We will be visiting England in May and are considering renting a boat for travel through the Broads. There was a previous forum topic on this but it is a few years old. Does anyone have suggestions for rental companies or routes? There will be 4 adults on the trip. Also, any suggestions for alternatives to the Broads? I see that there are many canal/river trips throughout England, (near Oxford, Bath, etc.).
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
1055 posts
I have not been to the Norfolk Broads in years, but I grew up near to that area and can help you out some. Its is a very pretty part of the country. There are many companies that rent out boats. Just google and check them out. Here is one site that may be helpful. https://www.broads.co.uk/boating-holidays/browse-our-cruisers/. It would be very advantages to book a week in this area when the schools are still in session. This is a popular destination for British families and pricing and crowds will be a lot higher during school holiday weeks. Whit Week is the end of May/first week of June. There are many places to rent boats in the UK. Canal Boats are also a popular choice, but you do have to operate the locks. It all depends on what part of the country you want to see. Norfolk is pretty but a little out of the way for major tourist spots. You don't say if you have been to England before. Keep in mind, the weather can still be cool and wet in May. If you can tell me what other places you want to see in England, I can suggest some alternatives that would fit into your itinerary.
Posted by
Orlando Area - Florida USA
80 posts
Look under Trip Reports. There was someone who went on a canal trip with him and his wife and another couple in early fall this past year. He wrote extensively about the trip as well as had wonderful pictures. I would love to do a trip like this.
Posted by
2599 posts
This site should be of interest:>https://canalrivertrust.org.uk
Posted by
Ohio
171 posts
My week on the Broads was so long ago that all that I can remember is that we had a great time. Years later my wife and I rented a power boat in Maidenhead and cruised up to Oxford and back on the Thames. It really was a wonderful experience. There are many pubs and restaurants along the way. The scenery is beautiful (even George Clooney agrees - he has a house on an island near Sonning) and there are many cute little towns to explore.
The interest in cruising on the Thames seems to have fallen off as there are only a handful of boatyards that rent self drive boats. The only boatyard that I can find is Hobbs of Henley:
http://www.hobbsofhenley.com/
There may be others.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thanks to all. This will be our fourth trip to England. Previously, we visited the Cotswolds, Dorset and Cornwall and found each to be beautiful and interesting. We are looking to do something a little different this time.
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
1055 posts
I would also recommend the Yorkshire Dales/Moor and/or Lake District. Just a beautiful part of the country.