Boat hire Norfolk Broards

[DavidJ]

Missing my boat in Spain so taking a 4 day break in Norfolk (1st week Sept) and rather fancy hiring a boat for half a day or so on the Norfolk Broards. We will be 4 adults and 2 kids (age 5 &8)
I know nothing about the area so would appreciate answers to some fairly basic questions.
Best area for just half a day.
Boat hire companies
Type of boat for kids and rain
…….anything else I need to know?

 

[LittleSister]

Depends what you are looking for. Northern Broads have more 'attractions', more hire companies, and in some areas more varied scenery, but are much more crowded/busy. Southern Broads much quieter (and presumably cheaper).

Wroxham is a honeypot, as is Potter Heigham (note that latter has a very low medieval bridge that hire boats are obliged to hire a pilot to get under), and Horning. Can be seething.

You won't get far in half a day. I'd suggest something like
- (at the quiet end) hire in Beccles (or St. Olaves) and motor up the River Waveney to the Locks Inn (food, drink, outdoor seating with canopies, rural scenery, sometimes music) at Geldeston (limit of motor boat navigation).
- (at the busy end) hire at Wroxam and motor up to Coltishall (several pubs, some with outdoor areas), or down to Horning (or vice versa).
There are many more possibilities.

Sorry, I can't really advise on hire companies or boats.

Hope you enjoy your visit.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[DavidJ]

Thanks LittleSister
We like the look of Wroxam, both up and down look interesting on Google Earth.
Agree we won’t get far but with two young grandkids I can’t be too ambitious and a pub stop over sounds very attractiv.e.
So I’ve just done it and booked a 4 hour hire. The first time on a boat in 2 years.
Thanks again

 

[LittleSister]

Enjoy your outing!