Steve Cox
Wildlife boat trips from NWT Hickling Broad
Head to NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes nature reserve in the heart of the Broads and discover Norfolk's wonderful wildlife from the water.
Take a seat on Swallowtail or Damselfly - our 12-seater electric boats - and keep a lookout for marsh harriers, great crested grebes, elusive bitterns, and so much more!
April - October
From April until the end of October, we offer daily one-hour and two-hour guided boat trips. From June until August, we also run two-hour boat trips in the evening.
We also offer year-round exclusive guided boat trips for larger groups, whether for wildlife interest groups, birdwatching, photography, celebrating a special occasion, or simply having an adventure on the water with family and friends. For more information, please contact NWT Hickling Broad visitor centre on 01692 598276.
Hickling boat trip (credit: Jimmy King)
Daytime guided wildlife boat trips
Our two-hour guided wildlife boat trips visit some of the reserve's most remote hides, only accessible by boat. You'll also climb our 60-foot tree tower, where you can enjoy views across the water and the rural landscape beyond. We also run a one-hour guided wildlife boat trip, where we visit just one of these locations.
Timetable and pricing
| Ticket type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 2-hour trip (10.30am-12.30pm) Daily |
Adult (non-member) | £15.50 |
| Adult (NWT member) | £13.50 | |
| Child (non-member) | £11.50 | |
| Child (NWT member) | £10.50 | |
| Family (non-member) Max 2 adults and 2 children |
£49 | |
| Family (NWT members) Max 2 adults and 2 children |
£43 | |
| 1-hour trip (1.30-2.30pm and 3-4pm) Daily |
Adult (non-member) | £12.50 |
| Adult (NWT member) | £10.50 | |
| Child (non-member) | £9.50 | |
| Child (NWT member) | £8.50 | |
| Family (non-member) Max 2 adults and 2 children |
£39 | |
| Family (NWT members) Max 2 adults and 2 children |
£35 |
How to book
You can book a daytime guided wildlife boat trip in-person at our Hickling Broad visitor centre or by calling 01692 598276.
Hickling Broad boat trail at dawn (Image credit: Richard Osbourne)
Evening guided wildlife boat trips
We run two-hour evening boat trips from NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes nature reserve from June to August. These magical trips are a perfect opportunity to explore the tranquility of the reserve as the sun begins to set on this beautiful landscape.
Timetable and pricing
| Ticket type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 2-hour trip (6-8pm) Thursdays in June, July and August |
Adult (non-member) | £22 |
| Adult (NWT member) | £18 | |
| Child (non-member) | £14 | |
| Child (NWT member) | £12 |
How to book
Book an evening boat trip at NWT Hickling Broad via Eventbrite. Please note an Eventbrite booking fee will be applied to these prices.
Pleasure Boat Inn aerial view (credit: Robert Smith)
Boat trips from the Pleasure Boat Hickling
Starting from the Pleasure Boat pub at NWT Hickling Staithe, take a truly memorable guided boat trip across Hickling Broad and explore the stunning landscape of the largest of all the Broads.
How to book
We're always happy to answer any questions you have about enjoying a guided wildlife boat trip. The quickest and easiest way to contact us is by calling the NWT Hickling Broad visitor centre on 01692 598276.
Daily boat trips (April - October)
You can book one of our one-hour or two-hour daytime guided wildlife boat trips either in-person at our Hickling Broad visitor centre or by calling 01692 598276.
Evening boat trips (June - August)
You can book a two-hour evening boat trip at NWT Hickling Broad via Eventbrite. These special summertime boat trips only run from June until August. Booking slots on Eventbrite will be made available prior to this. If you'd like to be among the first to hear when these trips become available, why not sign up to receive our nature news?
Please note an Eventbrite booking fee will be applied to these prices.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay the reserve admission fee?
There is a reserve admission fee to pay at Hickling in addition to the boat fee on all daily trips (evening trip prices include reserve admission). Admission is free for Norfolk Wildlife Trust members and children aged 16 and under. For non-members, entry is £5 (with Gift Aid) or £4.50 (standard price).
I have limited mobility - can I go on a boat trip?
For your own and other passengers’ safety, you need to be able to get on and off of our boats on foot, negotiating two steep steps. If you are coming with someone, we recommend they get on/off first so they can offer you assistance.
Please bear in mind that when our boats moor at the jetty, you may need to step up into, or step down into the boat depending on water levels. Hickling Broad is tidal so water levels fluctuate daily throughout the year.
We reserve the right to refuse carriage if we feel you would be putting yourself, other passengers or our staff at risk.
At Hickling there is a walk from the car park to the boat departure point of approximately 1km. This can take up to 20 minutes and is why we ask you to arrive 30 mins prior to your departure. Please call Hickling visitor centre on 01692 598276 for more information.
Is there car parking?
There is a free car park at NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes nature reserve, which is adjacent to the visitor centre.
What time do I need to arrive?
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure to enable time to check in at the visitor centre and get to the boat departure point.
Where do the boats go from?
At Hickling there is a walk through the reserve of approximately 1km to reach the boarding point. This can take up to 20 minutes and is why we will ask you to arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure. Please call our NWT Hickling visitor centre on 01692 598276 if you need more information.
Are toilets available?
There are no toilets on board the boats. There are toilets at NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes visitor centre.
What should I wear?
Please bring appropriate clothing for all weather conditions, as the boats are open to the elements. Even on warmer days it can be cool out on the open water. Sun hats and sunscreen are advised on sunny days. Please consider the crotch straps on our buoyancy aids that are required to be worn by all passengers when dressing for the occasion.
Should I bring binoculars?
We advise you to bring binoculars if you have them. Binoculars are also available to purchase or hire from the visitor centre.
Can I bring food on the boat?
You are welcome to bring light refreshments to consume on the boat. There are also drinks and snacks available to buy at the visitor centre, and benches should you wish to bring a picnic.
Is the boat covered?
Our boats (Swallowtail and Damselfly) are open craft to allow for the best views. We highly recommend wearing clothing appropriate to the weather. Layers, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended. Waterproofs are always useful too!
Is there a minimum age for boat trips?
We would not recommend booking infants under 8 months as all passengers will be required to wear buoyancy aids. We have appropriate buoyancy aids for infants of that age however we often find that little ones can find them uncomfortable, especially in hot weather. Once on board, all passengers are asked to remain seated throughout the trip for their own safety.
If you have an active child please consider booking the shortest boat trip (1 hour at Hickling) to ensure everyone enjoys the experience.
Will the boat operator help me with bird identification?
Our boat operators are very knowledgeable about the wildlife, nature and history of the Broads and will guide you with bird identification and other natural history experiences.
Why do I need to wear a buoyancy aid?
As part of our licensing agreement to be able to run public boat trips all of our passengers are required to wear correctly fitted buoyancy aids.
Our buoyancy aids have crotch straps which must be done up at all times, so please consider this when dressing for the occasion. Our boat operators will help you to fit them correctly.
Do you offer bespoke boat trips?
Yes! We can arrange tailored guided boat trips for larger groups of 8-12, whether for wildlife watching, photography, or celebrating a special occasion. For more information, call NWT Hickling Broad visitor centre on 01692 598276.