The Norfolk Broads is known for its peaceful waterways, abundant wildlife, and charming villages, making it a popular choice for holidaymakers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. One of the most popular ways to experience the beauty of the Norfolk Broads is by taking a boat tour.
While there are other ways to explore this special area, a boat tour offers a unique perspective and a chance to see the region from a different angle. However, with so many boat tour options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you.
Let’s take a look at the different boat tours offered in the Norfolk Broads, so you can find the one that’s right for you.
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Boat Tours in the Norfolk Broads
Boat tours in the Norfolk Broads offer something for everyone, with a range of boat styles and trip lengths from quick 20-minute rides to leisurely two-hour cruises. Some even welcome well-behaved dogs, so you can bring your furry friend along. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll take in beautiful scenery and have a good chance of spotting wildlife along the way.
Let’s take a look at the different Norfolk Broads boat tour options in detail.
Broads Tours in Wroxham
Broads Tours in Wroxham lets you explore the Norfolk Broads in comfort. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as your knowledgeable skipper shares the history of the Broads, points out landmarks, and helps you spot local wildlife along the way.
Take a look at their schedule here and you can see when the different boats (Cordon Rouge, Queen of the Broads, Vintage Broadsman, Belle of the Broads) are running. All the boats have toilets, two levels, and a licensed bar that offers light refreshments.
Both the Queen of the Broads and the Belle of the Broads can accommodate one wheelchair per trip. This space can be booked by purchasing a wheelchair user ticket (adult or child). If you’re traveling with a well-behaved dog, they are welcome on board for a small additional charge.
Daily 90-minute river trips run from 1 April until the end of October, but they also have special tours for the February half-term and Mother’s Day. During the summer months, they host Evening Music Cruises. In the winter, you can get out on the water with their popular Santa Cruises during December.
It’s best to arrive early as all trips start to board 30 minutes prior to sailing. Keep in mind, all times are approximate and are subject to change without notice (like in bad weather). They do require a minimum passenger number to operate the tour.
You could also do a journey by steam train on the Bure Valley Railway the same day as your river trip with Broads Tours as both are in Wroxham.
Get more details and book here.
Southern Comfort in Horning
The Southern Comfort is a beautiful double-deck paddle boat purpose-built for the Broads. This luxury river cruiser runs regular trips from the village of Horning, taking you on a scenic journey along the River Bure through the village and out to Ranworth Broad, passing by lovely old thatched houses, windmills, and the Norfolk reed beds.
The captain provides entertaining commentary, sharing stories about the luxury houses you pass and pointing out local wildlife. For the best views, head to the upper deck, or if you’d rather unwind, the lower deck has a plush lounge with a fully stocked bar, plus freshly made tea, coffee, snacks, and souvenirs.
The Southern Comfort can accommodate up to 100 passengers for public trips or private hire and is fully equipped with toilets and wheelchair access. You can choose from a 1.5-hour daytime or 2-hour evening trip.
Get more information here. Bookings can be made by phone.
Electric Eel at How Hill
This 50-minute boat trip takes you along hidden dykes behind the How Hill Nature Reserve, where you can see lots of local wildlife. On a sunny summer’s day, you’re likely to see dragonflies and damselflies darting about, and in June and July, you might even spot the rare Swallowtail butterfly.
The Electric Eel boat is small and intimate, with a maximum capacity of just six passengers, so you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Broads. Your experienced guide will point out all the interesting sights and sounds along the way, and answer any questions you have. The tour also includes a birdwatching stop at a bird hide.
This boat tour is available select days from April to September, and departs from the Toad Hole Cottage Broads Information Centre in Ludham. Bookings are essential, so please call or email ahead to secure your place.
If you have more time in the area, you should consider doing the How Hill Nature Walk. This easy walk is a fun way to learn more about the wildlife and plants found in How Hill Nature Reserve. If you want something more challenging, you could do the How Hill to St. Benet’s Abbey circular walk.
Find out more about the schedule, prices, and how to book here.
NWT Boat Tours at Ranworth
Explore the beauty of Ranworth Broad with three boat tours run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT). These tours are a fantastic way to experience the area’s wildlife, and NWT members get special discounts. Booking in advance is recommended.
Hop aboard Damselfly, a 12-seater boat, for a 40-minute trip through the broad and its winding channels. Along the way, you’ll spot sunken wherries, once used as World War II defences against German seaplanes.
If you have more time, the Cockshoot Broad Water Trail offers a peaceful trip along the River Bure through the Bure Marshes National Nature Reserve. Expect water lilies, darting dragonflies, and a chance to visit the bird hide, where you might even spot an osprey.
For something truly special, the Evening Water Trail from Ranworth to St Benet’s Abbey is a two-hour journey as the sun sets over the landscape. It’s a magical way to experience this quiet corner of the Broads.
Find out more included current prices and schedules here.
Ra in Hoveton
You can explore the Broads in the environmentally friendly Ra. This solar-powered boat takes you along a tranquil stretch of the River Bure, heading towards Coltishall and into Bridge Broad.
During your 60 or 90 minute tour, your experienced guide will point out all the interesting sights and sounds along the way, and answer any questions you have. You can expect to see a variety of birds, including swans, ducks, geese, and herons, as well as dragonflies and damselflies.
The boat trip is available on select days from April to September, and departs from Hoveton Riverside Park. Bookings are essential as the boat can only take up to nine passengers, so please call or email ahead to secure your place.
Find out more about the schedule, prices, and how to book here.
Museum of the Broads Boat Tours in Stalham
The Museum of the Broads in Stalham also runs boat tours. Choose from a 50-minute or 30-minute ride on either Falcon, a unique Victorian steam boat, or Marsh Harrier, an Edwardian-style launch.
Built in 1894 for Sir Edmund Lacon of Great Yarmouth’s Lacon’s Brewery, Falcon has had quite a journey. Originally a pleasure boat, she served in the Royal Navy during World War One before becoming a hire vessel at Cobholm. Donated to the Museum in 1997, she has since been beautifully restored by dedicated volunteers.
For a more modern ride, Marsh Harrier is a great option. Designed by Broads boat expert Andrew Wolstenholme and built by the International Boat Building Training College, she features a roof and wheelchair accessibility. Powered by batteries charged by the Museum’s solar panels, she’s also a sustainable choice.
Don’t forget to visit the Museum of the Broads while you’re there! While you will need separate tickets for the museum and boat tour, it’s a great way to learn more about the history and wildlife of the Broads. Under 4’s and dogs can come along for free on all boat trips!
Find out more about the boat tours and book here.
Wherry Albion Sailing Days
On select summer days, the Norfolk Wherry Trust offers day cruises aboard Albion, not just any boat trip, but a chance to sail on a true Broads icon with an experienced crew.
Each trip takes up to 12 passengers, and you can get hands-on with the sailing or simply relax on deck and enjoy the scenery. Routes vary with the tides, but no matter where you go, there’s plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. Expect great photo opportunities, from birds and fish to curious onlookers waving from the shore as Albion always turns heads.
Built in 1898, Albion is a rare “black sailed trader,” carefully preserved by the Norfolk Wherry Trust. She’s kept as original as possible, so while you won’t find luxury on board, there’s a toilet, bunks, and basic cooking facilities, so you should pack a simple but tasty picnic.
As a charity-run experience, this is one of the most affordable boat trips on the Broads, and Norfolk Wherry Trust members may even get a discount.
Most sailings start from Womack Water at Ludham. Get more information here.
Boat Tour at Fairhaven Water Garden
The Fairhaven Water Garden private broad offers the perfect setting for a peaceful and relaxing boat ride. During the summer, the ‘Primrose’, runs daily and offers both 20 and 50-minute trips. It is wheelchair accessible, so everyone can join in the fun.
The shorter trip gives you the opportunity to go around the private broad and check out the local wildlife. You can admire the swans, grebes, and even spot an otter, kingfisher or marsh harrier if you’re lucky. If you opt for the longer boat ride, you will be able to journey down the river and see the historic ruins of St. Benet’s Abbey.
Please note that boat trips are weather permitting, so it’s best to check with Fairhaven Water Garden on the morning of your visit to confirm whether or not they are running.
Find out more here.
Ross Wildlife Boat Tour
Explore the quieter side of the Norfolk Broads with Ross Wildlife Boat Trips. Their one-hour guided tours on Horsey Mere offer a relaxed, informal way to soak up the beauty of this hidden gem.
Wildlife sightings vary with the seasons. On warm days in May, June, and July, you might spot the rare swallowtail butterfly, while later in the year, pink-footed geese make an appearance.
Trips run daily from April to October (with a reduced schedule in October), and private early morning or evening tours can be arranged during the main season and off-season. Lady Ann carries up to 12 passengers and welcomes well-behaved dogs. While there are no facilities on board, you’ll find options nearby.
To pre-book, you will need to text Ross before 9:30 on the day, with your surname, number of seats, day, and time required.
Get more information here.
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