Norfolk broads

I went on the Broads with a college friend many moons ago. We met up there from different parts of the country. My clothes consisted mainly of jeans/trainers, hers - dresses and heeled sandals. Guess who had to jump off the boat each day to moor up. Despite this we had a great holiday and I've always wanted to go back. Enjoy, but remember the sensible shoes advice from everyone.

Hi Sarnia

We did see it, it was really good
Thanks

If you can Junie1 try to find The Worlds Most Scenic River Journeys' narrated by Bill Nighy. The most recent one was the River Bure and the Broads. Wonderful scenery. Looks like you may be in for a treat.

Aren’t we just!

We're all game birds in Norfolk, eazybee!

Hi JackyB
Your parents sound great fun

Hi eazybee
Oh I never heard of it

Thanks GillT57

Hi MerylStreep
Oh just beautiful, bet you have great photos

Hi M0nica
Thanks for the information

Thanks geekesse

This won't help you but it's a story my parents always used to tell. They often went on holiday on the Broads in the 50s, before they had us. They used to have a wonderful time. Much drinking was involved. My mother once managed to get a treble top in quite an inebriated state. The others, equally merry, were egging her on and when the third dart went in I can only imagine the excitement.

She never did it again, of course.

???

Sorry, but every time I see the title of this thread I think it refers to the game girls of Norfolk!

Ethelwashere1

Ive been on the broads, just packed jeans, trousers, nothing posh as the waterside pubs are very informal. One waterproof jacket and trainers were the only shoes. Its so lovely you dont want to worry about clothes

I was going to say exactly the same! Layers are advisable, pubs are informal, safe, non slip footwear absolutely essential.

Junie
If you enjoy the broards and feel like something a bit more adventurous, look at the Californian canal ( Scotland)
I’ve done it twice. Unbelievable beautiful

www.shutterstock.com/search/caledonian+canal

I second M0nica's advice about wearing a lifejacket on deck, especially important when mooring.

We have done all our Broads holidays at Easter or earlier, when the broads are much quieter. One year it was early March and I think we were the only hire boat out. The boat was built for comfort not beauty and had an effective heater and we saw so much wildlife. The downside was that many of the waterside fuel and water facilities were not open.

The other thing is that if in a boat always, always, always wear life jackets, this especially applies to children, including teenagers, who can get up to larks without seeing the dangers. Our rule has always been that adults set a good example by wearing their life jackets.

We too have sailed on the Broads, again at Easter. That was back in our university days - we did meet through the University Saiing Club (see other thread on this subject).

This summer just gone even the smallest boats wouldn’t go under Potter Heigham bridge - the water was too high even at low tide!

I recommend layers, wellies and spare shoes, and an excess of socks and knickers, lots of books and loads of quality bacon and eggs. In fact we took all our own food and booze so we could moor overnight on a mud or rond anchor, away from the public mooring in villages. Some places get a bit noisy at night. Sunglasses are a must if it’s likely to be sunny because there’s a lot of glare off the water.

I love boating on the broads - we used to sail, but more recently a cabin cruiser proves less physically demanding.

Enjoy!

Hi NfkDumpling
Great advice thanks so much

Will take warm clothes
Thanks Germanshepherdsmum

Thanks grumppa

Thanks Hettybetty

Agree with the advice the others have given. If the weather is good, its wonderful but you do need to be prepared and take a couple of warm pullovers and thick socks for the evenings. Even when its really hot it can seem quite chilly in the evenings and early mornings because you're on the water. But include a swimsuit, shorts and vest/T-shirt tops. And binoculars and camera. You should see otters and maybe swimming grass snakes.

For those thinking of going and haven't booked, do consider the size of the boat you're booking and don't go any bigger than you need to. Mooring spaces can get quite tight. We rarely use the formal moorings but drop the mud weights next to the reeds. Also try to get one which will go under all the bridges.