Setting & Character
Norwich is the only city in a UK national park, and the Wensum lets you cruise right into it. The yacht station on Riverside Road is staffed in the season and is a short walk from Norwich Cathedral, Elm Hill and the market. Getting there means a set of low city bridges, and Trowse swing bridge if you come up the Yare.
Bridges & Air Draught
Coming up the Wensum you pass Carrow Bridge (4.16 m), Novi Sad (4.90 m) and Lady Julian (3.87 m) before the yacht station, all at average high water. Foundry Bridge (3.09 m) and Bishop’s Bridge (3.2 m) are just above. Carrow lifts are arranged through Broads Control on 01603 756056 with at least 24 hours’ notice. Trowse swing bridge on the Yare needs seven days’ notice (01603 675297 / 763440). The old Thorpe bridges (1.83 / 1.88 m) are on the Thorpe loop — most cruisers use the New Cut.
Figures are Broads Authority clearances at average high water — read the gauge boards on the day.
Choosing a Berth
Norwich Yacht Station, Riverside Road — Broads Authority, 01603 612980 / 07747 065378. £8 day, £18 overnight. Staffed in the main season; mooring is prohibited when the station is closed in winter.
Whitlingham and Bramerton on the approach have Broads Authority moorings — see the Authority map.
Fuel & Facilities
Full city centre within 10–15 minutes’ walk. Pump-out, water and electricity cards at the yacht station. The railway station is close by.
Pubs & Food
Contacts from Norfolk Broads Direct and venue pages — call ahead, hours change by season.
- Norwich has a full range of pubs and restaurants within walking distance.
- We have not listed individual restaurants — check them yourself.
Things to See
Ashore and on the water.
- Norwich Cathedral — Norman, with England’s second-tallest spire and the largest cloisters; peregrines in spring.
- Norwich Castle, Elm Hill, the market, the Forum and St Peter Mancroft.
- The riverside walk past Pulls Ferry and Cow Tower.
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 Norwich Yacht Station, high water is about 4 h 30 min after Gorleston (Broads Authority average figures).
This guide does not copy tide heights. Not for navigation.
Old Sea Dogs View
Norwich Yacht Station 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 the city bridges before you leave Brundall.
- Trowse swing: seven days’ notice.
- Winter: no mooring when the yacht station is closed.
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 — Yacht stations
- Broads Authority — Bridge heights and openings
- Broads Authority — Tide information
- Norfolk Broads Direct — Norwich
Frequently asked questions
How much does Norwich Yacht Station cost?
The Broads Authority charges £8 for the day and £18 overnight. Phone 01603 612980 or 07747 065378.
What bridges are there into Norwich?
Carrow (4.16 m), Novi Sad (4.90 m) and Lady Julian (3.87 m) below the yacht station, all at average high water. Carrow lifts go through Broads Control on 01603 756056 with at least 24 hours’ notice.
Can I moor at Norwich in winter?
No. Mooring is prohibited at the yacht station when it is closed outside the main season.
