Boating inn on the River Bure at Wroxham in Norfolk Broads

Norfolk Broads cruisers are typically for hire for between three and seven nights, and are equipped to make your voyage as comfortable as possible! And with no locks to navigate, cruising on the broads couldn't be easier! Shown here are the main centres for hiring a boat for a Norfolk Broads holiday.

Acle

Boat and windmill on River Bure in Norfolk BroadsIn the centre of the Broads, the market town of Acle on the River Bure is an ideal starting point for exploring many of its attractions by boat. From here you can easily cruise to Wroxham, Norwich or Great Yarmouth, stopping off to appreciate the wildlife and attractions of the towns and villages on the way.

Brundall

Boat at pub on the Norfolk BroadsBrundall lies on the River Yare between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Wroxham to the north and Oulton Broad to the south are easily reached from here.

Hickling

Boat cruising at Hickling Broad in Norfolk

This village can be approached from the staithe at the Pleasure Boat Inn, and is near tranquil Hickling Broad, which is set in a beautiful nature reserve. The River Thurne and Potter Heigham, with its ancient bridge and Lathams discount store, are a short cruise away.

Horning

Boat passing windmill on the Norfolk Broads

This pretty village is set in woodland on the River Bure, and has private inlets like small-scale Venetian canals leading to houses and gardens. From here you can reach Great Yarmouth, Wroxham or Stalham in four nights via the River Bure.

Reedham

Boat cruising in Norfolk Broads at Reedham

The famous chain ferry provides the only road crossing over the River Yare and marshes between Norwich and the coast at Great Yarmouth. From Reedham you can cruise to Norwich, Brundall, Oulton Broad and Great Yarmouth.

Stalham

Norfolk Broads boating holiday

This market town in the northern part of the Broads is home to the The Museum of the Broads at Stalham Staithe. From here it is a short trip down the River Ant to Barton Broad and from there to How Hill Nature Reserve, where you can explore the wildlife trail to see unusual creatures such as marsh harriers and swallowtail butterflies at certain times of the year.

Wroxham

Boating inn on the River Bure at Wroxham in Norfolk Broads

Because of its many boatyards, this busy little village has become known as the 'capital' of the Norfolk Broads. Wroxham Broad is an open expanse of water, well suited for sailing, and Salhouse Broad and Hoveton Broad are within easy cruising distance. From Wroxham you can travel on the narrow gauge steam railway to Aylsham.

Oulton Broad

Boat cruising on the Norfolk Broads

This broad is near Lowestoft in Suffolk and is a centre for all types of watersports including sailing, rowing, windsurfing and even powerboat racing. From here you can cruise the rivers Waveney and Chet. Within reach for a cruising holiday are the interesting old towns of Beccles, Great Yarmouth or Norwich and the beautiful villages of Oulton Broad, Reedham and Loddon.

See Also

Boats on the Norfolk Broads

Norfolk Broads Cottages

Norfolk Broads Holiday Parks