whilst cruising gently along the River Orwell these barges certainly offer a unique experience on the inland waters of Suffolk. These Orwell river cruises set sail from Ipswich dock & head through the lock onto the main section of the River Orwell. Slipping quietly past the impossibly picturesque Pin Mill on the barge you'll cruise under sail all the way to bustling Harwich harbour before turning around to head back to Ipswich. During the experience you may be able to assist the skipper & mate as well as enjoying the views & a light ploughman's lunch with dessert that has been freshly prepared in the galley kitchens of these historic barges.