WROXHAM & HOVETON Known as the ‘Capital of the Broads’, Wroxham and Hoveton emerged as the first centre for Broads boating holidays when railways arrived in the late 19th century and the area still remains the biggest and most popular location to start a boating holiday. Despite both villages often being referred to simply as ‘Wroxham’ the majority of the facilities are actually located in Hoveton including, rather ironically, Roys of Wroxham department store - the largest village store in the world – Wroxham railway station and the Hotel Wroxham! There is also a plethora of cafes, pubs and takeaways plus many other shops and attractions to enjoy. Starting your holiday with Norfolk Broads Direct means that you don’t have to go far for history, as our marina is one of the oldest tourist boatyards on the Broads. It was established in 1878 by Broads tourism pioneer John Loynes, who still lends his name to our Faircraft Loynes fleet today. The marina is also a very popular centre to take guided river trips, evening music cruises or hire day boats from our sister company Broads Tours, which was established in 1935 (see Things to do.)
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It’s well worth crossing the river to reach Hoveton’s range of facilities via the historic Wroxham Bridge. Built in 1619, it’s the second lowest bridge on the Broads and holiday cruisers are only allowed to pass under it with a bridge pilot safely at the wheel. If you have the time, pop into the lovely Granary Staithe on the Hoveton side of the bridge – a great place for a picnic, to feed the ducks or watch the boats squeeze under the bridge.
