Pubs by Boat · River Thurne
The Lion at Thurne, riverside pub with moorings on the River Thurne
In Thurne village at the end of Thurne Dyke, just off the River Thurne near Thurne Mouth.
Mooring by boat
Ample moorings line both sides of Thurne Dyke, with room for around 35 boats according to the pub's own listing, and no booking needed. The public moorings at Thurne Dyke and Thurne Mouth carry a small fee, which is cheaper if you pay at the pub before 6pm.
Check before you go: The 35-boat capacity is the pub's own figure and should be treated as approximate.
About the pub
A freehouse run by the same team as the White Horse at Neatishead, carrying one of the largest ale and gin selections on the Broads, including its locally brewed Pell & Co house ales. There's a big beer garden, a separate restaurant, wood-fired pizzas, an unusually substantial gluten-free and vegan menu, and live music from May to September. Dogs and families welcome.
What visitors tend to say
Since its refurbishment this has become one of the destination moor-and-eat stops of the northern rivers, with the beer and gin range, sensible prices and the sheer ease of mooring on the dyke all singled out.
Nearest hire base: Potter Heigham, about 20 minutes downriver, or Thurne Mouth around 5 minutes upriver.
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.