This month we are in the beautiful Broads getting a taste, quite literally, of what three marinas there have to offer.
Dining out adds a layer of excitement and adventure to any experience, particularly during leisure time and holidays. From the anticipation of trying something new, to the laughter shared over anecdotes, eating with loved ones offers an opportunity to have quality time. Combine these experiences with a unique location, and watch culinary moments propel into lasting memories.
The Norfolk Broads are guaranteed to enhance your dining experience. Waterside eateries and traditional pubs beckon at every corner, well-known for offering hearty dishes and local delicacies. From freshly caught seafood to comforting classics, every meal is a celebration of Norfolk’s rich culinary heritage.
Most meals can be enjoyed by the water’s edge, where the Norfolk Broads really come into their own, delivering some of the most beautiful backdrops and tranquil surroundings to complement your meal perfectly.
Memories by the waterside
It is commonly known that a large part of the boating lifestyle is the all-important refreshment stops. Whether a hearty breakfast ahead of the day’s adventures, a pit stop midway through your exploration, a well-deserved evening meal to perfectly round off a day on the water or a cold bank-side beverage or two to relax and unwind, Tingdene’s marina eateries provide everything you could possibly need and more.
Tingdene have family-run eateries located on all of their three marina and holiday park multi-sites on the Broads: Waveney River Centre in Beccles, Broadlands Marina in Oulton Broad and Brundall Bay Marina in Norwich. All three restaurants offer locally-sourced menus, a family-friendly atmosphere, stunning waterside scenery and plenty to do onsite and around the area, whether on foot, bicycle, car and, of course, boat. The three sites are also closely interlinked, as well as being close to coastal waters, making them the ideal base for an exceptional boating and leisure experience on the Broads.
Moss & Co, Broadlands Marina
Popular local hospitality chain Moss & Co opened on Oulton Broad last May and has been a fantastic addition to the site at Broadlands Park and Marina.
A Suffolk-based hospitality name, known to many, with an impressive nine businesses across the area, they have made a real impact at the Broadlands holiday park and marina site. An exciting calendar of live music all year round, themed nights (including race nights and cocktail evenings), seasonal celebrations and live sport makes it clear as to why this restaurant is so popular among berth holders, visitors, holiday makers and locals alike.
Delicious gastro-pub style food and a huge drinks menu make an exciting prospect, although it is impossible to choose just one! In the evenings, a meal or drink can be perfectly paired with the sounds of a live singer, admiring the stunning views of the marina and Oulton Broad. Perfection!
Just a short stroll away from a train station, and with Oulton Broad and Lowestoft on your doorstep, there is so much to do either side of enjoying a meal at Moss & Co that is not limited to water-based activities. A popular activity with walkers and those looking to spot local wildlife and immerse themselves in local nature is walking through neighbouring Carlton Marshes, a metropolis for birds and insects and the place to spot a beautiful sunset. From here, Waveney River Centre is just a hop on the foot ferry away, where you can further your adventures. Or if you prefer to visit afloat, the two marinas are a mere 20 minute cruise from each other.
East Hills Café, Brundall Bay Marina
East Hills Café, formerly known as East Hills Bistro, has been given an exciting new personality in the shape of a traditional bakery and café. Remaining in its usual idyllic waterside spot, overlooking the beautiful setting of Brundall Bay Marina, the bakery and café are a real delight to visit. Packed with fresh bakes, baked every day by local business ‘Easters Bakery’ in Costessey, this is the perfect pit stop to your marina stroll, cruise or afternoon on your boat.
Expect everything you envision from a classically British bakery and café. Handmade bread, generous baps, well-filled pastries, savoury classics and sweet treats, perfect to satisfy any tastebud. You are welcome to take away to eat from the comfort of your boat or sit and enjoy overlooking the beautiful marina from their relaxing café.
The home-grown offering does not stop there; your bakes’ perfect accompaniment is a pot of their carefully sourced tea from the Norfolk Tea Co. or a mug of their house blend speciality coffee. Tingdene tell us they can whole-heartedly recommend the homemade sweet waffles, milkshake selection and Norwegian Apple Cake!
Perfectly positioned with the famous Broads at your disposal, and just a four hour cruise from Broadlands Marina and Waveney River Centre, a visit to East Hills is a must for regular Broads cruisers, or visitors. Brundall Bay Marina also gives you direct access to Great Yarmouth and the open sea in just three hours, so you really get the best of both boating worlds. Berth holders at Brundall Bay Marina also automatically get access to a TransEurope Marinas Group membership, offering an exclusive 50 per cent berthing discount at 75+ associated marinas across Europe, in 12 countries.
The Waveney Inn & Hotel
The Waveney Inn & Hotel at Waveney River Centre has also been given a new lease of life this year. Now under new ownership, and part of a locally popular hospitality franchise, this family-friendly and family-run pub and restaurant opened its doors this spring with a new menu, new entertainment and a new outlook.
Their menu is classically British, made using locally sourced fresh produce, with their stand-out dishes being an irresistible cooked breakfast and Sunday lunch, both of which are proving popular with berth holders, holiday makers and visitors alike. There has never been a better opportunity to delve into the tastes of the east coast. If guests decide to stay a little longer, the restaurant also boasts an onsite hotel.
Recently modernised and refurbished ahead of the summer, guests can enjoy the total tranquillity of the Broads with all the amenities onsite they could possibly need.
With an onsite holiday park, hotel and touring park, Waveney River Centre is a hub of activity, and there is plenty to do while you are visiting. Play on retro arcade games and pool tables in the bar, go for a dip in the onsite indoor swimming pool, and pick up some essentials at the convenience shop.
Accompany your meal with a stroll or bike ride along the many stunning waterside routes or hop on the foot ferry at the marina over to Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, where you can spot an abundance of wildlife. From here, walk a few minutes further to reach Broadlands Park and Marina, and explore Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth via easy transport links. Your east coast exploration can be as endless as you wish.
More than just a marina
While you are onsite, why not make use of the premium facilities, designed to get you and your boat in tip top shape and ready for your next adventure. The perfect stop off point for the Broads and see-going cruisers, Tingdene have everything you need in one place. Annual berth holders have access to all of the facilities and get exclusive discounts, while in close proximity to their vessel. So if you are looking for a reliable, friendly marina with a fantastic offering for you and your boat, Tingdene can help you.
- CCTV
- Electricity to each berth
- Elsan pump out
- Fuel
- Hardstanding
- Launderette
- Free parking
- Pet friendly
- Onsite family-friendly restaurants
- Showers and toilet facilities
- Slip way
- Onsite indoor heated swimming pool (Waveney River Centre and Broadlands Marina)
- Onsite shop
- Play areas
- Water supply
- WiFi
BERTH HOLDERS’ Privilege Card
Tingdene berth holders have access to a plethora of extra benefits onsite with a Privilege Loyalty Card, including discounts on fuel, boat lifting and free WiFi to name just a few.
Tingdene’s three Broads marinas are close enough to visit in one day, with Waveney and Broadlands Marinas only taking 20 minutes to reach each other, and Brundall Bay a three to four hour cruise from there. All berth holders are entitled to free mooring at any other Tingdene marina for 28 days, the perfect opportunity to extend your adventure further around the Broads, or onto the Thames, Severn, Wey or Great Ouse Rivers.
Offers and discounts include:
- 10 per cent off marina restaurants
- Free onsite swimming at Waveney River Centre
- 20 per cent off Haven Knox-Johnston boat insurance
- 10 per cent off AllSeasons Holidays
- 5 per cent off East Coast Motorboat Training
- Up to 20 per cent off golf, multi golf and disc golf at Caldecott Hall
- UK-wide discounts and marina-specific discounts are also available.
For more information about Tingdene’s marinas and boat sales visit www.tingdeneboating.com.
TESTIMONIALS
“We visited friends on their boat a few days ago. T’was just what the doctor ordered. A marvellous day on the river, good food, drink and wonderful friends. The marina was clean, quiet and friendly.”
Neil, Brundall Bay Marina
“Amazing place to stay, like home from home. Great views of Oulton Broads and only five minutes’ walk. There is a nice place to eat onsite that is run by Moss & Co. l would highly recommend.”
Carol, Broadlands Park & Marina
“Stayed over for a long weekend boating on the Broads. It has plenty of mooring space, electric, fuel and water. Great breakfast at the bar.”
Mar, Waveney River Centre
BERTH INFORMATION
Waveney Marina: 77 lettable, 6 visitor
Broadlands Marina: 125 lettable and 4 visitor
Brundall Bay Marina: 310 lettable and 0 dedicated visitor berths (they allocate empty berths to visitors subject to availability)
All Tingdene restaurants on the Broads offer Privilege Card holders 10% off their order, any time!
