THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take the wheel of a Swift nine-seater picnic boat on the River Bure from Horning—pet friendly, easy to operate and ideal for a sociable day afloat. Short tuition and same-day phone bookings make this a quick escape into Broads country.
Take the wheel of a Swift nine-seater picnic boat on the River Bure from Horning—pet friendly, easy to operate and ideal for a sociable day afloat. Short tuition and same-day phone bookings make this a quick escape into Broads country.
Book with Norfolk Boat Hire
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Norfolk Boat Hire · Horning, England
On a bright morning in Horning, on the River Bure in the Norfolk Broads, slipping out in a Swift nine-seater picnic boat feels like claiming a private stretch of river. The Swift - 9 Seater Picnic Boat - Hire By The Hour is a self-drive craft that makes getting out on the water simple: onboard toilet, gas rings for cooking, seating for nine, and space for two dogs. Horning sits in the heart of the Broads National Park area in Norfolk, England, and this hire is built for relaxed, sociable days afloat.
The boat is practical and approachable. You receive brief tuition before leaving the quay, so even first-time helms steer with confidence, and same-day bookings are available by phone for spontaneous plans. Hires run for four, six or eight hours; the vessel carries a maximum of nine people and an 890kg load. Operators reserve the right to request a security deposit; operator contact or owner details are not provided in the listing, so use the phone booking option for same-day reservations. Drivers must be at least eighteen years old; under-eighteens may ride but cannot drive.
What you explore is distinctive: the River Bure's slow channels, reed-fringed backwaters, willow banks and open broads that mirror the sky. The Broads are shallow rivers and lakes formed when medieval peat diggings flooded; the area received statutory protection via the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988. That history helps explain the place you'll float through—an interlaced landscape of waterways, marsh and small islands that supports rich wildlife. Keep an eye out for kingfishers, marsh harriers and the occasional otter slipping between channels.
Onboard conveniences change the rhythm of a day trip. The toilet and sheltered seating let you linger through light rain without scrambling for shore, while the gas rings invite an easy picnic lunch cooked afloat. Pack layered clothing, waterproofs and sun protection, plus a dry bag for electronics and binoculars for birdwatching. The craft's straightforward handling makes it suitable for families and groups who want autonomy without the fuss of larger hire boats.
This hire is a standout choice in the Broads because it balances comfort with freedom: bring your dogs, bring your own food, and pilot your own route through quiet creeks and wider waters. Whether you drive up from Norwich for a weekend escape or stay locally in Horning, this Swift picnic boat turns an ordinary day into a manageable adventure—simple to learn, generous in space, and efficient for seeing the best of the Norfolk Broads from the water. Reserve summer weekends in advance; weekdays reveal quieter reaches. Bring a map or download offline charts, check fuel and weather, and enjoy the slow pace of the Broads afloat today.
easy.
4–8 hours.
Light physical condition; ability to board a low freeboard boat and move around the deck comfortably is sufficient.
Yes — the boat allows up to two dogs. Make sure they are comfortable on boats and bring a towel or blanket for the seating.
No formal licence is required but drivers must be at least 18 years old; brief tuition is given before departure.
Yes, the boat includes an onboard toilet so you don't need to return to shore for facilities during your hire.
Same-day bookings are available by phone; operator contact details are not listed in the summary so use the provided referral booking link or phone option.
Hires are offered in 4, 6 or 8 hour blocks to suit short picnics or full-day explorations.
Yes — maximum nine passengers and a total load limit of 890kg. Operators may request a security deposit for some parties.
The Norfolk Broads are shallow lakes formed when medieval peat diggings flooded; the area was given statutory protection under the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988.
Stick to marked channels, avoid high wake near reedbeds and dispose of waste ashore to protect fragile marsh habitats.
Norfolk Boat Hire operates from Horning, England, offering a fleet of easy-to-use pleasure and fishing boats for day and hourly hire. The company provides a range of vessels including picnic boats, traditional tiller launches, day boats, and a Dell Quay dory, accommodating small groups and anglers. Staff provide quick, practical tuition so customers with no previous experience can set off confidently. Many boats are pet-friendly—several listings allow up to two dogs—making the service suitable for family outings that include pets. Booking flexibility is a core feature: many trips advertise same-day bookings by phone and a mixture of hourly and full-day hire options. Safety and stability are emphasised across the fleet, with descriptions noting stable handling and straightforward instruction. The seasonal fishing option for the Dell Quay dory runs from June to March, while other boats are listed for general day or hour hire. Norfolk Boat Hire focuses on short, accessible experiences on the Broads from its base in Horning, catering to visitors seeking relaxed exploration, picnics, or beginner-friendly fishing. Clear capacity details are provided for each vessel, with options ranging from three- to twelve-seat boats. The combination of easy tuition, pet-friendly policies, flexible booking, and a variety of boats positions Norfolk Boat Hire as a practical choice for short water-based trips in the Norfolk Broads. Detailed boat descriptions list seating capacity, hire duration hourly or by the day, pet allowances, and seasonal availability so visitors can choose the right boat for fishing, family picnics, or leisurely river cruising and relaxation.
Book with Norfolk Boat Hire