Brightlingsea Harbour

Brightlingsea Harbour is a small mixed leisure and commercial port with a rich heritage, situated in Brightlingsea Creek close to the mouth of the Colne Estuary where it meets the Blackwater and Thames Estuaries.



The Harbour is within a nature conservation area of international importance. The River Colne is navigable on the tide for 7 miles to Colchester in Essex and the River Blackwater is navigable for 11 miles to Maldon. Brightlingsea is a day sail from most ports on the Thames Estuary.



Brightlingsea Harbour is a Trust Port managed by Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners. The Harbour Master leads a dedicated team of permanent and seasonal staff who oversee the day to day activities within the Harbour.



The Harbour provides a total of about 500 berths and moorings and welcomes many visiting boats, which can number 100 on a busy weekend. Boats of up to 50 feet (15m) and 8 feet (2.5m) draft can be accommodated and a warm welcome awaits all. Facilities at Brightlingsea Harbour have steadily been upgraded over recent years and now includes the addition of a laundry facility for Harbour users and the sale of diesel fuel from a floating barge berth.