There is nothing so good as messing about on the water – day boat hire route suggestions Norfolk Broads
A Trip To Wroxham Broad
For – Friends or Families (great for beginners, build your confidence on the water)
Once you’ve picked up your day boat, leave the boatyard and turn left onto the main river. As you cruise along, you’ll pass some lovely riverside houses – a great chance to settle in and get used to handling the boat.
Take the first turning into Wroxham Broad. This is an ideal spot to practise your boat handling skills, with plenty of open water and space to turn it’s the perfect for anyone needing a little extra practice. It’s also a fun place to let younger crew members have a supervised go at the wheel.
There’s another exit at the far end of the broad, which brings you neatly back onto the river, turn left and carry on down, back to the yard.
⏱ Approximate time: A return trip to Wroxham Broad and back to the yard takes around 1 hour.
Top tip: At weekends during the sailing season, this is a brilliant place to snap photos of yachts with their sails fully raised – especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail
For – Families, Friends and nature enthusiasts (once you’ve mastered driving your boat, you can have a wander around some of the beautiful wildlife)
On leaving Wroxham Broad, turn right, continue cruising for around 10 minutes.
On your right-hand side, you’ll find the entrance to Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail.
This peaceful spot is only accessible by boat and is completely free to visit. Moor up, meet the friendly warden and follow the 30-minute circular walking trail through one of the Broads’ most important wetland habitats. It’s a fantastic way to learn more about the wildlife and conservation work in the area. Allow around 4 hours to enjoy everything at a comfortable pace.
Keep your eyes peeled – the ice cream boat often visits this spot. A friendly wave is usually all it takes to have one delivered straight to your boat.
Almost opposite the nature trail is the entrance to Salhouse Broad. This makes an ideal spot, where you could try your hand at mooring up (there may be a small charge). Have a paddle on the “beach” and feed the ducks.
For those of you who have boats without toilets on board, there are public toilets 5 mins from the beach
#Top Tip: There is no need to moor up to feed the ducks and swans. just pop the boat into neutral and start throwing a little food onto the water – the birds will soon notice you!
#Top Tip: Swans and ducks like to feast on corn, grapes, oats, wheat, lettuce, vegetable trimmings and peas. A little bread will not harm them, but a varied diet is much much better
#Top Tip: Keep an eye out for the magnificent Wherry Yachts, only found in the Broads National Park. You can learn more about them here