Lynne Warner
Wildlife boat trips from NWT Ranworth Broad
Discover the wonders of Ranworth Broad and its channels by boat: abundant wildlife, unusual plants, and even the wrecks of wherries sunk in World War II to prevent German seaplanes from landing on the water.
We offer a ferry service running between Ranworth village staithe to Ranworth Broad, daytime and evening routes into the Broad on-board our beautiful historical Norfolk electric reed-lighter boat, Little Tern. You could spot kingfishers, otters, or our visiting osprey pair that have been successfully breeding here since 2025.
April - October
Both our ferries and daytime guided wildlife boat trips run from 1 April until October. Please note that the ferry does not run before 1pm on Thursdays from June - August.
June - August
During June, July and August we also run special guided boat trips to nearby St Benet's Abbey.
We also offer year-round exclusive guided boat trips for larger groups, whether for wildlife interest groups, birdwatching, photography, celebrating a special occasion, or simply having an adventure on the water with family and friends. For more information, please contact NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre on 01603 270479.
Ranworth Broad (credit: Matt Wickens)
Ferry: Ranworth staithe - NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre
We run a ferry service between Ranworth village staithe and NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre. The outbound journey from Ranworth staithe leaves 15 minutes before the start of each 40-minute wildlife boat trip around the Broad (which departs from NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre). The ferry service runs back to Ranworth staithe and departs shortly after the end of each wildlife boat trip.
Timetable and pricing
| Ferry trips between Ranworth staithe and Ranworth Broad visitor centre | Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
One way 10-minute trip from Ranworth village staithe to NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre, departs 15 minutes before the guided wildlife boat trips (10.30am*, 12noon*, 1.45pm, 3.15pm) *Please note that the ferry does not run before 1pm on Thursdays from June - August. |
Adult (non-member) | £3.50 |
| Adult (NWT member) | £3 | |
| Child | £2.50 | |
|
One way 10-minute trip from NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre to Ranworth village staithe, departing shortly after the guided wildlife boat trips (11.30am*, 1pm, 2.45pm) *Please note that the ferry does not run before 1pm on Thursdays from June - August. |
Adult (non-member) | £3.50 |
| Adult (NWT member) | £3 | |
| Child | £2.50 |
How to book
You can book a ferry in-person at our Ranworth Broad visitor centre or by calling 01603 270479.
Jimmy King
Daytime guided wildlife boat trips
Journey around Ranworth Broad on a 40-minute wildlife boat trip, leaving from NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre. Sailing around the fringes of the Broad, our guides will tell you the story of Ranworth and its wildlife, the history of the Norfolk Broads, and the work we do to protect this habitat. Lucky visitors may get the chance to see kingfisher, common tern, osprey, or the charming otters that call this reserve home.
Timetable and pricing
| Ranworth wildlife boat trips | Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 40-minute trips (10.45am*, 12.15pm, 2pm, 3.30pm) Daily *Please note that the 10.45am trip does not run on Thursdays from June - August. |
Adult (non-member) | £11 |
| Adult (NWT member) | £10 | |
| Child (non-member) | £8 | |
| Child (NWT member) | £7 | |
| Family (non-member) Maximum 2 adults and 2 children |
£32 | |
| Family (NWT member) Maximum 2 adults and 2 children |
£30 |
How to book
You can book a guided wildlife boat trip in person at our Ranworth visitor centre, or by calling 01603 270479.
St Benet's Abbey at dusk (credit: Elizabeth Dack)
Guided wildlife boat trip to St Benet's Abbey
Our wildlife boat trip to St Benet's Abbey is an enchanting guided tour from NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre to St Benet's Abbey, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the unique Broadland landscape.
Timetable and pricing
| Guided boat trips to St Benet's Abbey | Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Morning 1 hour and 45-minute trip (10.15am) Thursdays, June - August |
Adult (non-member) | £18 |
| Adult (NWT member) | £16 | |
| Child (non-member) | £12 | |
| Child (NWT member) | £11 | |
| Evening 2-hour trip (6pm) Wednesdays, June - August |
Adult (non-member) | £18.50 |
| Adult (NWT member) | £16.50 | |
| Child (non-member) | £12.50 | |
| Child (NWT member) | £11.50 |
How to book
You can book a boat trip to St Benet's Abbey via Eventbrite. These special summer boat trips only run on Wednesdays and Thursdays from June until August. Booking slots on Eventbrite will be made available prior to this. If you'd like to be among the first to hear when these trips become available, why not sign up to receive our nature news?
Please note an Eventbrite booking fee will be applied to these prices.
Hickling boat trip (credit: Jimmy King)
Boat trips from NWT Hickling Broad
Take a guided boat trip from NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes nature reserve and enjoy the chance to spot iconic Broadland wildlife - from soaring marsh harriers to skulking bitterns.
How to book
We're always happy to answer any questions you have about enjoying a guided wildlife boat trip. The quickest and easiest way to contact us is by calling the NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre on 01603 270479.
Ferry (April - October)
Ferries can be booked in person at our Ranworth Broad visitor centre or by calling 01603 270479.
Daytime guided wildlife boat trips (April - October)
Book a daytime guided wildlife boat trip in person at our Ranworth Broad visitor centre or by calling 01603 270479.
Guided wildlife boat trip to St Benet's Abbey (June - August)
You can book a boat trip to St Benet's Abbey via Eventbrite. These special evening boat trips only run on Thursdays from June until August. Booking slots on Eventbrite will be made available prior to this. If you'd like to be among the first to hear when these trips become available, why not sign up to receive our nature news?
Please note an Eventbrite booking fee will be applied to these prices.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay the reserve admission fee?
There is no reserve admission fee at NWT Ranworth Broad nature reserve, but donations are very welcome.
I have limited mobility - can I go on a boat trip?
For your own and other passengers’ safety, you need to be able to get on and off of our boats on foot, negotiating two steep steps. If you are coming with someone, we recommend they get on/off first so they can offer you assistance.
Please bear in mind that when our boats moor at the jetty, you may need to step up or down into the boat, depending on water levels.
We reserve the right to refuse carriage if we feel you would be putting yourself, other passengers or our staff at risk.
There is a walk of 1km from the car park to the boat departure point at Ranworth Broad. You can also reach the boat departure point by taking a ferry from Ranworth village staithe to Ranworth Broad. The departure point for the ferry is approximately 0.3km from the car park. Please call our NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre on 01603 270479 if you need more information.
Is there car parking?
There is a signed NWT car park a short walk from the boardwalk (what3words: glows.forces.burden). You then have a walk of approximately 1 km to NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre, unless you are taking a ferry to the visitor centre from Ranworth staithe.
What time do I need to arrive?
If leaving on the outbound ferry service from Ranworth staithe, please arrive 15 minutes before the ferry departure time. If leaving from Ranworth Broad visitor centre, please arrive 30 minutes before the departure time of your guided wildlife boat trip.
Where do the boats go from?
There is a walk of 1km from the car park to the boat departure point at Ranworth Broad visitor centre. You can also reach the boat departure point by taking a ferry from Ranworth village staithe to Ranworth Broad. The departure point for the ferry is approximately 0.3km from the car park. Please call our NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre on 01603 270479 if you need more information.
Are there toilets available?
There are no toilets on board the boats. There are public toilets at Ranworth village staithe opposite The Maltsters pub.
What should I wear?
Please bring appropriate clothing for all weather conditions, as the boats are open to the elements. Even on warmer days it can be cool out on the open water. Sun hats and sunscreen are advised on sunny days. Please consider the crotch straps on our buoyancy aids that are required to be worn by all passengers when dressing for the occasion.
Should I bring binoculars?
We advise you to bring binoculars if you have them. Binoculars are also available to purchase or hire from the visitor centre.
Can I bring food on the boat?
You are welcome to bring light refreshments to consume on the boat. There are also drinks and snacks available to buy at the visitor centre, and benches should you wish to bring a picnic.
Is the boat covered?
Our boat (Little Tern) is an open craft to allow for the best views. We highly recommend wearing clothing appropriate to the weather. Layers, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended. Waterproofs are always useful too!
Is there a minimum child age for boat trips?
We would not recommend booking infants under 8 months as all passengers will be required to wear buoyancy aids. We have appropriate buoyancy aids for infants of that age however we often find that little ones can find them uncomfortable, especially in hot weather. Once on board, all passengers are asked to remain seated throughout the trip for their own safety.
If you have an active child please consider booking the shortest boat trip (40 minutes) to ensure everyone enjoys the experience.
Will the boat operator help me with bird identification?
Our boat operators are very knowledgeable about the wildlife, nature and history of the Broads and will guide you with bird identification and other natural history experiences.
Why do I need to wear a buoyancy aid?
As part of our licensing agreement to be able to run public boat trips all of our passengers are required to wear correctly fitted buoyancy aids.
Our buoyancy aids have crotch straps which must be done up at all times, so please consider this when dressing for the occasion. Our boat operators will help you to fit them correctly.
Do you offer bespoke boat trips?
Yes! We can arrange tailored guided boat trips for larger groups of 8-12, whether for wildlife watching, photography, or celebrating a special occasion. For more information, call NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre on 01603 270479.