Our Norfolk Broads boat holiday
There’s something incredibly magical about spending a few days on the water, surrounded by nothing but water, wildlife, and the quiet buzz of nature. And yes, you can take kids on a relaxing family getaway aboard a boat!
Our recent trip to the Norfolk Broads was the perfect family getaway: relaxing, slow-paced, and surprisingly easy to manage – even for total boating newbies like us!
So, here’s a rundown of our trip, including our full itinerary, what to pack for a boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads and our genuine thoughts. Happy reading!
Affiliate note: We booked our boat via Holiday Pirates – if you’re tempted to plan your own adventure, check out the deals through this link!
Picking up the boat
You’ll be please to hear that no experience was needed to drive the boat!
We collected our boat from Richardson’s Boatyard in Stalham (definitely not Wrexham – easy mix-up on the sat nav!). From the get-go, we were impressed by how beginner-friendly the whole process was. You don’t need a boating licence or any prior experience. The staff take care of everything and you get a full induction including a safety video, a detailed walk-through of the boat, and even a 1:1 session with a crew member. They’ll go out on the water with you for a short “test drive” to make sure you’re comfortable steering, mooring, and handling the basics.
We felt completely supported and confident by the time we set off. It’s clear they’re well-practiced at helping first-timers have a smooth and stress-free start.
Why choose the Broads?
The Norfolk Broads are a network of peaceful rivers and lakes (technically man-made, but now fully reclaimed by nature). There’s something about gliding along at 5mph, with the banks slowly drifting by, that forces you to relax in a way that’s hard to find on a typical holiday - and that was thebest part.
We saw tons of wildlife and there are plenty of quiet spots to moor up, let the kids run wild, or just sit and breathe it all in. It’s an outdoorsy trip without the hard work so it’s ideal for families.
Our full itinerary
Day 1 - How Hill
We picked up the boat, had the full intro and test drive and stocked up on supplies.
Cruised about 40 minutes to How Hill, one of the quieter spots on the Broads.
Mooring was free and easy, and the area is perfect for kids – big open green spaces, a quaint little museum (Toad Hole Cottage), and even a horsebox café doing delicious sandwiches and pancakes.
Day 2 - Ferry Inn and Wroxham
After a lazy breakfast, we cruised downriver to The Ferry Inn.
We moored right outside (free again!) and had a proper pub lunch while the kids made the most of the playground.
Continued on to Wroxham, one of the busier towns. We paid £10 to moor overnight and walked into town for dinner. It's known as the "capital of the Broads" – and yes, the Roys shops (flagship department store, food hall, garden centre, DIY centre and toy shop) really are everywhere!
Day 3 - Salhouse Broad and BeWILDerwood
Our next stop was Salhouse Broad, where we moored overnight (£10).
It’s a gorgeous spot, complete with a little beach, big play area, boardwalks, and a lovely mindfulness trail.
We took a short taxi ride (about 10 minutes) to BeWILDerwood – a magical forest adventure park with treehouses, ziplines, storytelling, and more. It’s not cheap (£23.50 per person, under 92cm go free), but totally worth it for a few hours of family fun.
One heads-up: dogs aren’t allowed in BeWILDerwood, so if you're bringing a pup, you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Also, bring food – there aren't many options nearby once you're there.
Day 4 - Return via How Hill
On our final day, we retraced our route and stopped at How Hill again for a peaceful lunch and one last play.
Returned the boat to Richardson’s in the afternoon, feeling fully refreshed and already talking about “next time.”
What to pack - don't skip these!
Here’s a few items which i wouold 100% recommend you take with you to make things as stress-free as possible and so you’re comfortable whilst you’re away:
Warm pyjamas – even in April, the nights got a bit chilly.
Comfy layers and slip-on shoes – Crocs or sliders are perfect for hopping on and off the boat.
Activities for the kids – we packed colouring books, LEGO, and audiobooks to keep them busy between stops.
Easy meals and snacks – the kitchen’s small, but it works well if you’re prepped.
Dog items – the boats are dog-friendly, but you’ll want bowls, leads, towels, and maybe a dog jacket if it’s chilly.
Towels and toiletries – showers are small but totally fine for a few days afloat.
About the boat
Our accommodation was a Premium Cottage
We stayed on a 4-berth cruiser with:
Two cabins with a double bed in each
Two bathrooms with showers
A small galley kitchen (hob, oven, microwave, sink)
Lounge with the main steering wheel
Life jackets for everyone (including the dog!)
Dog-friendly features and easy-access deck space
We prepaid a fuel deposit and were refunded the difference based on what we used. We also used the Awaigh app for route planning and finding moorings - absolute game-changer!
Final thoughts
This trip was genuinely one of our favourite family holidays to date and we felt like we actually had time to just be with each other. Yes, it's pricier than your average caravan break, but what you gain in calmness, experiencing natural beauty and the memories made is hard to match. The lack of locks means it’s hassle-free, and the slow pace is exactly what busy families need. If you're craving a UK break that feels like a proper escape, without needing to fly anywhere, the Broads might just be your new favourite place.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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