It might be a bit of a trip to get to, but it is worth it. The lock to enter is used at all times and at high water the gate is left open, though You still have to radio lock control to enter or leave. This is a big marina in a location that is wonderful. There are actually two marinas within the basin, but the biggest is Ipswich Haven on the left as you exit the lock and round the corner. The chandlers is well stocked though a little dear. The marina bar is quite nice, though we were asked to leave early as a private function was being held. I found this to be a little off putting considering the number of yachts that were there at the time. However Ipswich Yacht Club lies just behind the marina bar and drips with hospitality. It is just a short walk to the other side of the basin to the town quay and the lively night life. I actually found Ipswich to be a marvel of a place and would recommend it to everyone. The amenities are clean well stocked and comfortable. The marina staff are all very helpful and polite. This is a marina I will definitely make one of my annual trips. I stayed longer than I planned and was sorry to have to leave. The fees are the most reasonable I have visited as yet. Well worth a trip, you would not be disappointed.
This is one of the best marinaâ??s for location. Situated beside Tower Bridge the marina looks the perfect marina. Entry and exit of the marina can only take place two hours each side of high water, and will require a yacht to either circle the area attempting to avoid the Thames cutters or tie to a waiting buoy. It may be worth keeping the engine running at tick over in reverse to prevent the bow colliding with the buoy. The marina is located close to the Tower of London, and close to the tube. It is an excellent location to be based for a holiday around the Capital. There are many shops, pubs and restaurants in the area, but some are quite dear. Walking over Tower Bridge onto the South side of the Thames you will find family pubs that serve good, well priced food. The marina is usually very well maintained, though the last time I visited the amenity block nearest our mooring was in a poor state. The water was so hot coming out of the taps you could have made tea with it, and the fact there was no plugs for the sinks made it difficult to wash. One of the two showers broke while we were staying, and there was dirt and mould around the walls. Not what you would expect from a marina in the centre of London. It is quite dear, there is no club discounts and the customer service is an insult, along with the poor amenities I was very much disappointed, though it is an economic way of staying in London compared to a hotel.
Titchmarsh Marina is located around the back of Walton on the Naze accessible via the Walton Backwaters. Care must be taken when approaching the entrance to the creek when approaching from Felixstowe, as the shallow water is everywhere, only head towards the marina with the incoming tide. The marina its self is nicely laid out, though it caters more for permanent mooring holders rather than visitors. There is an excellent chandlers but requires a bit of a walk to get anywhere outside of the marina if visiting.
Ramsgate marina is what you would expect a marina to offer, however communication is not very good and you are basically expected to enter the marina and find your own mooring. There is little space in much of the marina and if you cant find a space you will have to be able to steer your boat in reverse if you are over 27ft. You have to leave the marina to find anywhere to eat or drink, though there are many places in the town. After sailing a distance to get there Ramsgate is probably a disappointment to the sailing fraternity. Before entering or leaving you must contact the harbour control and ask permission. Another big thing to lookout for is the depth of water as you approach the harbour entrance. It is always in need of dredging and any boats drawing two metres and over may run aground while passing the channel marker. It is a good place to go if you are heading somewhere and need somewhere to stay for the night, but as a destination could do better.
Burnham Yacht Harbour is my favourite local marina. The staff are always pleasant and helpful. The chandlers have almost everything you need and the bar up stairs is very comfortable. The showers and amenity block are kept in excellent condition, are always clean and well stocked. I come to Burnham about three of four times a season, simply because I like the marina and the town. Burnham is very well sheltered and is a short walk from the lovely town of Burnham. There is much to see and do there, with cream tea shops and an endless supply of traditional pubs most sell very good food. The best of all is the cinema that is great value and a perfect way to spend an evening in this diamond of a location.