Sunrise near Oulton Broad (c) Broads Authority

A Guide to The Norfolk Broads and Rivers

For those holidaymakers wishing to take to the water, whether experienced sailors or complete novices, The Norfolk Broads provides many opportunities for all. Made up of a collection of around 40 inland water-filled broads, connected by over 200km of free flowing rivers they provide the perfect conditions for any explorer! With all waterways lock-free The Broads offer the chance for trouble free cruising. Around 12 broads are open all year round with these being fully accessible. Below is a brief guide of Norfolk Broads not to be missed!

Boating on Wroxham Broad, Norfolk Broads (c) Norfolk Tourism

River Bure, Wroxham Broad and Salhouse Broad

Considered to be one of the prettiest rivers in the Broadland area and the birthplace of Broads cruising, the River Bure provides many routes for the intrepid traveller! Starting from the quaint village of Coltishall, it flows on through the hustle and bustle of Wroxham, before meandering onto the picturesque village of Horning, with its riverside pubs, perfect for a stop off. Once refreshed, you can continue onto the river mouth and the energetic town of Great Yarmouth. There are many broads to be explored on this route including Wroxham Broad, where you can either sail alone or take a boat trip and the beautiful Salhouse Broad with its grassy bank and areas of sand, perfect for children.

Sailing on Barton Broad, Norfolk Broads (c) Norfolk Tourism

River Ant and Barton Broad

The River Ant is much narrower than the other Broadland rivers and in places is a quieter, more peaceful place to sail. With some beautiful towns to visit along its banks the river has a tendency to get busy during the holiday season. It begins surrounded by reed beds before heading upstream to Stalham, a lovely market town and home to several award winning pubs. It then opens out in to Barton Broad, the second largest broad, popular for cruising and sailing. Regattas are held here throughout the year including the Blakes Barton Regatta in October.

A wherry on the River Thurne, Norfolk Broads (c) Norfolk Tourism

River Thurne and Hickling Broad

Imagine vast expanses of clear blue sky and sparkling water stretching out as far as the eye can see with only churches and windmills breaking up the horizon. This will be the view from your boat on the River Thurne which meanders onto Hickling Broad, the largest broad in the region and forms part of a nature reserve run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. The river then continues on to the town of Potter Heigham where you can stop off for a well earned rest.

Boating on the River Waveney at St Olaves (c) Norfolk Tourism / Great Yarmouth Tourist Authority

River Waveney and Oulton Broad

Crossing the Norfolk/Suffolk border the River Waveney is the least typical of all the rivers. It passes through the attractive town of Beccles and onto Oulton Broad, an excellent place to visit as there are many interesting shop and places to eat. There is also a park with tennis courts, a children's play area and an open air swimming pool.

Berney Arms Windmill on the River Yare (c) Norfolk Tourism / Great Yarmouth Tourist Authority

River Yare and Breydon Water

Flowing from Norwich the River Yare is the biggest of the Broadland Rivers.

Its journey is through beautiful scenery taking in the villages of Brundall and Reedham before opening out into the vast but shallow expanse of Breydon Water near Great Yarmouth.

River Chet

A small tributary off the River Yare, the River Chet meanders through quiet woodland and still grazing marsh.

A detour upstream for about three miles will bring you to the quaint market town of Loddon. With a public staithe for mooring, leave the boat behind for a bit and take time to explore on foot.