Bridgemarsh Marina

The River Crouch has long been a place of contrasts. Synonymous with sailing and socialising, its wildlife-rich waters offer safe haven amid a historic landscape that never fails to captivate. In the tranquil upper reaches of the river, the Crouch Valley rises gently to enjoy far-reaching views of saltings, marshland and mudflats. And it’s here that you’ll find beautiful Bridgemarsh Marina – family-run, friendly and fully invested in offering a first-class service for berth holders and visitors.
Tucked behind Bridgemarsh Island on Althorne Creek, the marina has long been one of the Crouch’s best-kept secrets. But today Bridgemarsh Marina has much to shout about – including a new on-site team and a £1m-plus programme of updates that have included, in 2023, the installation of state-of-the-art pontoons. A new toilet and shower block has boosted the on-shore facilities, security CCTV offers peace of mind for boat owners, and there’s electric and water on both the pontoons and on the hard standing for those who choose to store ashore.
Bridgemarsh Marina has a licence for 195 pontoon berths, and is suitable for boats with a maximum draft of 1.4m. Yard services such as polishing and antifouling are available; when it’s annual maintenance time, the marina can crane-lift boats up to 9 tons, while for a quick wash-off or check below the waterline, scrubbing posts are available free to berth holders too.
The facilities may rival those at other marinas on the river, but the personal touch persists; berth or visit here and you’ll soon be on first name terms with marina manager Mick Thurlow (above right), who was recruited specially to oversee the new phase of development. With a background in boat deliveries, firefighting and almost 30 years of work at a local boatyard and lodge park, Mick’s enthusiasm for both the Bridgemarsh rebirth and the River Crouch is clear.
“I was asked to come and have a look at the marina, and to talk about how it could be improved,” he says. “I had an instant, really good feeling about its potential, and am so pleased I decided to take-on a new challenge – the investment has been huge and the attention to detail amazing… the new pontoons really demonstrate the owner’s commitment to doing things properly.” When he’s not in the boatyard or on the pontoons, Mick is to be found in the marina’s quirky floating reception/office, a former houseboat. A new office and reception area are included in the planned updates, but the warm welcome will remain unchanged. “We want the marina to continue as a family-friendly and laid-back location,” Mick says, “one where people can enjoy their boats, the water and the landscape in a relaxed atmosphere. Value for money is one of the key things we offer, but there’s a great, easy-going sense of community here too, and we’d love more people to experience it.”
Bridgemarsh Marina is mid-way between Burnham-on-Crouch and North Fambridge, and sits at the end of a long and leafy lane just a short walk from Althorne Station, which offers good links to London and the surrounding areas. Opposite the marina, Bridgemarsh Island is around 3 miles upstream of Burnham. The remains of a brickworks hint at its history as a source of clay; regular occupation ended after the flood of 1953 and the island is now a haven for wildlife and saltmarsh flowers.
• For more information on fees and facilities, see www.bridgemarshmarina.co.uk or call the marina office on 01621 740414.