Day Boats on the Norfolk Broads
pets welcome
life jackets supplied
tuition providedNorfolk Broads Day Boat Hire
Experience the Magic of the Norfolk Broads with Day Boat Hire at Wroxham
Are you looking to experience the beauty of the Norfolk Broads? Day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads from Wroxham Bridge by the hour, half day, or full day is one of the best ways to explore the area’s stunning waterways and discover its hidden gems. Check out some suggested day boat routes.
Our Wroham-based day boats are located close to Wroxham Bridge in Hoveton and are available to hire from Easter to October half term. They can be pre-booked online using the booking panel above.
Brinklet (Easy, No Fuss)
⭐ Most popular for first timers
Best for: First timers, families, relaxed cruising
- Seats 8 — plenty of room with a stable, reassuring feel
- Easy to drive — perfect if you’ve never done this before
- Simple day out — ideal for a no-fuss, relaxed trip
- Easy mooring — great for pub stops and quick tie-ups
Picnic (Family favourite)
⭐ Best for families
Best for: Families, longer days, comfort
- Seats up to 7 — comfortable for family groups
- Onboard toilet — makes a big difference on longer trips
- Covered seating — shelter from sun or showers
- Picnic ready — space for food, bags, and everything else
Sunrise (Comfort + cooking)
⭐ Best for proper lunch onboard
Best for: Couples, families, slow-paced days
- Seats up to 7 — ideal for smaller groups
- Toilet onboard — added comfort for the day
- Hob & kettle provided — great for a simple hot lunch
- Relaxed cruising — perfect for taking your time
Brinks Sun Shine (Shade & easy comfort)
⭐ Best for sunny days
Best for: Couples, small groups, staying cool on hot days
- Seats up to 6 — ideal for 2–4 people wanting extra space
- Bimini & cover — excellent shade on hot, sunny days
- Easy to drive — simple, steady handling for beginners
- Comfortable layout — relaxed cruising without feeling exposed
Brinks Sun Charm (Premium feel)
⭐ Most comfortable day boat
Best for: Comfort seekers, full-day trips, something special
- Seats up to 7 — comfortable, spacious layout
- Electric engine — quiet and smooth cruising
- Toilet onboard — ideal for longer days
- Hob & kettle provided — everything for a relaxed day out
Electra (Quiet cruising)
⭐ Quietest option
Best for: Wildlife lovers, peaceful days, photographers
- Seats up to 8 — space for families or small groups
- Electric engine — smooth, quiet, no engine noise
- Peaceful experience — ideal for spotting wildlife
- Easy handling — gentle and forgiving to drive
Brinks Sundeck (Space & groups)
⭐ Best for bigger groups
Best for: Groups, sociable days, spreading out
- Seats up to 9 — loads of room for everyone
- Open layout — great for chatting, picnics, and moving about
- Easy access — simple to get on and off at stops
- Beginner friendly — no experience needed
Canoe (Simple & adventurous)
⭐ Best for exploring quietly
Best for: Couples, explorers, getting close to nature
- Seats 2–3 — perfect for smaller groups
- Close to nature — reach quieter areas boats can’t
- Active day out — a bit more hands-on and fun
- Easy to launch — simple, flexible exploring
Popular Day Boat Hire Locations on the Norfolk Broads
There are several popular locations. Wroxham is one of the most popular locations for day boat hire and is known as the ‘capital’ of the Broads. Wroxham is home to various boat hire companies, including the Barnes Brinkcraft fleet of day boats, with a good selection of day boat layouts and features to suit multiple requirements.
Another popular location for day boat hire on the Broads is Horning. Horning is a charming village on the River Bure, home to several boat hire companies.
Tips for Planning a Boating Day on the Norfolk Broads
When planning a day boat trip on the Norfolk Broads, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it’s essential to check the availability of the boat you’re interested in hiring. With Barnes Brinkcraft, you can book a day boat online (booking panel is at the top of this page), making it easy to check availability and reserve a boat in advance.
It’s also a good idea to plan your route in advance. This will help you make the most of your day and ensure you don’t miss any of the Broads’ stunning attractions. We also provide suggested itineraries for each boat based on the length of the hire.
Day Boat Hire Options on the Norfolk Broads
There are various options for day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads. Barnes Brinkcraft offers a range of day boats, from canoes to day boats in multiple sizes and designs, including our Sundeck model, which seats up to 9 people on cushioned seating.
The type of boat you choose will depend on your needs, so it’s essential to research and find the right boat for you.
Suppose you’re looking for a boat for a whole day. In that case, we have day boats equipped with amenities such as a gas hob, fridge, toilet and their own crockery, making them perfect for half or full-day boat excursions exploring the Broads.
Best Time to Rent a Day Boat on the Norfolk Broads
The best time to rent a boat is during the summer, with the best weather and the longest days, making it the perfect time to explore the Broads. Outside the busiest summer periods, the peace and tranquillity will likely appeal to lovers of nature and wildlife.
Popular Activities to do on a Day Boat on the Norfolk Broads
One of the best things about day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads is the range of activities you can enjoy. From exploring the Broads’ winding rivers to taking in stunning views and wildlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Fishing is also a popular activity on the Broads, and there are fishing tackle shops near to Barnes Brinkcraft’s Wroxham day boat hire centre, where the necessary equipment and supplies can be sourced. Anglers can enjoy a peaceful day of fishing in the Broads’ tranquil waters.
Picnics are also a popular activity on the Broads. Barnes Brinkcraft has picnic day boats perfectly designed for the occasion.
Safety Considerations for Day Boating on the Norfolk Broads
Safety is always of the utmost importance. Training and safety equipment such as life jackets and maps are provided.
It’s also important to check the weather forecast before you set off and ensure you have the proper clothing for the conditions. During the summer, temperatures can get surprisingly high, so bringing plenty of water and a hat or sun cream is essential.
Finally, make sure you follow the waterway regulations. The rules include keeping to the right side of the river and staying within the speed limit.
So if you’re looking for the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Norfolk Broads, day boat hire is the ideal option.
If you’d like to learn a little more about handling a day boat before your trip, please watch these helpful videos from the Broads Authority.
Book your Norfolk Broads Day Boat Hire Online with Barnes Brinkcraft and experience the magic of the Norfolk Broads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click here for directions.
Yes, you can bring a max of 2 dogs with you It’s worth remembering some dogs love being on a boat, but not all. We recommend bringing a dog bed with you. We would recommend the Brinklets for dogs as these are the easiest for them to get on and off.
Yes, we do, via the Broadcaster magazine provided with each hire.
Please see our suggested itinerary here.
There is a speed limit between 3 and 5 mph in this part of the Broads National Park. This is designed to protect the wildlife on the banks from wash caused by boats.
Our boats are easy to walk onto from the rear of the boat.
We have parking for circa 20 cars. There is also plenty of FREE car parking behind the railway station, a 5 min walk away.
Please come prepared for the weather. sun hats, sunscreen and bottled water on hot days, and a flask and an extra coat on chiller days Don’t forget your camera Flat shoes with good grip such as trainers are ideal You might want to pack a picnic
This happens very rarely, and we have our engineers on hand to help out once you let us know you need help Ring the yard on 01603 782625 and select engineers Tell them where you are They will get to you by car if you are accessible, if not they will travel by boat Please be patient, it can take a while for the engineer to get to you Even if you drift into the bank, you are very very unlikely to come to harm on the boat
Callum and his team are on hand to run you through the basics of how to use a boat It is pretty straight forward once you get the hang of it. You can also watch these helpful videos provided by the Broads Authority here
We only collect security deposits from a few clients, click here for details
Yes you can You will need a licence, which can be purchased here Please note we don’t supply mud weights with the boats
Please check the control panel and make sure that the water switch has been turned on. If you still don’t get water please ring 01603 782625 and select engineers
Please check that the gas canister is turned on fully and try again. If this still does not work contact 01603 782625 and select engineers
You must be 18 years or older to hire a day boat. And whilst you can drive a day boat at any age, you must be closely supervised by someone over the age of 18
Yes, fuel is included in the hire of the day boat