Norfolk Broads boat hire – Southern Broads
The Southern Broads offer a beautifully tranquil and relaxed boating break with wide open spaces and endless skies. Generally, the Southern Broads have fewer boats on the waters, ample mooring spaces and the rivers tend to be more noticeably tidal. A great location to drift downstream forgetting any of life’s daily stresses.
Places you can visit include the historic city of Norwich, one of the most complete medieval cities remaining in Britain. Norwich Cathedral is one of the most impressive cultural landmarks to visit when in the city centre, boasting the second tallest spire in England. The cathedral is just a part of the culturally iconic landmarks to see in the City. It’s not just rich heritage that Norwich has to offer, the City is home to the Chapelfield shopping centre and has one of the largest open air markets, hosted six days a week in the city centre!
The Broads offer a diversity of wildlife including red squirrels, birds of prey, rare species of dragonflies and ducks a plenty.
A perfect way to experience the unspoilt nature is on one of the many walk’s available on the Southern Broads. Whitlingham Country Park is located at Trowse just south of Norwich, offering a variety of activities ranging from water sports, scenic walks, bat and moth evenings to quarry safari’s. Training is available for those wishing to extend their experience on the waters to other vessels such as kayaks and sailing yachts.
Although the Southern waters offer a very tranquil experience of the Broads, lets not forget the need for riverside pubs! Coldham Hall at Surlingham, situated on the River Yare, has recently been refurbished reforming the hall to its original glory. A popular watering hole to dine in for your evening meal with as many locally sourced food as they can manage. Dukes Heads in Somerleyton and The Humpty Dumpty Brewery at Reedham both offer a taste of the real locale ales for those wishing to sample the local brews.
Route Suggestions and Cruising Times:
Oulton Broad to Beccles: approx 3 1/2 hours (7 hours to Beccles and return)
Beccles is an up and coming regional market town, with lots of independently owned shops and unique eating establishments. For a fun filled family day out visit Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park with over 30 rides to experience. Alternatively there are plenty of trails and fishing opportunities available during fishing season, (from the 16th June to the 14th March), or simply take a gander at a few of the boutiques and local heritage.
Oulton Broad to Norwich: approx 8 hours (16 hours to Norwich and return)
Perfect for a mid week holiday. You can spend the day touring the historic Norwich city and stop off at The Pettitts Animal Adventure Park at Reedham on the way back to the marina. For a weeks break, you can detour down the River Chet and experience Loddon and the Hardley Flood.
Oulton Broad to Loddon: approx 4 1/2 hours (9 hours to Loddon and return)
Spend time cruising the boat down the picturesque River Waveney then onto the River Chet, ending up at the little town of Chedgrave. The Hardley Flood is a SSSI built as a spillway from the River. The tidal lagoons and reed-beds attract a diverse range of wild birds and nesting wildfowl. A tucked away ramblers and ornithologist paradise, as its one of the quietest of the Broads rivers.
The Southern Broads really do offer a bit of everything to make a perfect holiday for first timers and experienced boaters alike!
Check Availability for Southern Norfolk Broads boat hire
If you would like to talk to one of our friendly team about Norfolk Broads boat holidays, please do get in touch. Our number is 01252 796400 and we are open 7 days a week.
