Setting & Character
Beccles is the head of navigation for most cruisers on the Waveney. The quay is a grassy riverside with a café and play area, a short walk below the town. Above the old bridge, smaller boats can carry on to Geldeston Lock and the Locks Inn.
Bridges & Air Draught
Beccles Old Bridge gives just 2.02 m at average high water; the bypass bridge downstream gives 3.75 m. If you cannot clear the old bridge, the seasonal Big Dog Ferry runs from the lido to Geldeston. Coming from Oulton Broad or the New Cut you will also meet St Olaves (2.44 m) and possibly Somerleyton swing bridge.
Figures are Broads Authority clearances at average high water — read the gauge boards on the day.
Choosing a Berth
Beccles Yacht Station (the Quay) — privately managed, charges apply. Book ahead in school holidays through the harbour master. Electric hook-up, toilets, showers and laundry.
Beccles North Bank (20 m) and South Bank (58 m) — free Broads Authority 24-hour moorings.
Geldeston — free BA moorings at the locks above Beccles (boats that clear Beccles Old Bridge only).
Fuel & Facilities
A town centre with independent shops, pubs and cafés, plus supermarkets on George Westwood Way. Showers and laundry at the yacht station.
Pubs & Food
Contacts from Norfolk Broads Direct and venue pages — call ahead, hours change by season.
- Beccles Quay Café — sandwiches, cakes and ice cream by the water.
- Twyford’s Café, Exchange Square — 01502 710614.
- The Locks Inn, Geldeston — historic riverside pub at the limit of navigation, 01508 518414.
Things to See
Ashore and on the water.
- St Michael’s Church and its separate bell tower — 122 steps, tours Easter–September, 01502 710711.
- Beccles Museum in Leman House (free; seasonal afternoons).
- Beccles Lido, open-air pool by the river (late May–early September), 01502 713297.
- Beccles Marsh Trail.
Tides
The Broads are tidal as far up as Norwich, Wroxham and Stalham. Use the Broads Authority tide table for Gorleston (Yarmouth Bar) and add the inland difference.
At Beccles, high water is about 4 h 00 min after Gorleston (Broads Authority average figures).
This guide does not copy tide heights. Not for navigation.
Old Sea Dogs View
Beccles is one stop on the Norfolk Broads hub — use the map there to plan the next leg.
Skipper's Notes
Quick notes before arrival.
- The old bridge is 2.02 m — only small boats go on to Geldeston.
- Book the quay in school holidays.
- We have not published a harbour master phone number because public pages disagree (712225 / 712109). Use the Visit Beccles FAQ.
Information checked against official sources
The practical information in this Guide was checked against the sources below on 30 October 2026. Operational details change — confirm with the Broads Authority, yacht station, yard or pub before arrival.
- Broads Authority — Moorings
- Broads Authority — Bridge heights and openings
- Broads Authority — Tide information
- Visit Beccles — FAQs / Harbour Master
- Norfolk Broads Direct — Beccles
Frequently asked questions
Where can I moor in Beccles?
At Beccles Yacht Station on the Quay (privately managed, charged — book ahead in school holidays) or the free Broads Authority 24-hour moorings on North Bank (20 m) and South Bank (58 m).
Can I get under Beccles Old Bridge?
Only if your air draught is under 2.02 m at average high water. Otherwise take the seasonal Big Dog Ferry to Geldeston.
Does Beccles Yacht Station have showers?
Yes — toilets, showers, laundry and electric hook-up.
