Planning on taking the pup to the Broads but unsure of where to go? We’ve given a dog-friendly twist to some of our classic routes for dog owners visiting us at Richardson’s Boating Holidays. Most of our classic fleet is pet friendly, with a selection of our Platinum fleet allowing pets, too. So, read on for our picks of Norfolk Broads dog friendly routes!
Norfolk Broads Dog Friendly Routes
3-Night Dog Friendly Route
This dog-friendly adaptation of our Best of the Broads 3-day route is purrfect for crew travelling with furry shipmates! Why leave the pooch at home when this dog friendly route exists?
Day 1
Head for Acle, a 3-hour cruise across Barton Broad, down the River Ant and onto the Bure. There is plenty of moorings at Acle bridge, where you will find the Bridge Inn who welcome muddy boots and paws inside! Children are also welcome, and there is indoor or outdoor seating. There is a children’s play area outside if travelling with children as well, but be rest assured that the pooch is more than welcome. The pup may also enjoy the North Burlingham Woodland walks, accessible from Acle. These gentle walks have been developed since the 90s and feature walks for lots of different abilities.
Day 2
On the second day, head to Wroxham along the River Bure. The dog will love watching the wildlife go by on this 3 1/4 cruise to the “capital of the Broads”! Find public moorings on the Coltishall side of Wroxham bridge, or moor at hire boat yards. When looking for a good meal, the Kings Head in Wroxham is an obvious choice. With its very own “doggy diner” and treats for the pooch, you’ll enjoy the traditional pub fare! Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome at Wroxham Barns, with the exception of the Junior Farm, Children’s play areas and inside of the shops.
Day 3
Cruise back along the River Bure – perhaps stop at Horning and take the dog for a walk about this pretty village – and moor at Ludham for an evening meal. The naturally dog-friendly Dog Inn at Ludham Bridge is an excellent choice for your last Broads meal – and the dog is more than welcome, too! You’ll be in a great position for an early morning cruise back to Richardson’s boatyard for 09:00am.
7-Night Dog Friendly Route
This adaptation of Robert Richardson’s original Broads boating route keeps those with barking boaters in mind! Read on for this pet friendly route, a twist on a classic!
Day 1
Cruise across Barton Broad and down the River Ant to stop the first night at Ludham Bridge. Home to the Dog Inn which, naturally, is dog-friendly, this pub was renovated in 2016 and offers a great family atmosphere. With several walks within reach of Ludham Bridge, this is a great location for introducing the dog to the beauty of the Broads.
Day 2
On your first full day, cruise 4 hours down the River Bure to the seaside resort of Great Yarmouth. With its bright lights, lively atmosphere, and fresh sea air. This is where the Broads meets the coast! Whilst there are some dog restrictions on the tourist areas of the beach, there are areas where the dog can run freely. They are also allowed on a lead on the promenade, which provides views of the horizon. The family- and dog-friendly Marine Pub on the seafront has been known to whip up a doggy dinner! Stop here for traditional pub fare and a wide selection of drinks.
Day 3
Stop at the Waveney River Centre, with the delightful Waveney Inn on-site as well as being within reach of a number of fantastic walks to tire the pooch out. The Carlton and Oulton Marshes are nearby, just a short journey across the passenger ferry, and this can be a great dog-walking location for well-behaved dogs on leads. Conservation is a large part of nature reserves in the Broads area, and for the safety of wildlife and visitors to the area dogs need to remain on leads – but that doesn’t mean they won’t have a fantastic time spotting all of the wildlife there is to see with you!
Day 4
Enjoy a leisurely 2 1/4-hour cruise up the River Waveney to find yourself at Beccles. Here you will find the Bear & Bells pub for a dog-friendly dining experience. A 16th century pub, on the outskirts of the town centre, this pub is just 5 minutes from the riverside. The pub also has an outdoor seating area, if the pooch prefers the fresh air of the Broads. Beccles is also a fantastic spot for walking routes, with 3 trails to choose from. The Beccles marsh trail is a great option, with a variety of trail lengths to choose from.
Day 5
Cruise back along the River Waveney and cruise onto the New Cut. You will pass under the swing bridge on the River Yare and arrive at Reedham. With free moorings on the quay with Broads Authority attendants on hand for help, Reedham is a quiet village that you and the pup will enjoy if relaxation is your thing. 5-minutes from the quayside is The Ship. Dog friendly with a large beer garden, children’s play area and situated next to the Reedham swing bridge – a sight to see when it opens!
Day 6
Check tide tables and decide when to cross Breydon Water to make your way to Acle in around 4 hours. Retrace your journey north and moor at Acle Bridge where there are ample moorings. The Bridge Inn welcomes families and dogs, muddy boots and all, in their warm and friendly pub. There is also outdoor seating where you can sit and watch the boats go by, and a children’s play area if travelling with young ones. Venture into the village of Acle by the roadside path for takeaways, food shops, cafes, and a pub.
Day 7
Your last full day, choose a detour to Potter Heigham to explore this Broads favourite. Enjoy lunch at the Falgate Inn, or take a short walk to the Wind Energy Museum where well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to view the outdoor windmill exhibitions with their owners. Then, cruise back to Ludham for the night, which will put you in a good position for a 07:00am start the next morning to be back at Richardson’s for 9:00am drop off.
