The Ultimate Guide to Day Boat Hire on the Norfolk Broads
There are few better ways to experience the beauty of Norfolk than by spending a day on the water. Whether you’re visiting the area for the first time or rediscovering it as a local, day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, relax and explore one of Britain’s most treasured landscapes.
With over 125 miles of navigable waterways, the Norfolk Broads is home to peaceful rivers, picturesque villages, historic windmills and an incredible variety of wildlife. Best of all, you don’t need any previous boating experience to enjoy it.
At Martham Ferry Boatyard in Martham, we make it easy for everyone to enjoy a day on the Broads with our comfortable, easy-to-handle electric day boats.
What is day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads?
Day boat hire allows you to enjoy all the pleasures of boating without the commitment of an overnight holiday. Simply hire a boat for a few hours or a full day and explore the Broads at your own pace.
Unlike larger holiday cruisers, day boats are designed to be straightforward to handle, making them ideal for families, couples, groups of friends and anyone looking for a relaxing day out.
Before you set off, we’ll give you a full briefing, explaining everything you need to know about steering, mooring and staying safe on the water. Most people are pleasantly surprised by how easy it is.
Why choose the Norfolk Broads?
The Norfolk Broads is Britain’s largest protected wetland and one of the country’s most beautiful national landscapes. Every stretch of river has something different to offer, from quiet backwaters and open broads to bustling riverside villages and traditional waterside pubs.
As you cruise along, you’ll discover:
Beautiful countryside
Historic windmills
Charming villages
Waterside cafés and pubs
Nature reserves
Peaceful moorings
An abundance of wildlife
Unlike many holiday destinations, there’s no rush here. The joy of boating is taking your time and enjoying the journey.
Why start your day boat hire from Martham?
Martham is often described as one of the hidden gems of the Norfolk Broads.
Situated on the quieter northern waterways, it’s the perfect starting point if you’re looking to escape the busier parts of the river and enjoy a more peaceful boating experience.
From Martham you can explore some of the Broads’ most scenic waterways, including Candle Dyke, Heigham Sound, Hickling Broad and the River Thurne. These areas are well known for their stunning scenery, excellent birdwatching and tranquil surroundings.
Many visitors tell us it’s one of the most relaxing parts of the entire Broads network.
The Best Picnic Spots on the Upper River Thurne
One of the simple pleasures of day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads is finding a peaceful spot to moor up, unpack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The Upper River Thurne is one of the quietest and most scenic areas of the Broads, with its winding waterways, open marshes and abundant wildlife providing the perfect backdrop for a leisurely lunch.
If you're hiring one of our electric day boats from Martha's Ferry Boatyard, here are a few of our favourite places to pause and enjoy the view.
Heigham Sound
Heigham Sound is often considered one of the most peaceful stretches of the Norfolk Broads. Surrounded by reed beds and open water, it feels wonderfully unspoilt and is an ideal place to stop for a picnic onboard. Look out for the public moorings, which are clearly sign posted.
With little more than birdsong and the gentle sound of the water around you, it's easy to lose track of time. Keep an eye out for marsh harriers soaring overhead, herons fishing along the banks and, if you're lucky, the unmistakable flash of a kingfisher.
Hickling Broad
If you have a full day's hire, Hickling Broad is well worth the cruise. As the largest of the Norfolk Broads, it offers breathtaking views across open water and is one of the best places in Norfolk for spotting wildlife.
There are public moorings where you can enjoy your picnic onboard before taking a short stroll to stretch your legs. If you decide you'd rather not unpack your sandwiches, there are also nearby waterside pubs where you can stop for lunch.
Candle Dyke
Connecting the River Thurne with Heigham Sound, Candle Dyke is one of our favourite places for a quiet break. The sheltered water and surrounding reed beds create a wonderfully peaceful setting.
Many visitors simply moor up here, make a cup of tea, enjoy their picnic and watch the wildlife. Travelling by electric boat means you'll often hear nothing but birdsong and the breeze through the reeds.
Thurne Village
A cruise to the picturesque village of Thurne makes a lovely stop during your day on the water. Moor your boat nearby and take a gentle walk to admire the famous white windpump, one of the Norfolk Broads' best-known landmarks.
It's also an ideal place to enjoy your picnic, either onboard or beside the river, before continuing your journey.
Enjoy a Picnic at Your Own Pace
Before you set off, why not pop into our riverside coffee shop and pick up a freshly brewed cup of our ethically sourced coffee, along with one of our homemade cakes or a warm, freshly baked sausage roll?
Do I need any boating experience?
Not at all.
One of the questions we’re asked most often is whether you need previous experience to enjoy day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads. The answer is no.
Our friendly team will explain everything before you leave the boatyard, including:
How to steer the boat
Using the controls
Mooring safely
River etiquette
Suggested routes
Safety advice
Within a few minutes, most people feel completely at ease.
Top Tips for First-Time Boaters
If it's your first time hiring a boat, don't worry. Here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of your day.
Arrive in good time so you can enjoy your briefing without feeling rushed.
Cruise at a steady speed and take your time.
Be considerate of other river users.
Have a crew member ready to help when mooring.
Keep a camera handy—you never know when a kingfisher or marsh harrier might appear.
Pack a picnic if you'd like to stop somewhere peaceful for lunch.
Picnic boats have a kettle, sink, running water, crockery, cutlery and on request a single electric hob and frying pan for those early morning bacon bap.
Why choose an electric day boat?
Electric boats are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to understand why.
Unlike petrol-powered boats, electric boats glide quietly through the water, allowing you to appreciate the sounds of nature without the constant hum of an engine.
The benefits include:
Quiet, relaxing cruising
No petrol fumes
Easier conversations onboard
Better opportunities for spotting wildlife
Environmentally friendly boating
A smoother, more peaceful experience
Many of our customers say it’s one of the things they enjoy most about hiring from Martham Ferry Boatyard.
What wildlife might I see?
The Norfolk Broads is a haven for wildlife throughout the year.
Keep an eye out for:
Kingfishers
Marsh harriers
Grey herons
Swans
Grebes
Ducks
Dragonflies
Butterflies
Otters, if you’re particularly lucky
The quieter waterways around Martham are especially popular with birdwatchers and photographers.
When is the best time for day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads?
Every season has its own charm.
Spring brings fresh greenery, nesting birds and peaceful rivers.
Summer offers long days, warmer weather and lively villages with plenty of places to stop for lunch.
Autumn transforms the landscape with rich golden glow and excellent conditions for wildlife spotting.
Even on cooler days, the Broads remains a wonderful place to explore with most of our boats fitted with blow air heating.
What should I bring?
To make the most of your day, we’d recommend packing:
Comfortable clothing
A waterproof jacket
Sun cream
Sunglasses
A picnic or snacks
Drinks
A camera
Binoculars
A fully charged mobile phone
If the weather forecast looks changeable, it’s always worth bringing an extra layer.
Where can I stop?
One of the great pleasures of day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads is stopping whenever you fancy.
There are plenty of public moorings where you can enjoy a picnic, stretch your legs or visit a waterside pub or café.
Before you leave, we’ll happily recommend some of our favourite stopping places depending on how long you’re planning to be out.
Is it suitable for families?
Absolutely.
Children love being out on the water, helping to steer under supervision, spotting wildlife and enjoying a picnic onboard.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time together and create lasting memories away from screens and busy schedules.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are part of the family too, and many owners enjoy bringing them along for the adventure.
The Norfolk Broads offers plenty of riverside walks, open countryside and dog-friendly pubs, making it an ideal destination for a day out with your four-legged friend..
How long should I hire a boat?
A half-day hire is perfect if you’d like a leisurely cruise and perhaps stop for refreshments along the way.
If you have the time, a full day’s hire allows you to explore further afield, enjoy lunch at a riverside pub, discover quieter waterways and truly unwind.
Many visitors tell us the day passes far quicker than they expected.
Why choose Martham Ferry Boatyard?
At Martham Ferry Boatyard, we’re proud to help visitors discover the quieter side of the Norfolk Broads.
When you hire one of our electric day boats, you’ll enjoy:
Easy-to-handle electric boats
A full safety and handling briefing
Friendly local knowledge
Beautiful routes from Martham
Peaceful waterways away from the crowds
A warm welcome from our experienced team
Our aim is simple: to help you enjoy a safe, relaxing and memorable day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence?
No. You don’t need a licence to enjoy day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Our boats are designed to be easy to handle, and we’ll explain everything before you set off.
What if the weather isn’t perfect?
The British weather can be unpredictable, but many visitors still enjoy a wonderful day on the water., staying dry in the boat but still enjoying being out on the river. We simply recommend dressing appropriately for the conditions.
Should I book in advance?
Yes. During weekends, bank holidays and the school holidays, our boats can become fully booked, so we recommend reserving your boat in advance.
Ready to Explore?
There’s something truly special about spending a day on the Norfolk Broads. The peaceful waterways, beautiful scenery and slower pace of life offer a chance to unwind and enjoy Norfolk at its very best.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic escape, or simply fancy trying something different, day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads is an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve returned to dry land.
We’d love to welcome you to Martham Ferry Boatyard and help you discover why so many people return to the Broads year after year.
or phone 01493748291
