Wroxham

Wroxham and Hoveton

When it comes to boat and Norfolk Broads holidays there are few places in the United Kingdom as beautiful or as worthwhile as Wroxham on the River Bure. It is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and pace of river life. This is a holiday area with a proud history. Way back in 1878 John Loynes started hiring out boats to tourists, and since then it has turned into a thriving business for many people in the Wroxham area. Wroxham and Hoveton are two charming villages located on the famous Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes that offer some of the most picturesque and peaceful scenery in England. This idyllic destination is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and tranquil travel experience.
One of the main draws to Wroxham and Hoveton is the endless opportunities for boating and water activities. With a variety of boat rental companies in the area, you can explore the Broads at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the waterways. The villages are also home to several boatyards and marinas, making it a hub for boat enthusiasts and a great place to witness the traditional Broads sailing vessels. One of the best things about having a boating holiday here is the sheer number of Boatyards you have to choose from, all based on the River Bure.
Whatever type of boating experience you want is available such as River Day Cruisers, Boat Tours, Self Drive holiday cruiser boats or specialised Fishing Craft. Or if you would rather stay on dry land and watch the River flow past then there are many Wroxham riverside cottages, hotels or apartments to hire literally right on the banks of the Broads.

Wroxham Bridge over River Bure

Wroxham itself is actually made up of two connected villages Wroxham and Hoveton seperated by the River Bure. Interestingly enough most of the signs say Wroxham, but many of the facilities are on one side of Wroxham Bridge in Hoveton, such as the famous Roys stores and many of the village shops.
Wroxham proves an ideal base for exploring the waterways of Norfolk, sitting in the heart of the Norfolk broads offering easy access to many of the Broads such as Salhouse Broad, Hoveton Great Broad and of course Wroxham Broad itself. If you prefer to stay on land, Wroxham and Hoveton still have plenty to offer. The main hub of Wroxham is centred around the Wroxham Hotel and Roys department stores near the bridge with independent shops, cafes, located on the surrounding roads giving visitors a taste of the local culture. The famous Roys of Wroxham, known as the world’s largest village store, is a popular spot for tourists to stock up for boat holidays or purchase souvenirs and local treats.

Hoveton Great Broad enjoy Nature

The village is surrounded by stunning countryside, perfect for boating, walking and cycling. The Broads National Park offers a variety of walking trails, from easy strolls to more challenging routes, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the area. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife, including rare birds, otters, and water voles. Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail is an impressive walk around one of the largest broads in the area. Located on the opposite side of the river to Salhouse broad it is only accessible by boat, with mooring at the entrance to the trail for small canoes right up to large cruiser size boats.

The broad is a haven for bird watchers, with many different species spotted throughout the year. From majestic swans to colorful kingfishers, there is always something to see and admire. The surrounding reed beds and woodlands provide the perfect habitat for these feathered creatures, as well as a multitude of other wildlife making Hoveton Great Broad a nature lover’s paradise.

Wroxham Hire Boatyards

Norfolk Broads Direct Boatyard

At Norfolk Broads Direct Boatyard, visitors can rent a variety of boats, from small day boats to 44 foot modern motor cruisers. Each boat is well-maintained and equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide guidance and assistance, ensuring a smooth and worry-free boating experience.

Also incorporating Broads Tours, NBD offer a variety of boat trips around the local broads on large two storey passenger boats. These boats include a detailed commentary as you travel the rivers and onto Salhouse Broad or Wroxham Broad, and all have a licensed bar onboard offering refreshments during your 1 and a half hour to 2 hour trip.

Barnes Brinkcraft Boatyard

Another boatyard located right on the river in Wroxham, as well as hiring the latest self-drive cruisers Barnes also offer riverside holiday cottages. Sleeping between 4 and 8 persons the cottages are located right on the waters edge in Wroxham around Barnes boatyard, even including a small dayboat with your holiday if required.

As well as an extensive hire fleet, day boats and cottages Barnes offer various boat services such as pump-outs, diesel and water. Just across on the opposite side of the river from the main office and hire boat operation they also run a marina offering private moorings right in the capital of the Broads.