Who runs boat trips from Potter Heigham?
The best way to see the Norfolk Broads is from the water – here’s everything you need to know about Potter Heigham boat trips or alternatives further afield. Potter Heigham has a long boating history and there are several companies to hire a boat from. You’ll find all their details on our Potter Heigham Boat Hire page. There are no organised boat tours starting at Potter Heigham itself. If you want an organised boat tour there are many different types of boat trip on the Norfolk Broads or from the coast available nearby. You’ll find all their details on this page.
Itineraries for boat trips from Potter Heigham
You have a few choices if you are taking a boat trip from Potter Heigham for the day. You could head south towards Thurne Mill from where you can see the ruins of St Benet’s Abbey across the marshes. A Potter Heigham to Ludham Bridge return boat trip takes 4 hours, so the best part of a day with a few stops. It takes 3 hours to get to Wroxham from Potter Heigham so this is another day boat trip option. You will pass through pretty Horning on the way which is a nice place for a stop. Or take a detour via South Walsham.
Our favourite option is to go north of the Potter Heigham Bridge to lovely Hickling Broad where there are fewer boats. A boat trip from Potter Heigham to Hickling will take 3 to 4 hours so is a full day’s boating, there and back with stops. Hickling Broad, the largest broad, is a haven for birdlife and also home to some rare butterflies.
Broads Tours, Wroxham
Broads Tours have an extensive choice of boats to hire or different types of cruises on offer. They operate out of Wroxham and along the River Bure. Cruises leave several times a day and are between 1.5 to 2 hours in length. There are refreshments and a bar on board and a live commentary will point out wildlife of interest. They also offer various themed cruises throughout the year.
The Southern Comfort, Horning
The Southern Comfort is a double decker Mississippi style paddle cruiser operating out of nearby Horning. It’s a 15 minute driver away. Try to get a spot on the upper deck where you will be rewarded with spectacular views as the boat cruises along the River Bure to Ranworth Broad and back. They also provide a commentary throughout the trip, pointing out the different types of birdlife. Daytime cruises are 1.5 hours and evening ones run for 2 hours.
Solar powered boat trips on the Norfolk Broads
For a relaxed, peaceful trip on the Broads, try the Ra – a solar powered boat operated by the Broads Authority. Boat trips depart from Hoveton Riverside Park, Wroxham and travel down a peaceful stretch of the river towards Coltishall. As it is solar powered, the boat is virtually silent. The boat carries up to 9 passengers and you need to book in advance. Boat trips are either 60 or 90 minutes long.
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is a beautiful place. You will find 130 acres of natural and cultivated plants and woodland, including water gardens and their own private broad. You can take a 20 or 30 minute boat trip to view the gardens from one of their two boats, Primula or Primrose. Or a slightly longer one down the river to the ruins of St Benet’s Abbey. Boat trips don’t run in the winter and are weather permitting at other times so check they are running on the day of the trip.
Coastal Boat Trips
Seals at Blakeney Point
Beans Boats operate tours to get up close to the seals that live off the stretch of the coast around Blakeney Point. There is a colony of hundreds of grey and common seals here. In the winter time the grey seals come ashore to have their pups. In the summer time your best bet to see them is by taking one of these boat trips. They have five ferries designed for seal viewing. You board the boat at Morston Quay before heading up Morston Creek, out into Blakeney Harbour and up to Blakeney Point. Trips last an hour and run throughout the year depending on the tides. Booking is essential.
The Wash Monsters, Hunstanton
Sea Tours at Hunstanton have two amphibious craft go out on a number of short coastal trips leaving from the sandy beach at Hunstanton directly into the sea. They also run seal safaris.
Book Sunray Riverside Lodge
Sunray, our lovely riverside lodge in Potter Heigham, Norfolk Broads, is available for weekends, short breaks and weekly lets. Its a great base to explore the Norfolk Broads from with walking, fishing and boat trips on your doorstep. You can book directly on the website or by sending us a message on our contact form.
Terms and conditions
25% deposit is required on booking, balance is due 4 weeks beforehand.
Sorry, no smoking.
Check in from 3:30pm & check out by 10:30am.
Weekly breaks: Fri – Fri
Weekend breaks 3 nights: Fri – Mon
Midweek breaks 4 nights: Mon – Fri
Sunray Lettings registered address: Kelly & Jonathan Thompson, Mallows Cottage, Mallows Lane, Gainsford End, Essex CO9 4EH.