Argovia Dutch Barge

• Sleeps: 2 (+2)
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 1 night

You’ll find Argovia, a vintage Dutch barge, bobbing gently on the water at the historic Brightlingsea Harbour: berthed on the heritage pontoon in summer, and at Waterside Marina when the weather is cooler, with direct shore access.

Resplendent with warm wood and soft furnishings, up to two adults and two children (aged 16 or younger) are welcome aboard, for a relaxing stay surrounded by serene seafront views. You’ll also have the option of adding a chartered Sail Excursion to help you get to know the surrounding River Colne and Blackwater – not to mention the abundant resident wildlife! – a little better.

Your hosts, Amie and Jon, will meet you on arrival and help you get acquainted with your new surroundings. Both are sailors with a wealth of local and nautical knowledge alike, so they’ll also ensure your chosen Sail Excursion (if booked) is memorable for all the best reasons.

While you’ll need to bring food supplies for your stay, everything else is covered, so you can unwind from the moment you embark. There’s a comfy bedroom cabin with a double bed and two singles, and a charming galley, equipped with everything you’ll need to whip up delicious meals.

What else? You’ll find the cosy lounge area gainfully furnished with games and books (on sunny days, why not grab a book and a cuppa, and curl up on the cushioned deck?), and there’s a shower room for freshening up in seafaring style.

Rather wonderfully, you’re under no obligation to do anything else at all. Except, perhaps, to gaze out at Brightlingsea’s array of visual treats, including heritage smacks and the multi-coloured beach huts that line the shore. There are plenty of lively events to time your stay for, too, including Pyefleet Week, Clacton Airshow, or the extravaganza that is Brightlingsea Fireworks Night!

Yet should you decide to pair your stay with a Sail Excursion, you can take your pick of intriguing experiences and destinations, from stirring Sunrise and Stargazing Sails, to an epic, eight-hour ‘Seas the Day’ journey along the wildlife-rich North Essex coast, with lunch and refreshments included. Amie and Jon are also happy to plan a unique excursion tailored to your requirements… just ask.

At a glance

• Stay on a vintage Dutch barge, berthed at the historic Brightlingsea Harbour on the North Essex coast.
• Up to 2 adults and 2 children (aged 16 or under) can be comfortably accommodated on board.
• The vessel has self-contained kitchen and shower facilities, as well as a cosy lounge and a cushioned deck for lounging.
• The owners are both sailors and also hire the vessel for chartered excursions, which can be pre-booked as part of your stay.
• Water taxi tokens are provided during summer, for heading ashore and exploring the vibrant local area.

Features

• Family Friendly
• Off-Grid
• Seaside Breaks

More information

Otherwise, take advantage of your water taxi tokens (during summer) to head ashore and explore the local area at your own leisure. Take a long nature walk or refreshing open-air swim, or head into the town, where there’s a plethora of shops and restaurants to choose from.

Slightly further afield, Colchester, Britain’s first recorded town and the former capital of Roman Britain, is just along the river, for immersive days out exploring museums, gardens and galleries.

Things to note

From April-October the Argovia is berthed on the heritage pontoon (guests receive water taxi tokens), and from October-April in Waterside Marina, with direct shore access. You will be met on arrival and transported to/shown around the vessel. Please bring your own food supplies. Bespoke Sail Excursions can be arranged on request, tailored to your individual preferences.