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What you need to know before booking your first Norfolk Broads boating holiday

Looking to book a Norfolk Broads getaway and want to know more? Here are our top tips to know before you go. 

A UK staycation offers a fantastic alternative to a holiday abroad, allowing you to save money, cut travel time and reduce the stress that comes with sorting passports and travel documents. 

If you’re looking for something truly unique, why not consider a boating holiday along the beautiful Norfolk Broads in 2024? The unique sights, rare wildlife and exciting attractions make for the perfect family-friendly holiday. 

We’ve been offering boating holidays on the Norfolk Broads for 80 years, and in that time we’ve gathered plenty of expertise to help you plan your perfect Broads getaway. 

Here are some of our top tips! 

What to know before you go 

One of the first things you might be curious about is where you’re staying. Our fleet of more than 210 boats is the largest on the Norfolk Broads and has something to suit everybody. They all come equipped with a fridge, cooker, TV, shower, toilet, bedding, warm air heating, Wi-Fi and hot and cold water. We have many dog-friendly options too! 

Take a tour of our range of boats here. 

If you’ve never sailed before, you’ll be pleased to know you don’t need a licence to drive a boat and no experience is necessary. When you arrive at Stalham Marina, you will be given a full demonstration and a trial run to ensure you are comfortable driving and mooring the boat. You’ll also be given a manual with safety reminders, useful information and instructions on operating your cruiser. 

When it comes to packing, a first aid kit, rubber-soled shoes, matches and a torch will come in handy. Some waterproof clothing is advisable too in case the weather takes a turn and, if you’re bringing your pup, don’t forget their luggage! 

As our holidays are self-catering, you’ll need food, drink and cleaning materials (unless you are planning to stop off at some of the fantastic broadside restaurants, cafés, pubs, shops and delis).  

See more advice for first timers here. 

Our visitor information app will help you get the most out of your boating holiday, with information on attractions, events, places to eat, local shopping, wildlife and more. You can download the app here. 

What to know before you go 
Staying safe on the water 

To ensure you have a safe, fun and memorable holiday, it is important to remember to stay safe on the water at all times and wear your buoyancy aids aboard the boat. Also remember to be considerate of other craft and people on the Broads and at the moorings. 

You can check the Norfolk Broads Boat Hire Safety Code to learn all about safety on the water. We’ve also put together a series of how-to videos to help you remain safe. Watch them here. 

Staying safe on the water 
Building your itinerary 

The Norfolk Broads are a truly unforgettable holiday destination – whether you’re interested in visiting some of the area’s top attractions, spotting rare wildlife or learning about the Broads’ rich heritage. 

You can travel about 30 miles per day aboard your cruiser, so during a break of one week or longer any point on the navigable Broads is within reach. 

You could explore our founder Robert Richardson’s original Broads boating route down to Beccles, or take the seven-night Town and City Route and explore the Broad’s surrounding towns, villages and the fine city of Norwich. There are also several dog-friendly routes. All these and more can be found here. 

There are plenty of wonderful stops to visit on your holiday, but our top moorings include Wroxham, known as the capital of the Broads, and the town’s sister village Hoveton where there are lots of shops and attractions to be found. 

Nearby Horning also has some wonderful shops, restaurants and tea rooms, and the lively Pleasure Beach at Great Yarmouth is always worth a visit. There is even a public mooring just 30 minutes’ walk from the beach at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station. 

Building your itinerary 

If you’d like to find out more about booking a 2024 boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads, fill in the guest enquiry form here or call 01692 668981 to speak to our friendly team.

Boating with two adults aged 18 years or over.

For safety reasons we are only able to accept bookings from Parties or Groups with a minimum of two adults aged 18 years or over.