All aboard for a cruise on the Broads!

Mississippi River Boat Ltd operates a double deck paddle boat purpose built for the Norfolk Broads with a capacity of 100 passengers. At the end of May 2026, Rotary Club members enjoyed a trip aboard the boat, called the Southern Comfort, as it cruised along the river Bure as far as Malthouse Broad.

The trip was organised by Shaun and Rebecca Yeomans on behalf of our President Andrew and wife Karen, for his President's Lady's  day outing. Our last cruise on the Southern Comfort had been some 4 years ago, and we were all looking forward to a repeat trip.

Having endured a heatwave for the previous week, it was something of a relief to enjoy pleasant weather on this day, with temperatures at the seasonal norm. Some of us travelled from Watton on a SALEC minibus driven by Shaun, others made their own way there. We stopped firstly at Wroxham where we enjoyed lunch at local hostelries and a chance to shop in Roy's renowned emporium.

From there it was a short drive to the pretty riverside village of Horning, where we boarded the Southern Comfort outside the Swan Inn, and set off along the River Bure. Our skipper provided an excellent commentary, pointing out places of interest along the way, and telling us about some of the spectacular wildlife that is returning to the Broads, including otters and ospreys. We were lucky enough to see a pair of marsh harriers flying over the boat.

Whilst looking at some beautiful thatched houses along the river near Horning, we learnt about the value of Norfolk reeds in thatching, and how every thatcher could be identified by their own pattern on the ridge of the roof.

We turned off the Bure at one point and headed along a narrow channel towards Malthouse Broad, and a sighting of the famous medieval church at Ranworth, known as 'The Cathedral of the Broads'. 

It was a most enjoyable trip, with comfortable seating and plenty of room to move around the boat, a well stocked bar open throughout, and friendly staff always on hand to help. Hopefully it will be less than 4 years before we do it again.