East Anglia Paddling: A Family Guide to the Broads, Suffolk Coast, and Inland Rivers
The Best East Anglia Paddling Guide: East Anglia has a huge variety of waters to explore, all within an hour or so of each other. This is a shallow region, which means many of the waterways are perfect for family canoeing. For beginners, the biggest decision will be which river or lake to choose first.
With all the rivers, all the water and with such flat landscapes, you are unlikely to have to portage around rocks, take a detour via a lock or get the kids splashed in a ferry crossing. That makes most places in East Anglia great for family paddling but none better than this. Long, straight bits between interesting bits: what more could you want? Choose a place for lunch, decide whether to continue after that bit for more or to head back and you’re sorted for the day.
The Norfolk Broads: Wroxham, Horning, and Hickling
Our family always starts kayaking on the Norfolk Broads from Wroxham as there are several hire centers to choose from, the car parks are close to the river and the main channel is broad and not claustrophobic. A calm morning paddle from the bridge in the village and you’re soon left
A short paddle down the river from Wroxham will find you in the pretty village of Horning. This is a lovely spot for families, the river narrows past the staithe and there are great views of the surrounding countryside. The banks are a haven for reed warblers from late spring onwards and kids can spend hours here. The wildlife combined with the peace and quiet of the Broads makes for a wonderful experience and kids are generally captivated by the Broads.
North of the main river there is Hickling Broad, the largest of the open broads. Even though it is accessible by road, it is very remote and a real treat. It is shared by sailing boats but as long as you know how to read right-of-way then it is no problem. The shallow margins are very calm and full of birds, including Marsh Harriers which are regularly seen overhead in the summer months.
Suffolk Coast: Aldeburgh and Walberswick
The coastal water of East Anglia offers a completely different style of paddling to that found on the inland rivers and broads. Aldeburgh is a great place for families to launch from as the shingle beach gives way to the River Alde.
Paddling from Walberswick to Southwold is a favourite among paddlers looking for coastal scenery but without the exposure of open water. From the hire centre on the village side of the river, there are plenty of trips to take from Walberswick, and for those with their own kit, the team at Water and Outdoors reviews here to give you the lowdown on what works for this area.
Of course, there is a catch to all this and that is the wind – particularly as the coast runs East, a moderate breeze can turn an estuary crossing into a drag and make for uncomfortable paddling. This really is a forecast to check the night before and not leave it to the morning.
Inland Rivers: Stour, Cam, and Waveney
For the family’s more inland waterway excursions, there are the River Stour, which flows through some of the most idyllic and unchanging landscapes in Suffolk. The area is perhaps best known for being one of artist John Constable’s inspirations and offers canoeists alike some of the most stunning flat water that English canoeing has to offer. The majority of access points are well signposted, and as always for the more remote areas of England, parking is available. For a base to explore the river from, there is no better place than Sudbury, which is accessed from Quay Lane.
Moving on to the inland river options, we have the River Stour near the town of Sudbury in Suffolk. This is an almost idyllic canoeing location of very shallow water and flat landscapes that are famous for being painted by John Constable. The hire centres for this stretch of river are well signposted from the many parking areas that exist along the river, including Quay Lane in Sudbury.
We decided on Beccles as our base for a few days on the River Waveney. The River Waveney is a tidal river and has some very interesting sections. The river passes through the lovely old town of Beccles with its quaint streets, shops, cafes and pubs. There is also a lovely riverside park where the kids can burn off some energy after a long day of paddling.
Kit, Safety, and Getting the Right Fit
A child’s PFD is an essential part of their kit and it is recommended to try on a few different models and sizes before making a final decision. There are many different PFDs on the market that are designed for children, and all hire centres in the region should have child-sized PFDs available. However, it is always a good idea to ring ahead and confirm that they have the correct size available before heading down to the water’s edge.
A dry bag or two is essential for your mobile phone, for plenty of snacks and for a change of clothes. They come in various sizes, but one per adult is normally sufficient. A dry bag is much better than keeping all your kit loose in the hull of your kayak. If the worst happens and you capsize your kayak, your dry bag will still be with you, and if you have it clipped to the thwart of your kayak, it won’t get in the way as you swim to shore with your kayak.
When it comes to children’s ages there is no set rule however, their temperament and ability to listen and behave in the situations outlined above are of utmost importance. A well-behaved and calm 6 year old on a calm day in a Broads double kayak would be absolutely fine, whereas a horrid, demanding and fit ten year old on his own on an exposed Estuary could be quite a different story!
Planning the Weekend: Timing and Access
Late May and September is the best times for paddling in East Anglia. School holidays mean lots of boat traffic on the Broads for family groups, and although Walberswick is always busy, it can be crowded at the end of August weekend breaks. The spring and early autumn months offer calmer water, good birdwatching, and are ideal for those looking for hire equipment without the peak summer prices.
It is a good idea to book the hire equipment for the peak season (end of May till end of September) at least a week in advance. During bank holiday weekends, most Broads hire centres and the hire centres on the Suffolk rivers are fully booked. The risk of showing up without a booking is too big, as you have to travel a long way and you are bringing your children along.
