The Norfolk Broads - which style of boat to choose 2024? #travel2024

#thenorfolkbroads #thecountrytraveller #boatingholidays #helptochoose #travel2024 #leavenotrace

Thinking of holidaying on The Norfolk Broads in 2024 or 2025 but not sure which style of boat to hire? Here is a comparison between the two most common designs of smaller boats.
Both of these boats sleep up to 4 people, so ideal for a couple or a family. Of course, there are many larger boats of various styles but this video should give you some things to consider, particularly if you haven't hired a boat before.

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The Norfolk Broads, often referred to as "Britain's Magical Waterland," is a unique and enchanting network of waterways located in the East of England. Spread across Norfolk and parts of Suffolk, this extensive network encompasses rivers, lakes, and marshes, creating a distinctive landscape that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Natural Beauty:
The Norfolk Broads boast a diverse and unspoiled natural environment. The waterways meander through picturesque countryside, offering glimpses of reed beds, marshes, and woodlands. The area is renowned for its rich biodiversity, providing a habitat for a variety of bird species, including swans, herons, and kingfishers. The expansive skies of Norfolk add to the beauty, especially during breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.

Water Activities:
One of the primary attractions of the Norfolk Broads is the opportunity for water-based activities. Visitors can explore the region by boat, whether it's a traditional sailboat, a motor cruiser, or a canoe. The calm waters make it an ideal location for boating enthusiasts of all levels. Fishing is also a popular pastime, with the Broads teeming with a variety of fish, providing a serene and contemplative experience for anglers.

Charming Villages:
Scattered along the waterways are charming villages with thatched cottages and historic architecture. Wroxham and Horning are among the bustling villages that offer a taste of local life. Visitors can stroll along waterside paths, explore independent shops, and savor traditional pub fare. The villages contribute to the timeless and tranquil atmosphere that defines the Norfolk Broads.

Wildlife Sanctuaries:
The Broads are home to several wildlife reserves and sanctuaries, providing a haven for rare and protected species. Hickling Broad and Ranworth Broad are notable for their diverse ecosystems and the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Nature lovers can embark on walking trails to appreciate the flora and fauna unique to this region.

Historical Windmills:
Norfolk's iconic windmills add a touch of history to the landscape. Many of these structures have been lovingly preserved and stand as reminders of the region's past reliance on wind power for drainage and milling. Some windmills are open to the public, offering panoramic views of the Broads from their elevated positions.

Relaxation and Tranquility:
The Norfolk Broads provide a peaceful and idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The slow pace of exploration, the rustling reeds, and the gentle lapping of water against boats create an atmosphere of tranquility, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and a connection with nature.

In summary, the Norfolk Broads present a captivating blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural richness. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or someone simply looking to unwind in a serene environment, the Norfolk Broads offer a truly magical and unforgettable experience.

[TheCountryTraveller]

Thanks to those of you who have subscribed to our channel after watching this video - very much appreciated! We post a range of videos and there will be more like this to come ...

[adamdrabble]

Personally I've always gone for centre cockpit types of boats with canopies that drop for the bridges, as I find them to be the best of both worlds but can be a handful in in high winds, but that's the fun part!

[kiesesoza]

Thank you. I'm not new to boating but brand new to fresh water boating holidays so this really helped buddy

[andydavidson]

bow thrusters for cissys lol, when we had the kids with us we use to hire the bathtub type, access both ends and safe seating outside, now the kids are grown up, as a couple we go for aft cockpit types as the mrs will tie up the bow and i can jump off and tie the stern line with easy.

[LivinginTheNewForest]

Very useful video, WE will bear this in mind next time we go back to the Norfolk Broads - thank you

[michaeljones]

You didnt mention that lots of aft cockpit boats have drop down windows that do allow you to go under low bridges, you just happened to pick a boat with a hardtop therefore windows dont drop down .

[andrewholloway]

This is a really good video. The only Broads holiday we had as a family was on Tidecrest II, a centre cockpit cruiser from Stalham back in the mid 1970's.

[alwaysinsideout]

That was an good video. Informative & entertaining. Keep up the good work. 😁👍

[DavidMead-us]

Love this shape of boat, we hired one from another boat yard, so roomy and fantastic boating experience, just need to be aware it will catch the wind especially when mooring

[jeanmann]

Good comparison of these boats. We’ve had a lot of holidays on the Broads as you would see from my channel. Never had an aft cockpit cruiser though and I think your video confirms that would be too cramped for us.

[TRIPLOVERS]

Nice video, Thanks for sharing !!! : )

[ArcticNatureExperiences]

An illuminating talk on the subject about which boat to choose. Not really an issue for the place where I live, but your narrative was so interesting that I ended watching all and enjoying it:)

[petergore]

Peter Gore Seer,
I Have Never Had Trouble Going Under Bridges, Line Your Boat Up With Centre On The Bridge And A Little More Revs To Keep Boat Streight In forwarding Motion. Potter Higham Bridge As Centre Brickwork. The Mud Wight Was On The Front Centre Of Boat, That's How I Was Shown, Not To Be Attempted In Cross Wind, I Have Took 6 Different Types Threw Bridge., And Believe Me I Miss The Broads.

[davebirch]

Must admit the high sided boats are fun in the wind.... I was on Brinks Ladymore last march when we had Storm Gareth, you definitely need to keep your wits about you
As a solo hirer I prefer the aft cockpit/sedan style for stern mooring, although I had Brink of Peace in March 2018 and with the cut out on the stern you could stern Moor quite easily

[brianpreval]

twin steering position boats are best.

[demondude]

how did you find the onboarding process at BarnesBrinkcraft? Did you find the trial run explained everything and taught you well? I ask as we just returned from a holiday with Richardsons and our trial run was a bit of a disaster, the man running us through did most of it for us and didn't do a good job teaching us how to moor, he basically did the stern on, didn't touch the subject of side on mooring and was overall just a bit confusing about everything, led to some anxiety on the first few days until some seasoned broads people were able to give us info and advice at various spots?.

Just wanted to know what you're experience was as we want to return but preferrably at a boatyard where the onboarding is slightly more than "so here's this thing, ok i've done it, have fun, bye!"

[LucyPimblett]

I’ve been to the Norfolk broads before on the boat Summer Horizon. In two weeks we are going again I think on the same boat. If anyone is wondering whether to go to the Norfolk broads I say GO FOR IT it’s really relaxing and you get to be away from all the busy cities and towns for a while. It’s great

[BEACHLIFE]

Love getting a boat out on the broads have only done a day hire but would like to try a weekend hire at some point 👍

[TheCountryTraveller]

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[lorithorpe]

ive had all sorts of styles of boats, but i really hate the all one level boat, we hired spring horizon once, & found it difficult to moor backwards, my favourite ones are the sedan style boats with the patio doors on, lovely for seeing everywhere & reversing, but no good for bridges, & i like centre cockpit boats too, but they can be abit cold when you're driving if it's a chilly day, we were suppose to be having one if these boats this year, but we've been given san julian, twin drive one, which i hate because of the coffin bedroom at the back, & reversing's not good with this boat either, if you're driving from inside .