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Orwell Lady river trips

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Orwell Lady river trips - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Orwell Lady river trips

From April to December each year, Orwell Lady cruises up and down the beautiful and historic River Orwell from Ipswich waterfront, offering passengers a choice of trips and experiences whilst taking in the beautiful wooded stretches of the river, local wildlife and points of  interest.

There are a variety of boat trips on offer, all leaving Orwell Quay in Ipswich and returning up to three and a half hours later. The Orwell Bridge cruise lasts approximately one hour, making it ideal for families with young children or as a taster trip. The longest trip is 3.5 hours which will take you all the way to the mouth of the River Orwell at Port of Felixstowe.

Throughout the year there are sightseeing cruises that can be pre-booked or just taken on the spur of the moment. There are also discos, sunset trips, literary events, English Afternoon Tea and Sunday Buffet lunch trips as well as a family Christmas trip (with special guest).

For tickets or further information please book online or call 07736 299653

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Solstice sunrise river trip onboard orwell lady.

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Orwell Lady river trips

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ORWELL LADY RIVER TRIPS (Ipswich) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Orwell Lady river cruises East Coast Ipswich

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Cruise the River Orwell from Ipswich on Orwell Lady; sightseeing, afteroon tea, music nights or special cruises.

Ideal for day trips, family parties, music nights, catered cruises and private charter. Orwell Lady has an open, seated, top viewing deck and fully enclosed lower saloon with panoramic viewing windows.

Orwell Lady regularly cruises from Ipswich, along Suffolk’s River Orwell, past Pin Mill and down to the UK’s largest container port at Felixstowe, as well as the historic Port of Harwich.

Orwell Lady cruises run between Easter and October each year, with private charters available until December

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Orwell Lady River Cruises

Enjoy a cruise on the River Orwell, one of the most beautiful rivers in England, aboard Orwell Lady from the stunning Ipswich Waterfront, through areas of outstanding natural beauty and wildlife to the bustling ports of Felixstowe.

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Orwell Lady River Trips

"join us on the river.".

Family-owned since 2001, Orwell Lady offers a unique and unforgettable river trip experience, time after time. 

Immerse yourself in the picturesque Suffolk countryside as you journey down the River Orwell, one of England’s most beautiful and historic rivers. Relax and enjoy ever-changing river scenes, from the tranquil countryside to the awesome sight of the container ships at Port of Felixstowe and views of the Ipswich waterfront from the water.

Offering 1-hour, 2.5-hour and 3.5-hour trips as well as private charter hire and special events. With open, seated, top-viewing deck and fully-enclosed lower deck with panoramic viewing windows, you will be sure to enjoy the view, whatever the weather.

Book Tickets

Visitors are welcome to walk-on however it's best to book your tickers to guarantee your river trip. To book tickets, visit the  Orwell Lady website .

Duke Street Car Park is a 24hr car park next to Orwell Quay where Orwell Lady sets-off from Ipswich. Opening hours and prices available on the Ipserv website . Alternatively, Orwell Quay is a 20min walk from Ipswich train station.

07736 299653

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Orwell Lady River Cruises

Enjoy a cruise on the River Orwell, one of the most beautiful rivers in England, aboard Orwell Lady from the stunning Ipswich Waterfront, through areas of outstanding natural beauty and wildlife to the bustling ports of Felixstowe.

Orwell Lady is suitable for sightseeing trips, family parties, music nights and buffet cruises. There is an open, seated top viewing deck and fully enclosed lower saloon, with cushioned seating underneath the panoramic viewing windows leaving the floor area free to move around or for socialising. The view from the open deck is quite outstanding and from the fully enclosed saloon, passengers can enjoy the same views in total comfort.

There is a fully stocked bar serving hot and cold drinks as well as confectionery snacks, along with separate toilet facilities. All drinks and food consumed must be purchased on board.

Orwell Lady is 57 ft (17.13m) long and 15 ft (4.4m) in the beam and weighs 42 tonnes. Licensed by the MCA (Marine Coastguard Agency) to carry 118 passengers on board plus crew, Orwell Lady carries all necessary safety equipment plus extra, and is equipped with up-to-date MCA-approved Marine Life Saving Equipment.

SIGHTSEEING CRUISES Sailings from Easter until October. We carry up to a total of 100 passengers accommodated over 2 decks; one open, one enclosed. Confectionery snacks as well as hot, cold and alcoholic drinks can be purchased on board.

CATERED CRUISES Sailings from May to September. Ideal for small or larger groups. Choose from English Afternoon Tea cruises, Sunday Buffet Lunches or specialist trips such as our Sundowner or Shotley, Fish and Chips & HMS Ganges Museum experience. Food is arranged on tables allowing people to choose whether to sit above or below deck. Numbers limited, so please book early! Additional hot, cold and alcoholic drinks can be purchased on board.

MUSIC NIGHTS Sailings on selected Saturday evenings from May to October. Again, ideal for small groups, couples or larger parties. Hot, cold and alcoholic drinks can be purchased on board. Prices include all food, which is served buffet-style. All depart at 7.30pm, returning at 11pm.

ONE-OFF CRUISES These include an afternoon with Terry Waite, our Solstice Sunrise, and our Exploring Shotley cruise!

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Departing from outside Old Custom House, Common Quay, Ipswich IP4 1BY

Find us outside Old Custom House, Common Quay, Ipswich IP4 1BY

Public Scheduled Cruises

Enjoy a relaxing sail aboard Sailing Barge Victor with a delicious afternoon cream tea, or evening supper cruise.

Bespoke Cruises & Events

Plan a party under sail that will wow up to 40 of your friends, family, social club or work colleagues with a safe, stable and relaxing experience.

Corporate Events

Treat your clients or staff to a unique experience where they can get involved with sailing the barge or just chill out away from the office.

Visit our events calendar to find out what's on

Sightseeing River Trips

Join us on the river to enjoy the picturesque River Orwell, with its wildlife and fascinating historical tales. Our skippers provide a full commentary, and might even help you to spot a seal or peregrine falcon!

We don’t let the weather get in the way, you can enjoy your trip above or below deck.

Choose from our 1hr, 2hr and 3hr trips, pick a date by selecting ‘Buy Tickets’ under the trip you are interested in, and book!

*Concessions = 65+, full-time students and registered disabled/carers **Family Ticket = 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children

3 Hour River Trip Ipswich - Port of Felixstowe - Ipswich

Experience the tranquillity and peace of the River Orwell before arriving close to the mouth of the river and witnessing the immense scale of the UK’s largest container port at Felixstowe. Listen to fascinating tales of the history of the river and surrounding area, before returning to Orwell Quay.

Sailing most Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm, with some Fridays and Sundays in the summer months.

Adult £28, Child £16, Concession* £24, Family ticket £77 (under 3s travel free).

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2 Hour River Trip Ipswich - Pin Mill - Ipswich

Join us for a peaceful time on the river, passing The Cathouse (with its smuggler tales) on the way to view beautiful Pin Mill, home to Arthur Ransome, before returning through the Prince Philip Lock to Orwell Quay.

Experience the picturesque river with us on Sunday mornings, Bank Holiday Mondays and other days of the week over the summer months or school holidays.

Adult £22, Child £12, Concession* £20, Family ticket £59 (under 3s travel free).

1 Hour River Trip Ipswich - Orwell Bridge - Ipswich

Join us for a short trip through the Prince Philip Lock, under the iconic Orwell Bridge, where you may see the peregrine falcons leave their nest, and then travel to view Freston Folly before returning to Orwell Quay on Ipswich waterfront.

This trip is ideal for families with younger children or if you only have time for a short trip so you can still experience the beauty of the river and the surrounding countryside from the water.

Adult £14, Child £8, Concession* £12, Family Ticket** £39 (under 3s travel free).

Lady Florence - orford

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Allen Gardiner - ipswich

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The Allen Gardiner was built in 1942 by the Miami Shipbuilding Corporation at Miami in Florida USA. She is 63 feet long, and so this design became known as the Miami 63. She is one of twenty identical boats ordered by the South African Air Force during World War II. These boats were used as air/sea rescue launches and became commonly known as “crash boats”. They were deployed in pairs around the South African coast, and they were responsible for saving the lives of over 600 survivors from the 153 ships sunk by German U-boats and surface craft off that coast during the war. Read More

Lady Florence is an ex-Admiralty motor fishing vessel (MFV), one of over 1000 built during World War II as supply boats. She is 50 ft long, 16ft 6′ in beam, draws 6ft of water and weighs 35 tons net, 54 gross. She is a registered British Ship, Official Number 361575 and has an Ensign Permit to wear the red ensign of Her Majesty as defaced with the badge of the National Historic ships. Read More

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Happy Customers

I can highly recommend a lunchtime cruise on the Lady Florence. A very different and worthwhile experience; fun and friendly crew, eclectic mix of passengers, and the most fantastic food. How a full dining experience can be delivered from such a small galley is nothing short of a miracle. Top marks.

A lovely way to spend a late afternoon and early evening and see Orford and Aldeburgh from the water which gives a different perspective. Orford Castle looks spectacular. Good for bird watchers. Knowledgeable and friendly crew. Good local food - don't eat too much lunch or you won't do the meal justice.

Great evening out. Lovely evening cruise and meal. Good food especially in the small space in the galley for cooking. Beautiful views and sunsets on the Orwell. A different experience for an evening meal, would recommend this Captain has a good sense of humour during his explanation of the area as you cruise.

An amazing evening! This is by far one of the best evenings I've had whilst living in Ipswich. The cruise was fantastic & took some stunning photos. The food was lush. Couldn't ask for a better evening & have got some brilliant memories!

2024 SPECIALTY CRUISES

Cruises you don't want to miss, bring your friends along, join us for one of our signature cruises.

Mother's Day Cruise - Morning

Pamper Mom with a Relaxing Mother's Day Special two-hour cruise this Mother's Day. Show your gratitude with a delightful journey along the Essex River. After the cruise, indulge in a delicious meal at one of the charming restaurants nearby. Treat Mom to mimosas, wine, or beer available for purchase (liquor sales starting at 11 am). We'll provide complimentary muffins, coffee, and juice to make her day extra special.

Mother's Day Cruise - Afternoon

Not a morning person? Enjoy our afternoon Mother's Day trip with coffee and cookies on board. Dine in Essex before the boat ride and have complimentary coffee and cookies with us. TIMES:  10:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM - 3 PM DATS:  Sunday, May 12th

Sunday Morning Coffee and Muffin Cruises Set sail with us every Sunday morning from May through October for a serene river cruise experience. Start your day right with complimentary coffee, muffins, and juice served on board. It's the ideal way to unwind and soak in the beauty of the river. Whether you're spending quality time with family, hosting visiting guests, or seeking a peaceful escape from the weekday hustle, this cruise is the perfect getaway. TIME:  10:30 AM-12 PM

WHEN: Sundays  TICKETS: Adults & Seniors $34, Children $20

Father's  Day Cruise - Morning Acknowledge Dad with a special two-hour cruise along the protected Essex River and enjoy views of Crane Beach, Hog Island, and all of Essex Bay. We will provide complimentary coffee, muffins, and juice. Enjoy lunch in town after the tour! We'll suggest a restaurant that suits your taste.

Father's Day Cruise - Afternoon 

Not a morning person? Enjoy our afternoon Father's Day trip with complementary coffee & cookies and juice on board. Dine in Essex before the boat ride and have dessert with us!

TIME:  10:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM - 3 PM DATES:  Sunday, June 18th

Sundown Cruises Come on down river with us for a relaxing cruise and enjoy our signature "Down River Punch" before dining at one of Essex's fabulous local restaurants! The cruise will feature a light narrative. Beer, wine, and Down River Punch will be available via our cash bar on select Friday Nights. TIME:  6:00 PM-7:30 PM DATES:  Fridays Nights - July 12, July 26, August 9, August 23, & September 6

Fall Foliage Cider & Donut Cruises

Embark on a journey to experience the award-winning flavors of Fall in New England! Cruise near Hog/Choate Island and behold the mesmerizing dark spruce forest. Watch as nature paints the landscape with brilliant hues of yellow and orange. Treat yourself to complimentary hot cider and delectable donuts from the acclaimed Russell Orchard of Ipswich. Join us for an unforgettable adventure amidst New England's most magnificent fall foliage. Don't miss out on this enchanting opportunity. Peak foliage times may vary.

Cider and Donuts from award-winning Russel's Orchard s TIME:  1 PM - 3 PM

DATES: Weekends in October TICKETS: Adults & Seniors $34, Children $20

Children under the age of 3 are FREE on all cruises but still must be accounted for in your reservation *Schedule subject to change please call for reservations.

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Fabulous river cruises.

Did you know that Ipswich has three resident river cruise boats?

All of them – the Allen Gardiner, the Orwell Lady and the sailing barge Victor – are holding a special open weekend on 1st and 2nd April so residents and visitors can have a look around and find out more about the history of these vessels and the river trips (some with meals or music) on offer.

All three will be moored outside the Old Custom House on Ipswich Waterfront from 11am to 6pm during this special weekend.

Go along and you might even win a free cruise! 

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