Moorings on the River Bure

The River Bure is the longest navigable river of the Norfolk Broads and the central artery of the northern Broads system, flowing 60 kilometres from Aylsham through Coltishall, Wroxham, Horning, Acle and Stokesby to join the Yare at Great Yarmouth. The navigation also connects to the rivers Ant and Thurne, opening up the full northern Broads cruising area — a magical network of rivers, broads (small shallow lakes) and dykes. For boat owners, the Bure is the heart of the Broads experience: gentle tidal cruising through reed-lined banks, riverside pubs that can only be reached by boat, traditional Broads sailing yachts cruising under massive gaff rigs, and abundant wildlife including marsh harriers, otters, kingfishers and bitterns. Long-stay moorings are available at Wroxham (the 'Capital of the Broads' with multiple boatyards and the famous Roy's of Wroxham), Horning (a chocolate-box village with thatched riverside cottages), Stalham, Acle and Stokesby. The Bure is tidal throughout, but gently so above Acle Bridge — making it ideal for newer boat owners. Air draught at Wroxham Bridge limits passage further upstream for many craft, so cruising patterns naturally fall into the Bure-and-tributaries area or the wider Broads. Rail at Wroxham (Bittern Line to Norwich) gives reasonable liveaboard connectivity in this otherwise remote watery world.