Before kids, we did plenty of trips sailing along the Norfolk Broads with friends and family. It is such a fun and unique holiday that we couldn’t wait to take our children.
We booked a 3 night trip, with my in-laws, months in advance with a 2-year-old and baby.
What we didn’t count on was our 9-month-old learning to ‘walk’ just in time for our trip.
Yes he was a freakishly early walker, have you ever seen a undersized baby walk? Just watch the film Chucky.
This meant that instead of spending 3 nights sipping beers on the river, waving at passing boats or feeding the water birds. We spent 3 nights stopping our son falling into the sharpest edges known to man.
I think a Norfolk Broad trips would be lovely for walking (and obedient) toddlers, immobile babies or older children but we must have chosen the worst stage to take our two between a crawling baby and an inquisitive toddler able to easily fall off the side.
The space within the boat is also tiny. It is like a floating caravan, with no outside space, unless you can swim. Which was not ideal with a baby and toddler that just wanted to explore plus 6 adults that just wanted to relax!
I have to say this was by far my most stressful holiday with toddlers.
Since the holiday from hell, if we have had the urge to sail, we have just hired day boats from Wroxham with our toddlers which is much more enjoyable and better for my blood pressure.
If you do fancy testing your reflexes and take your toddlers on a Norfolk boating holiday, here are some of our favourite things to do on the Broads and tips to keep you a little saner.
Norfolk Broads with toddlers
Let them be the driver
No different to a normal day of them being in charge then?
We bought a little steering wheel for my daughter to drive along side her Grandad and she absolutely loved this.
You can of course let them sit in your lap and ‘drive’ as the controls are so slow and with the speed you are travelling, they are not going to suddenly steer you off Niagra Falls.
Feeding the wildlife
My daughter just loves wildlife and there are plenty of aquatic birds to keep little ones entertained.
We take our own bird seed so swans, ducks and moorhens get really close to the boat. You can often see little baby ones too!
Unfortunately, our absolute favourite mooring stop on Norfolk Broads recently shutdown. We have not been since to see if there is any wildlife still present but on all our trips we made sure to stop Stracey Arms Windpump to feed the donkeys.
In addition to birds, there is a chance to spot other wildlife, such as otters, at various spots around the Broads though we have never been lucky to see one.
Hickling Broad Nature Reserve
This was a nice break from the boat, as we walked around trying to spot otters and other river wildlife.
There are little wildlife spotting hides throughout the reserve and a visitor centre to learn more about the area.
As most of the walks are boarded, it is pram friendly but can get a bit narrow if there are lots of visitors so a carrier would be best.
Salhouse Broad
Salhouse Broad is our favourite place to moor on the Broads.
Not only are the sunset views stunning from your boat, but the overnight facilities are the best we have found on our trips.
For toddlers, there is a beach area and fantastic playground, great for some free play off the cramped boat.
Here, a short boardwalk will take you to our favourite pub on the Norfolk Broads: The Fur and Feather. One thing to note is there is a short walk on a country road to this pub so be mindful of this with toddlers.
Great Yarmouth
Remember that travelling on the Broads is slower than your toddler trying to leave the house. Depending on where you hire your boat from, Great Yarmouth can be really far and take days to get to.
We only did it on one of our trips and is your typical British seaside resort. Though a little run down, it is a nice stop for an ice cream and a go on the 2p machines.
There is also the SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth Aquarium here which babies and toddlers will enjoy.
I love Norfolk for a short break, especially with toddlers, so after our ordeal on the Norfolk Broads we usually hire Airbnbs for a few days to explore the area. Not being constricted to the Broads means you can travel a bit further for toddler friendly activities.
Here are our favourite things to do around Norfolk.
Things to do in Norfolk with toddlers
Africa Alive
Our children love a zoo day and although this is far from the best zoo we have ever visited, it was reasonably priced and they often have special offers in school holidays.
They have big animals here such as lions, giraffes, and rhino. There is also a nice train that takes you around the park to get a different view of the animals.
With plenty of animals to see, play areas and a sand pit this can make a good day out for toddlers.
Banham Zoo
As part of the same foundation as Africa Alive, Banham Zoo is equally good value but we actually preferred Banham Zoo for toddlers than Africa Alive.
It feels smaller with better animal viewing. Though there are bigger animals like giraffe, cheetah, and tiger, Banham Zoo feels like it has better and closer viewing for toddlers.
There is also a safari road train here and decent outdoor play area.
Cromer
We often fit in a visit to Cromer on any of our Norfolk trips.
We enjoy the seaside feel in this small town and always take a stroll on the short pier.
Our toddlers just love crabbing but a bit if patience is required which we all know isn’t a toddler’s stand out skill.
If we want to spend a bit longer here, we also take some sand toys for our children to play on the sandy beach.
BeWILDerwood
We visited BeWILDerwood Norfolk with a nearly 2-year-old and when I was heavily pregnant.
The good news is that anyone pregnant over 20 weeks and children under 92cm get in for free. They also offer pre-school tickets that work out good value.
Just as well as, unfortunately, we did not find tons for our daughter to do here which is probably why they are allowed in for free. If I wasn’t pregnant, I think we would have found it an expensive day for what we actually did.
Don’t get me wrong, it was a lovely day and there was plenty of shows and smaller playgrounds for my toddler to enjoy but I would wait until children are older so they can access more of the play equipment.
I have friends with older children who absolutely rave about BeWILDerwood and keep returning.
The best play area for toddlers is Toddlewood on the Hill which is kind of obvious from the name and we spent most of our time here.
The highlight of our day was the enchanting boat trip at the end of the park through a magical woodland.
Blakeney point seal trips
We always used to enjoy a boat trip to view seals on neighbouring banks but with young toddlers found it quite stressful.
Though life jackets are provided, we couldn’t really enjoy the journey or views in fear of our toddlers toppling over the low sides.
Plus once our children had seen a few seals they were pretty bored. I would save this day trip for when children are a bit older.
Horsey Gap seals
If you do want to see seals in Norfolk with toddlers, Horsey Gap trail is a much better option.
There is a paid car park at the bottom of a short uphill walk to a fantastic view of the bathing seals.
Unfortunately the path is quite sandy so we did not take a pram but it is short enough to carry a non-walking baby or lazy toddler.
On our descent, we saw a baby seal really close to the path which was just magical.
Places to eat with toddlers in Norfolk
White Horse Inn – Neatishead
We found a nice little mooring section and stumbled across the White Horse Inn pub in Neatishead
The whole area is lovely and would recommend stopping here for the night if you can find a spot.
We were really lucky to get a table at The White Horse Inn; I would definitely recommend booking.
Though the food was incredible, the best thing about this pub was the fantastic outdoor play area. This means that the toddlers can play whilst you attempt to enjoy a drink.
Fur and Feather Inn – Salhouse Broad
Within walking distance of our favourite mooring spot Salhouse Broad, is also one of our favourite places to eat on the Norfolk Broads – Fur and Feather Inn.
The food is lovely and we often sit outside and let our children play or watch the farm animals in neighbouring fields.
There is a nice shop and Woodforde’s Brewery next door to explore.
Do note that the route from Salhouse Broad requires a bit of a country road walk.
The Swan Inn – Horning
We had an incredible Sunday roast at The Swan Inn. Plus, it is right by Horning mooring so perfect for just stopping for a quick bite to eat or pint by the river.
Though not overly family friendly, we have taken babies and toddlers here and felt comfortable.
Water’s Edge – Wroxham
We stopped here after hiring a day boat for a coffee and cake and just loved the view that we actually wished we had stopped for lunch or dinner.
It is a great place to wait for your boat to be ready if you are hiring from Wroxham or for a bite to eat before your journey home.
The Lifeboat Inn – Thornham
We actually stayed here in the pub car park with our motorhome, though it does also have bedrooms.
The food is nice and they offer a children’s menus but the real highlight of this pub is the location.
It is a short walk to the water and close to RSPB Titchwell Marsh which is great for exploring with toddlers.
Gunton Arms – Hanworth
This gastro pub with bedrooms is a real gem of a find in north Norfolk.
On the more expensive side and with exquisite décor, it doesn’t exactly scream toddler friendly.
However, the highlight of this pub was the herd of deer freely roaming right on the doorstep.
So if you don’t fancy forking out for a upmarket meal just for it to go cold whilst you tend to your toddlers needs, I would pop here for an outside drink just to admire the deer.
If you have any more questions about your next family trip to Norfolk feel free to get in touch.