17/04/2026

Short Breaks on the Norfolk Broads – Save up to 15%

A quieter, sunnier, lovelier time to get away

17 April 2026

Escape to the Norfolk Broads this May. Save up to 15% on short boating breaks. Quieter rivers, long evenings and plenty of space to unwind. Perfect for families and first-timers.

Fancy a few days doing very little… but properly?

From 15th May to 3rd June, we’ve got up to 15% off selected short boating holidays on the Norfolk Broads — perfect if you want to get away without committing to a full week (including May half term if you’re working around school holidays — and yes, it’s much easier than you might think).

Whether you’re completely new to boat hire on the Broads or just after a relaxed UK short break, it’s a bit of a sweet spot, if we’re honest — especially from our base in Wroxham, right at the heart of the Broads network, where you can get out onto the quieter rivers in no time.

  • ☀️ Often warm enough to sit out with a drink
  • 🚤 Quieter on the rivers (much easier if it’s your first time)
  • 🌅 Long evenings that seem to stretch on forever
  • 😌 And space to actually switch off for a change

👉 Less rushing about. More drifting along nicely.

Fancy a few days doing very little… but properly?

From 15th May to 3rd June, we’ve got up to 15% off selected short boating holidays on the Norfolk Broads — perfect if you want to get away without committing to a full week (including Summer half term if you’re working around school holidays — and yes, it’s much easier than you might think).

Whether you’re completely new to boat hire on the Broads or just after a relaxed UK short break, it’s a bit of a sweet spot, if we’re honest — especially from our base in Wroxham, right at the heart of the Broads network, where you can get out onto the quieter rivers in no time.

  • ☀️ Often warm enough to sit out with a drink
  • 🚤 Quieter on the rivers (much easier if it’s your first time)
  • 🌅 Long evenings that seem to stretch on forever
  • 😌 And space to actually switch off for a change

👉 Less rushing about. More drifting along nicely.

🚤 Top Picks – Save 15% on These Boats

Tempo

A little slice of Elite Fleet boating luxury. Sleeps 4+2, with room to spread out — ideal for couples or small families looking to unwind.

Book Tempo

Serenade

Serenade is a stylish Elite Fleet cruiser sleeping 4+2, with a sliding canopy — open it up, let the sun in, and enjoy the Broads properly.

Book Serenade

Concerto

Sleeps 4+2, with two good doubles and extra berths in the saloon — plus a raised helm for cracking views over the reeds.

Book Concerto

Jazz

Sleeps 2+2, with a clever cabin that turns from double to bunks — Jazz is simple, flexible and great value for family breaks.

Book Jazz

🚤 Top Picks – Save 15% on These Boats

Tempo

A little slice of Elite Fleet boating luxury. Sleeps 4+2, with room to spread out — ideal for couples or small families looking to unwind.

Book Tempo

Serenade

Serenade is a stylish Elite Fleet cruiser sleeping 4+2, with a sliding canopy — open it up, let the sun in, and enjoy the Broads properly.

Book Serenade

Concerto

Sleeps 4+2, with two good doubles and extra berths in the saloon — plus a raised helm for cracking views over the reeds.

Book Concerto

Jazz

Sleeps 2+2, with a clever cabin that turns from double to bunks — Jazz is simple, flexible and great value for family breaks.

Book Jazz

🌿 Why this is such a good time to visit the Broads

Late May is a bit of a hidden gem on the Norfolk Broads — especially if you’re after a short boating break that actually feels relaxing.

  • 🌅 Long, light evenings – dinner on deck beats the sofa every time
  • ☀️ Often one of the sunniest spells of the year
  • 🚤 Quieter waterways – ideal if you’re new to boat hire on the Broads
  • 🌼 Wildlife and scenery at their best
  • 3 Rivers Race weekend – over 100 yachts, a brilliant spectacle (best watched with a drink in hand rather than trying to steer through it)

Our honest view? If you’ve ever thought about trying the Broads, this is one of the easiest and most enjoyable times to do it.


👨‍👩‍👧 May Half Term – Without the Usual Chaos

If you’re tied to school holidays, this is a very different kind of family break in the UK.

No airports. No queues. No rigid plans.

Just:

  • Kids having a go at steering (and loving it)
  • Mooring up wherever looks good
  • Pub lunches by the water
  • Ice creams, walks, wildlife… repeat

It’s one of those rare holidays where everyone slows down a bit — not just the kids.  And with a handful of boats still available over May half term, it’s a rare chance to get away without the usual scramble


🧭 New to Boating? You’ll Be Absolutely Fine

If you’ve never done a Norfolk Broads boating holiday before, you’re exactly who this is for.

  • ✔ No licence needed
  • ✔ Full handover and tuition before you set off
  • ✔ Boats designed to be easy to handle
  • ✔ Friendly help if you need it along the way

👉 Most people start as first-timers. A lot of them end up coming back year after year.


⚠️ A Quick Heads-Up

  • This offer is only available on selected boats
  • Short break dates (3–4 nights) are limited
  • Half term availability tends to go first
  • A few more options are available when you check availability or give us a ring.”

👉 Once these slots are gone, they’re gone


🔎 Norfolk Broads Short Breaks with Barnes Brinkcraft

If you’re looking for Norfolk Broads short breaks, boat hire in the UK, or a more relaxed kind of holiday, this is one of the best times to go.

From our base in Wroxham, at the heart of the Broads network, you can explore miles of beautiful waterways, all within standard hire cruising areas which are lock-free, making them ideal for beginners.

A 3–4 night boating holiday gives you just the right amount of time — enough to unwind, explore a couple of rivers, and settle into a slower pace of life, without needing a full week away.

Whether you’re planning a family boating holiday, a couples escape, or simply fancy trying something different, late spring on the Norfolk Broads is hard to beat.


🚤 Ready to Get Away?

👉 Check availability and find your perfect short break

Ideas and Inspiration

Boating Itinerary

Are you planning a boating trip or holiday on the Norfolk Broads? Here are some suggested boating routes. We have 1 day trips suitable for our day boats and longer trips for those looking to take a break and spend more time on the water.

Learn more

First Timer Boating Holidays

Never hired a holiday boat before? No problem, whatever competence levels you have, you will receive training and advice, providing you the confidence to make your first boating holiday one you will repeat.

Learn more

Pet Friendly Boating Holidays

On our pet-friendly holiday boats, the whole family is welcome! Including dogs and even cats. Choose from a selection of holiday boats with pet-friendly features. We also provide dog life jackets.

Learn more

The Norfolk Broads Experience

Hear what our customers have to say about being on a Norfolk Broads boating holiday with Barnes Brinkcraft. Just imagine you could be here too!

Learn more

Ideas and Inspiration

Boating Itinerary

Are you planning a boating trip or holiday on the Norfolk Broads? Here are some suggested boating routes. We have 1 day trips suitable for our day boats and longer trips for those looking to take a break and spend more time on the water.

Learn more

First Timer Boating Holidays

Never hired a holiday boat before? No problem, whatever competence levels you have, you will receive training and advice, providing you the confidence to make your first boating holiday one you will repeat.

Learn more

Pet Friendly Boating Holidays

On our pet-friendly holiday boats, the whole family is welcome! Including dogs and even cats. Choose from a selection of holiday boats with pet-friendly features. We also provide dog life jackets.

Learn more

The Norfolk Broads Experience

Hear what our customers have to say about being on a Norfolk Broads boating holiday with Barnes Brinkcraft. Just imagine you could be here too!

Learn more

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