Enjoy the Norfolk Broads at your own pace from the comfort of a luxury cruiser
Cruise to the Suffolk Broads’ most easterly location – Oulton Broad. The lovely broad and village of the same name is a wonderful place to visit and is only a stone’s throw away from the traditional seaside resort of Lowestoft.
There is a beautiful waterside park to explore, which is a great place to watch the regular powerboat and yacht racing and is also home to the Lowestoft Museum. You can also relax and admire the view from waterside pubs and restaurants, browse the village’s independent shops, or entertain the kids at a popular petting zoo.
Within walking distance of Oulton Broad is one of our National Park’s most important wetlands, the fantastic Carlton and Oulton Marshes nature reserve. Lowestoft’s award winning sandy beach and traditional seafront are also easily accessible from Oulton Broad, as is Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park.
Oulton Broad is one of the highlights of the Southern Broads and can be reached by following Oulton Dyke from the River Waveney. Flanked by pretty Nicholas Everitt Park, riverside houses, marinas, hotels and restaurants the broad eventually flows out to the sea at Lowestoft via Lake Lothing, which is connected to the broad by a lock.
Nicholas Everitt Park is perhaps the best place to relax by the waterside, with a host of entertainment and nature opportunities.It has a beautiful setting that’s perfect for a stroll, to feed the ducks, and fish. You can listen to bands playing from the bandstand on Sunday afternoons and there are plenty of spots to grab a cup of tea and ice cream as well as a children’s play area.
The park is home to the Lowestoft Museum, which is housed inside the Broad House Grade II listed building that dates back to 1685. The free museum, which is open 1-4pm, has one of the world’s largest collections of 18th century Lowestoft Porcelain and details famous characters linked with Lowestoft – including composer Benjamin Britten and writer George Burrow. 01502 511457.
For a sheer adrenaline rush make sure you watch the thrilling powerboat racing which is held on the broad every Thursday evening from 6pm throughout the summer and on many Bank Holidays. The broad is also home to the Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club which races every Sunday and on Wednesday evenings. They also hold the major Oulton Week regatta at the end of August, which attracts dozens of visiting yachts.
If you are looking for a way to entertain the kids, head to Pets Corner Farm Park on Bridge Road, where there are lots of animals to pet and learn about as well as a tea hut. 01502 563533.
Those looking to have even more fun on the water may want to check out Oulton Broad Water Sports Centre, which offers sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
The main village of Oulton Broad is well worth exploring with plenty of eateries and independent shops – ranging from butcher’s to gift shops and a chandlery. The village also has a train station, which is the easiest way to reach Lowestoft (See Daytrips).
Mooring
Oulton Broad Yacht Station
Charges £5 for a short stay and £10-26 overnight. Showers, toilets and laundry service available. Water and electric charges apply. 01502 574946.
The Commodore pub and restaurant moorings
The £10 per night mooring fee is redeemable against food. 01502 508231.
Eating out
There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Oulton Broad – here are some suggestions:
No. 142 Cafe & Bar
Patisserie and cafe serving hand-made cakes, light lunches and afternoon teas. Open every day 9am-6pm.
The Commodore pub and restaurant
Pub and restaurant with a garden overlooking the broad.Serves burgers, pizzas and more. Pub moorings with fee redeemable against food (see moorings). 01502 508231.
The Copper Smoke House
Family friendly wood smoke restaurant with a garden overlooking Nicholas Everitt Park. 01502 589843.
Quayside Bar & Restaurant
Waterside pub and restaurant serving traditional pub food with a good children’s menu using local produce. Real ales and live music nights.01502 500895.
Wherry Hotel
Family friendly carvery overlooking Oulton Broad. Also serves traditional pub fayre, light bites and English breakfast. Real ales available. 01502 516845.
