Please see this page for information relating to the Coronavirus pandemic and the Broads National Park.
On 4 January the Government announced further national lockdown measures. The full details can be found on the Government website.
The main requirement of the restrictions for those living in England is to stay at home. You may only leave your home for specific reasons as detailed within the Government guidance. Travel is only permitted under specific circumstances and even then the advice is to stay local wherever possible. This includes travelling by boat. You should not be making short trips or breaks on your boat for leisure purposes, these are classed as non-essential journeys.
Travelling on the waterways should be limited to essential use only. Boaters who are not currently occupying their boat should not take short overnight breaks on their boat during the period. Those living aboard are advised to limit their navigation, moving only a minimal amount to access essential facilities or services when necessary. Our COVID-19 information for liveaboard boaters has details of local services which remain open.
Leaving your home to exercise is permitted once a day provided relevant guidelines are followed. We ask that anybody wishing to exercise on the Broads is mindful of social distancing with anybody they come into contact with and to be aware of the impact on emergency services should they get into difficulty.
Minimise domestic travel where you can.
Private boating permitted for recreation for a single household or bubble. Lifting of ban on overnight stays away from home allows for single households/bubbles to stay away overnight on boats.
Recreational day hire is permitted for a single household or bubble (if vessel is enclosed), or for up to 6 people / or any number of people from 2 households per boat (if vessel is open air, provided it is outdoors and social distancing can be maintained between people from different households).
Permitted for a single household / bubble per boat.
Restrictions are the same as Step 1.
Watersports are permitted and outdoor attractions at waterparks/aqua parks may reopen.
Boat maintenance is permitted, assuming you follow appropriate social distancing between individuals/households. Overnight stays for maintenance purposes is allowed at this stage.
Same as step 2 but now with up to 6 people from different households / or any number of people from 2 households able to mix on indoor boats.
On outdoor (open air) boats groups of up to 30 allowed.
No restrictions (if the vessel is open air) or up to 6 people from different households / any number of people from 2 households per boat (if vessel is enclosed).
Please note that the usual capacity of the vessel still applies.
Permitted for up to 6 people from different households / or any number of people from 2 households per boat.
Restrictions are the same as Step 1.
Indoor attractions at waterparks and aqua parks may reopen.
Private groups of up to 30 outdoors.
Restrictions are the same as step 3.
No restrictions for all activities.
If you are planning to visit the Broads for a day visit or a holiday when restrictions allow, please be a responsible and safe visitor.
Here are some top tips for a safe and sensible visit:
Please read the Broads Authority's Frequently Asked Questions for information that will help you plan your visit.
If you are boating in rural or isolated areas, make sure you inform friends or relatives where you are going and that you know your precise location in case you start to feel unwell.
If there is a medical emergency the emergency services will be able to identify your location more easily if you have a postcode or a ‘what3words’ phrase. You can identify your exact location using a ‘what3words phrase’. You can do this using the what3words smartphone app. Alternatively if you locate your position on http://www.streetmap.co.uk you can then get the ‘what3words’ phrase using the “click here to convert coordinates” link just under the map. Google Maps does not provide a ‘what3words’ phrase but can accept one.
Norwich Yacht Station will not be opening in time for the start of the season. Reedham and Great Yarmouth will open as normal (due to safety implications).
If you want to contact the Broads rangers to report an incident, you can phone Broads Control on 01603 756056 or email Broads.control@broads-authority.gov.uk. Broads Control is staffed between the hours of 9am and 6pm during summer, and 9am and 5pm during winter.
Always phone 999 in case of emergency.
Whilst we are not in a position to provide legal advice we can help share the various resources available. This page will be kept updated as things develop so please check back regularly.
The government announced in their budget and subsequent updates several measures to help support businesses during the crisis:
Please see the below links for useful information for businesses:
Finally, the Broads Authority are aware and concerned about the likely impact of the Coronavirus emergency on the important tourism businesses in the Broads and in particular on the hire boat industry. They are in touch with the Broads Hire Boat Federation and have agreed to stay in regular contact to monitor the situation and develop a collective response.
Visit the Broads and the Broads Authority work in partnership to give visitors all the information and inspiration they need to make their trip to the Broads perfect.
The Broads Authority looks after the national park for visitors, boaters, wildlife and its community.
Visit the Broads provides a strong unified voice for Broads tourism-related businesses, from accommodation providers to holiday boat operators, and other stakeholders with an interest in tourism activity.
Visit the Broads welcomes new members - read more information for Broads businesses →
© Broads Authority 2020 |
The Broads Authority Website
National Parks in the UK |
Tourism Strategy |
Terms and conditions |
Privacy notice |
Accessibility statement
Website design by Headscape
