Tiller and Wheel CIC — Attraction in Borough of Swale

History is boring unless you have a fully hands on experience. Been on the "Learning the rope" experience and it was fantastic and fun. The experience was well organised, very informative, certainly different from just a cruising trip. It is an over 100 years old barge with sail, big big sail, learned how to set sail with the rope. I think this is an experience suitable for young and old, you will have a good few hours spent on the barge learning it's history and how it works! I didn't believe how lucky I was having the chance to got on to this trip! Please don't hesitate to join one of their trip, event or experience on offer. Also, it is one of the way to support their work, the whole crew deserves respect of their dedication and hard work of keeping this piece of history alive!

Oh! Please also write a review after your experience so that more people will be encouraged to...

Went with family inc grandchildren and had a lovely morning on the Thames, we joined the sailing barge Edith May at the Gravesend Ferry Pier and we were welcomed on board by the crew. Unfortunately there was no wind, and the Thames was a dead calm, which meant that we didn't get very far under sail. This in no way deflected from the experience. The grandchildren were fascinated at seeing a seal (which we probably wouldn't have spotted if the water was anything but mirror calm) and the crew involved the passengers in doing some of the rope work which is required with sailing. Down below deck was an experience in itself, the authentic smell of the leather and antique wood and the lay out was truly Dickensian. I loved the experience and the idea behind it so much I came home and became a Patron. My best wishes go to all the crew of the Edith...

Brilliant team and excellent experiences both both our visits. Our first was a trip out on the Edith May, perfect weather, and a bar on-board. A beer, snacks and taking in the views whilst sailing on the barge - what's not to love. The trips are free but need to be booked in advance with refundable deposit.

Ed and his ream were the perfect hosts and taught my son all about rigging and what needs to be used to keep the barge sailing.

Our second trip was seeing M G Boulter live inside the barge in a small, intimate gig. This was a fantastic experience, and we'll definitely return for any other future music or sailing opportunities.

I cannot recommend this enough and am grateful to Ed and his team for keeping the Edith May relevant to all...