Setting & Character
Hickling Broad is the biggest open water on the Broads, and one of the hardest to reach. Every boat coming from the rest of the system must pass Potter Heigham Old Bridge (1.94 m at average high water). That keeps the upper Thurne quiet and makes it the preserve of sailing boats, small cruisers and the patient.
Bridges & Air Draught
Potter Heigham Old Bridge (1.94 m at average high water) is the gatekeeper. Most hire cruisers cannot pass at all, and those that can must use the pilot (Phoenix Fleet, 01692 670460, £10 one way / £15 return). Sailing boats lower their masts at the Potter Heigham demasting points.
Figures are Broads Authority clearances at average high water — read the gauge boards on the day.
Choosing a Berth
Pleasure Boat Inn staithe — free moorings for customers, up to 48 hours. The pub is owned by Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
Broads Authority moorings at Deep Dyke, Deep Go Dyke and White Slea, around Heigham Sound and the approach to the broad. We have not confirmed exact positions — check the BA moorings map.
Whispering Reeds Boats, Staithe Road NR12 0YW — 01692 598314, [email protected], open Monday–Friday 9–5. No hire boats.
Fuel & Facilities
Limited: the pub, the boatyard and a village a short walk inland. Stock up at Potter Heigham before the bridge.
Pubs & Food
Contacts from Norfolk Broads Direct and venue pages — call ahead, hours change by season.
- The Pleasure Boat Inn — on the staithe; moorings free for customers (call ahead for food times).
- We have not verified other places to eat in Hickling village.
Things to See
Ashore and on the water.
- Norfolk Wildlife Trust Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve — reed beds, marsh harriers, cranes in winter; visitor centre (seasonal).
- Heigham Sound and Horsey Mere — the wider upper Thurne.
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.
The Broads Authority does not list a high-water difference here; use the nearest listed point and allow for the tide on the main river.
This guide does not copy tide heights. Not for navigation.
Old Sea Dogs View
Hickling is one stop on the Norfolk Broads hub — use the map there to plan the next leg.
Skipper's Notes
Quick notes before arrival.
- Measure air draught for Potter Heigham Old Bridge before you commit.
- Keep to the marked channel — the broad is very shallow.
- This guide is thin on shore-side detail; more to follow.
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
- Norfolk Wildlife Trust — Hickling Broad
- Whispering Reeds Boats
- Phoenix Fleet (Potter Heigham bridge pilot)
Frequently asked questions
Can a hire cruiser get to Hickling Broad?
Only if it clears Potter Heigham Old Bridge (1.94 m at average high water), and then only with the Phoenix Fleet pilot (01692 670460). Many hire cruisers cannot pass.
Where do I moor at Hickling?
The Pleasure Boat Inn has free moorings for customers for up to 48 hours. Broads Authority moorings at Deep Dyke, Deep Go Dyke and White Slea are nearby — check the BA moorings map.
Is Hickling Broad deep?
No. It is shallow outside the marked channel. Keep to the posts.
