Boating on the Rivers Wensum & Yare

By Michael Martin On June 25, 2026 · Boating on the Rivers Wensum & Yare

Norfolk and the Broads have welcomed leisurely sailors for well over a century, so it is fair to say boating runs deep in the county’s character. Despite living in the “Bootiful County” for years, boating on the Wensum and the Yare had never really been on our radar. Our boat trips tended to stay closer to the coast, exploring the Ant and the Bure, so heading inland to Norwich for a change of scenery felt overdue, and it did not disappoint.

Choosing a boat operator on the Norfolk Broads

There is no shortage of boat hire operators across the Broads, and we have tried a fair few over the years. Martham Ferry Day Boat Hire is a firm favourite for relaxed days out, and Wayford Marine also comes highly recommended. If you fancy something more active, The Canoe Man offers excellent kayaking trips, although be warned, it is considerably more energetic than a gentle day boat cruise.

What type of boat should you hire

Boat hire on the Broads comes in several shapes and sizes. Day boats are often small and simple, ideal for a relaxed few hours on the water, while electric boats are growing in popularity thanks to their quiet, eco-friendly cruising. Picnic boats tend to be larger, often fitted with a small kitchen and toilet, and can usually carry up to eight passengers, making them a good choice for bigger groups or family gatherings. At the other end of the scale, compact four seater boats suit small families or groups of friends who want something easy to handle.

Before booking, it is worth thinking about a few practical points too. How easily will your group manage mooring? Which riverside pubs do you want to stop at along the way? These are questions worth answering before you set off, and a topic we will return to in a future post.

Which rivers are navigable on the Norfolk Broads

The Broads network is larger than many visitors expect, and several rivers connect to form one navigable system.

• The Ant – a major tributary feeding into the River Bure
• The Bure – offers 31 miles of navigable waterway, running from Great Yarmouth up to Coltishall
• The Thurne – winds north towards the coast and is navigable as far as West Somerton
• The Wensum – meanders gently through the fine city of Norwich before joining the Yare on its way to the sea
• The Yare – once joined by the Wensum, continues its journey down to Great Yarmouth and out to the North Sea

Boating on the Wensum and the Yare really is a joy, and a different experience to the wider, busier stretches of the Broads further north.

Getting started: a solution we found

If you fancy exploring the Wensum and the Yare for yourself, getting to the water is easier than you might think. From Norwich, it is a short journey to Thorpe St Andrew, whether you walk, run, hire a scooter, cycle, or simply hop on the bus. There is a reliable local bus service, which makes the whole trip refreshingly low effort.

Bishy Barney Boats: our pick for the Wensum and Yare

Here is a bit of homework for you: what exactly is a Bishy Barnabee? It is the Norfolk dialect name for a ladybird, and it lends its character to these fabulous little red electric boats, each comfortably seating four passengers.

Bishy Barney Boats run between New Mills and Coldham Hall, and we have travelled in both directions. Heading upstream brought us to the Ribs of Beef in Norwich, while downstream took us to the Waters Edge in Bramerton. Our next outing is already planned, this time pushing all the way to the limits at Coldham Hall.

Bishy Barney Boats offer a great selection of boats, a brilliant location right on the Wensum, and genuinely five star service. The team are friendly and welcoming, and their little red boats are as reliable as they are fun to pilot.

The stretch of the Wensum through Norwich city centre is particularly lovely, with the cathedral skyline and riverside pubs giving the whole trip a real sense of place.

Come boating, come and visit with Barn & Beach Holidays and Bishy Barney Boats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go boating from Norwich on the River Wensum?

Yes. Bishy Barney Boats hire electric day boats from a base near Norwich, with routes running along the Wensum and onto the Yare between New Mills and Coldham Hall.

What is a Bishey Barnabee?

Bishey Barnabee is the traditional Norfolk dialect name for a ladybird. It is also the name behind Bishy Barney Boats, whose little red electric craft are styled after the insect.

How many people can a day boat on the Norfolk Broads carry?

This depends on the boat. Small day boats and electric craft like those from Bishy Barney Boats typically carry up to four passengers but can carry five depending on the groupmix, while larger picnic boats The Grande and Gasole can carry up to eight.

Do I need a licence to hire a boat on the Norfolk Broads?

No licence is required for most day boat hire. Operators provide a short briefing before you set off, covering steering, speed limits, and mooring.

How do I get from Norwich to the boat hire point at Thorpe St Andrew?

It is a short trip from central Norwich, easily reached by foot, bike, scooter, or the local bus service, making it a convenient starting point for a day on the water.

Are the Wensum and Yare suitable for families?

Yes. The Wensum and Yare are gentle, well used rivers with calm stretches, riverside pubs, and easy mooring points, making them well suited to family groups and less experienced boaters.

The River Wensum, Norwich City Centre!

Come boating, come visit with Barn & Beach Holidays and Bishy Barney Boats.