Understanding Tidal Patterns in the Norfolk Broads

The 2023 Tide Schedule provides information on the timing of low tide at the Great Yarmouth Yacht Station and offers a simple method to determine the low tide timings at other spots across the Broads.

The rivers in the Broads are tidal, experiencing a rise and fall twice within an approximately 25-hour period. Typically, the period of the ebbing tide (outgoing) is longer than the period of the flooding tide (incoming). The tidal effect is most pronounced at Great Yarmouth, the outlet of the Broads into the sea, where the tidal variation can reach up to 2 meters. Here, tidal currents may reach speeds around 4mph. However, as you navigate upstream, the tides become less apparent.

Determining Low Tide Across the Broads

Estimating low tide at various locations around the Broads is straightforward. Simply add the hours specified below to the low tide times at the Great Yarmouth Yacht Station provided in your tide table:

Please be aware: The times indicated are ‘clock times’ and have been adjusted for British Summer Time (BST). These times are approximate as tides can be influenced by weather and wind conditions. It’s important to note that nighttime cruising is prohibited. Ensure your travel plans accommodate being moored at least one hour before sunset. For efficiency in time, fuel, and reduced water disturbance, it’s advised to travel with the tide rather than against it.

Click the timetable to see it full size.

Calculating Low Water throughout the Broads

The Tide Timetable above gives the low water times at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station throughout the year. It is easy to work out low water at other places around the Broads, simply add the hours given below to the times of low water at Great Yarmouth Yacht station.

All times are ‘clock times’ and have been adjusted for BST.

Locations and time to add:
Acle – 2.5hrs
Beccles – 3hrs
Brundall – 3hrs
Horning – 3hrs
Loddon – 2.5hrs
Ludham Bridge – 3hrs
Norwich – 3.5hrs
Oulton Broad – 3hrs
Potter Heigham – 3hrs
Reedham – 1.5hrs
St Olaves – 1.5hrs
Stalham – 4hrs
Wroxham – 3.5hrs

The times shown are approximate and tides maybe affected by weather and wind conditions. Cruising after dark is forbidden, make sure you plan your journey so that you are moored one hour before sunset.