Museum of the Broads
BEST FOR
Ages 5-17
ENTRY
from £9.50
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Norwich
What it’s like
Knot-tying, dress-up and real boat trips on the Broads at a hands-on museum just outside Norwich.
This is a museum where the exhibits include actual boats you're allowed to get on. Kids can try knot tying, dress up, play with model boats and follow the Ellis Eel trail around the galleries, and then head outside for the real thing on the water. The Marsh Harrier does one-hour trips and takes under-5s free, while the Falcon steam launch is the fancier option but won't take under-5s at all, so that's one to save for when they're a bit older.
Admission is free for children 12 and under, and £5.50 for 12 to 17 year olds, with adults at £9.50. If you want a boat trip too, doing a combined museum and boat ticket works out cheaper than paying for both separately: £17 for an adult with Marsh Harrier, or £22 with the Falcon, against £10.50 to £10 extra if you buy the boat trip on its own once you've already paid museum admission. Once you've paid, you can come back free for the next 12 months, which is a decent perk if you're local.
It's open Tuesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays, 10am to 4pm. You don't need to book to just visit the museum, but boat trips are worth booking ahead, especially the longer How Hill cruises which need a minimum of four people and run to three hours or more. Life jackets are compulsory on the boats, which is fair enough, and mobility scooter users need to transfer to a wheelchair for the Marsh Harrier trip.
Parking is free at Richardson's Boatyard, a couple of minutes' walk away, with a handful of disabled spaces right at the museum itself. Dogs are welcome on a lead and ride free on Marsh Harrier, though they're not allowed on the Falcon. There's a picnic area and on-site food if you don't fancy bringing your own.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 5 to 17, with under-5s limited to the Marsh Harrier boat
- Booking
- Online recommended for boat trips
- Parking
- Free parking at Richardson's Boatyard, 50 metres walk from museum
- Dogs
- Welcome free of charge, keep on a lead
- Worth knowing
- Pay admission once and return free for 12 months
- Life jackets are compulsory on all museum boat trips
- Under-5s can't go on the Falcon steam launch, only Marsh Harrier
- How Hill cruises need a minimum group of four to book
- Pay admission once and you can return free for the next 12 months
- Some hands-on activities may still be limited from COVID precautions
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Adults are £9.50, children 12 and under go in free, and 12 to 17 year olds are £5.50. Boat trips are extra unless you get a combined ticket.
Is it cheaper to book museum and boat together?
Yes. A combined ticket with Marsh Harrier is £17 for an adult and £10 for a child, which beats paying separately once you add on the boat trip price.
Do we need to book?
Not for the museum itself, you can just turn up during opening hours. Boat trips are worth booking ahead, particularly the longer How Hill cruises.
Is it OK for a younger child?
The museum suits ages 5 and up. Under-5s can go on the Marsh Harrier boat trip free but they're not allowed on the Falcon steam launch.
What are the opening hours?
Tuesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays, 10am to 4pm.
Is there parking?
Free parking at Richardson's Boatyard, about 50 metres from the museum, plus three disabled spaces right at the site.
Can we bring the dog?
Dogs are welcome free of charge on a lead, and they ride free on Marsh Harrier boat trips. They're not allowed on the Falcon.
What about the How Hill cruises?
These run three hours or more and cost £42 per person, but you need a minimum group of four to book one.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The museum and Marsh Harrier boat are both wheelchair accessible, with a lift on the boat. Mobility scooter users transfer to a wheelchair for the trip.
Can we eat there?
There's on-site food and a picnic area if you'd rather bring your own.
What if we need to cancel a boat trip?
Refunds are only given if you cancel at least 72 hours ahead, minus processing fees, or if the museum has to cancel on you.
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