Hire boat holidays available March–October

Start date
Flexible +/- 3 days
Duration
No. of Guests

Norfolk Broads Boating Holidays with Easy Access & Relaxed Cruising

Hire boat holidays available March–October

Start date
Flexible +/- 3 days
Duration
No. of Guests
pets welcome
pets welcome
life jackets supplied
life jackets supplied
Bedding provided
Bedding provided

Norfolk Broads Boating Holidays with Easy Access & Relaxed Cruising

If you enjoy fresh air, good pubs, wildlife and doing things at your own pace, you’ll feel right at home on the Norfolk Broads.

The boats suggested on this page are ideal for experienced travellers who want comfort, sensible layouts and straightforward cruising — without giving up independence.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or gathering the family, we have boats sleeping from 2 up to 12 people — from Elite luxury cruisers to practical no-frills options. And every boat featured here has a bow thruster, making close manoeuvres calm and controlled rather than stressful.

Ready to Explore the Broads?

 

Browse the easy access boats below, or give us a call and we’ll talk you through the options clearly and honestly.


Comfortable Layouts with Fewer Steps

Some people simply prefer fewer level changes. Others are perfectly happy on a standard cruiser. The selection of boats below highlights boats that are easier to move around inside, with:

  • Very few interior steps
  • Practical, single-level saloon areas
  • Sensible access between cockpit and cabin
  • Stable handling at gentle Broads speeds
  • Handrails in all the right places (well these are available on all our boats – but its worth a shout out)

They’re a good choice if:

  • Your knees aren’t as enthusiastic as they once were
  • You prefer fewer trip hazards
  • You like everything laid out logically

Many guests in their 60s and 70s cruise across our wider fleet too — so if you’re steady on your feet, your choice is even broader.

View All Norfolk Broads Boating Holidays


Calm Waters. No Waves. No Rush

This is inland cruising. Stay this side of Acle bridge and your battle with tides will be tiny. (River Bure and Ant).

  • No rolling waves
  • No sea swell

You cruise at around 3–6mph on sheltered rivers and broads within the Broads National Park.

It’s steady, relaxed and wonderfully unhurried. Many first-time guests are pleasantly surprised by how manageable and enjoyable it feels.


Easy to Handle (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)

All boats listed below:

  • Have bow thrusters
  • Are simple to steer
  • Require no licence
  • Come with full handover tuition before you leave

Our experienced team in Hoveton will show you exactly how everything works before you set off — and we’re at the end of the phone if you need advice.

We’re happy to explain layouts, step access, boarding height or bathroom setups clearly and honestly, just call us on 01603 782625.


Practical Bathroom Comfort: Let’s be honest — bathroom layout matters.

  • Chorus and Sonnet have separate shower cubicles
  • Royal Swan and Blenheim include a small bath with an overhead shower
  • Other boats offer practical wet rooms.

If stepping into a shower or bath is something you think about, tell us — we’ll guide you to the most suitable option.


Warm, Comfortable & Properly Equipped

This is not camping on water, all boats include:

  • Heating for cooler evenings
  • Comfortable seating areas
  • Fully equipped kitchens
  • Hot water
  • Proper beds (look for island beds if you’re partner would prefer it if you didn’t climb over them in the middle of the night)

Evenings are often the highlight — cooking together, sharing a bottle of wine, playing cards around the table or simply watching the sunset over the reeds. You’re outdoors all day, but cosy when you want to be.


Clean, Checked & Ready for You

Every boat is thoroughly cleaned and checked before your arrival. We take preparation seriously — so when you step aboard, everything is ready, tidy and in good working order.

It’s your holiday. It should feel that way from the moment you arrive.


Access to Most Broads Bridges

These are single-helm boats with a lower air draft (between 6ft 7in and 7ft). That allows passage under most Norfolk Broads bridges in normal conditions, giving you excellent access across the River Bure and surrounding cruising areas.

The Broads are shaped by nature, so water levels change throughout the year. Just give us a ring, and we’ll pilot you through Wroxham Bridge provided wind and tide are in our favour (a big downpour or a spring tide could count against you at this point).

There’s still a huge amount of beautiful cruising water to explore, with charming villages, wildlife-rich broads and welcoming riverside pubs throughout the network.

There are plenty of well-used moorings, welcoming riverside villages and friendly pubs along the way — you’re never far from somewhere comfortable to stop.


From Cosy Escapes to Family Gatherings

Whether it’s:

  • A peaceful 2-berth break
  • A holiday with friends
  • Or bringing children and grandchildren along

View 2-Berth Boats on the Norfolk Broads

 

We have boats across our full range:

  • Elite luxury cruisers
  • Comfortable mid-range boats
  • Straightforward, no-frills options

View Luxury Norfolk Broads Boats

 

You choose the level of comfort. The pace is always yours.


A Family Business You Can Trust

We’re a family-run company based in Hoveton, at the heart of the Broads. Many of our guests return year after year — often saying they wish they’d tried boating sooner.

If you want straightforward advice about which boat will suit you best, just call.

We’d rather help you choose properly than book something that doesn’t quite fit, call us on 01603 782625


Why This Style of Holiday Works So Well

  • No airports
  • Bring what you like
  • Moor when you fancy
  • Pub lunches by the river
  • Wildlife outside your window

In our opinion, it’s one of the most civilised ways to explore the UK — active, outdoors and entirely at your own pace.


 

Read more

Filter Options








Brinks Chorus 2+2 Berth Norfolk Broads Boat
Elite Fleet

CHORUS

Sleeps 2+2

New for 2024, a Norfolk Broads Boat Built to a luxurious private spec ...[more]

Boat from £153.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Luxury Boat Hire Norfolk Broads Holiday Boats From Barnes Brinkcraft
Elite Fleet

PRELUDE

Sleeps 8 + 2

Brinks Prelude a New Norfolk Broads Boat Built by Barnes Brinkcraft for friends and family to enjoy...[more]

Boat from £239.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
duet_main
Mid Range

DUET

Sleeps 2+1

A light and airy cruiser with good accommodation for two people....[more]

Boat from £63.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
royall_satin_main
Mid Range

ROYALL SATIN

Sleeps 2+1

A very comfortable and spacious boat for couples, very easy to handle....[more]

Boat from £99.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
royall_velvet_2_main
Mid Range

ROYALL VELVET 2

Sleeps 2+1

An extremely comfortable 2 berth cruiser with a 'walkaround' double berth.  ...[more]

Boat from £85.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
royall_velvet_3_main
Mid Range

ROYALL VELVET 3

Sleeps 2+1

The single level design interior makes this a great boat for anyone with mobility problems....[more]

Boat from £85.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
royall_swan_main
Mid Range

ROYALL SWAN

Sleeps 2+1

A very spacious and comfortable boat, ideal for couples. ...[more]

Boat from £99.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
sonnet_main
Mid Range

SONNET

Sleeps 2+2

 A modern single level cruiser that will pass under all Broads bridges at low tide....[more]

Boat from £91.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
belmore_main
Mid Range

BELMORE

Sleeps 2+2

A practical boat for 'all seasons' boating fitted with a bow thruster for easy manoeurvering....[more]

Boat from £84.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
encore-plus-holiday-boat
Elite Fleet

ENCORE-PLUS

Sleeps 2+2

NEW 2020 and 2021 -  This boat is designed to get to parts of the Norfolk Broads that other boats c...[more]

Boat from £115.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Brinks Encore Norfolk Broads Boat Hire
Elite Fleet

ENCORE

Sleeps 2+2

This boat was built in 2017 season - A classic design single level cruiser with a modern interior. ...[more]

Boat from £103.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
omega_main
Mid Range

OMEGA

Sleeps 2+2

A very spacious and comfortable cruiser, perfect for all seasons....[more]

Boat from £85.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
jazz_main
No Frills

JAZZ

Sleeps 2+2

Ideal for couple or small family, perfect for first time boaters...[more]

Boat from £61.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
regal_star_main
Mid Range

REGAL STAR

Sleeps 2+2

A stylish comfortable and easy to handle cruiser....[more]

Boat from £79.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
belmore_tc_main
Mid Range

BELMORE TC

Sleeps 3

A practical boat for 'all seasons' boating fitted with a bow thruster for easy manoeurvering....[more]

Boat from £72.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
blenheim_main
Mid Range

BLENHEIM

Sleeps 4

A very spacious cruiser for up to 4 people, wide side decks and easy access at the bow and stern....[more]

Boat from £99.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
rapide_main
No Frills

RAPIDE

Sleeps 4

A dual steer cruiser with a spacious outside deck area to enjoy the sunshine....[more]

Boat from £88.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Brinks Tempo - Luxury Hire Boat Norfolk Broads
Elite Fleet

TEMPO

Sleeps 4+2

New. Boats built from 2019 to 2022  A seriously comfortable boat with excellent electronics make th...[more]

Boat from £146.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
serenade_main
Elite Fleet

SERENADE

Sleeps 4+2

The super modern low-line design, light and airy interior and flexible bed layout makes this boat a ...[more]

Boat from £134.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
concerto_main
Mid Range

CONCERTO

Sleeps 4+2

Dual steering positions and comfortable accommodation for up to 6 people....[more]

Boat from £133.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
quartet_main
Mid Range

QUARTET

Sleeps 4+2

Cruise in comfort and style, great accommodation for 2 couples....[more]

Boat from £123.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
royall_commander_main
Mid Range

ROYALL COMMANDER

Sleeps 5+1

A perfect cruiser for families with the large raised centre cockpit saloon. ...[more]

Boat from £107.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
phantom_main
No Frills

PHANTOM

Sleeps 6

A dual steer cruiser with a spacious outside deck area to enjoy the sunshine....[more]

Boat from £89.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
rhapsody_main
Mid Range

RHAPSODY

Sleeps 6+2

Our first electric hybrid cruisers, built new in 2014,2015 & 2016...[more]

Boat from £174.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
merrymore_main
No Frills

MERRYMORE

Sleeps 6+2

A good all-round family boat with easy access via the aft deck....[more]

Boat from £94.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
rexmore_main
No Frills

REXMORE

Sleeps 6+2

A great boat with very flexible accommodation, with one cabin converting into either 2 single berth...[more]

Boat from £105.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
royall_ambassador_main
No Frills

ROYALL AMBASSADOR

Sleeps 6+2

A spacious cruiser with good accommodation in 3 cabins - central raised steering position. ...[more]

Boat from £130.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
melody_main
Mid Range

MELODY

Sleeps 7

A stylish modern cruiser with dual steering positions and outside seating area.  Making it an ideal...[more]

Boat from £142.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Budget Cheap Norfolk Broads Boats For Holiday Hire
No Frills

CORSAIR

Sleeps 7

A dual steer cruiser with a spacious outside deck area to enjoy the sunshine....[more]

Boat from £97.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Luxury Norfolk Broads Boating Holidays
Mid Range

LULLABY

Sleeps 8

A stylish and comfortable cruiser with dual steering positions and outside seating area....[more]

Boat from £185.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
harmony_main
Mid Range

HARMONY

Sleeps 8

Cruise in comfort and style, 4 double berths in 4 cabins...[more]

Boat from £159.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Large low cost Broads holiday boat rental
Mid Range

SUPERMORE

Sleeps 8

Dual steering positions and very flexible accommodation for up 8 people....[more]

Boat from £160.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
concorde_main
No Frills

CONCORDE

Sleeps 8

A dual steer cruiser with a spacious outside deck area to enjoy the sunshine....[more]

Boat from £110.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
ultima_2_main
No Frills

ULTIMA 2

Sleeps 8+3

A large & spacious cruiser, with lots of single berths.  ideal for two families or groups of friend...[more]

Boat from £128.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
emperor_main
No Frills

EMPEROR

Sleeps 8+4

A great cruiser for large parties or friends sharing, with accommodation for up to 12 people. **...[more]

Boat from £166.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
ultima_1_main
No Frills

ULTIMA 1

Sleeps 8+4

A modern, large & spacious Cruiser, ideal for two families or groups of friends sharing....[more]

Boat from £128.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
symphony_main
No Frills

SYMPHONY

Sleeps 10

An older style but comfortable cruiser with plenty of room for large groups or families....[more]

Boat from £117.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver

Last minute availability and offers!

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you don’t need to have any experience or special licences to hire a Broads Cruiser. On arrival, we will give you a full demonstration of how to use, drive and moor the boat. You will also receive videos of how to handle a boat before you arrive.

We provide a manual (electronically and in hard copy onboard) to help you enjoy your holiday.

Our experienced crew will be happy to answer your questions before you leave the yard.

We would recommend at least one member of your crew have good mobility for moving about the deck and mooring.

On arrival at the boatyard, find yourself a temporary parking space outside reception.

A member of our team will direct you to your boat, getting your car as near as possible to the boat so you can unpack

Once you are ready, make your way back to reception with your car keys and paperwork for check-in.

We’ll book you in for your trial run at that point. We customise your tuition to suit your needs.

If the boat is not quite ready, we’ll take your mobile telephone number and contact you as soon as you can go onboard.

Boats will usually be available between 2 and 4 pm. We need them back at 9 am on your day of departure.
 
Some will be available earlier, but we can’t guarantee which boats will be ready early.
 
Each boat is
Pumped out (sewage removed from toilet tanks)
Filled up with fuel and water
Serviced by both the engineers and boat builders
Cleaned inside and out
Inspected by our head cleaner
 
We’re never quite sure what we will find when the boats return, which is why we don’t give you an exact pick-up time.
Yes, please give us a ring to let us know, and we’ll let you know where your boat is so you can go onboard when you arrive. We usually move the boat to just outside reception, so it’s easy to find.
 
In the morning, we will go through the check-in and trial run with you.
 
For safety reasons, you must not take the boat out of the yard until you have had a trial run.

Yes, by 9 am please, ready for our staff to get on board and sort her out for the next customers.

Boating on the Norfolk Broads

Pet Friendly Boating Holidays

Pet-Friendly Boating Holidays on the Norfolk Broads At Barnes Brinkcraft we are very used to seeing the whole family on holiday, and that doesn’t just mean the kids   Which boat should I choose for a pet-friendly boating holiday?   Lots of our customer...

Learn more

The Norfolk Broads

The Broads National Park is one of Britain’s major tourist destinations and also Britain’s largest protected wetland, with 125 miles of water and no locks to stand in your way. The Broads are a favourite with first-time boaters as they offer the pe...

Learn more

Broads National Park: Where Wildlife Thrives

Whilst cruising the Broads National Park it’s tempting to focus on your next destination. But don’t miss the opportunity to slow down and take in your surroundings on the way. Look a little closer you’ll see the Broads are a hive of activity ...

Learn more

Boating on the Norfolk Broads

Pet Friendly Boating Holidays

Pet-Friendly Boating Holidays on the Norfolk Broads At Barnes Brinkcraft we are very used to seeing the whole family on holiday, and that doesn’t just mean the kids   Which boat should I...

Learn more

The Norfolk Broads

The Broads National Park is one of Britain’s major tourist destinations and also Britain’s largest protected wetland, with 125 miles of water and no locks to stand in your way. The Broads...

Learn more

Broads National Park: Where Wildlife Thrives

Whilst cruising the Broads National Park it’s tempting to focus on your next destination. But don’t miss the opportunity to slow down and take in your surroundings on the way. Look a...

Learn more

"Really enjoyed our stay in Coots cottage with Barnes Brinkcraft The welcome pack was an added bonus We needed help with a small problem when we were there and someone came within half hour Thank you"
- michelle W
"This will be our 6th booking, we always find something else to explore, looking forward to visiting again x"
- Denice H
"Very helpful and polite service."
- Gordon C
"Excellent service and friendly advice, thank you....."
- Alan B
Go to homepage
Sign up to our newsletter