ONE of Essex’s favourite tourist attractions, the passenger trip-boat Victoria, is operating again from the boat’s base at Paper Mill Lock, at Little Baddow near Chelmsford, and will host groups and parties wanting to explore the delights of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

Essex Waterways Ltd, a subsidiary of The Inland Waterways Association that manages the 13.8 mile long waterway, has bought the boat from its previous owners and is now ready to take charter bookings for trips along the scenic and pretty waterway.

Sue Clift, Essex Waterways booking officer said: “Victoria is a lovely boat that has been introducing visitors to the Chelmer & Blackwater for over 40 years. She can carry up to 46 guests, is wheelchair and pushchair-friendly, and we can provide food and drinks on board as well.”

“Groups can book the boat for anything from two hours up to a full day’s hire, which would be enough to cruise from Paper Mill Lock to Heybridge or Chelmsford and back. We can even bring Victoria to a different boarding point if that’s more convenient for our guests, though obviously the time for doing that has to be added to the hire period,” Sue said.

Anyone interested in finding out more about booking Victoria can call Sue on 07507 055021 or email Victoria@waterways.org.uk.