Pubs by Boat · River Waveney
The Bell Inn, St Olaves, riverside pub with moorings on the River Waveney
On Beccles Road at St Olaves, on the bank of the Waveney beside the old bridge, between Oulton Dyke and Somerleyton.
Mooring by boat
The pub has its own stern-on moorings on the Waveney, with free public-staithe moorings a short walk away as the backup.
The tide runs fast at St Olaves. Approach against the tide and set your lines for a big range. It's also perfectly placed as a wait-for-the-tide stop before or after the Breydon Water crossing.
About the pub
Reputedly the oldest recorded pub on the Broads, with parts dating to around 1520. Two bars with real open fires, one regular and three changing ales, a 40-plus seat restaurant, a big garden and a large riverside lawn and patio with plenty of tables. Home-cooked, varied menu; dogs and families welcome.
What visitors tend to say
Generous, reasonably priced home cooking and that riverside lawn are the two things everyone mentions, along with quick friendly service and a Sunday lunch popular enough to book.
Nearest hire base: Beccles or Oulton Broad.
Find it on the water
Navigator Lite puts every riverside pub, mooring and slipway on one friendly map, so you can plan the day around lunch here and know exactly where to tie up.
Guidance Only
Opening hours, food service, mooring charges and mooring condition change often on the Broads. Check with the pub directly before building your day around it, and always read the water on arrival.