Discover a hidden gem on the UK’s east coast.
Have you considered paddling through peaceful rivers or past historic landmarks?
The best places to paddle board in Norfolk are waiting for you.
Embark on an adventure and experience Norfolk’s tranquil waters up close. Let’s set sail!
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Norfolk
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Hickling Broad
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Whispering Reeds Boatyard (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm water, light winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Swans, ducks, herons, birds of prey
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Nature reserves, reedbeds, windmills
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect nature reserves
Hickling Broad is Norfolk’s largest lake, brimming with natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Glide through the gentle waters, marvelling at the windmills and nature reserves that make it distinctively Norfolk.
This serene location is perfect for paddlers of all abilities, with plenty of picturesque spots to enjoy on the water or while taking a break on the shore.
#2 Whitlingham Country Park
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Whitlingham Adventure (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, coots, swans, birds of prey
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Whitlingham Great Broad, woodlands, Norfolk countryside
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for other water users, respect wildlife and conservation efforts
Whitlingham Country Park, located near Norwich, offers stunning views, calm waters, and abundant wildlife. Paddlers can enjoy a leisurely day on Whitlingham Great Broad, surrounded by Norfolk’s picturesque countryside.
Whitlingham Adventure offers rentals and paddleboarding lessons, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced boarders.
#3 Thurne Mouth
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Thurne Mouth Car Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle river currents, light to moderate winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Swans, ducks, birds of prey, aquatic plants
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Thurne Windmill, farmlands, Norfolk countryside
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect private properties and wildlife
Thurne Mouth offers paddleboarders a quaint river experience. It winds through picturesque farmlands and past the iconic Thurne Windmill.
The gentle currents and pleasant surroundings make Thurne Mouth a popular spot to unwind and appreciate the Norfolk countryside from the water.
#4 Brancaster Staithe Harbour
- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Harbour car park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Sheltered tidal waters, variable coastal winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seals, seabirds, fish
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Coastal views, sandbanks, saltmarsh
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of tidal changes, check weather forecasts, respect wildlife
Brancaster Staithe Harbour is a picturesque North Norfolk coastal spot perfect for paddleboarding. The sheltered tidal waters and striking coastal views provide an ideal setting for all levels of experience.
Seals occasionally visit the area, making for an exciting wildlife encounter while paddling through the serene waters.
#5 The River Wensum
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Riverside Road Car Park, Norwich (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, light winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Swans, ducks, fish, birds of prey
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Norwich Cathedral, Cow Tower, riverside architecture
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect wildlife, adhere to navigation rules
The River Wensum flows through the heart of Norwich, offering a paddleboarding route full of historic landmarks and fascinating architecture. Cruise past stunning sights such as Norwich Cathedral and Cow Tower while enjoying the calm waters and gentle river currents.
A leisurely paddle along the River Wensum offers a peaceful escape from the city and an up-close view of Norfolk’s rich heritage.
#6 Oulton Broad
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Oulton Broad Water Sports Centre (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm water, light winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, coots, swans
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Nicholas Everitt Park, Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect nature reserves
Oulton Broad, situated close to the popular seaside town of Lowestoft, offers a picturesque setting for paddleboarding enthusiasts. The calm waters of the lake, coupled with the beautiful Nicholas Everitt Park and Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, make for an idyllic paddleboarding experience.
With spring to fall being prime seasons for paddleboarding at Oulton Broad, be sure to experience its stunning surroundings and varied wildlife on your next adventure.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Norfolk?
Popular paddle boarding locations in Norfolk include Hickling Broad, Wells Harbor, Thurne, and Whitlingham Lake.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Norfolk?
No, in Norfolk, there is no requirement to register paddle boards.
When is the best time to paddle board in Norfolk?
The ideal time for paddle boarding in Norfolk is typically between late spring and early autumn due to pleasant weather conditions.
