Setting & Character
Reedham’s long Riverside frontage is one of the classic Broads moorings — and one of the trickiest, because the Yare runs hard here. It sits between Breydon Water and Norwich, at the junction with the New Cut to the Waveney, so many crews stop here to wait for the tide or the swing bridge.
Bridges & Air Draught
The rail swing bridge gives 3.16 m when closed at average high water. For an opening, call on VHF Channel 12 or 0330 858 4655; trains have priority. Downstream, the New Cut leads to the Waveney via Haddiscoe (7.37 m) and Somerleyton swing bridge (2.54 m closed; 0330 858 4656). Boats going with the current have priority at bridges.
Figures are Broads Authority clearances at average high water — read the gauge boards on the day.
Choosing a Berth
Reedham Quay — Broads Authority staffed quay: 01493 701867 / 07733 102566. £6 day, £12 overnight, 24-hour maximum. Quay staff help you moor in season; water, charging points and rubbish disposal.
Reedham Pontoon — Broads Authority mooring with a demasting point near the swing bridge.
Reedham Ferry — moorings by the Ferry Inn; pay the ferryman or the pub. Showers and toilets.
Fuel & Facilities
A post office with basic provisions on Riverside, and a general store and fish and chip shop (Thursday–Saturday) a short walk away. Railway station. Water and charging at the quay.
Pubs & Food
Contacts from Norfolk Broads Direct and venue pages — call ahead, hours change by season.
- The Lord Nelson — riverside pub opposite the quay, 01493 701548.
- The Ship — by the swing bridge, with a garden and play area, 01493 700287.
- The Ferry Inn — next to the chain ferry, 01493 700429.
Things to See
Ashore and on the water.
- Reedham swing bridge (1902) — watch it open from Riverside.
- Reedham chain ferry — the only vehicle crossing of the Yare between Norwich and Great Yarmouth.
- Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, 01493 700094, and Humpty Dumpty brewery shop, 01493 701818.
- Wherryman’s Way — two miles downstream to Polkey’s Mill.
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 Reedham, high water is about 2 h 30 min after Gorleston (Broads Authority average figures).
This guide does not copy tide heights. Not for navigation.
Old Sea Dogs View
Reedham is one stop on the Norfolk Broads hub — use the map there to plan the next leg.
Skipper's Notes
Quick notes before arrival.
- Moor bow into the stream — the tide runs hard.
- 24-hour maximum at the quay.
- Swing bridge: VHF Ch 12 / 0330 858 4655.
- Norfolk Broads Direct describes the quay as free, but the Broads Authority lists day and overnight charges. We have followed the Authority.
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 — Reedham
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to moor at Reedham Quay?
The Broads Authority charges £6 for the day and £12 overnight, with a 24-hour maximum stay. Phone 01493 701867 or 07733 102566.
How do I get Reedham swing bridge opened?
Call on VHF Channel 12 or phone 0330 858 4655. Closed, it gives 3.16 m at average high water, and trains have priority.
Is the tide strong at Reedham?
Yes. HW is about 2 h 30 min after Gorleston, and the Yare runs hard past the quay. Moor into the stream and let the quay staff help.
