Setting & Character
Oulton Broad is reached from the Waveney up Oulton Dyke, or from the sea at Lowestoft through Mutford Lock. Nicholas Everitt Park runs along the shore, the yacht station is beside it, and there is powerboat racing on summer Thursday evenings. Lowestoft beach is a train ride or a long walk away.
Bridges & Air Draught
From the sea, ABP Lowestoft Harbour Control (VHF 14) and then Mutford Lock (VHF 73 / 01502 531778) take you from Lake Lothing into Oulton Broad. The lock opens 08:00–18:00 from April to October and 08:00–12:00 from November to March, and charges £17 a day. The Oulton Broad swing bridge is on 0330 852 5351. A Broads toll is needed if you go beyond a short stay.
Figures are Broads Authority clearances at average high water — read the gauge boards on the day.
Choosing a Berth
Oulton Broad Yacht Station — 01502 574946, VHF Channel 73. Showers, toilets and laundry; water and electricity charged. Norfolk Broads Direct lists about £5 short stay and £10–26 overnight — confirm with the yacht station.
The Commodore pub and restaurant — moorings at £10 a night, redeemable against food, 01502 508231.
Fuel & Facilities
A village with shops, a chandlery and a railway station for Lowestoft. Showers and laundry at the yacht station.
Pubs & Food
Contacts from Norfolk Broads Direct and venue pages — call ahead, hours change by season.
- The Commodore — pub and restaurant with moorings, 01502 508231.
- Plenty of other pubs and cafés around the broad; we have not verified them.
Things to See
Ashore and on the water.
- Nicholas Everitt Park — bandstand on summer Sundays; the Lowestoft Museum in Broad House (free, afternoons), 01502 511457.
- Powerboat racing on Thursday evenings in summer; Oulton Week regatta in late August.
- Carlton and Oulton Marshes nature reserve; Lowestoft beach and seafront.
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 Oulton Broad, 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
Oulton Broad is one stop on the Norfolk Broads hub — use the map there to plan the next leg.
Skipper's Notes
Quick notes before arrival.
- Call the yacht station on Ch 73 before you arrive.
- Mutford Lock hours are short in winter — mornings only.
- Thursday evenings in summer: powerboat racing on the broad.
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.
- Oulton Broad Yacht Station
- Broads Authority — Other tolls (Mutford Lock, harbour dues)
- Broads Authority — Bridge heights and openings
- Broads Authority — Tide information
- Norfolk Broads Direct — Oulton Broad
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Lowestoft into the Broads?
Call ABP Lowestoft Harbour Control on VHF 14, then Mutford Lock on VHF 73 or 01502 531778. The lock opens 08:00–18:00 April to October and 08:00–12:00 November to March, and charges £17 a day.
How do I contact Oulton Broad Yacht Station?
Phone 01502 574946 or call on VHF Channel 73.
Do I need a Broads toll for Oulton Broad?
Yes, if you cruise beyond a brief Oulton Broad stay. Short-visit tolls are on the Broads Authority site.
