Explore the unique River Yare and Wensum on our small, retro-styled electric boats. Take up to eight people out in near-silent river travel. Get close to the water and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the outskirts of Norwich and upper reaches of the River Yare towards Surlingham and Brundall where there are some great riverside pubs.
Bishy Barney Boats are sleek little 15ft boats painted Red and Grey with a few Black spots to help identify one from another. Originally designed and built on Lake Windermere, they have had literally tens of thousands of happy customers. Under our ownership, we have improved these stable and agile boats for your comfort and enjoyment and also introduce Le Bishy Grande, an 8 seater electric day boat.
Come to Bishy Barney Boats and Relax; the Rivers Yare and Wensum are quiet waterways copared to the madness of Wroxham where, at busy times, it has more boats bumping around than cars at Picadilly Circus at rush hour. In Thorpe, the river pace is slow with few other boats around so you can watch the rver and enjoy the wildlife.
Boating is safe, but be aware of the risks. All customers will be given a short safety briefing before venturing onto the water and buoyancy aids will be provided free of charge; you should wear these at all times when getting on or off the boat and for mooring.
All passengers will be provided with Buoyancy Aids free of charge and children will be weighed to find the most suitable size for them. Please take our advice and wear them - they are for your safety afterall.
Boats travel on the right-hand side of the waterway and pass oneanother on the left (Port to Port). But don't get too close to banks; some are shallow and you might get stuck or entangled in weed. Boats that are sailing have a right of way over you.
Don't get too close to other vessels. If you're mooring up, have your ropes ready for use and be ready to step off or fend the boat which is very easy to push with your hand.
Whilst the boats are very stable and fully tested, don't do anything silly with them. Stay within the seated area and enjoy the ride.
Based at Thorpe River Green on the Yarmouth Road, Bishy Barney Boats is perfectly situated for a river trip. Head into the City of Norwich and enjoy the River Wensum all the way into New Mills Yard (the absolute end of navigation) or pootle down to Brammerton and Surlingham for one of the pettiest cruises available.
You don't have to pre-book, you can just turn up.
HOWEVER booking will avoid dissapointment; during school holidays and sunny weekends, we are often full.
Pre-booking will guarantee your Bishy.
You can book an electric day boat by the
hour up to a maximum of four hours
Boats are generally available from
10am and all boats must be returned by 5:30pm.
Our operating season is generally from Easter to the end of October. Outside of school holiday periods, weekday hire must be pre-booked as we don't open without a booking.
Telephone to book: 07810 547779
Our traditional Bishy Barney boats wil take a maximum of five people
- weight limits may also apply.
Babies and dogs will each count as a passenger.
Our Bishy Grande vessel can accomodate up to eight people
- weight limits may also apply.
Babies and dogs will each count as a passenger.
Our day boats are easy to handle and you will be given guidance and safety advice.
All we ask is that you treat them as though you owned them.
Our Day Boating Map is easy to follow and you will be given a copy to take on board with you.
Our prices are fully inclusive of boat hire, insurance and safety equipment.
Traditional Bishy Boats (up to 5 passengers)
1 Hour - £20
2 Hours - £35
3 Hours - £45
4 Hours - £55
Le Bishy Grande (up to 8 passengers)
1 Hour - £25
2 Hours - £40
3 Hours - £55
4 Hours - £65
Bishy Barney Boats are available throughout the boating season. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can travel from Thorpe River Green in Norwich (and throughout the week during Spring / Summer school holidays). Weekday bookings during school term time is possible but must be pre-booked. We open at 10am and all boats must be returned by 5:30pm please.
