With unique sights, rare wildlife, fun family attractions and a rich history to discover, there are things to see and do no matter the time of year on a Norfolk Broads boating holiday.

Richardson’s in Stalham has been providing boating holidays on the Broads for 80 years now, and in that time, it has amassed quite the list of activities to enjoy in spring, summer and autumn.

Here are some suggestions, so you can figure out the best time to book your next holiday.

Spring sensations

There is a fantastic array of wildlife to see during spring and the Norfolk Broads are home to some species that can’t be seen anywhere else. Not only is spring one of the best times of year for bird watching, Visit the Broads says it’s also the best time to spot a rare harbour porpoise off the coast.

Richardson’s believes that one of the best ways to explore the Norfolk Broads is by boat, with wildlife havens and hidden wonders at every turn. If you’re looking for some inspiration, the company has a fantastic selection of route ideas available on its website.

You could enjoy a short break travelling from Stalham to Acle and back, or try the original Broads boating route from Robert Richardson Jnr, who founded the company in 1944. Click here for more ideas.

No experience is necessary to drive a cruiser as Richardson’s provides a full demonstration of all equipment on board and a trial run to help you gain confidence before setting sail, and its experienced team are always on hand to help too.

Eastern Daily Press: The Norfolk Broads are home to all sorts of incredible wildlifeThe Norfolk Broads are home to all sorts of incredible wildlife (Image: Getty Images)

Summer fun

For many families, summertime means the summer holidays, and a trip on the Norfolk Broads can be just as exciting for school-aged children as it can be for adults.

Richardson’s has a variety of boats available to hire, some even sleep up to 12! Richardson’s boating holidays are also dog-friendly, and buoyancy aids of all sizes are provided.

The maximum speed limit on the Norfolk Broads is 3-6mph, so you can cruise at your leisure while enjoying the sunshine. Or you could explore some of the exciting family-friendly attractions that are local to the Broads, from BeWILDerwood at Wroxham to the Bure Valley Railway.

You can also spend a fun summer’s day at the beach, whether you choose to visit one of the coast’s quieter spots or the Pleasure Beach at Great Yarmouth. Take a dip in the sea, enjoy an ice cream and play on the arcades before freshening up in your cruiser ahead of an evening meal, theatre show, or a family game of bowling.

Discover more things to do on Norfolk Broads holidays here.

Eastern Daily Press: If the weather takes a turn, you can still enjoy some off-grid family time together aboard your cruiserIf the weather takes a turn, you can still enjoy some off-grid family time together aboard your cruiser (Image: Richardson's)

A peaceful autumn

If you’re hoping to get away from it all on your next holiday, you’ll be pleased to know that fall is when the Broads are at their most tranquil. As the rivers are less busy, this is a great time to gain confidence on the water and explore some of the most picturesque routes, such as the three-night scenic route.

Early autumn can be an excellent time of year for fishing, and with a Richardson’s cruiser, you can fish from your boat and find fishing spots that are inaccessible on foot. Find out more here.

If the weather takes a turn, why not visit a local museum and discover the Broads’ fascinating history, or explore some of the Broads Discovery Hubs? 

Created by the Broads Charitable Trust in cooperation with the Broads Authority and supported by Richardson’s, the Discovery Hubs are a network of accessible sites that provide information on the history, wildlife and landscape of the area. To find out more, visit the Richardson's website.

Or, go off-grid altogether and spend some quality time on your cruiser. They all come equipped with Wi-Fi and all the mod cons you need to have a cosy day indoors.

For more information, please visit richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk