Boating along the River Bure

Throughout the summer, the River Bure is busy with boaters who have set off from one of the many hire-bases at Wroxham or elsewhere along the river.

With so many riverside attractions to visit and broads to explore, the Bure's popularity is well-founded. You can hire a boat for the week online with Waterscape.com; or to take a day-trip, simply turn up at one of the busy villages of Wroxham and Horning.

Particular care is needed by boaters at Wroxham. There are two adjacent bridges there: a historic low stone bridge with limited clearance and next to it a modern footbridge. Most hire craft, though not all vessels, can pass beyond the bridges upstream to Coltishall. A bridge pilot is available from Wroxham Launch Hire (01603 783043).

If you opt to go through without a pilot prepare well ahead: make sure any mast or canopy is taken down in plenty of time and that everyone comes in off deck. Be sure to know the air draft (height above water) of your vessel. This is usually to be found printed on a plate next to your boat's steering position. Check this against the gauge board next to the bridge. If there's a strong curent, be sure to be well under way with enough steerage to cruise cleanly under the bridge.

As the Bure approaches the sea, the waterway becomes wider with shallow edges unsuitable for mooring. However, moorings are available in Great Yarmouth. Take care when exploring the dykes and broads: not all are open to navigation, and some of the dykes are very narrow.

Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.