Hire boat holidays available March–October

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

Family Boating Holidays On The Norfolk Broads

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

Family Boating Holidays On The Norfolk Broads

Looking for a UK family holiday that actually feels like a holiday? Welcome to the Norfolk Broads.

With over 125 miles of lock-free waterways, the Norfolk Broads is one of the best destinations in the UK for family boating holidays. The Broads is a the perfect place for children and grown ups to explore, spot wildlife and have a new adventure together, everyday!

Cruise gently through beautiful countryside, stopping wherever you like along the way. Your boat becomes your floating holiday home, so everything you need travels with you as you explore the Broads at your own pace.

Our family friendly holiday boats are easy to handle, comfortable inside and packed with everything you need for a stress-free holiday. Best of all no boating experience is required, we give you a full induction.

From peaceful rivers and wildlife rich marshes to bustling Broads villages and waterside pubs, every day brings something new to discover.

Bring the dog, bring the cat (yes this happens) bring the grandparents, bring the whole crew. Norfolk Broads family boating holidays are made for shared adventures.

If you’re after a relaxed, affordable UK family boat holiday with a touch of magical adventure sprinkled in, hop aboard.

Why the Norfolk Broads is Perfect for Family Boating Holidays

If you’re searching for a UK holiday that mixes fun, freedom and proper downtime to reconnect as a family, a Norfolk Broads family boating holiday is unbeatable.  You’ll quickly discover why families return year after year.

More than 125 miles of tranquil, lock-free waterways, make the Broads the perfect place for families trying boating holidays for the first time. Cruising is gentle, relaxed and safe.  Perfect for little explorers and big kids alike.

Along the way you’ll discover:

  • Wildlife rich backwaters
  • Charming riverside villages
  • Waterside pubs and cafés
  • Picnic spots galore
  • Stunning nature reserves
  • Places you simply can’t reach by car

Once you’re afloat, the stress slips away and the family fun begins.  The screens are soon forgotten!!!

Family Friendly Boats Made for Adventure

At Barnes Brinkcraft we’ve been helping families enjoy Norfolk Broads family boating holidays for over 50 years, so we know exactly what makes a boat family friendly.

Our cruisers are designed for comfort, simplicity and easy cruising, offering:

  • Spacious open plan layouts for living and relaxing
  • Easy boarding and safe layouts for children
  • Modern features including heating, WiFi on most boats and comfortable cabins
  • Proper kitchens, so family meals are easy
  • Simple controls and full tuition — no boating experience needed
  • Pet friendly boats, because the dog deserves a holiday too

Whether you’re a small family of two or a lively group of twelve, we have a boat that suits both your crew and your budget.

What Families Love Doing on the Broads

A family boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads is about much more than simply cruising, it’s about the adventures you discover along the way.

Families love:

  • Cruising to beautiful Broads villages
  • Enjoying fish and chips by the river
  • Visiting nature reserves and spotting wildlife
  • Hiring canoes or paddleboards
  • Playing games on deck
  • Mooring in quiet spots for evening picnics
  • Stopping off at waterside pubs for lunch

Children quickly fall in love with the freedom of life on the water, while parents enjoy the slower pace and peaceful scenery.

It’s a rare holiday where everyone genuinely relaxes.

How Easy Is It to Drive a Holiday Boat?

One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how easy driving a holiday boat really is.

Our boats are designed to be simple to handle and easy to manoeuvre, even for complete beginners.

Before you set off we provide full tuition and guidance, so you’ll feel confident from the moment you leave the boatyard.

The Broads has:

  • No locks
  • Calm waterways
  • Clearly marked navigation routes

All of which makes cruising relaxed and stress free.

Family Friendly Facilities & Safety

When you’re holidaying with children, the small details make a big difference.

That’s why all our boats come with:

  • Life jackets for all ages (even the smallest crew members and the dogs)
  • Clear safety guidance from our friendly team
  • Heating for chilly mornings
  • Comfortable sleeping areas
  • Fully equipped kitchens to make family meals a breeze

We are a family run holiday company, so looking after families is second nature to us.

Why Families Choose Barnes Brinkcraft

From modern luxury cruisers to classic no-frills favourites, our fleet of more than 85 boats means there’s always something to suit your family.

Booking directly with us gives you:

  • The best available price
  • Friendly, knowledgeable support
  • Decades of Broads experience

We’re based in Wroxham, in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, making it the perfect starting point for your family adventure.

Ready to swap screen time for family time?

Climb aboard,  the Broads are waiting!

Read more

Filter Options








Brinks Chorus 2+2 Berth Luxury 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 £145.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Norfolk Broads boat hire 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 £227.00
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 £60.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Brinks Royal Satin Broads Hire Boat ideal for couples
Mid Range

ROYALL SATIN

Sleeps 2+1

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

Boat from £94.00
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 £81.00
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 £81.00
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 £94.00
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 £87.00
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 £79.00
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 £109.00
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 £98.00
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 £82.00
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 £58.00
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 £75.00
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 £69.00
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 £94.00
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 £84.00
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 £139.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Brinks Serenade Norfolk Broads Holiday Cruiser
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 £127.00
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 £126.00
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 £117.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Royall Commander Affordable Holiday Boat ,Sleeps 6 people
Mid Range

ROYALL COMMANDER

Sleeps 5+1

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

Boat from £91.00
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 £84.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Brinks Rhapsody Electrically Powered ECO Broads Holiday Cruiser Sleeps 6
Mid Range

RHAPSODY

Sleeps 6+2

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

Boat from £165.00
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 £90.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Brinks Rexmore Large Affordable Broads Holiday Cruiser with an electrically operated canopy
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 £96.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver
Brinks Royall Ambassador 6+2 Berth Broads Holiday Boat
No Frills

ROYALL AMBASSADOR

Sleeps 6+2

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

Boat from £123.00
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 £135.00
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 £92.00
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 £176.00
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 £151.00
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 £152.00
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 £105.00
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 £121.00
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 £158.00
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 £121.00
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 £111.00
per night
The price excludes fuel deposit and damage waiver

Questions families ask when considering a boating holiday

No. You’ll get a full handover at Hoveton and an in-water trial so you can practise steering and mooring before you leave the yard.

Yes. As a QAB-assessed operator under Broads Authority licensing, our safety procedures, handovers and staff training are independently checked. Lifejackets are supplied for everyone.

Yes. All our holiday cruisers have onboard heating, toilets and showers, indoor seating and cosy cabins.

Yes — bring them or hire locally. Fishing requires an Environment Agency rod licence and the river close season is 15 Mar–15 Jun.

Up to 3 pets are welcome. Booking terms confirm the pet limit and any charges. We can fit dog lifejackets at reception (refundable deposit). View our pet-friendly boats.

There’s a large network of 24-hour moorings; some are free and some charge. Peak weeks are busy — we can suggest quieter stops in your itinerary.

Boosted onboard Wi-Fi is available on Elite Fleet boats and many others, but the signal depends on mobile network coverage and may not be continuous.

Fuel deposit upfront; final cost based on actual use. If you use less, we refund the difference — most customers receive a refund.

Things to do on the Norfolk Broads

Things to do on the Norfolk Broads

Go to homepage
Sign up to our newsletter