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.
Filter Options
PRELUDE
Sleeps 8 + 2
Brinks Prelude a New Norfolk Broads Boat Built by Barnes Brinkcraft for friends and family to enjoy...[more]
ROYALL SATIN
Sleeps 2+1
A very comfortable and spacious boat for couples, very easy to handle....[more]
ROYALL VELVET 2
Sleeps 2+1
An extremely comfortable 2 berth cruiser with a 'walkaround' double berth. ...[more]
ROYALL VELVET 3
Sleeps 2+1
The single level design interior makes this a great boat for anyone with mobility problems....[more]
SONNET
Sleeps 2+2
A modern single level cruiser that will pass under all Broads bridges at low tide....[more]
BELMORE
Sleeps 2+2
A practical boat for 'all seasons' boating fitted with a bow thruster for easy manoeurvering....[more]
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]
ENCORE
Sleeps 2+2
This boat was built in 2017 season - A classic design single level cruiser with a modern interior. ...[more]
BELMORE TC
Sleeps 3
A practical boat for 'all seasons' boating fitted with a bow thruster for easy manoeurvering....[more]
BLENHEIM
Sleeps 4
A very spacious cruiser for up to 4 people, wide side decks and easy access at the bow and stern....[more]
RAPIDE
Sleeps 4
A dual steer cruiser with a spacious outside deck area to enjoy the sunshine....[more]
TEMPO
Sleeps 4+2
New. Boats built from 2019 to 2022 A seriously comfortable boat with excellent electronics make th...[more]
SERENADE
Sleeps 4+2
The super modern low-line design, light and airy interior and flexible bed layout makes this boat a ...[more]
CONCERTO
Sleeps 4+2
Dual steering positions and comfortable accommodation for up to 6 people....[more]
ROYALL COMMANDER
Sleeps 5+1
A perfect cruiser for families with the large raised centre cockpit saloon. ...[more]
PHANTOM
Sleeps 6
A dual steer cruiser with a spacious outside deck area to enjoy the sunshine....[more]
REXMORE
Sleeps 6+2
A great boat with very flexible accommodation, with one cabin converting into either 2 single berth...[more]
ROYALL AMBASSADOR
Sleeps 6+2
A spacious cruiser with good accommodation in 3 cabins - central raised steering position. ...[more]
MELODY
Sleeps 7
A stylish modern cruiser with dual steering positions and outside seating area. Making it an ideal...[more]
CORSAIR
Sleeps 7
A dual steer cruiser with a spacious outside deck area to enjoy the sunshine....[more]
LULLABY
Sleeps 8
A stylish and comfortable cruiser with dual steering positions and outside seating area....[more]
CONCORDE
Sleeps 8
A dual steer cruiser with a spacious outside deck area to enjoy the sunshine....[more]
ULTIMA 2
Sleeps 8+3
A large & spacious cruiser, with lots of single berths. ideal for two families or groups of friend...[more]
EMPEROR
Sleeps 8+4
A great cruiser for large parties or friends sharing, with accommodation for up to 12 people. **...[more]
ULTIMA 1
Sleeps 8+4
A modern, large & spacious Cruiser, ideal for two families or groups of friends sharing....[more]
SYMPHONY
Sleeps 10
An older style but comfortable cruiser with plenty of room for large groups or families....[more]
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.
Yes, by 9 am please, ready for our staff to get on board and sort her out for the next customers.



