For many years the Norfolk Broads were thought to be a natural landscape. It was proven in the 1960s that they were man made and were in fact the result of flooding of early peat excavations dating back as far as the Romans, who first exploited the area for fuel. The Norfolk Broads boat hire industry developed as a result of yacht racing in the early 1900's and since has continued to flourish with holidaymakers flooding to the Broads each summer.
In the Middle Ages the local monasteries began to excavate the peat selling it as fuel to Norwich and Great Yarmouth. When sea levels began to rise, the pits began to flood and despite the construction of wind pumps and dykes, the flooding continued and resulted in the typical Broads landscape we see today, with its reed beds, wet woodland and grazing marshes.
The Norfolk Broads offers over 150 miles of lock free cruising and is divided into two distinct areas - the Northern side of the Broads, which is north of Great Yarmouth and the Southern side of the Broads, which spans to the historic city of Norwich with its historic streets and cathedral. A boating holiday on the Broads is perfect for all the family, and with several of the pubs being pet friendly, you can even bring the dog! You have the option to hire a modern sports cruiser, or if you prefer to experience the Norfolk Broads in a traditional wooden boat, you can hire a Broads motor cruiser or traditional gaff rigged sailing yacht.
Short breaks: Explore the Northern Broads from any of the bases above Great Yarmouth. Just keep in mind that the larger boats cannot pass through the two lowest bridges at Potter Heigham and Wroxham, however there is still plenty to see and do! Alternatively start from Chedgrave and enjoy a city break to the heart of Norwich.
Week holidays: Over a week's holiday you can explore both the Northern and Southern Broads on a hire boat so simply choose a boat which you like the look of best and discover the whole of the Broads.
