Boating holiday in Norfolk Broads

[skippy67]

I've booked a 3 day boating holiday in The Broads for Dh's upcoming big birthday. We're leaving from Brundall. We're both first timers to this. It's something he's always wanted to do, but would never book because he knows I don't like boats!
Has anyone done similar, and have any advice/recommendations? Ideally, we would like to incorporate some walking, sightseeing, and pubbing!
Thanks!

Make sure you have sturdy footwear as boats and banks can be slippery.

Three days isn't that long as you have to return the boat very early on the final day. Nonetheless, you should be able to have fun and do the things you want to do. I really recommend it to everyone.

You're on the southern bit of the broads which we didn't go to, so no tips on destinations.

I initially found mooring a bit stressful, but if you take it really slow and realise that almost everyone else looking on is a complete novice too, then you'll be fine.

I can guarantee it won’t be your last trip! We have been 3 times now and are planning a 4th. There are several good Broads groups on FB with proper expert advice, tide times etc.Things I would always take with me now - blanket/chunky cardigan for sitting out in the evening, sensible shoes that tie on (saw a woman drop a ballet type pump whilst getting on board) and a collapsing step for getting on and off if you are short or have dodgy knees!

We've been on the Broads a few times but always the northern part - we're intending to do a shorter trip to the southern part sometime so I'll be interested to see recommendations.

The hire company we've used the last couple of times sent some quite good info (videos) about operating the boat, and basic boat handling. We're fans of messing about in boats of various sorts but still found them useful. It's worth learning a few basic knots, though probably you can get away with nothing more complicated than a round turn and two half hitches. The hire company should take you out, don't be afraid to ask questions about how to do things.

Stern on mooring looks more difficult than side on, but it can be easier especially if the boat has bow thrusters and IME it's a lot easier for the person stepping off the boat as they're usually lower at the back than the sides.

I don't know how busy the southern Broads are, we found it best to start early, cruise and then moor up somewhere for the rest of the day and evening, especially if near a good pub.

If it goes well, and you want to do more, I think it's well worth doing the RYA inland waterways course to get more confidence.

Re tide times there's an app called Aweigh which does tides for the area, and has other info such as bridge heights (i don't know if there are any low ones on the southern broads)

We went for first time last year and it was fantastic (northern Broads). We loved being outdoors all day every day and seeing kingfishers and beautiful nature all around us. We were worried about whether we’d be able to find moorings but did this thing called mud weighing (I think) where you can be in the middle of water and drop an anchor so no neighbours nearby - blissfully peaceful.

We booked pubs ahead as heard it gets busy or cooked for ourselves. Drinks on deck every evening. Did a couple of fantastic guided boat trips with bird guides if that’s your thing?

A couple of bridges needed a bit of skill in calculating height of water, boat etc and was a little nailbiting! (But DH loved sorting) so check route carefully with height of your boat. Everyone had a go at being captain which was great fun.

Recommend packing minimally as storage was minute, but pack for all weathers and safe non slip footwear. Have an amazing time.

A couple of bridges needed a bit of skill in calculating height of water, boat etc and was a little nailbiting! (But DH loved sorting) so check route carefully with height of your boat.

The hire boat company will give advice on this if you need it.

Re anchoring with a mud weight - not so good if you want to go ashore unless you're towing some sort of dinghy.

Recommend packing minimally as storage was minute, but pack for all weathers and safe non slip footwear.

Soft bags rather than suitcases.

Don't forget sunglasses and a peaked or wide-brimmed hat, and sun cream as well as waterproofs and a fleece.

I love the broads, its my favourite holiday and I could do it every year.

You could easily get to oulton broad or Yarmouth in half a day, or potentially Wroxham if you are happy to spend all day cruising and get lucky with the tides going through oulton broad and yarmouth. I'd rather do a full day cruising with a lunch stop somewhere, then moor up and spend the next day exploring, but some people like to do a couple of hours at most.

https://www.norfolkbroadsboathire.biz/distancecalculator.asp

This calculator will give you an idea of distances you can travel in certain times, but the hire company should give you a table with similar information.

Some pubs dont need pre booking, and you can just turn up, but easier if you get there early afternoon.

It can be as chilled out or as busy as you want, depending on how much travelling you want to do.

Have a great time. Am very jealous!

You could easily get to oulton broad or Yarmouth in half a day, or potentially Wroxham if you are happy to spend all day cruising and get lucky with the tides going through oulton broad and yarmouth.

I think going through Yarmouth up to Wroxham sounds, er, ambitious and not at all relaxing for a couple who are new to boating and the OP doesn't (yet) like boats!

(I just put brundall to wroxham in the useful calculator you linked to, it says 'Not advised as tidal conditions at Yarmouth could impede travel under the low bridges adding significantly to the journey time')

The Ferry House at Surlingham is nice and has bookable moorings - family run with pub grub food :) It's very popular with both locals and holiday makers.

True, it probably is ambitious. We have done it, but were happy to spend all day on the boat cruising, and I forget that some people might not want to.