QUEENBOROUGH SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Sailing the Medway to the Redsand Towers: Close quarters with Maunsell’s WWII forts
A 3-hour guided sail from Queenborough that visits the eerie World War II Maunsell (Redsand) Towers with onboard commentary, wildlife viewing and dedicated photo opportunities.
Sailing the Medway to the Redsand Towers: Close quarters with Maunsell’s WWII forts.
Adventure brief
Sailing the Medway to the Redsand Towers: Close quarters with Maunsell’s WWII forts
Departing from Queenborough, this compact, commentary-led cruise crosses the Medway Estuary to the haunting Maunsell forts known as the Redsand Towers, offering close photographic views of the structures and chances to spot Peregrine Falcons while travelling a roughly three‑hour loop from the all‑tide landing.
Nestled along the southeastern coast of England, the Medway Estuary offers a fascinating window into military history and maritime engineering with the Maunsell Forts, also known as Redsand Towers. These striking, rusting structures built during World War II stand as relics of a bygone era, jutting from the water and shrouded in stories of wartime vigilance. Jetstream Tours, based in Queenborough, presents a captivating 3-hour boat journey that combines history, wildlife viewing, and striking sea vistas. Departing from Queenborough, passengers traverse the estuary, passing lush marshlands and salt flats teeming with life. As the boat approaches the fort ruins, vivid photo opportunities unfold—these unique steel structures rising from the water evoke a stark, industrial beauty. During the trip, visitors gain insightful commentary on their historical significance and marvel at the chance to spot Peregrine Falcons soaring overhead, a rare sight in this maritime landscape. This trip isn’t just about the forts; it’s a comprehensive experience that captures the raw spirit of the coast. The boat features onboard amenities and friendly guides eager to share tales of wartime ingenuity and local lore. This adventure is ideal for history buffs, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers keen to frame dramatic shots of the forts and birdlife. The Medway Estuary’s strategic location also supports a host of marine species, making every trip a chance to witness nature in action. Whether you're snapping images of rusty relics, enjoying the sea breeze, or learning about the area’s military role, this tour offers a meaningful slice of coastal Britain. It’s a highlight for those wanting to understand the area’s layered history while soaking up spectacular views from the water.
Route Schematic
Route schematic: key stops and sights
A stepwise run-down of the voyage from Queenborough out to the Redsand Towers and back.
Queenborough All‑tide Landing — Departure
Board at Crundells Wharf, Queenborough and depart on the guided 3‑hour cruise.
Pass the Port of Sheerness and Island Forts
Sail past Sheerness and the numerous island forts that have guarded the Medway Estuary since the 1860s.
Redsand Towers (Maunsell Forts)
Reach the Maunsell (Redsand) Towers—approximately 1 hour 15 minutes after leaving—circle close enough for photography; passengers may not board the structures.
Return via SS Richard Montgomery site
On the return leg the vessel passes around the site of the SS Richard Montgomery (outside the exclusion zone) before heading back up the Medway to Queenborough.
Passengers must comply with operator safety rules: anyone arriving under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted to board and refunds will not be given; operators may change routing for safety or operational reasons.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Maunsell Forts: WWII Guardians of the Estuary
The Redsand Towers are historic World War II Maunsell forts standing in the Medway Estuary; the voyage brings you alongside these offshore monuments for sustained viewing without boarding the structures.
A Medway Passage Past Island Forts
The cruise sails out of Queenborough, passes the Port of Sheerness and the island forts that have guarded the estuary since the 1860s before reaching the Redsand Towers roughly 1 hour 15 minutes into the trip.
Close-up Photo Opportunities and Falcons
The vessel is small enough to pass between and under the towers for plentiful photo angles; photographers are encouraged to bring long lenses to try for shots of Peregrine Falcons that frequent the area.
What the day feels like
What the three-hour outing feels like
The outing is a compact, interpretive sea journey: you meet at Queenborough, cross the Medway Estuary while listening to full commentary, reach the Redsand Towers about 1 hour 15 minutes after departure to photograph and observe from the vessel (boarding the towers is not permitted), then return via the site of the SS Richard Montgomery before coming back up the Medway.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this short estuary cruise suits — and the key limitation to keep in mind.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The total excursion runs approximately 3 hours; expect around 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the Redsand Towers from Queenborough.
Assemble at Queenborough All‑tide Landing, Crundells Wharf, Queenborough ME11 5EL (what3words: ///winning.microchip.uplifting).
Bring weather-appropriate layers and, for photographers, long lenses to try for Peregrine Falcon shots; the vessel carries a bar and toilets and offers a full commentary onboard.
Passengers arriving under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted to board; refunds will not be given.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The excursion is approximately 3 hours in total.
Where do I meet the boat?
Boarding is at Queenborough All‑tide Landing, Crundells Wharf, Queenborough ME11 5EL (what3words: ///winning.microchip.uplifting).
Can I go onto the Redsand Towers?
No — the vessel comes close and can pass between and under the structures for photography, but no one is permitted to board the towers.
Will I be able to see wildlife or take photos?
Yes — the trip offers photo opportunities around the towers and the chance to spot Peregrine Falcons; photographers are advised to bring long lenses.
What is your policy on intoxicated passengers?
Any passenger arriving to the boat under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted to board and refunds will not be given.
What do you pass on the return leg?
On the return journey the vessel passes around the site of the SS Richard Montgomery (outside the exclusion zone) before returning up the Medway to Queenborough.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:26:40.933Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.