Best Norfolk boat trips and tours
Norfolk is home to many rare chalk-fed rivers; a rare thing internationally speaking, with just over 220 across the world. These exceptional ecosystems provide a habitat haven for a large variety of fauna and flora to thrive.
These include the otter, brown trout, starwort, and white-clawed crayfish, as well as the wonderful birdlife such as the instantly recognisable great crested grebe and the bittern, one of the rarest breeding birds in the UK. Norfolk’s rivers feed into the many watercourses of the expansive Norfolk Broads, the River Wensum of Norwich and out to sea via the county’s beautiful coastline. One of Britain’s flatter counties, Norfolk is quite simply a watery place, so what better way to explore all this water than by boat? Whether it’s the grandeur of a southern-style double-deck paddle boat, the elegance of a single-sailed wherry boat, or simply a pub-side canoe that ahem… floats your boat, we’ve got the best Norfolk boat trips for you.
1. Norfolk Wherry Trust, Ludham
With more miles of navigable waterway than Venice, boat trips on the Norfolk Broads are always ones of discovery. The Norfolk Broads National Park is best explored on the back of a boat, and no boat better to do that on than the Broads’ native boat – the wherry. Instantly recognisable from their single large black gaff sails, these boats have wide, shallow bottoms with keels, designed specifically for navigating the Broads.
While many of these wherries were sunk to strengthen riverbanks, there are still some left in operation which are now used as pleasure boats and are available for boat hire in Norfolk. There is nothing quite like the birdlife and beautiful countryside of Britain’s largest protected wetland so as you slip along, listen out for a booming bittern or catch sight of a rare swallowtail, Britain’s largest butterfly. Don’t miss your chance to have a truly unique, nautical experience with a wherry cruise.
2. North Walsham and Dilham Canal Boat Tours
Built in 1926, the North Walsham and Dilham Canal is Norfolk's only sailing canal. Tours of the canal onboard and electric boat embark from Ebridge Mill car park, from where a steerer guides passengers upstream, taking in the wildlife and providing background history of this fascinating waterway.
From its hay day, busy with working wherries, to years left abandoned, to its current period of restoration, the North Walsham and Dilham Canal has a fascinating history that can be discovered on this boat tour. The North Walsham and Dilham Canal Boat Tour is not only the perfect Norfolk boat trip to learn more about the waterway, but also to support the waterway’s ongoing restoration as all the revenue goes towards the trust that restores and operates the canal.
3. Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat, Horning
Fancy a taste of southern hospitality? Boat trips in the Norfolk Broads don't come much better than this. You'll find bliss on board this traditional double-deck paddle boat purpose built for navigating the waterways of Norfolk.
With a capacity of 100 passengers for public trips or even private hire, the Southern Comfort Mississippi is a luxury river cruiser which runs regular return trips from the beautiful village of Horning, along the River Bure and out to Ranworth Broad. The journey passes lovely, thatched houses, traditional windmills, and gently swaying Norfolk reed beds. On the trip you will receive inciteful commentary on the surroundings and the water birds around at the time.
4. Searles Sea Tours Sea Safari, Hunstanton
The the name is a bit of a tongue twister but this is one of the best Norfolk boat trips out there. Searles Sea Tours run a unique one-hour long seal safari on board an amphibious vessel, Wizzy the Wash Monster. The tour departs from the central promenade in Hunstanton and each tour provides a truly fascinating way of seeing the local seal population.
You’ll also enjoy beautiful coastal panoramic views and discover the local history and fascinating legends around The Wash. The group of Common Seals at the Wash is one of the largest colonies in the UK and possibly even the world with over 3000 animals known to be living there. Don’t forget your camera as this gathering is sure to be a sight to behold!
5. Pub and Paddle, Norwich
Pub and Paddle is a unique way to experience the River Wensum in Norwich. You can find this back-to-nature Norfolk boat trip right in the city centre of the county's capital. Hire one of the Weston Canoes handmade wooden canoes and go for a paddle through Norwich’s beautiful city centre.
There are a number of different routes, depending on how much time you want to spend in the canoe. Paddling through the city centre is an enjoyable and fun experience for a group of friends or it can be a great family day out. There’s no better way to see the sights of historic Norwich and it’s a great excuse to stop at a pub or two on the way!
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
*New holiday homes from £29,995 with free 2025 site fees – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a new 2-bedroom Willerby Ellerton holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories. Free Site Fees 2025 offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 1 January 2025, completing by 31 December 2025.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2025 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price and free site fees 2025 offer is available at Craig Tara, Far Grange, Haggerston Castle, Orchards, Cleethorpes Beach and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £44,995 – UPDATED 28 February 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As of 28 February, price is available at Lydstep Beach and Seashore. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £34,995 – UPDATED 28 February 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As of 28 February, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan-y-More, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay,
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments for 7 years
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion.
An example of how ‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-loved holiday homes from £14,995 with free 2025 site fees - UPDATED 6 February 2025
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 1 January 2025, completing by 31 December 2025.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Craig Tara, Far Grange, Haggerston Castle, Orchards, Cleethorpes Beach and Wild Duck
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2025 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Owner’s 'Appy Meal Deal for £7.99
All day, every day* - collection only
Only available to Owners staying on park
Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink
Upgrade to regular cod or haddock^ for £3
Owners can use their discount on top of this offer
Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166
Pre-owned holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Lydstep Beach and Seashore.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan y Mor, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cala Gran, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.