Our full-on family fun route it an adaptation of the original Richardson’s route. You don’t have to do everything – unless you’re feeling brave enough! Read on to see our 7-Day family route in the Broads National Park. Click on the map on the left to enlarge!
Alternatively, see our 3-night Route here.
The first night, you may not be able to get too far before night falls. Your boat isn’t equipped or insured for night cruising, so moor up in Ludham and explore How Hill, which has all the fun of a nature reserve. The reserve features gardens, a view of the Broads, as well as the historic How Hill House. Toad Hall Cottage on the reserve is decorated in the style of a Victorian marshman to show you how life would have been, and the room also features tools of the trade.
Cruise for 4-5 hours south to arrive at Great Yarmouth. You can see what to do with older children in Great Yarmouth here, and younger children here. This lively seaside town is bright and bustling with life and excitement, with a variety of arcades, attractions, places to eat and, of course, the beach! Moor at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station* and explore!
Cruise a further 3-4 hours south and discover Outlon Broad. Moor at Oulton Broad Yacht Station*, which is a short taxi ride from the Suffolk seaside town of Lowestoft. There’s plenty to see and do here – you can find a list of our recommendations of things to do in Lowestoft on our website here. With a variety of shopping opportunities, a theme park, and a zoo, Lowestoft is a fantastic place to spend the day with the family.
Make your way to Reedham, which is around 2 hours from Oulton Broad Yacht Station. Once you arrive in the picturesque Broadland village, walk for 10-15 minutes to find Pettitts Animal Adventure Park. This 3-in-1 adventure park is perfect if travelling with younger children, as the park features a variety of animals, gentle rides, and entertainment. Cuddle with guinea pigs or take a relaxing ride on the Cup & Saucers!
After Reedham, continue making your way back north and stop at the small Broads town of Acle, about 4 hours away. With moorings at Acle Bridge Inn, this is the perfect place to stop for lunch or even a tasty hot dinner. There are also more moorings around the pub if you can’t get a spot outside, or venture into Acle Village centre to find a variety of takeaways, shops, and Scooter’s Café which serves a delicious breakfast menu as well as some appetising lunches!
A lovely 2-hour cruise will take you to Horning. Book a meal at one of the riverside pubs! Horning is also home to one of the Broads’ most popular family attractions, BeWILDerwood, a fantastic treehouse adventure park – great for all ages! This is just a short walk away, so warm yourself up and get exploring!
This is your last full day, so relax and cruise back towards Stalham, perhaps stopping in Potter Heigham this time to have a look at the popular Broads’ village and explore the famous discount store Lathams – you might even find yourself a bargain! The next day you will need to be back at Richardson’s Boating’s Stalham marina at 9:00am, so moor up nearby or make your way back to Stalham for your final night.
