Sailing Barge Victor

, IP4 1BY, Ipswich

Embark on a truly memorable journey aboard the Sailing Barge Victor, a historic barge built in 1895 and meticulously restored to its original rig in 2006. Sail along the beautiful River Orwell, whether you choose to join one of our public summer cruises or design your own unique experience with a bespoke cruise.

We offer a variety of sailing options, from picnic cruises on Sundays to supper cruises on Friday evenings, where you can enjoy a delightful two-course meal. For special celebrations, plan a party aboard that will wow your friends or colleagues, with room for up to 40 guests in a safe and relaxing environment.

Our corporate event options are perfect for impressing clients or team members, providing a unique experience where they can participate in sailing the barge or simply relax and take in the views. Don’t miss out on the chance to do something different!

Opening hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Photos of Sailing Barge Victor

Our comment from TraTraTravel UK about Sailing Barge Victor:

A Unique Heritage Experience on the River Orwell

The Sailing Barge Victor offers a distinctive and memorable way to explore the River Orwell, combining the charm of a beautifully preserved historic vessel with the tranquility of a sailing cruise. Travelers consistently praise the vessel itself, describing it as a magnificent and well-maintained example of a traditional red-sailed commercial barge, providing a classic and picturesque setting for any outing.

Warm Hospitality and Expert Crew

A major highlight of the experience is the friendly, helpful, and highly skilled crew. Guests frequently mention the genuine warmth of the staff, who work hard to ensure a pleasant atmosphere. The skipper, often noted for his amusing patter and deep knowledge of the river and its history, adds significant value by sharing interesting information and even allowing passengers the unique opportunity to steer the barge.

Relaxing Sails and Culinary Delights

Whether enjoying a short afternoon trip or a longer supper cruise, the relaxing nature of the sail is a recurring theme in reviews. The crew is keen to hoist the sails whenever conditions permit, creating a peaceful and quiet journey. This serenity is perfectly complemented by the onboard refreshments, with homely and delicious food and reasonably priced drinks receiving high marks. The afternoon cream tea, featuring fresh scones, is particularly celebrated as a must-try treat.

Perfect for Special Occasions and Groups

The barge is highly recommended for a variety of events, from family celebrations and birthdays to corporate networking and private parties. Travelers appreciate the crew's flexibility and assistance, especially when managing self-catering setups or special arrangements. The overall consensus is that the Victor provides an unforgettable and relaxing antidote to daily stress, making it a top choice for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and excellent hospitality.

Sailing Barge Victor: Reviews

4.8/5 (38 Reviews)

Chris Mayhew Published on Google

1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Love your Barge ! Sails get hoisted at every opportunity. So great for the Orwell.

Katie D. Published on Google

1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great trip on the Orwell. The food was great and the drinks are very reasonably priced. Definitely worth it!

David Allen Published on Google

1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Great staff, homely food, relaxing sail down the Orwell. Thank you!

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Jonathan Durant Published on Google

2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Our family had a really splendid cruise down the Orwell in SB Victor. The barge is magnificent, very well maintained, and the crew were very friendly, helpful and highly skilled. I cannot think of a better day out for a party nor a more pleasant way to appreciate the delights of the beautiful River Orwell.

Helen Stiff Published on Google

2 years ago

Fantastic experience: Wonderful afternoon sailing and a cream tea. Staff very genuine and worked hard.

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Bell Tech Published on Google

3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Hired Victor for party. Had a great day. We self catered so had a lot of stuff to get on and off but the crew were very helpful and very friendly. Pre event communication could be a bit slow but really hard to fault the experience on the day. Thanks!

David Polley Published on Google

3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Maintenance being done

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Michael Warrick Published on Google

3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great!

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linda osborne Published on Google

3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Wonderful 6 hrs spent sailing the river Orwell. Very friendly professional crew. The cream tea was amazing. Would definitely go again

Virginia Webber Published on Google

3 years ago

Fantastic experience: A lovely relaxing afternoon with a cream tea, still as lovely as ever

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József Endre Rácz Published on Google

3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Jó

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Jim egner Published on Google

3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Lovely trip and food, the skipper had an amusing patter, well worth a go

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June Brennan Published on Google

3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great trip, lovely fresh scones very friendly crew

Elizabeth White Published on Google

3 years ago

Fantastic experience: We had a wonderful evening on the sailing verge Victor supper cruise. The food and service was wonderful and the experience of sailing on this beautiful barge was awesome. The skipper Dave and his crew were friendly and full of interesting information and allowed some of us to steer. An unforgettable experience. Thank you to all involved.

Andy Woods Published on Google

3 years ago

Fantastic experience: A great cruise as part of the sea shanty festival. Good crew and staff with a good choice of drinks

Roy Barclay Published on Google

3 years ago

Fantastic experience: Victor is a beautifully preserved example of a red-sailed, commercial vessel that once carried cargo in the Orwell & Thames Estuaries. Nowadays to be found regularly moared along Ipswich Waterfront @ Wherry Quay. The sailing barge would once have been one of many visiting Ipswich's Wherry Quay for transporting & distribution purposes. Not to be missed when exploring this area of the port town, typically providing a classic photo opportunity. Available for cruises outside of Wintertime...

Roy Published on Google

3 years ago

Tracy Clutterham Published on Google

3 years ago

Negative experience: Sorry was cancelling the boat was wind and rain hope we booked next year

Sailing Barge Victor

The safety of our passengers is our top priority. We closely monitor the weather, and if the forecast is for strong winds we will not sail. On this occasion (as it is with all trips that are affected by adverse weather conditions) we informed everyone who booked of the cancellation and issued an immediate refund. It is disappointing you have decided to leave a 2 Star review because of our high standards in the regard for safety of our passengers and crew.

Mandy Ellis Published on Google

4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sailed on the Victor on the 3rd October 2021 with afternoon tea .....The crew are so friendly and entertaining ...Definitely a must do.

Jean Knott Published on Google

4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Had a lovely evening with family for a birthday celebration... Food was good and thankfully no rain... would definitely recommend..

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Carole Cumbers Published on Google

4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Had a wonderful day on the sailing barge Victor the staff were great very friendly and helpful would recommend this trip . We will be back

mark newman Published on Google

4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Fantastic experience on an old barge

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Rachel Ottley Published on Google

4 years ago

Fantastic experience: Brilliant trip! We did cream tea afternoon. Crew were lovely and Captain told us lots of info along the route. Highly recommend and we'll definitely go again.

Rob Stagg Published on Google

4 years ago

Negative experience: Just would not answer your phone

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Sailing Barge Victor

Dear Rob, We do not have a telephone number listed on our website, so I think you mayhave confused us with another business. Please email [email protected] and we will be happy to help with your enquiry.

Matthew Killgallon Published on Google

4 years ago

Fantastic experience: A great afternoon out. We were out for a good 4 hours from 1pm until around 5pm. We went out by motor and came back by sail. The cream tea was fruit and cheesy scones with tea or coffee. The crew were knowledgeable and helpful. The trip back by sail was really peaceful and well worth the money. I would definitely do this again.

Andy Clark Published on Google

4 years ago

Fantastic experience: We thoroughly enjoyed the Victor's Supper Cruise, it was an absolute delight. It was enhanced by excellent weather and for as much of the trip as conditions would allow we were under sail, making for a quiet time. Interrupted by other craft using their engines. The genial skipper can only be described as a barge - man, it is his life, and his intermittent, well timed, commentary on placed of interest was welcome. The supper was well cooked and plentiful, for those with stomachs left with room, there were "seconds" for anyone so inclined. For those hankering for a few peaceful and well fed hours, we can thoroughly recommend the Victor's Supper Cruise.

Richard Povey Published on Google

5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Absolutely wonderful afternoon, the crew were great and the scones were lovely! Highly recommended this trip.

Mandy Clark Published on Google

5 years ago

Fantastic experience: Sailing Barge Victor

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LesReni Christmas Published on Google

6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Wonderful. If you get the chance to take the wheel, do.

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Richard King Published on Google

6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Had a wonderful relaxing day on board SB Victor. Highly recommended as an antidote to the rush and stress of everyday life!

Rachel Royal Published on Google

6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Absolutely loved our day out on Victor. So relaxing. Highly recommend!

John Parnell Published on Google

6 years ago

Fantastic experience: Had a great time tonight on the Victor networking at the Ipswich Means Business event

Vicky Craig Published on Google

7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Really recommend, really relaxed atmosphere, tasty food, friendly crew, our second time and hope to go again next year.

john horner Published on Google

7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Always enjoy our days out on Victor. Lovely barge and a great crew always made very welcome.

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Karen Lewis Published on Google

7 years ago

Fantastic experience: Folk on a boat Holly d Johnston lovely evening great food talented musician

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Peter George Published on Google

8 years ago

Fantastic experience: Great times either sailing or listening to folk music

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Richard Eldridge Published on Google

8 years ago

Fantastic experience: Had a lovely supper cruise with my wife on our anniversary. Food was great (although the chilli was made by a sado-masochistic chef) and plenty of choice and amounts. We sailed under power downstream and under Sail most of the trip back. Lovely atmosphere throughout helped by an extremely friendly crew.