This 7 day Norfolk Broads boating holiday itinerary is ideal for first-timers and regular visitors alike and shows the breadth of what the Broads offers. There is plenty of opportunity to explore both on and off the boat, and experiences that will surprise and delight you.
Day 1: Wroxham and Salhouse Broad
Welcome to your first day on the Norfolk Broads! Wroxham and Hoveton, located on either side of the River Bure, are often called the “capital of the Broads.” You’ll find bustling spots to eat, shop, and start your adventure here.
Top Tip Be sure to visit the Broads Visitor Centre on Station Road, Hoveton (NR12 8UR). It’s open from April to October and offers great information about the Broads. You can also read about the Broads National Park with a copy of the Broadcaster in your welcome pack.
Begin your day with breakfast at the Hotel Wroxham, where you can enjoy a stunning view of the river as boats glide by. It’s best to book early and soak in the morning bustle from the waterside terrace. After breakfast, you may need to pop into Roy’s supermarket or superstore to pick up those last-minute necessities you forgot to pack. They even stock wellies!
Now you are ready to head back to your boat and set off south along the River Bure. As you cruise gently along, you’ll pass pretty riverside properties before arriving at Salhouse Broad after around 30 minutes. Moor up and explore this beautiful natural area, where you can wander along the boardwalks through the woods. Hire a canoe or paddleboard for an hour if you’re feeling adventurous. Do you prefer to relax? Just stay aboard and watch the world go by!
Feeling energetic? Head to Hoveton Great Broad to explore one of Britain’s finest National Nature Reserves. Accessible only by boat, the nature trail offers a peaceful hour-long stroll through beautiful landscapes (note: dogs are not allowed except for guide dogs).
After exploring, watch for the ice cream boat – give them a wave, and they’ll come over! When it’s time for supper, walk to Woodford Brewery and the Fur and Feather Inn, a Norfolk institution known for its real ales and home-cooked food. Remember to bring a torch if you walk back in the dark after dinner.
Alternatively, walk in the other direction and you’ll find two newly refurbished establishments in Salhouse Village The Lodge or The Stag
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Day 2: Horning
After a leisurely breakfast aboard, cruise south along the River Bure to the charming village of Horning, which you’ll reach in about half an hour. Moor up at one of the spots along the river.
Top Tip: Horning can get busy, especially during the high season, and moorings can be limited. As a member of the Broads Hire Boat Federation, Barnes Brinkcraft has a reciprocal arrangement with other hire boatyards, like Ferry Marina and Horning Pleasure Craft, which means you may be able to moor at their marinas free of charge. You can use our app to help you find moorings.
Horning is full of riverside houses, pubs, restaurants, and shops, offering many picturesque places to relax and enjoy the view. You may even catch sight of a weekend sailing regatta. Want a bit of adventure? Book a paddleboarding session with Go Paddle. They offer beginner sessions for all ages!
For something unexpected, take a walk to Neatishead and visit the fascinating Cold War Operations Room, now an award-winning museum providing insights into the Cold War era. It’s worth the journey.
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Day 3: Potter Heigham
Today, make your way to Potter Heigham, located right in the heart of the Broads. No visit here is complete without stopping by Lathams of Potter Heigham—an Aladdin’s cave of fishing tackle, food, and quirky finds. Be aware that bigger boats and elderly building techniques mean you are unlikely to get under Potter Heigham Bridge this season. Unless, of course, you hire a rowing boat.
However, you can enjoy a circular walk around the nature reserve towards Hickling and look out for cranes and listen for the booming call of the bittern. For a scenic end to the day, moor up at Thurn Mill Dyke. You may recognize this picturesque white mill from many photographs of Norfolk’s big skies. Don’t miss a visit to The Lion, a popular award-winning pub at the end of the dyke.
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Day 4: Discover the River Ant – History and Nature
After breakfast, get your camera ready for the remains of the 9th-century St. Benet’s Abbey—one of the most photographed sites in Norfolk. For a deeper understanding, check out the Norfolk Archaeological Trust’s website.
Continue your journey up the River Ant, encountering the bridge at Ludham. Brush up on bridge navigation in your skipper’s handbook or the Barnes Brinkcraft App. Once you’re safely through, make a stop at Toad Hole Cottage Museum to learn about the life of a marshman. Take a stroll through the secret gardens at How Hill for breathtaking views of the Broads.
Afterwards, head on to Barton Broad, the second largest in the national park, and find a peaceful spot to “mud weight” overnight. Alternatively, moor at Gay Staithe or Neatishead Staithe for a short walk to a lovely shop and pub in Neatishead.
Top Tip: Mud weighting is when you drop the mud anchor on the front of the boat to keep your boat in place. Choose a quiet spot away from the main channel for a magical night afloat.
Day 5: Stalham and the Museum of the Broads
After enjoying a walk around the Barton Boardwalk, set sail to Stalham. This small market town has interesting shops and a few pubs for an evening meal.
Don’t miss the Museum of the Broads, where you can learn about the history of life on the Broads—from Viking settlers to boatbuilders and early holidaymakers.
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Day 6: Barton Broad to Ranworth
It’s almost the end of your holiday, so take it easy today. Start with a relaxed sail through Barton Broad and down the River Ant, making a stop for lunch or afternoon tea at Ranworth Broad.
Enjoy a meal at Granary Tea Shop or the Maltsters Pub, but if you’re up for some adventure, climb Ranworth Church Tower for panoramic views of the Broads. Don’t forget to visit the **Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Broads Wildlife Centre** for one last dose of nature.
Afterward, head back towards the boatyard for an early return the next day. My favorite spot for the night? Mud weighting on Wroxham Broad or the river moorings by Salhouse Broad, where you can enjoy a peaceful last night on the water.
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Day 7: Return to Wroxham
As your holiday comes to a close, enjoy one final morning on the Broads before returning to the boatyard by 9 am. We hope you’ve made memories that will last a lifetime.
Bon voyage!