H2olidays

Le Boat

England

The Norfolk Broads , an area of great natural beauty and a haven for wildlife, is one of England’s most popular cruising grounds. Renowned for its rural lifestyle and great boat-building traditions, and synonymous with images of families having fun on the water, this is a great place to simply relax and enjoy an altogether slower pace of life.

Regional Highlights

• Fantastic opportunities to watch nature – many conservation centres , nature reserves and bird-watching stations to visit
• Market towns and traditional boat-building villages for an insight to a rural English way of life
• Lock-free cruising on shallow lakes and rivers – perfect for first time cruisers
• Sailing and watersports for a different pace of life
• The Norfolk Broads, an area of great natural beauty and a haven for wildlife, is one of England’s most popular cruising grounds. Renowned for its rural lifestyle and great boat-building traditions, and synonymous with images of families having fun on the water, this is a great place to simply relax and enjoy an altogether slower pace of life.

Here are some cruising suggestions...

Short Breaks

North Broads Cruise
Horning - Horsey Mere - Horning
Although just short distance away by road, it is easy to spend a week cruising this idyllic northern section of the Broads as there is so much to see and do. At the village of  Woodbastwick  on the edge of  Cockshoot  Broad visit the local Norfolk Brewery and taste some real ale! 
Climb the 97 steps to the top of the ancient church tower at  Ranworth  for panoramic views over the Broads - the views on a clear day are spectacular. Also visit the local nature reserve - an excellent information  centre  and  birdlife  viewing station where children will love to find out all about life on the Broads and the delicate balancing act between man and nature. 
Passing carefully through the lowest bridge on the Broads at Potter  Heigham , head for the large  Hickling  Broad - home to an important national nature reserve and popular with sailing boats. Or follow in Admiral Lord Nelson’s footsteps and learn to sail at Barton Broad. 
The North Broads are threaded by the rivers Ant and  Thurne  and have some lovely villages hidden away. Visit Toad Hole Cottage on the How Hill Nature Reserve at  Ludham  for a glimpse of Victorian country life and a chance to explore the nearby woodland and marshes.
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 52 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 8 hrs

The Southen  Broads Cruise
Somerleyton  - Oulton Broad - Somerleyton  
From the peaceful surroundings of Somerleyton , cruise to Oulton Broad – the southern gateway to the Broads National Park. Oulton Broad hosts a wide range of watersports , so you can swap your cruiser for a canoe, windsurfer or dinghy for some different water adventures. In the summer months the weekly Thursday power boat races make a great day’s entertainment. Nearby cafés , shops and restaurants, as well as the beautiful Nicholas Everitt Park for walks and picnics, make Oulton Broad a perfect place to escape to for a short break.
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 25 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 10 hrs

The Little Broads Tour 
Horning - Wroxham - How Hill Nature Reserve - Horning
Discover the great natural beauty of the Norfolk Broads which is a haven for wildlife and one of the most popular cruising grounds of England. discover its nature reserve and enjoy a pint of beer in the pub of one of its typicall english village.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 25 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 10 hrs

One week cruise 

The Southern Broads Cruise
Somerleyton – Beccles – Reedham – Somerleyton
Visit: Burgh St.Peter , Oulton Broad, Beccles , Geldston , Reedham , Loddon  
Waterways: River Yare ; River Chet; Oulton Broad; River Waveney

Our base is located on the Somerleyton Estate, home to the impressive Somerleyton Hall which is well worth visiting for its wonderful carved stonework and architectural features as well as beautiful gardens, a maze and tea rooms. 
Follow the tranquil River Waveney south through peaceful landscapes to Oulton Broad, home to a wide variety of watersports and power boat racing, as well as the nearby Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve where you can see many varieties of wildlife including otters and kingfishers, as well as wildflowers and butterflies. 
Continue your cruise to the traditional market town of Beccles which has a lively market day each Friday. Climb to the top of Beccles Bell Tower for some wonderful views across the marshes. Heading back to Somerleyton , stop at St. Olaves to visit the ruins of the Augustinian Priory of St Olaves and St Mary. 
The Nearby Fritton Lake Countryworld makes for a good day out with its falconry centre , adventure playground, golf and pottery. The riverside at Reedham is a very picturesque part of the Broads, and the popular quayside is a lovely place to moor and watch the sailing boats on the Broads, as well as to enjoy some of its many waterside pubs and cafés in the sunshine. The nearby Pettitts Animal Adventure Park will be a hit with the children too. 
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 150 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 25 hrs

The Three Rivers Cruise
Horning - Oulton Broad - Horning
Seaside, cathedral cities and sailing are all aspects of this lovely coastal cruise on the Broads. From Horning, head to Oulton Broad via the Rivers Bure , Yare and Waveney . By the coast at Oulton Broad spend some time at the Lowestoft Maritime Museum and see the international Sailing Craft Association’s fascinating display of boats from every continent. For a change in pace, the seaside resorts of the east coast are also only a short cruise away. Children and the young at heart won’t want to miss out on some fun at Great Yarmouth, the region’s premier seaside resort. Or follow the River Yare to visit the wonderful cathedral city of Norwich. You can moor in the heart of the city and visit not one but two cathedrals and wander its cobbled streets to shop and explore at your leisure.
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 128 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 22 hrs

One way cruise 

Horning – Somerleyton  
Visit: Ranworth ; Acle ; Great Yarmouth; Lowestoft ; Reedham ; St.Olaves ; Somerleyton  
Waterways: River Yare ; River Bure ; River Waveney ; Oulton Broad 

A one-way cruise on the Broads allows you to see and enjoy the full beauty of this magical waterworld . Start or end your cruise in the beautiful village of Horning, with its thatched houses and waterside pubs on the banks of the River Bure . 

From here, cruise to Ranworth , where you can follow the nature trail to the bird-watching hideout and wildlife centre overlooking the Broad. If you’re feeling nimble, climb the 89 spiral steps and two ladders to the top of the church tower for some truly spectacular views! If you’re short of time, take a train or bus to the lively seaside resorts of Great Yarmouth or Lowestoft ; with their abundance of shops, restaurants and seaside amusements you can be sure of having some great days out with the family. 
Cruising to Great Yarmouth enjoy the quiet serenity of the Broads along the River Yare past Berney Marshes to Breydon Water – two of the best places to watch wildlife in the UK. 
Heading south on the River Waveney , you’ll cruise through the lovely villages of Somerleyton and Reedham – both perfect stopping places for pubs and restaurants as well as the chance to sit back and enjoy the daily comings and goings of life on the Broads. Try your hand at different watersports such as canoeing, sailing or windsurfing on Oulton Broad before spending a day on the Sunrise Coast at the seaside resort of Lowestoft with its award-winning sandy beaches.
Cruise Type: one way cruise Trip
Distance: 200 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 33 hrs

Longer Breaks

The Great Norfolk Broads Tour
A fantastic chance to visit the whole area taking in all the major sites, towns and villages and cruising on all the best parts of the Broads, encompassing all the highlights of the other featured cruises.
Duration:Two Weeks
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 300 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 50 hrs

The famous River Thames winds its way through the beautiful green countryside of England, past historic towns and cities and quintessential English villages with their riverside pubs and immaculate village greens. This is the home of cricket and afternoon tea, picnics on the riverbank and gentle strolls through Royal Parks, not to mention awe-inspiring towns and cities steeped in history.

Regional Highlights

• Windsor Castle & Eton College - prestigious landmark buildings, famous the world over. The flag flies when the Queen is at home!
• Oxford - the city of a thousand church spires where Britain's alumni have been educated for centuries ; go to nearby Boar's Hill for spectacular views over the city
• Henley-on-Thames - home to England's most famous summer regatta
• Hampton Court Palace - King Henry VIII's impressive Tudor residence with stunning Baroque additions
• An amazing variety of birds and wildlife - Kingfishers, herons and graceful mute swans (which all belong to the Queen) as well as otters, llamas and herds of rare-breed cattle.
• Quintessential English villages such as Marlow, Cookham , Pangbourne and Datchet with 14th century houses and oak-beamed waterside pubs
• Spectacular homes of pop stars and film stars , the famous film studios at Bray, Windsor and Ascot racecourses, and the magnificent stately home and country house hotel, Cliveden House,

The famous River Thames winds its way through the beautiful green countryside of England, past historic towns and cities and quintessential English villages with their riverside pubs and immaculate village greens. This is the home of cricket and afternoon tea, picnics on the riverbank and gentle strolls through Royal Parks, not to mention awe-inspiring towns and cities steeped in history.

Visit the world-famous historic sites of Windsor Castle, Eton College, Hampton Court Palace and Cliveden House, have family fun at nearby Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Legoland and enjoy everything in between from Michelin-starred restaurants to eclectic art galleries and peaceful strolls through nature reserves. This is river cruising at its regal best!

Here are some cruising suggestions...

Short Breaks

The Willow Tree Short Break Cruise
Benson - Goring - Benson
Spend a delightful long weekend on the water cruising this beautiful stretch of the River Thames between our base at Benson and the charming town of Marlow with its quirky shops, art galleries and great selection of restaurants, bistros and pubs. Spot homes of pop stars and movie stars en route and raise a glass on deck to the pleasures of waterways cruising.
Duration: 3 Nights
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 75 km
Locks: 28
Cruise Time: 14 hrs

Week Breaks

The Scholars Cruise
Benson - Oxford - Henley - Benson
Head up river to Oxford, where England’s oldest university has educated many prestigious alumni. Enjoy a barbeque in Beale Park and cycle through Pangbourne’s quiet meadows. Cruise past the Victorian red brick buildings of Reading to the typically English town of Henley-on-Thames, home to rowing and the famous summer regatta. Watch the racing ashore or stay on board for a prime view!
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 186 km
Locks: 30
Cruise Time: 32 hrs

The Royal Cruise
Benson - Windsor - Benson
Cruise the idyllic waters of the Thames to Windsor Castle and its immaculate Royal Parks - perfect for picnics, cycling, walking and horse-riding. Watch the changing of the guard and have a guided tour of the castle’s imposing staterooms. Enjoy a flutter at the famous racecourse at nearby Ascot. Discover the stories of power and politics associated with the Cliveden Estate, which perches high on the cliffs overlooking the River while the pretty village of Cookham has excellent restaurants and pubs dating from 1417.
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 155 km
Locks: 36
Cruise Time: 30 hrs

The Majestic Cruise
Perfect for a short break or a leisurely week’s cruise, this historical cruising route takes you back over 900 years as you visit the royal palaces of Windsor Castle and Hampton Court – both situated right by the water’s edge. Kew Palace and its world-famous botanical gardens are only a stone’s throw away while Kingston-upon-Thames offers up-market shopping, theatres and restaurants.
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 70 km
Locks: 14
Cruise Time: 10 hrs

One way cruise

The Heart of England Cruise
Chertsey - Benson (or vice versa)
From our new base at Penton Hook Marina near Chertsey , follow the meandering curves of the River Thames on this most relaxing of cruises, soaking up England’s glorious countryside and historic landmarks from the luxury of your sundeck. En-route visit Windsor Castle and Eton College or head to nearby Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures or Legoland for exhilarating rides and family amusement. Step back in time as you stroll through the charming towns and villages of Cookham , Marlow and Henley-on-Thames visiting antique shops, designer boutiques, quaint churches, beautiful gardens and stately homes.
Nearby Cliveden House, with its extensive Italianate gardens and woodlands, offers panoramic views over the Thames and surrounding Berkshire countryside and is perfect for afternoon tea or there are many cosy waterside pubs for lazy lunches in the sunshine. Museums, art galleries and mainstream shops and restaurants can be found at Reading and Maidenhead, while further upstream towards Goring and Benson glimpse the fabulous homes of the rich and famous which stretch down to the water’s edge.
Duration: One Week
Distance: 96 km
Locks: 20
Cruise Time: 16 hrs