Indispensable information
for the first time boat hirer
and the regular Broads sailor
for the first time boat hirer
and the regular Broads sailor
Norfolk Broads Discounts and Offers Newsletters
Here you will find our archived Newsletters which are emailed monthly to subscribers containing latest offers and discounts together with general advice for anyone wanting to hire a boat on the Norfolk Broads.To read more, just click an image of one of the newsletters.
October 2025
The last kid's holiday of the year before Christmas is just weeks away. Are you going to let it slip by, or do you have plans to make the most of this opportunity to get the family together before the weather turns? How about an adventure on the Norfolk Broads? The kids will love it, and it will set the family up for the long months of winter to come. We have breaks starting at just £95 per person for the weekend aboard Bronze Gem, and it's the same price for 4 nights aboard Concerto starting on the Monday of half-term week. Both craft will accommodate a family of four. We have boats of all shapes and sizes, from budget to "swoon class". Be the kid's hero....take them on an unforgettable holiday afloat. Save up to 30% on October 2025 Breaks.
Last month's offer to save up to £465 on cruiser holidays from Wroxham has been rolled over to include this month. We have 3, 4, and 7 night holidays all with up to 30% of hire charges, and all prices include a tank of fuel, damage waiver, parking and wifi. That's a deal and a half! Check it out HERE
Hickling lies at the end of a Broad on the River Thurne, and gives a good repesentation of what the Broads must have been like in the 1950s. To get there, you will need to have passed under the infamous Potter Heigham Bridge. That might not always be possible nowadays with raised river depths. Our newsletter this month, tells you how to visit this chocolate box lid village, even if you can't get under that bridge! Step back in time, and spend some time exploring Hickling Broad. See our latest newsletter for more information on where to moor for free, together with suggestions for what to see and do.
Click the adjacent newsletter image for more information on any of the above.
September 2025
A boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads in October offers peace, beauty and great value. With the summer crowds gone, the rivers and moorings are quieter, making cruising more relaxing and mooring easier. The waterways come alive with stunning autumn colours, misty mornings and golden sunsets, creating a magical backdrop. Wildlife is abundant too, with migrating geese and swans alongside herons and kingfishers, and you may even spot an otter. Modern hire boats are warm and cosy, perfect for crisp evenings or mooring near a welcoming pub. Save up to £363 on 3, 4 and 7 night breaks
With the slow down in bookings for the late season, some boatyards are significantly reducing their prices for starts in the first 2 weeks of October. Have a look at our latest newsletter for more details (linked below). Plus, all the boats offered include a tank of fuel, damage waiver, parking and wifi in their charges.Take advantage of these fabulous reductions and save a fortune.
Bramerton on the River Yare, is around one hour's cruise from Norwich, making it a great stopover point from which to visit the fine city. It's a world away from the metropolis that is Norwich, with it's tree lined banks and beautiful common. The village is a short walk away, and there's The Waterside public house to satisy your thirst and hunger after a walk in the countryside. See our latest newsletter for more information on where to moor for free, together with suggestions for what to see and do.
Click the image for our September newsletter.
August 2025
25th August - The last bank holiday of the Summer school holidaysDon't let the last bank holiday of the summer slip by without getting out there. There's still time to enjoy a holiday captaining your own cruiser for a few days on the wonderful Norfolk Broads. We've selected a range of three night weekend breaks from Friday 22nd August until Monday 25th August, so as to maximise your time away, and avoid taking time off work. Prices start at less that £150 per person for 3 nights aboard Brinks Ultima, a 12 berth boat starting from Wroxham, £175 for Cavalier, a six berth cruiser, and £186 for the weekend aboard the every popular Concerto, a four berth craft starting from Stalham. It's the ideal time to get the family away together in the height of summer, before the next school break at the end of October.
Stalham is a small Market town situated at the head of the River Ant. It's renowned for being the site of the Broad's largest hire fleet, Richardsons marina. You can either start your cruise from here, or use the marina to moor while you visit the town. There's a large supermarket not far from the moorings, and a museum dedicated to the history of the Norfolk Broads. Read more, including where to moor to be closest to the supermarket, where to find the town's high street, (which is lined with independent shops) and where to find the local pubs, restaurants and coffee shops in our August 2025 newsletter.
July 2025
Avoiding the Summer School Kids Holiday As we say in this month's newsletter, "Its not rocket science". Why would you want to pay more, be amongst the crowds of families all heading for the same favourite moorings? If you can avoid the main school rush, there are so many advantages. The earlier weeks of July are a quiet haven in comparison to the five or so weeks dedicated to the school holidays. If you're a group or family without children, you can take advantage of lower boat hire rates and have more of a chance of being able to moor at their first choice location, which makes for a more relaxed experience...you are on holiday after all! The Broads are famous for getting back to nature and the wildlife you'll see. Well, you'll see more in July before the crowds descend. And (hopefully) the boatyards, bars, and stores will have more time for you as the pressures of the peak-season are still to come. We have some example holidays in our newsletter.
Reedham, on the southern River Yare, is both an ideal stop-off point before Yarmouth, and an overnight destination in it's own right. There's ample mooring at the quayside and you have the benefit of Rangers on site to help you moor up. There are great riverside walks and three pubs to visit when you're ready for something to eat. Reedham train station will get you to Norwich in around 20 minutes. Read more, including how to moor safely against the tidal flow in our July 2025 newsletter.
June 2025
Late Booking Discounts - Save up to £384 Everybody loves a discount. Bookings for the period between now and the start of the summer school holidays are always a little less busy, so one boatyard has decided to lower prices on a selection of it's boats to entice these shoulder period bookings. There's a range of applicable boats from budget to luxury to choose from. Discounts range from £74 off the cost of Brinks Duet, a four berth cruiser for 4 nights commencing 10th June, to a £384 discount against the hire charge of Prelude, available for 4 nights commencing 17th June. These and another 10 offers are displayed on this month's newsletter. The deals actually go right through to holidays starting on the 21st July. Use our Holiday Search Tool on the newsletter to explore more dates, boats, and price options.
Potter Heigham is synonymous with that low bridge, but the village has much more of interest to make it a rewarding stopover choice. You'll find an excellent choice of eating out venues, including two pubs and a licensed cafe famous across Broadland. Lathams discount stores attracts people from across Norfolk. Add to this, the proximity of the unspoilt Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere and you can see how it's a popular stopover location. Read more, including where to moor free of charge in our June 2025 newsletter.
May 2025
Holiday on the Broads or holiday abroad?
This month we're highlighting the cost differences between a boating holiday and a holiday abroad. Initially, the prices can look very similar but when you delve down into the additional expenses you can incur, the holiday overseas total cost can quickly mount up. Once your boat hire is booked, your only main expenses are food, drink, and the occasional mooring fee.
Now compare that to the typical costs of a holiday overseas:
1. **No airfare, baggage fees, airport parking, or transfers** – big savings right from the start.
2. **Your boat is both your transport and your accommodation**, so there’s no need to book hotels or hire a car.
3. **Lower food costs** – cook onboard, enjoy a picnic, or visit local pubs, all of which can be much more affordable than dining out abroad.
4. **No currency exchange or roaming charges** – everything’s in pounds, with no hidden international fees.
5. **Pet-friendly boats** mean you can bring your dog along, saving on kennel or pet-sitting costs.
6. **No hidden extras** – unlike many holidays abroad, you won’t face extra charges for tourism taxes, tipping, or costly excursions.
To reinforce the message, this month's newsletter highlights 12 examples of what's still available over the August school holidays with prices starting at £106 per person for 4 nights and £179 per person for a week.
Reedham Ferry is the subject of our monthly village feature. It's not only the crossing point of the last working chain ferry in Norfolk, but also a welcoming riverside inn and just 15 minutes walk from the delightful main village of Reedham. Click the screenshot image for more information on all of the above.
To reinforce the message, this month's newsletter highlights 12 examples of what's still available over the August school holidays with prices starting at £106 per person for 4 nights and £179 per person for a week.
Reedham Ferry is the subject of our monthly village feature. It's not only the crossing point of the last working chain ferry in Norfolk, but also a welcoming riverside inn and just 15 minutes walk from the delightful main village of Reedham. Click the screenshot image for more information on all of the above.
April 2025
Spring Bank Holiday Afloat from £70 per person
With the clocks now put forward, it feels like winter is finally behind us, and summer is just around the corner. It’s the perfect time to start planning how to make the most of the summer. If you're looking to get the family together for a holiday afloat over the Spring Bank break, you need to act sooner rather than later. Already, the larger 8 to 12-berth boats are all but taken, and though there's still availability for 2 to 7-berth family cruisers, the choice is becoming more limited by the day. As always, we’ve put together some examples of what's remaining to help you make your mind up, including our headline offer of 3 nights aboard the 4 berth cruiser, Broadland Orion, starting from Stalham. Check out our latest newsletter for all the details!
Wroxham, the self-styled capital of the Broads, is the subject of our monthly towns and villages feature. Wroxham has been sending holidaymakers on their way since Victorian times. Roys stores occupies the centre ground with many restaurants, cafes and bars available to the visitor. It's a place to stop and take in the activities on the water, while sipping coffee, or something stronger. We detail all the free moorings, where to eat, and what to see in our April newsletter.
March 2025
Easter is just 7 weeks away as I write, and the majority of boats available for hire will experience their first forays back out onto the river system for Easter 2025. Cruisers are generally updated, repaired and rejuvenated over the winter, ready for this "mass-market" event. The boats are pristine, the infrastructure will have been renewed, and pubs and restaurants will re-present themselves to entice you in. There's still time to get afloat and captain your own craft over the Easter period. Our latest newsletter offers 12 examples of the boats and prices available over Easter. We have 3 and 4 night breaks starting from just £71 based on 6 people sharing Gold Gem, starting from Stalham. Don't let the opportunity to get out into the countryside with your family slip by. It's Spring time - get out there!
Bramerton is our featured village. Situated on the banks of the River Yare, Bramerton has a spacious green to moor to, perhaps as a stop off on your way to the fine city of Norwich, which is less than a 2 hour cruise away. We detail all the free moorings, where to eat, and what to see in our March newsletter.
Bramerton is our featured village. Situated on the banks of the River Yare, Bramerton has a spacious green to moor to, perhaps as a stop off on your way to the fine city of Norwich, which is less than a 2 hour cruise away. We detail all the free moorings, where to eat, and what to see in our March newsletter.
February 2025
This weekend marks the start of the new boating season. A small number of cruisers have been returned to the water, just in time for the forthcoming February Half Term weeks, and for those planning a romantic break away over Valentines Day. The selected boats are "winter tolerant" and just waiting to set sail on the rivers again. To see what's available, please see the link in this months newsletter.
We're in the peak booking season now for summer 2025. If you're intending to take the family on the Broads over any of the school holidays, please heed our advice to book sooner rather than later. Certain dates in August for instance, pretty much sold out in 2024. We've seen prices for many boats actually drop for the coming season. Commander from Stalham a top of the range luxury cruiser was £3150 for a week in August 2024. This year it's dropped to £2775 for the same week. Other value boats have also reduced proportionately in price. We've found Broads Orion, a 4-berth cruiser from Stalham at £133 per person for 4 nights commencing 29th July and Concerto another 4-berth cruiser offered for £186 per person for 7 nights commencing 4th August.
South Walsham on the River Bure is the focus of our village highlighter this month. It's a beautiful, tranquil setting with good moorings. Read what there is to see and do locally, together with where to find the free moorings, in our latest newsletter.
For more information, click the screenshot.
We're in the peak booking season now for summer 2025. If you're intending to take the family on the Broads over any of the school holidays, please heed our advice to book sooner rather than later. Certain dates in August for instance, pretty much sold out in 2024. We've seen prices for many boats actually drop for the coming season. Commander from Stalham a top of the range luxury cruiser was £3150 for a week in August 2024. This year it's dropped to £2775 for the same week. Other value boats have also reduced proportionately in price. We've found Broads Orion, a 4-berth cruiser from Stalham at £133 per person for 4 nights commencing 29th July and Concerto another 4-berth cruiser offered for £186 per person for 7 nights commencing 4th August.
South Walsham on the River Bure is the focus of our village highlighter this month. It's a beautiful, tranquil setting with good moorings. Read what there is to see and do locally, together with where to find the free moorings, in our latest newsletter.
For more information, click the screenshot.
January 2025
The shortest day of the year has been and gone, Santa's packed his bags for Lapland again, and it's now downhill to strolls by the river, garden barbeques and summer holidays...woohoo! The boating season starts again in less than six weeks time to cater for the more hardy among us, who want to use the Half Term Break to get the family together. Yes, if it's your "thing", there are specially selected boats available to hire from the 8th February. If Easter or Spring Bank are more to your liking, this month's newsletter is for you. I've collated 12 breaks to hopefully start you thinking of a watery getaway, with Easter Friday to Monday weekends starting at £72 per person aboard San Rafael, a five-berth cruiser, and Spring Bank starting at £106 per person for a 4 night midweek break aboard Concerto. Take a look at the newsletter for these and other top picks.
The market town of Beccles is one of the must-see places on the Southern Broads. It's town centre is full of independent shops, bars and restaurants. The surrounding streets are original 19th and 20th century buildings thankfully largely escaping redevelopment. Beccles also boats a Lido open from mid April with three pools heated to 28c in the summer. For more things to do, places to eat and mooring locations, see this month's newsletter.
For more information, click the screenshot.
The market town of Beccles is one of the must-see places on the Southern Broads. It's town centre is full of independent shops, bars and restaurants. The surrounding streets are original 19th and 20th century buildings thankfully largely escaping redevelopment. Beccles also boats a Lido open from mid April with three pools heated to 28c in the summer. For more things to do, places to eat and mooring locations, see this month's newsletter.
For more information, click the screenshot.
December 2024
Just a quick mail out this month to highlight the Black Friday deals on offer. One boatyard is offering 15% discounts on it's hire charges for selected boats, right across the 2025 season.
For more information, click the screenshot.
For more information, click the screenshot.
November 2024
Oh dear, it’s that time again! The clocks have been turned back, and it feels like we’re battening down the hatches for a long winter filled with dark skies, chilly temperatures, and a seemingly endless parade of rain or snow! But let’s not dwell on the gloom—remember those sunny days spent drifting on the beautiful Norfolk Broads this summer? The sun kissing your cheeks, cheerful waves from fellow cruisers, and your favorite drink in hand while all your worries floated away!
A holiday on the water is the ultimate way to unwind. Our latest newsletter has a fabulous selection of cruisers to inspire your next adventure, perfect for your next holiday on the Broads.And if you book before Christmas, you’ll have the largest range of cruisers to choose from. Plus, a low deposit is all that's needed to reserve your dream boat until 10 weeks before your holiday.
So why not chase away those winter blues? Book your 2025 boating holiday now, and you’ll have something exciting to look forward to as the winter days get darker!
The sleepy picturesque village of Irstead on the River Ant, is the dream stopover for many. Step off your boat and stroll around the village, to be transported back to how the Broads must have felt at the turn of the19th century. There's no hustle, no bustle and not even the distant hum of vehicles in the vicinity. St Michael's Church which dates back to the fourteenth century, is well worth a visit. The Barton Broad Boardwalk is about 20 to 25 minutes stroll away, and is a must for nature lovers. The village is our feature destination in this month's newsletter.
The sleepy picturesque village of Irstead on the River Ant, is the dream stopover for many. Step off your boat and stroll around the village, to be transported back to how the Broads must have felt at the turn of the19th century. There's no hustle, no bustle and not even the distant hum of vehicles in the vicinity. St Michael's Church which dates back to the fourteenth century, is well worth a visit. The Barton Broad Boardwalk is about 20 to 25 minutes stroll away, and is a must for nature lovers. The village is our feature destination in this month's newsletter.
October 2024
Well, the summer has been and gone, (and arguably passed us by). The boating season comes to an end at the close of October, and we won't be able to set sail again until the second week in February 2025. But all is not lost, as there's still time to plan a last hurrah with the family, on the Broads this October Half Term. All the boats are still available to hire and generally, all the pubs and restaurants are still open for the traditionally popular last school holiday before Christmas. So if you don't want to think about the darkness of our British winter just yet, get the family together and cast off on a boating adventure instead.
The Norfolk Broads in autumn are stunning, with the landscape full of warm tones of red, orange, and gold. The quieter waterways and the changing leaves create a serene, picturesque backdrop for your trip. It's also a great time for wildlife enthusiasts. Migratory birds such as geese and ducks can be spotted, and the quieter season means animals are more likely to be visible. You'll find the area far less crowded than in the summer months, which means you can enjoy a more peaceful and relaxing boating experience. Plus, since it's outside the peak season, the cost of boat hire is significantly lower. Below are just a few examples of what you can get for your money.
Burgh Castle at the junction of Breydon Water and the River Waveney, is our featured stop off this month. Burgh Castle makes an ideal stopover if you need to wait for the tides to drop at Great Yarmouth. It has third-century Roman fort, and you can get a closer look at Breydon with a waterside walk which stretches for 2 or 3 miles heading to the coast. We tell you where to moor and what to see and do in this month's newsletter.
The Norfolk Broads in autumn are stunning, with the landscape full of warm tones of red, orange, and gold. The quieter waterways and the changing leaves create a serene, picturesque backdrop for your trip. It's also a great time for wildlife enthusiasts. Migratory birds such as geese and ducks can be spotted, and the quieter season means animals are more likely to be visible. You'll find the area far less crowded than in the summer months, which means you can enjoy a more peaceful and relaxing boating experience. Plus, since it's outside the peak season, the cost of boat hire is significantly lower. Below are just a few examples of what you can get for your money.
Burgh Castle at the junction of Breydon Water and the River Waveney, is our featured stop off this month. Burgh Castle makes an ideal stopover if you need to wait for the tides to drop at Great Yarmouth. It has third-century Roman fort, and you can get a closer look at Breydon with a waterside walk which stretches for 2 or 3 miles heading to the coast. We tell you where to moor and what to see and do in this month's newsletter.
