Museum of the Broads

About the museum

The Museum of the Broads first opened at Potter Heigham in 1996 and moved to its present site at the Poor’s Staithe in Stalham in 1999. It is an independent charitable trust run largely by volunteers, accredited by Arts Council England, and it does not receive funding from government or the local authority.

The story it tells runs from Roman times and medieval peat digging to the holidaymakers, sailors and conservationists of today. The collection of nearly 6,000 items includes historic Broads boats, a water bicycle, models showing life a thousand years ago, tools, household objects, photographs and holiday brochures. Much of the photo archive and some boat plans can be viewed on computer screens, and an audio tour uses the voices of volunteers.

The site has five display buildings, an outdoor display of boats, a picnic area and river frontage. Visitors can also take trips on the river on the electric launch Marsh Harrier or on the Victorian steam launch Falcon.

Highlights

• Historic Broads boats and a collection of about 6,000 items
• Five display buildings and an outdoor boat display
• River trips on the electric launch Marsh Harrier and the steam launch Falcon
• Audio tour using the voices of volunteers
• Seasonal trails and free activities for children

Permanent exhibition

• The Broads collection – Historic Broads boats, tools, models, household items, photographs and holiday souvenirs telling the story of the people and landscape of the Broads.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Museum of the Broads (registered charity 1036734)

Admission & discounts

Admission is paid once and stays valid for 12 months with ID. Members of the Art Fund get 50% off museum entry. Friends of the Museum, members of the Museums Association (with card) and carers of visitors with disabilities enter free. Visitors showing a Konect Bus ticket or pass receive £1 off. The museum is independent and does not accept the Norfolk Museums Service annual pass. Dogs enter free. Prices shown are standard admission without Gift Aid.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

All buildings have level or ramped access for wheelchairs. There is an accessible toilet with baby changing, and disabled parking is outside the museum. A magnifier is available for visitors with visual impairment, and volunteers are happy to help. The steam launch Falcon is not fully accessible, but Marsh Harrier can take some wheelchairs; visitors who cannot manage steps can borrow a wheelchair to board it and should phone to book seats.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Free activities and seasonal trails are offered for children, with extra activities in school holidays. They include arts and crafts, knot tying, a loom and dressing up. Children should be kept away from the river’s edge.

Getting there & parking

The museum is just outside Stalham, off the A149: turn towards Great Yarmouth and follow the brown signs. Visitors arriving by boat can use the visitor moorings at the museum and at Richardson’s Boatyard.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The gift shop and café area sells Broads items, hot and cold drinks, ice cream and snacks, and entry to it is free. There is a picnic area by the river. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The museum can be hired exclusively for group social evenings after 16:00 on most evenings or all day on Mondays, including an optional boat trip.

Plan your visit