Taking your first family boating holiday – The Norfolk Broads

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If you are thinking about  your first family boating holiday, the Norfolk Broads is a great location to get afloat. Consisting of a series of rivers and open Broads (connected lakes) the Broads extend from North Norfolk all the way down to the Suffolk borders, offering you 125 miles of easy lock free cruising. With stunning scenery, beautiful thatched waterside cottages, a good choice of waterside pubs, an abundance of wildlife and in addition, a rich history, the Broads is a truly unique holiday destination.

Boating on the Norfolk Broads in Coltishall
Boating on the Norfolk Broads in Coltishall

As the newest of the UK’s family of National Parks, the Broads is often referred to as ‘Britain’s magical waterland’. It is Britain’s largest protected wetlands and third largest inland waterway. It is home to some of our rarest plants and wildlife. Over one quarter of all of the rarest UK species can be found in the Broads. This includes swallowtail butterflies (best seen by taking a walk on the Barton Broad boardwalk), otters, marsh harriers and seals.

So what can you expect when taking your first Broads boating holiday? Firstly, on arrival to collect your boat, you will receive full training on all of the features and facilities followed by a trial cruise with a trainer. This takes around 30 minutes (more on the canals where lock instruction is provided). You are then ready to set off on your adventure.

After a relaxed day cruising (broken by a lunch in a waterside hostelry) you find a mooring for the evening. This may be on the rivers (normally free of charge for overnight stays) or on the open waters of a beautiful Broad (allow around £10 per overnight stay). You can then explore the local villages and attractions on foot, try the locally brewed ales, try a spot of fishing (check dates for the open season) or simply chill out in the comfort of your boat in front of the TV or with some alfresco dining (weather permitting).

At the end of your holiday, you return your boat back to the same location (usually by around 9am) where your car is waiting. All that remains then is to plan your next adventure afloat!

To find out more about taking your family on a Broads or canal boating holiday:

Call our team of specialist boating advisors on 01252 796400 today.