What to do and see in Norfolk, England: The Best Boat Tours & Water Sports

May 3, 2022 Tonie Szymanski

A holiday in Norfolk is not a glamorous break. While the Norfolk Broads of East Anglia are a beautiful part of the UK, they represent a relaxing rural getaway rather than a high-powered city-break. Although its reputation is mostly rural, with people associating the county mostly with the wetlands of the Norfolk Broads, there are also towns such as Norwich and King's Lynn to visit, both of which provide shopping opportunities, nightlife and entertainment. Norfolk also contains a large stretch of coastline, and seaside destinations such as Cromer and Great Yearmouth mean there are great beaches to be found as well. Many areas of the Norfolk Broads and the coastal region are sites of outstanding natural beauty, and are also protected as bird reserves, so take a pair of binoculars on holiday. There are also popular wildlife attractions such as Banham Zoo, with a great collection of big cats, and Great Yarmouth's Sea Life Centre, one of the biggest of its kind in the country, complete with tropical sharks and conger eels. And of course, if any of your family are interested in boating, you'll need to rent a boat and explore the waterways of the Broads themselves!


Restaurants in Norfolk

1. Temples Seal Trips & Blakeney Point

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5.0 based on 542 reviews

Temples Seal Trips & Blakeney Point

Daily boat trips from Morston quay to see the seals on Blakeney Point in their natural environment. We are on the north Norfolk coast (A149), with our ticket office in the Anchor Pub. We are a family run business, comprising boats and pub, and love the chance to share our unique way of life. Blakeney point is also internationally famous for migrant birds, an amazing breeding and feeding ground for terns, oystercatchers, ringed plover, and many more. A must for all bird lovers. Seals are in their abundance, Common and Grey, with pups being born summer and winter. Nov and Dec are notable for their thousands of seals along the shore, a truly spectacular sight. We are a happy bunch, with lots of information to share, and with a true passion for the area. The pub has been in the family for over 100 years, and the boats have been started up and run by the Temple family for well over 70 years. Our skippers are exceptional in their ability and experience. We hope to see you!

2. Ross' Wildlife Boat Trips

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5.0 based on 343 reviews

Ross' Wildlife Boat Trips

Guided wildlife boat trips on Horsey Mere, Norfolk Broads - one hour trips available from Spring to Autumn. (Bathroom facilities and 'food available for purchase' available on land close by, not on board). Wildlife trips start again 1st April for the 2019 season which ends October depending on weather!

3. Waveney Stardust

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5.0 based on 58 reviews

Waveney Stardust

To provide safe, subsidised and enjoyable river cruises for the disabled and/or elderly, including their family and friends; who would not otherwise be able to access the pleasures of the Broadland Waterways. Waveney Stardust cruisers are designed to accommodate people in wheelchairs and are suitable for all passengers with walking difficulties. Our boats, equipment and operational procedures are all designed to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers and crew . The cruisers are available for half day or full day hire with their crew of volunteers. Cruises may be booked by organisations, hospices, nursing/residential homes and also for family groups where one or more members are disabled or unable to board a self-hire craft. The cost of hiring Waveney Stardust cruisers is heavily subsidised by the management committee through generous donations, fund raising events and from the sale of souvenirs on board. Operation of the cruisers and its administration are all carried out by volunteers. Our qualified skippers and crews all undergo regular training. New volunteers are always welcome.

4. Hunter's Yard

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5.0 based on 37 reviews

Hunter's Yard

We are a traditional 'family oriented' boatyard on the beautiful Norfolk Broads with over 80 years experience in this field. Our services are, 2 hour skippered sailing for up to 4 people per boat, so you can 'have a go' or hone existing skills - RYA Sailing Tuition for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels, which also includes Learn to Sail Holidays - Cabin Yacht hire, some with 'electric quants' (see our website for more info on those) are available as 2, 3 or 4 berth boats - Half Decker (day boat) hire for solo sailors on our single sail balanced lugs. If you need something a little larger why not try some our gunter rigs with mainsail and jibs like Sundew or Buff tip. Perhaps you're a more experienced skipper who is looking for something a little faster? We have the only 2 Rebels on the Norfolk Broads for hire. These girls are high performance boats and in the 'right hands' can give an exhilarating sail.

5. Hunstanton Kayaks

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5.0 based on 68 reviews

Hunstanton Kayaks

Sit on top kayaks for hire, single or doubles available. We also have wetsuits available. We also run guided tours around the many sandbanks in the wash just off the coast here at Hunstanton. It is a fantastic place to bring the family and enjoy the beautiful sunsets that we have. you may also see some of the many seals that live and breed in the wash.

6. Eastwood Whelpton

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5.0 based on 75 reviews

Eastwood Whelpton

Sailing on the beautiful Norfolk Broads - from taster sails for a couple of hours to week long hire holidays. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned sailor we can offer you an experience to learn and enjoy.

7. Glide Surf School

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5.0 based on 45 reviews

Glide Surf School

The Glide Surf School, hire and shop was established in 2007 and has been the lead in pioneering the unique surf scene here in the quaint seaside town of Cromer in Norfolk. We are situated on the East Promenade to the right hand side of the pier, with lessons and hire taking place directly in front of our school, surf hire, changing rooms and shop. We are a family owned and run business with a passion to share our enthusiasm for the sea and the activities we offer in a safe, fun and friendly environment for all ages and abilities. With decades of surf experience we pride ourselves in offering outstanding customer service, expert instruction and specialist advice. We offer a range of lessons to suit your needs delivered from fully certified instructors, providing high quality equipment for lessons and hire as well as core branded shop sales for the complete beginner to the most advanced surfer. Whether you are standing up on a board for the first time or travelling surfing the world’s best waves we guarantee to have something for you. Our assurance is that you will be learning, progressing, and enlivened about the future of your surfing. NOTE: We DO NOT offer WINDSURFING or KITESURFING. Unfortunately when selecting 'SURFING' the only option Trip Advisor offer is with these two other options added as well.

8. Pub and Paddle

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5.0 based on 241 reviews

Pub and Paddle

Pub and Paddle is a fun an unusual canoe hire experience in Norwich. We create that back to nature feeling right here in the city centre. Whether you’re an expert canoeist or have never paddled a canoe before, Pub and Paddle canoe trips are great for everyone All of our canoe rentals begin in the centre of Norwich at our Elm Hill Quay pontoon, next to The Ribs of Beef pub on Fye Bridge. You can take your time learning how to paddle and get the canoe moving. This will not take you long – our beautiful wooden canoes easily glide across the water and are very stable! Even those of you who have grown up in Norwich will be amazed at the unique feeling you get from paddling through our fine city. Being on the water is a great way to see Norwich! It is only a short distance before the river opens up to some beautiful countryside where you can take a well-earned rest in a choice of riverside pubs.

9. Ptarmigan Blakeney Point Seal Trips

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5.0 based on 82 reviews

Ptarmigan Blakeney Point Seal Trips

We are a family-run, local business offering daily boat trips out to Blakeney Point Our purpose built ferry boat, the Ptarmigan, sets sail from Morston Quay daily commencing April. The journey will take you around Blakeney Harbour and out to Blakeney Point to see the inquisitive seals which is now the home of the largest grey seal colony in the UK, you will be able to go up close to spot the ever changing array of sea birds that visit the area. View this unique landscape, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and look out for the iconic Lifeboat house, now used as a Visitor Centre for the National Trust

10. Oliver's Sailing Holidays

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5.0 based on 35 reviews

Oliver's Sailing Holidays

Traditional Norfolk broads sailing Yachts, step back in time, leave the momentum of the 21st century behind and enjoy our luxury sailing holidays. Equipped with inboards engines, luxury bedding, galley equipment, showers and heating, these stunning yachts bring the best of two worlds together. The Norfolk broads are made up of 120 miles of stunning lakes and rivers for you to explore.

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