QUEENBOROUGH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Ghost Towers and a Dangerous Wreck: A Five‑Hour Forts Tour from Queenborough
A 5‑hour boat departure from Queenborough visiting the Maunsell Forts, the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery, and Thames Estuary photo stops.
Ghost Towers and a Dangerous Wreck: A Five‑Hour Forts Tour from Queenborough.
We sail from Queenborough Harbour, opposite Deadman's Island, out into the Thames Estuary to visit two Maunsell Army Forts and the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery; the captain and crew narrate the history and practical hazards of each stop as the vessel circles these eerie, offshore landmarks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sail on a historic pilot vessel
The trip is run from a working pilot vessel, giving guests an authentic offshore perspective and the feel of an operational marine platform as they move between sites.
Maunsell Forts: Redsand and Shivering Sands
Visitors pause at the two Maunsell Army Forts—engineer Guy Maunsell’s 1940s towers, built in Gravesend and towed into position—that later became famous as pirate radio bases and wartime defensive structures.
The SS Richard Montgomery
The tour visits the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery—an iconic, still‑dangerous hulk whose cargo holds reportedly contain unexploded ordnance—stopping to observe and photograph from a safe distance.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Over roughly five hours the vessel leaves Queenborough Harbour and works a loop of estuary landmarks: spending approximately twenty minutes at each site for photos and commentary, the captain and crew narrate construction and wartime stories while the boat positions for the best viewing angles.
THE VESSEL
Sail on a historic pilot vessel
The trip is run from a working pilot vessel, giving guests an authentic offshore perspective and the feel of an operational marine platform as they move between sites.
THE HISTORY
Maunsell Forts: Redsand and Shivering Sands
Visitors pause at the two Maunsell Army Forts—engineer Guy Maunsell’s 1940s towers, built in Gravesend and towed into position—that later became famous as pirate radio bases and wartime defensive structures.
THE WRECK
The SS Richard Montgomery
The tour visits the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery—an iconic, still‑dangerous hulk whose cargo holds reportedly contain unexploded ordnance—stopping to observe and photograph from a safe distance.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a five‑hour tour operating from Queenborough across the Thames Estuary.
The itinerary includes dedicated photographic stops of roughly twenty minutes each; personal cameras and weatherproof layers are appropriate. Commercial photography and drone flights are prohibited.
Embarkation is from Queenborough Harbour (opposite Deadman's Island); consult the operator for exact meeting details and embarkation instructions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Forts Tour?
The tour runs approximately five hours.
What age can participate?
The outing is intended for ages 11 and up.
Can I fly a drone or do commercial photography on the tour?
No—commercial photography and drone flights are not permitted on this tour.
Is there a toilet onboard?
A flushable washroom is available but is only accessible via steep steps.
What sites will we see?
The planned itinerary includes Redsand Towers, Shivering Sands Towers, the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery and scenic stretches of the Thames Estuary; the vessel spends roughly twenty minutes at each location for photography and narration.