Moorings on the River Waveney

The River Waveney forms the natural border between Norfolk and Suffolk, flowing 97 kilometres from Diss eastward through Beccles, Geldeston, Burgh St Peter and Oulton Broad to meet the Yare at Breydon Water. As one of the principal rivers of the southern Norfolk Broads, it is managed by the Broads Authority and offers some of the most peaceful cruising in this unique national-park-equivalent waterway system. For boat owners, the Waveney is a slower, quieter alternative to the busier northern Broads — rich in wildlife, lined with reedbeds, marshes and grazing meadows, with charming market towns providing reliable mooring stops. Beccles is the obvious long-stay hub: the Beccles Yacht Station, Riverside Marina and several private boatyards offer full liveaboard berths with town-centre access. Oulton Broad provides another sheltered base with rail links to Lowestoft and Norwich. Long-keel sailing yachts and motor cruisers are equally at home here, though the headroom at Beccles Bridge and Mutford Lock dictates air draught for vessels heading further. Tidal influence is felt throughout, so passage planning matters. Highlights include the Geldeston Locks Inn (only reachable by water or footpath), the Roman fort at Burgh Castle and the resident otters and marsh harriers. Rail at Beccles, Lowestoft and Diss makes this a practical liveaboard waterway with proper escape routes.