The Broads is a protected area of marsh and waterways east of Norwich, classed as a national park, and it is open landscape rather than a single site with a gate. For a family day the easiest way in is a Broads Authority boat trip, which leave from How Hill on the Electric Eel, from Ranworth on the Liana, and from Hoveton on the solar-powered Ra. The Ranworth trip crosses Malthouse Broad, then follows Ranworth Dam and the River Bure towards Cockshoot Dyke. The trade-off is space: these are small boats with only a handful of seats, so book ahead by phone, email or at the information centre – the published pages do not say whether you can simply turn up. The trips run on a seasonal timetable from spring to autumn; that applies to the boats, not to the landscape itself. Dog rules differ from boat to boat. If you bring your own canoe, kayak or paddleboard, it needs a toll before it goes on the water.
Nature/Hiking
The Broads
A protected marsh landscape and national park outside Norwich, best seen from the water on one of the Broads Authority's small boat trips.
Typical visit
Ages
Booking
Boat trip prices
Electric Eel, Liana and short Ra trips cost £12 per adult, £10 per child or £38 for a family of up to two adults and two children; Ra's 120-minute extended trip is £15, £12 or £50.
Departures
Liana leaves Ranworth daily April to October at 10.30am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.15pm; Electric Eel leaves How Hill daily June to September at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Shoulder season
In April, May and October the Electric Eel and Ra run only at weekends, on bank holidays and in local half term.
Age limit
The Electric Eel trip is not suitable for children under two.
Own boat
Canoes, kayaks and SUPs used on the Broads need an annual or short-visit toll, priced by the craft's area.
Boat size
The Electric Eel takes up to 6 passengers and the Liana up to 8.
OUR FAMILY ASSESSMENT
Family Intelligence
Why kids will love it
A short guided boat trip gets children out onto the marshes and rivers of a national park without you needing a boat of your own, and there is a choice of quick or longer trips from three different starting points.
EXPLORE
More things to do nearby
SLEEP
Family hotels nearby
PLAN
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