The River Waveney is a river which forms the border between Norfolk and Suffolk and is part of the Broads National Park. Its source is a ditch near the village of Redgrave. The River flows in an easterly direction through the towns of Diss, Bungay and Beccles.

The river makes a wide loop round Bungay which was the historic head of Navigation. Next comes Ditchingham, Broome and Ellingham before Geldeston where an isolated pub stands next to the remains of a derelict lock. This is the current limit of navigation. Gillingham comes next before Beccles. The river then meanders on past Burgh St Peter to Somerleyton. Here Oulton Dyke branches off the Waveney and through Oulton Broad towards Lowestoft. A lock links Oulton Broad with Lake Lothing and the North Sea.

Beccles was once  a flourishing Saxon seaport and sits in the Waveney Valley. It was once granted a charter in 1584 by Elizabeth I. Beccles is dominated by the detached 14th centurybell tower of St Michaels church. Like the main body of the church the tower is perpendicular in style and is 97 feet tall. It has a 13th century font. It was at this church in 1749 that Catherine Suckling married the Reverend Edward Nelson. Later she gave birth to one of the greatest navel commanders in history, Horatio Nelson. Records also show the Interior of the church was badley damaged by fire in 1586.