Discover the Rivers and Waterways of The Suffolk Coast

The winding River Waveney runs through a historic landscape for the best part of 50 miles, forming a boundary between Norfolk and Suffolk and is better known by most as the gateway to the broads’.

There are many opportunities to enjoy the boating lifestyle and there is no better place to start than Hippersons Boatyard. The boatyard offers a collection of unique houseboats and even a floating pod to stay in. The ‘Secret Water’ floating pod is the first of its kind in the UK, and sleeps up to 4 people in a double room and bunk beds. It has a generous deck out front so you can sit and watch the world come and go or set out onto the water with ease. Hippersons also hires out kayaks and boats and is a great starting point for exploring the river.

The knowledgeable folk at Oulton Broad Day Boats can tell you all you need to know to set out on a riverbound adventure. They offer a selection of boats for hire by the hour or the day and recommend that you bring a picnic to stop along the way at one of the many delightful riverside pubs.

If you’d rather sit back and let someone else take the wheel you might want to take a trip on the Big Dog Ferry;  a relaxing three mile boat journey between Beccles and Geldeston. Look out for the wildlife on route, including otters, kingfishers and Marsh Harriers. Choose to take a round trip or disembark and wander back at your leisure. 

The River Blyth takes its name from the Old English ‘Blithe’ meaning gentle or pleasant and certainly, this seven mile long river lives up to its name. Running between the agricultural land of Laxfield and Halesworth and reaching a tidal estuary between the gorgeous towns of Southwold and Walberswick, the estuary mouth forms part of the harbour area of Southwold and is still an active fishing harbour.

To explore the area by foot, and cross from Southwold to Walberswick, it is necessary to take a detour to the road bridge. But a quicker and much more enjoyable option is to take the Walberswick Ferry. The little rowing boat transports walkers, cyclists and even dogs back and forth for a small fee and the short ride takes just a few minutes. 

The waterways of the River Alde simply exude serenity and entwined with the River Ore, they weave their way from the source at Brundish before separating at Snape, widening considerably and becoming tidal.

Iken Canoe sailing centre invites you to hire out a range of paddle crafts and take to the waters of the River Alde to explore several routes, all with fantastic views and wildlife in abundance; you might be lucky enough to spot a Marsh Harrier or even seals and otters. Paddling together is great team building for the family, and if you can make it all the way to Snape Bridge, there’s an opportunity to stop for refreshments at one of the cafes or restaurants at the iconic Snape Maltings, before making your way downriver to where the estuary widens and you can see the historic Blackheath Mansion and Yarn Hill Wood. Prices start at thirty pounds for a Kayak for two hours with buoyancy aids provided.

River Alde and River Ore meet northwest of Blaxhall. From there downriver the combined river is known as the River Alde past Snape and Aldeburgh, and then again as the River Ore as it approaches Orford and flows by a shingle spit before emptying into the North Sea. 

Here you will find National Trust Orford Ness; Wild, remote and exposed, Orford Ness contains the ruined remnants of a disturbing past. Accessed via the National Trust ferry Octavia, the area is ranked among the most important shingle features in the world, and sees rare and fragile wildlife thriving where weapons, including atomic bombs, were tested and perfected.

To explore the River Ore, step on board Tilly with Suffolk River Trips from Orford Town Quay, and enjoy a 1 hour cruise on the River Ore, circumnavigating the RSPB reserve at Havergate Island and passing Orford Ness on the seaward side, a fascinating and secret place with significant history.

This part of the River Ore is very unspoilt and a haven for wildlife. For the keen birdwatchers you can expect to see Curlew, Avocet, Godwit, Terns, Oystercatchers and many other species at different times of the year. You may also see members of the resident seal population at the entrance to the Butley River. 

The River Deben is a beautiful stretch of waterway; rich in wildlife and history, twisting and turning past ancient abbeys, greenery and water mills. The Deben passes through Woodbridge, turning into a tidal estuary before entering the North Sea at Felixstowe Ferry. You can cross the estuary on another of the 4 foot ferries of The Suffolk Coast - travelling from Felixstowe to Bawdsey. The Deben is also responsible for turning the wheels of the Tide Mill at Woodbridge, which still produce stone ground wholemeal flour in the traditional way. 

The Deben estuary is within the Suffolk Coast and Heath Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a significant location for the study of rare plantlife. Deben Cruises, starting at Waldringfield offer visitors the chance to take a two hour long journey along the river on the all-weather boat- ‘The Jahan’, which can carry up to 54 passengers comfortably, with toilet facilities onboard. Book ahead to take advantage of the refreshments that can be provided; fresh scones, cream and jam with tea or coffee will make your trip that extra bit special. 

Alternatively, you can jump aboard Gina from the Woodbridge Town Steps for a cruise on the River Deben with Suffolk River Trips to get a sailors view of the picturesque town of Woodbridge and to get a feel for the maritime importance of this area through the ages, passing the historic site of Sutton Hoo en route.

The River Orwell, a popular sailing destination, runs through Suffolk, broadening into an estuary at Ipswich and flowing into the North Sea at Felixstowe. As early as the year 600AD Anglo-Saxons settled in Ipswich, (in those days called Gippeswyk), where a market town was developed. The name Orwell is believed to have meant 'river near the shore', a name which derived from the Anglo Saxons. 

You can enjoy it's sights and sounds and step aboard the handsome Sailing Barge Victor; a majestically rigged 19th Century vessel complete with a bar and striking original features. Victor is an Ipswich dock built ship, which was used during the Second World War, loading munitions out of Chatham Dock- and even survived a direct bomb hit. You can book onto one of the popular cruises and float along the River from Ipswich, enjoying the peace and quiet and watching the birds.

Alternatively, enjoy a cruise on board the Orwell Lady; with cushioned seating, panoramic views and commentary from the knowledgeable onboard skippers. Snacks are available on board, as well as alcoholic beverages, and you can choose from several different routes which all uncover a different aspect of the surrounding area. 

For a more intimate experience, The Lady Florence at Orford, seats 12 passengers comfortably in the warm and serene saloon of the boat, and you can even choose to dine aboard for breakfast, lunch or supper. With a menu of freshly prepared food and accompanying wines, this is a wonderful opportunity to dine with an ever changing view. After your meal, step out onto the ample deck to get some fresh air and watch the world go by. 

At the southernmost tip of Suffolk, the Stour and Orwell rivers converge, forming the border between Harwich in Essex and Shotley and Felixstowe in Suffolk. Connecting these three towns is the Harwich Harbour Ferry. This vibrant yellow vessel accommodates up to 58 passengers, navigating between the towering passenger and container ships arriving at the Ports of Felixstowe and Harwich from Easter to the end of September.