Do you need a licence to sail on the Norfolk Broads?

All our boats need some sailing experience to hire, but that said you don’t have to be a sailing professional to hire one. Sometimes people are experienced dingy sailors but do not have much experience sailing yachts - that’s ok. On the other hand, some of our customers have been sailing yachts for years but do not have sailing qualifications.

Where to spend my first night on the Norfolk Broads?

1. Hickling Dike

About an hour’s sail, from Oliver’s Sailing Holidays, this peaceful location has two pubs to choose from, The Pleasure Boat Inn, which is by the water, and the Grey Hound Pub which is 10 10-minute walk away. Moorings are free to Pleasure Boat Inn customers.

2. Horsey Dyke

Is also about an hour’s sail away and a very peaceful location. The mooring fee is £8 per night. we highly recommend The Nelsons Head Pub which is 10 minutes walk away.

Where to go on a short break sailing holiday on the Norfolk Broads?

It is hard to pick a best route as there are many lovely places to visit and, of course, different people like different places. But here is our suggestion if it is your first holiday on the Norfolk Broads.

We would recommend that you spend your first day sailing on Hickling Broad (there is a nice pub at Hickling: the Pleasure Boat Inn) and then you could head up to Horsey Mere and eat at the Nelson pub (a 10 minute walk, but well worth it).

From there go to Potter Heigham where you can purchase everything that you may have forgotten or need to buy. (Except, unfortunately, fresh veg!).

Alternatively you could sail to Ludham/Womack Staithe (a further mile down the river) and then walk up to the village where there is a really good butchers that also sells good vegetables and a nice village tea room. You can refill water at both places.

Then perhaps sail up to Barton Broad. We love to visit Barton Turf but there are no shops and we are not sure where your nearest pub would be, but it is beautiful and water is available. You could visit Gays Staithe; keep in mind it gets busy and mooring can be difficult. Then sail to South Walsham, you can't get off your boat since there are no moorings but it is beautiful spot for an onboard lunch on the mud weight. Then on to Ranworth (stern-on mooring) and visit the stunning nature reserve and up the tall church tower, where you can see for miles. There is a lovey pub, water and shopping in Ranworth, though it can at times be difficult to get a mooring.

You can then continue on to Horning. Here there are great delicatessen, a few pubs, some 'touristy' shops and water available. On to Salhouse broad, where there is water plus a lovely pub at Woodbastwick (a fair walk away). Salhouse has lovely tea rooms and shop to buy food and veg. Just a tip: Once you reach Horning Rectory, and beyond towards Salhouse and Wroxham the trees begin to greatly reduce the wind and sailing becomes more difficult. 

After that, come back up and explore down the River Bure towards Acle and Stokesby.

How far can I sail on the Norfolk Broads?

To calculate how far you can get when sailing on the Norfolk Broads, use the calculator below.

Places to sail on the Norfolk Broads?

We are often asked to recommend the best places to sail with our yachts on the broads. If its your first time on the broads you may wish to head for the larger pieces of water.

1. Hickling Broad

An hours sail from Martham Ferry, is Hickling Broad. It has a thriving sailing club and one of the largest windsurfing clubs in the country. It is the largest expanse of water on the broads, the sailing is in the channel which is between the red and green channel posts.

The Pleasure Boat Inn ( Closed for refurbishment) or The Greyhound pub which is 12 minutes walking distance of the moorings.

Does that sound very busy and chaotic? Nothing could be further from the truth. Hickling is a tranquil place, home to some amazing wildlife and stunning views, it’s a real gem of the Norfolk Broads.

The Norfolk Broads Wildlife Trust based at Hickling, beautiful walking trails and the visitors centre is open from April to September.

2. Horsey Mere

Horsey Mere is a beautiful expanse of water about as far East as you can go on the Broads and again it is within easy reach of Martham Ferry. Close by is Horsey Windpump, which is a beautiful old windmill. We recommend mooring up and visiting the windmill and learn about life on the broads, from the top you can see for miles around and then going on one of the several charming walks which can be found close by.

20 minuets walk away is the famous Horsey beach where you can see usually see lots of seals.

One of our favourite pubs is The Nelsons Head, set in a rural location with great food, a wide collection of cider and super helpful staff.

3. Barton Broad

An open, spacious Broad, Barton is perfect for those who want to put their boat through its paces. It is home to the Barton regatta, held there every August. When you have had your full day of sailing, Barton Broad boardwalk takes you though a swampy forest walkway. The wildlife and landscapes here are truly spectacular.

Moor up for the night at Barton Turf or Neatishead. At Barton Turf it is often easy to find a mooring but Neatishead has the lovely White Horse Inn! A bit further away is Sutton Staithe and the Sutton Staithe Hotel.

4. Ranworth Broad

Another great place to sail on the Broads is Ranworth Broad. It is home to Broads Wildlife Centre, which floats on a pontoon at the edge of the broad. There you can discover more about the wildlife of the Norfolk Broads and the top floor has a viewing gallery with binoculars. Here too there is a wooden walkway which seems to float above the plants and marsh.

There is a great local shop and pub.

Ranworth church is well worth a visit and you can go to the top of the church tower for amazing panoramic views.

The moorings fill up quickly, we suggest that you plan to have to wait for a mooring,

5. Black Horse Broad

Named after the pub that over looked the broads but is now someones beautiful home. This is a less well known broad but lovely to sail on and gorgeous for a nights stay but you will need to use the mud weight as there isn’t any moorings. It is a short sail to Horning for pubs, restaurants and shops.

6. Wroxham Broad

The town of Wroxham is a popular destination for tourist and boat hire, it can be very busy and best avoided on Saturdays but great place to pick up supplies, pub lunch or afternoon teas. Go under the bridge and suddenly things get much quicker heading towards Belaugh and Coltishall, Wroxham Broad is part way down the river on your left. It is a large broad to sail on with clean wind. It has a very good sailing club with lots of racing events.

Tips for sailing on the Norfolk Broads?

Packing List

Mooring your yacht on the Norfolk Broads

1. Free Moorings:

• The Broads boast a network of free moorings. They are owned by the Broads Authority and strategically placed for boaters to explore all 120 miles of waterways comfortably.

• Facilities at these moorings vary, the more remote moorings can often have no facilities, some may include waste disposal points and access to fresh water, and a smaller number have shower facilities. See shower list.

2. Paid Moorings:

• While many moorings are free, it's essential to check for a Free 24-hour Broads Authority sign.

• Boaters should carry some cash or payment options to accommodate potential charges at other moorings.

3. Popular Spots and Occupancy:

• During peak seasons, particularly in popular areas, moorings can quickly fill up. Typically the moorings next to good pubs and restaurants fill up first.

• Arriving early is recommended to secure preferred moorings and avoid disappointment.

4. Safety Guidelines:

• Most boating accidents occur during entry or departure from moorings. Keep life jackets on, be aware of wind conditions, and proceed cautiously.

• Always have ropes readily accessible and moor slowly and carefully. Prioritize safety over speed.

5. Broads Authority Yacht Stations:

• Norwich, Yarmouth, and Reedham feature Broads Authority Yacht Stations offering assistance for mooring.

• Boaters can seek guidance, information, and support from these designated stations.

6. Navigation Tips:

• Stay vigilant of navigational markers and adhere to guidelines for safe navigation.

• Check weather forecasts regularly, especially wind conditions, to plan moorings effectively.

• Respect environmental guidelines and follow regulations provided by the Broads Authority for responsible boating.

• Sailors should feel comfortable asking for help when needed.

8. Local Amenities:

• Explore nearby towns and villages for dining, shopping, and additional amenities while moored.

• Engage with the local community and appreciate the unique charm of the Norfolk Broads.