pets welcome
life jackets supplied
Bedding providedFamily Boating Holidays On The Norfolk Broads
Looking for a UK family holiday where you can actually switch off? 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 the perfect place for children and grown-ups to explore, spot wildlife and have a new adventure together, every day!
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:
- Lock-free cruising within standard hire areas
- 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 and you’ll get:
- 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.
Popular weeks book up early, especially in school holidays.
Ready to swap screen time for family time?
Climb aboard, the Broads are waiting!
Filter Options
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.
