Bigger boats for proper summer holidays
A larger boat gives everyone a bit more breathing space. That matters when you have children, grandparents, friends, dogs, fishing gear, walking boots, waterproofs and someone who insists they have “packed light” while carrying four bags.
Our selected larger boats are ideal for families and groups who want a relaxed summer holiday with space to spread out, cook on board, moor up somewhere peaceful and enjoy the Broads at their own pace.
Whether you are sharing with another family, planning a multi-generation break, or coming back to the Broads with friends, these boats give you the room to make the holiday work properly.
No experience needed
You do not need previous boating experience to enjoy a Barnes Brinkcraft boating holiday.
Before you set off, our team will show you how everything works, talk you through the boat and give you tuition so you feel ready to cruise. We’ll explain the practical bits clearly, from starting the engine to mooring up, so you can head out with confidence rather than clutching the wheel like you’ve accidentally joined the Navy.
The pace of the Broads is relaxed, and standard hire cruising areas are lock-free, making this a brilliant choice for first-time boaters, families and groups.
Dogs welcome on every boat
No need to leave the dog behind. All Barnes Brinkcraft hire boats welcome dogs, so your four-legged crew member can come too.
The Broads are made for dog-friendly holidays, with riverside walks, village moorings, pub gardens and plenty of fresh air. Just bring the lead, the dog towel and, if your dog is anything like most dogs, the strong belief that every sandwich is technically shareable.
What your holiday includes
We keep things practical and straightforward, because nobody wants holiday small print to feel like a treasure hunt.
Your boating holiday includes:
Tuition before you set off
A friendly handover
Bedding provided
Life jackets supplied
Dogs welcome on every boat
A riverside start point in Hoveton
Easy access to the River Bure and the wider Norfolk Broads
Standard hire cruising areas that are lock-free
Help from a team who know the boats and the rivers
Fuel and damage waiver details are shown clearly before booking, so you can compare your holiday properly.
Selected larger boats for summer 2026
We have opened up better summer prices on selected larger boats for key summer dates.
Choose from comfortable mid-range cruisers or simple, spacious Broads favourites, depending on what suits your crew and your budget.
Comfortable mid-range cruisers
A good choice if you want a little more comfort while still keeping the holiday sensible.
Rhapsody
Melody
Lullaby
Harmony
Supermore
Simple, spacious Broads cruisers
Ideal if your priority is space, value and a proper Broads adventure rather than unnecessary bells and whistles.
Merrymore
Rexmore
Corsair
Concorde
Ultima 1 and Ultima 2
Emperor
Symphony
Ambassador
Why choose the Norfolk Broads for a summer holiday?
A boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads is a proper outdoor holiday, but with a bed, a galley and a kettle. Which, frankly, improves most outdoor holidays enormously.
You can cruise in the morning, stop at a riverside pub for lunch, fish from the bank, walk the dog, spot kingfishers and herons, or moor up somewhere peaceful and watch the world drift by.
There are no airport queues, no baggage carousel and no motorway slog to Cornwall. Just arrive in Norfolk, settle onto your boat and enjoy the river.
Great for families and groups
A larger boat works especially well if you are travelling as a family or group.
You get shared space when you want to be together, cabins when people need a bit of quiet, and the freedom to move each day without packing and unpacking the car.
It is a holiday that suits mixed ages too. Children love the adventure of being on the water, adults love the slower pace, and dogs mostly love the fact that everyone is finally spending the day outside where they belong.
Late summer availability
If you are still looking for a proper summer escape, selected larger boats are available for late summer Broads holidays.
Late August and early September can be a lovely time to be on the rivers, with long days, warm evenings and plenty of space to enjoy Norfolk at a gentler pace.
Ready to find your summer boat?
Search your dates, choose the boat that suits your crew, and start planning a proper Norfolk Broads summer boating holiday.
Bring the family, bring your friends, bring the dog — and let Norfolk do its thing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need boating experience?
No. You do not need previous boating experience to hire a Barnes Brinkcraft cruiser. Our team provides tuition and a friendly handover before you set off.
Are the Norfolk Broads suitable for first-time boaters?
Yes. The Broads are a popular choice for first-time boating holidays. The pace is relaxed, and standard hire cruising areas are lock-free.
Can we bring the dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on every Barnes Brinkcraft hire boat.
Are these boats suitable for families?
Yes. Larger boats are ideal for families and groups because they offer more cabin space, storage and living space on board.
Where do the boats start from?
Barnes Brinkcraft boating holidays start from our riverside base in Hoveton, close to Wroxham, on the Norfolk Broads.
What is included?
Your holiday includes tuition, a friendly handover, bedding and life jackets. Fuel and damage waiver details are shown clearly before booking.
Are these boats good for fishing holidays?
Many larger Broads cruisers work well for fishing holidays, with space for kit and easy access to peaceful moorings. You will need the correct rod licence and should follow local fishing rules.
