Mooring on the Norfolk Broads works differently from tidal harbours. There are no harbour masters, no VHF channels to call, and no dues to pay at most Broads Authority staithes. You moor where space exists, respect the quiet hours, and leave it clean. The private moorings alongside the big hire-boat hotels charge a small fee but come with electricity — useful for a longer stay. These are the stops worth planning around.
Wroxham Broad
A short detour off the River Bure at the start or end of any Northern Broads itinerary. Wroxham Broad is a Broads Authority broad — access by small craft, no powered boats without a permit in the conservation zone. Take the dinghy from Wroxham Bridge and row in. Quiet, reed-fringed, with good birdwatching.
Horning Village Staithe
The most attractive mooring on the Northern Broads. Horning's village staithe runs along the main street — free Broads Authority moorings on the north bank, a string of cottages and the Swan Inn on the south. It fills quickly in summer; arrive before midday. The Broads Tours cruiser departs from Horning for day trips on Ranworth and Cockshoot Broad.
Pub: The Ferry Inn, a short walk downstream, has a riverside garden and better food than the Swan. Book the garden table in summer.
Hickling Broad Staithe
The gateway to the largest broad in Norfolk. The staithe at Hickling has free Broads Authority moorings and the Pleasure Boat Inn directly adjacent — a pub that has been serving boaters since the 1800s. The broad itself is managed as a nature reserve; the wardens are friendly and informative. Hire canoes from the staithe to explore the cut to Heigham Sound.
Ranworth Staithe
A short dyke off the Bure leading to Ranworth village. The staithe is busy in summer but worth stopping for: the Broads Wildlife Centre (floating, admission free) has an excellent exhibition on Broads ecology, and St Helen's Church above the village has one of the finest medieval painted rood screens in England. Climb the tower for the best view on the Northern Broads.
The Maltsters: The pub in Ranworth is the Maltsters Arms — straightforward food, good beer, friendly locals. Nothing fancy.
Gay's Staithe, Barton Broad
The main access point for Barton Broad on the River Ant. Gay's Staithe has free moorings and a small nature trail through the alder carr woodland adjacent to the broad. The broad is clear and clean — the Broads Authority removed decades of accumulated silt by suction dredging in the early 2000s, and the water clarity has improved dramatically. Canoe hire is available from the staithe in summer.
Stalham Staithe
A functional stop rather than a scenic one — but the best provisioning point on the Northern Broads. The staithe at Stalham has pump-out facilities, diesel, water, and a large Tesco a five-minute walk from the mooring. The Museum of the Broads is here too — small, enthusiast-run, and genuinely interesting if Broads history interests you.
St Benet's Abbey
Not a staithe so much as a mooring with extraordinary context. The ruins of a Benedictine monastery on the north bank of the Bure, accessible only by water, with a windmill embedded in the medieval gatehouse. Moor on the grass bank and walk up to the ruins. The Bishop of Norwich holds an open-air service here each August — the only service in the Church of England conducted from a boat (the bishop arrives by wherry).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there shower facilities on the Broads?
A: At main hire bases (Wroxham, Potter Heigham, Stalham) and some private moorings, yes. At most staithes, no. Most hire boats have onboard shower facilities — check when booking.
Q: Can I moor overnight anywhere on the Broads?
A: On Broads Authority staithes, yes — free, up to 24 hours. Private moorings charge a small fee. Do not moor on private banks without permission, and do not anchor in the middle of a broad or channel.