Southern Comfort on The Broads

Whilst I enjoy packing my suitcases and jetting off in search for culture, adventure or guaranteed sunshine, I equally like to explore what the UK has to offer. One of my best-loved destinations to visit is the Norfolk Broads. Situated in East Anglia and popular with British holiday-makers, the broads is a unique area of waterways and home to a quarter of the UK’s rarest wildlife.

Whilst there are many ways to explore the area, one of my favourite activities is a river trip on the Southern Comfort, a classic Mississippi-style paddle steamer based in Horning. Originally built in the 1970s, The vessel was moored permanently outside of a hotel and used for the sole purpose of supplying hotel guests with refreshments during the day. Strict liquor licencing laws meant hotel bars had to close during specific hours but as boats on the broads were covered by maritime law, this allowed the hotel to continue to serve its guests. As the rules became more relaxed over the years, the boat was sold and started to operate as a passenger vessel, however, you can still enjoy an ice-cold beverage onboard whist taking a sailing up the River Bure. 

Other activities on the Broads include Canoeing, Kayaking or Paddle boarding. For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, there are plenty of scenic towns and villages to visit with some charming thatched roof pubs in the area to keep you both fed and hydrated. I would highly recommend a visit to the Broads if you have the chance.