When the flag is flying from the flagpole, all aboard!

Discover The Broads in a new way with our family-friendly river pedestrian & cycle ferry. Take in breathtaking views of the river and its surroundings while comfortably seated on our ferry. With ample space for families, our ferry provides a unique and enjoyable experience for all ages.  Come for food & refreshments at our Cafe and watch the world go by, on this tranquil stretch  of the river Yare, just 2 miles outside Norwich in the Broads National Park.


Opening Hours
Spring 2024 opening on 30th March - Thursdays to Mondays inclusive 10am-5pm

Closing for Winter on 7th October. Re-opening 17th April for Easter

5 minute ferry crossing the 40m wide river, on demand, as opposed to a 7 mile road round trip via City. Joining up two stunning landscapes; Whitligham Country Park and Norfolk Wildlife Trust Thorpe Marshes.

The Ferryman will advise on H&S. Payment by cash or card at the Cafe.
Thank you for your support! Over the summer of 2023 we have had just over 600 passengers, 50 bicycles & many lovely dogs.
If you would like to organise a group field trip, contact Stephen

Contact

info@thorpeferry.com
01603  927412

How To Access The Thorpe Ferry -NR7 0SH

Pedestrian & Cycle access.  From Thorpe the Northern bank is accessed off Yarmouth Road, either along Bungalow Lane, or over Thorpe Marshes Nature Reserve. Limited Car parking, (via bumpy Bungalow Lane) at Kingfisher Boatyard for Cafe & Ferry. On the south bank Whitlingham Country Park offers car parking 500m west of our landing stage along various scenic footpaths.  Sustrans cycle routes on N & S side of River Yare are joined by the Ferry. 

We suggest walking down Bungalow Lane, leaving cars on Yarmouth Road , and enjoy the Nature Reserves either side. Or better still come by river

River access - good mooring for day boats & small cruisers plus easy slipway & haul out for Canoes, Kayaks & SUPS (launching charged)

Parking for school & charity Mini-buses

School party bus parking available in locked car park off Whitlingham Lane 100m from South Bank landing stage. - Via Whitlingham Lane, & Whitlingham Country Park at NR7 0QA
There is also parking available for Mini-buses on North bank at Thorpe Ferry Cafe, located on the map above.

Brief History of Thorpe Ferry

The ferry began before the war enabling country folk to catch the train at Whitlingham Halt (closed under Beeching) into Norwich, then again in the 60's when Nobby Clarke (football club canary mascot)  used to row people across (and retrieve bodies floating down stream!)   Thorpe Ferry was resurrected by Stephen Ellingham in 2022 with help from Broads Authority Sustainable funding & a kind private donation. When quiet, Stephen and his water dog collect floating litter from the River Yare.

Useful Links

Norfolk Wildlife Trust 

more information about Thorpe Marshes Nature Reserve here 

map in PDF format 

How To Find Thorpe Ferry