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Barton Broad
Take a trip up the River Ant to reach the second largest of the broads and National Nature Reserve - magnificent Barton Broad. Following a major environmental restoration project, Barton Broad is a fantastic place for wildlife and has a fully accessible boardwalk which winds its way through swampy woodland to give panoramic views over the broad. It’s also famous for its important sailing scene. You can choose to moor at one of three villages surrounding the broad - Neatishead, which has a lovely pub and shop, or the charming little villages of Irstead and Barton Turf.
Barton Broad is a fascinating place to visit for those interested in the environment thanks to a major restoration project by the Broads Authority - Clear Water 2000 - that began in 1995. Today the broad has very clear water full of rare plants and animals but prior to the project the water was thick with algae, which silted up the broad and killed off other plants and animals. The project pumped out the equivalent of 160 Olympic swimming pools of mud and temporarily removed fish from sections of the broad. Without any fish to eat them, the population of water fleas increased, which in turn cleared up the water by feeding on algae.
A fantastic way to learn more about the project and stretch your legs is to follow the Barton Broad boardwalk (no dogs allowed) close to Gaye’s Staithe in Neatishead. The 610 meter loop gives the feeling of passing through a floating forest as it takes you through wet carr woodland to a large viewing platform with a spectacular vista across the broad. Look out for the signs along the way, which explain the restoration project and wildlife.
Reputed to be one of the places that Nelson learnt to sail, Barton Broad has one of the most important sailing scenes on the Broads. It’s home to the Norfolk Punt Club, whose unusual floating clubhouse can be seen in the middle of the broad, and a number of other organisations including the Nancy Oldfield Trust, which helps people with disabilities to enjoy a day out on the water.
A major regatta is held every year during the August Bank Holiday when hundreds of boats flock to the broad to race.
Wherries on Barton Broad © Broads Authority photo by Simon Finlay - 2005 Sailing on Barton Broad by Hilary Franzen
BARTON BROAD Villages near Barton Broad with mooring
Neatishead
Located to the south west of Barton Broad is the picture postcard village of Neatishead. In the centre of the village is White House Stores – a characterful community shop that’s a great place to stock up on groceries, newspapers and magazines and has a cute little cafe 01692 631549 www.whitehousestores.co.uk.
Opposite the shop is the excellent White Horse Inn brew house and restaurant (see Eating Out).
Irstead village
Located on the River Ant, just before Barton Broad, this gorgeous little village has a tranquil staithe with room for just three boats.
Close to the staithe is the impressive thatched St Michael’s Church, which dates back to the 14th century. It has a carving of St Michael wrestling a serpent above the door as well as an impressive medieval rood screen inside.
On the corner of the staithe car park is a sweet little craft stall selling lots of items lovingly hand painted by a local resident, including pots, stones, horseshoes, garden signs and cards.
Irstead is also ideal for dog walking and a popular choice with the locals is the circular walk around Alderfen Broad – a lovely and little known nature reserve that is cut off from the river.
Barton Turf
Located to the north east of Barton Broad, Barton Turf’s claim to fame is that Nelson visited his sister here while she was living in the village. The lovely staithe has an attractive grass area that’s ideal for a picnic.
Barton Broad by John Fielding
MOORING
Neatishead Staithe Space for approximately 12 boats. Good access to Neatishead village. Rubbish disposal and water available Gaye’s Staithe, Neatishead A secluded spot that is the best place to moor for the Barton Broad boardwalk. Public toilet in boardwalk car park. A 20 minute walk to Neatishead village. Water available. Irstead Staithe Room for just three boats. 20 minutes walk from the boardwalk and 40 minutes from Neatishead village shop and pub. Barton Turf Staithe Check the signs as there are both Broads Authority 24 hour and privately managed moorings. 25 minutes walk from the shop and pub in Neatishead and 45 minutes walk from the boardwalk.
Eating Out
The White Horse Inn Neatishead Freehouse and restaurant with an on-site brewery and its own gin! Serves traditional pub food and Sunday roasts. 01692 630828 www.thewhitehorseinnneatishead.com
Once a Saxon fishing port on the edge an ancient estuary, today Beccles is a picture postcard riverside town with a thriving high street and food and drink scene. Visit the stunning church where Nelson’s parents married, learn more at Beccles Museum or relax at an outdoor swimming pool.
Start by mooring in lovely Beccles Quay, which has picnic benches on the grass and a children’s playground plus toilet, shower and laundry facilities. There is a little café and deli selling ice-creams, which has a useful tourist information point. You can also choose one of three Marsh Walks from here across the wildlife-rich Beccles Fen.
Next follow the signs to the town centre – a warren of old streets with Viking place names, fine historic houses and two market squares.
At a time when many high streets are struggling Beccles is thriving. Well known brands like Fat Face, New Look and Laura Ashley rub shoulders with independent shops – including butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers and an old-fashioned sweet shop. There is a Boots and Superdrug, Holland & Barret, shoe shops, WHSmith with Post Office, fishing shop, electrical stores, several banks, antique, gift, book and card shops, discount and charity stores. Equally impressive is the town’s burgeoning food and drink scene. Our ‘Eating Out’ section just gives you a taste of what is available – so follow your nose to find your favourite place! There are some fantastic pubs, dating back to the 16th century, smart local restaurants, national chains and takeaways.
Dominating the town is the magnificent St Michael’s Church – where naval hero Horatio Nelson’s parents, Catherine Suckling and Edmund Nelson, married and composer William Cobbold is buried. Tours are often available (Easter to September) to climb 100ft to the top of the bell tower and enjoy a marvellous view of up to 20 miles on a clear day. Alternatively, head to the back of the churchyard, which is on the edge of an escarpment, giving a glorious vista of the river and marshes below.
Visit Geldeston Lock
Cruise from Beccles to the limit of navigation at Geldeston Lock. The river here is one of the most unspoilt sections of the Broads and has crystal clear water that’s rich with plant and animal life.
There are plenty of free Broads Authority 24 hour mooring at the locks and one of the most atmospheric pubs on the Broads – The Locks Inn.
Originally built as a mill keeper’s cottage in 1560 the Locks Inn has been pulling pints ever since the 17th century. While it serves gastro pub food today it still retains much of its old fashioned character. In fact, many locals can remember a time before the pub had electricity and proper road access! 01508 518414, www.grainbrewery.co.uk
Geldeston Side on mooring for six boats.
You need to pass under Beccles old bridge to reach Geldeston Locks. If your cruiser has insufficient clearance you can take the Big Dog Ferry from Beccles Lido to Geldeston Locks. www.bigdogferry.co.uk. TOP TIP
Discover more about the town’s history by continuing along Ballygate to Beccles Museum in Leman House - a Grade 1 listed old school building. This was opened in 1631 by the building’s namesake and former Mayor of London. (Free entry, open Tuesday to Sunday afternoons from Easter to October.) www.becclesmuseum.org.uk
For a fun family day out head to Beccles Lido. This heated outdoor swimming pool, which overlooks the river on Pudingmoor, has sun loungers, springboards and slides! Open late May to early September) 01502 713297, www.beccleslido.com.
Eating Out
Beccles has a delightful mix of cafes, pubs and restaurants. Here are four popular options.
The Quay Deli Coffee Shop
Stylish deli and coffee shop that also sells ice creams on Beccles Quay. Has inside and outside seating. 01502 713147
Twyford’s Café
Chic café and deli on Exchange Square serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Try their homemade cakes, chocolates and hand roasted coffee! 01502 710614 www.twyfordscafe.co.uk
Waveney House Hotel
Beautiful riverside hotel, bar and restaurant with a lovely beer garden. Located on Puddingmoor. 01502 712270 www.waveneyhousehotel.co.uk
Kings Head Hotel
Great value Wetherspoons pub in a 17th century coaching inn on New Market. 01502 718730
Prezzo
Striking Italian restaurant in a former art deco cinema. 01502 715036
MOORING
Beccles Yacht Station (Beccles Quay) Privately managed yacht station, where a mooring fee applies. Advanced booking recommended in school holidays by calling the Harbour Master. Electric hook up, toilets, showers and laundry facilities available. 01502 712225
