36 Visit the Broads DAY OUT ITINERARY

3

River Waveney –Geldeston, Beccles and Oulton Broad

With miles of beautiful scenery, the river Waveney in the Southern Broads is the perfect place to explore. This full day itinerary will start and finish in the historic market town of Beccles.

Beccles is full of history. The narrow streets and quaint architecture are home to lots of independent shops and cafés. Much of the town’s architecture has a strong Flemish influence. The popular quayside, once a herring port, is now home to the myriad of cruisers which moor here.

Option 1 – Explore by boat

A short walk out of town will take you to Gillingham Dam and Hippersons Boatyard, where you can pick up your day boat. Free parking is also available. Hippersons offer day boats and houseboats for longer stays. Canoes and kayaks are also available for hire in high season. (Book your day boat in advance to avoid disappointment.)

Leave the boatyard and turn port (left). Go under the road bridge and past the sailing club on the starboard side. You will enter a really beautiful stretch of the River Waveney. Keep an eye out for wildlife: herons, kingfishers, marsh harriers, otters and barn owls can all be seen along this stretch.

A little further along you will come to the Beccles old railway bridge and it is best to steer through on the port side (left).

Continue on your journey until you reach Waveney River Centre at Burgh St Peter (approximately 1.45 hours). You will see the entrance, where you can steer in and moor up to take the ferry over to SWT Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve or you can continue downriver to Oulton Broad and take the 20-minute walk back to the reserve.

The park is set in beautiful surroundings with fabulous views across the Norfolk and Suffolk marshes and a wealth of on-park facilities. Visit The Waveney Inn, a popular riverside pub and restaurant with its fabulous outdoor decking area.

Another 45 minutes or so downriver and you will arrive at Oulton Broad, where you can explore Nicholas Everitt Park , a beautiful open space alongside the broad, with tennis courts, bowling green, toilets, putting, trampolines, all-inclusive play area, museum, bandstand, boating lake, ponds and refreshments.

From Oulton Broad it is possible to join the Angles Way footpath for a 20-minute walk to SWT Carlton Marshes. Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve lies at the southern tip of the Broads National Park and comprises over 1000 acres of beautiful Suffolk grazing marsh, fens and peat pools teeming with interesting plantlife, such as the insectivorous bladderwort, which traps and digests water fleas in bladder-like sacs under water. Scan the dyke edges too, for a glimpse of Britain’s biggest spider, the fen raft spider which was released here in 2012 to bolster the precariously low UK population.

The trip back to Beccles will take roughly 2.5 hours.

Option 2 – Explore by canoe or kayak Canoes and kayaks can be hired from Three Rivers Pitch & Paddle in Geldeston and Hippersons Boatyard in Beccles. (Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.)

Once on the water you can explore the River Waveney between Geldeston and Beccles. Keener paddlers will comfortably make it to Beccles from Geldeston and back in 3 hours. However, going at a more leisurely pace with time for some breaks you should allow 6 hours.

This is a lovely, tranquil stretch of river with few large boats.

From Geldeston village paddle down the dyke and at the end turn right on to the River Waveney towards Geldeston Lock. You can tie up and get out at The Locks Inn, where they serve traditional homecooked food using locally produced ingredients.

The Locks Inn is one of the oldest pubs in the Broads, with a fascinating history. In 1670 an Act of Parliament was passed to improve the navigation upstream of Beccles and three locks were built, at Geldeston, Ellingham and Wainford. This made it possible for sailing wherries laden with cargo to travel to Bungay, with its brewing and malting industries. Ellingham and Geldeston were also railway stations on the now dismantled Waveney Valley Line, on the north side of the river, opened in the early 1860s.

From Geldeston Lock, continue back in the direction you came, along the river towards Beccles.

As you pass Dunburgh Hill on the left look out for marsh harriers that nest in the reeds there close to the ground. Continue past Barsham Marshes on your right. There is evidence here of a Bronze Age river crossing or ferry point.

4

River Ant –Wayford Bridge and Stalham

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Vera’s Coffee Shop, on the site of site A G Meales & Sons farm shop. Their menu uses local and home-grown ingredients, and they are open from 9.30am every day. If the weather is pleasant, sit out on the patio and enjoy views of the garden and living wall, while you plan what goodies to stock up on for lunch. You can even pick your own fruit and veg.

Suitably refreshed, it’s time to spend some time out on the River Ant. There are a number of options for you to choose from. However, all will need to be booked in advance.

Nancy Oldfield Trust provide a variety of activities including sailing, canoeing, motor boating, fishing, bird watching and environmental

Towards Beccles the large buildings on the righthand side are part of the old industrial area of the town which included maltings, glassworks and tanneries. Return your canoe or kayak to the hire operator and head into Beccles.

Option 3 – Sit back and relax wherries to survive, although at their peak there were around 300.

Skippered boat trips are available on the River Waveney from Waveney River Tours at Oulton Broad, who also hire day boats. Waveney Stardust Trust provide fully accessible boat trips from Gillingham Dam. (Booking essential.) Keep an eye out for open days on board historic Wherry Maud, one of just eight studies, available for anyone who is disadvantaged or has a disability be it physical, mental or emotional, temporary or permanent. Please contact them in advance as booking is essential.

From Wayford Bridge, you can explore the River Ant up to Dilham or down to Barton Broad. Some people believe that this is where Admiral Nelson learnt to sail! Barton Broad was purchased by Norfolk Wildlife Trust in 1945 and is the second largest of the broads. Look out for local wildlife on the way. Common terns (which nest on artificial platforms), otters, kingfishers and herons can all be spotted along this stretch of the Broads.

Once you’ve finished on the water, a short drive of about 10 minutes will take you to the Barton Broad main car park. From here, take a stroll to and along the Barton Broad Boardwalk (approx. 2.4 km). There’s a separate car park for disabled visitors at the start of the boardwalk. The boardwalk is easily accessible by wheelchair and will take you on a mysterious journey of discovery into a lost world, which has remained isolated for half a century. The mystery trail leads you through swampy, wildlife-filled carr woodland, with resting places and tapping edges along the way and emerges to give a surprise panoramic view over Barton Broad.

Another option is a sailing experience with the Excelsior Trust from Lowestoft, for a day getting hands-on with sailing on their traditional Lowestoft fishing smack.

Once you’re back in Beccles

Seek out the bell-tower of St Michael’s church. The church dates from the 1500s and is unusual as its tower is separate from the rest of the building. The tower has three clock faces but not a fourth. The side without a clock is the one facing Norfolk, a reminder that the river is the boundary between Suffolk and Norfolk.

Standing on a cliff overlooking the river, the bell tower rises an additional 97 feet (29.6m) and is 30 feet square (9m) at its base. The tower is open for visitors to climb to the top and take in the spectacular views!

Further along the river at Puddingmoor, if you have time enjoy a late afternoon dip at Beccles Lido. Beccles Lido is a heated outdoor swimming pool with separate heated toddler pools, sitting right next to the river. For the very brave hearted they are open for cold swims right throughout the year!

Whether you’ve spent the day exploring on the water by electric day boat, or silently paddled this beautiful stretch of river, no trip to Beccles would be complete without a trip to OakFired Pizza. Finish your day with award winning Neapolitan pizza cooked on a traditional woodfired oven. One of only three restaurants in the UK accredited by the Azzociazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) Naples, to serve True Neapolitan Pizza, a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed product.

If you would like to complete this itinerary as part of a longer boating holiday, holiday cruisers can be booked from Pacific Cruisers in Chedgrave.

Places to stay nearby…

Wheatacre Hall Barns – Self-catering cottages, Beccles Waveney River Centre – Holiday Lodges and Marina, Burgh St Peter Hippersons Boatyard – Self-catering Houseboats and Glamping Pods, Beccles

Outney Meadow Caravan Park – Camping and Touring, Bungay Wardley Hill Campsite – Camping and Touring, Near Bungay

Three Rivers Camping – Camping and Touring, Geldeston

After lunch, a few miles’ drive will take you to Stalham and the Museum of the Broads. Spend a couple of hours learning all about living and working in the Broads. There are superb displays telling stories of Vikings, marshmen, boatbuilders, holidaymakers and life in the area during the two World Wars. There is also a cracking range of boats: a water bicycle, an airborne lifeboat, racing yachts, punts and even an ice yacht. End your day out with dinner in the relaxed atmosphere of the Wayford Inn. They serve food every day until 9.30pm. Sit back and relax on the patio with views over the River Ant and Wayford Bridge. Or you could try the Swan Inn, a traditional village inn, in the heart of Stalham, serving a variety of food and drink. Food is served daily between 12pm and 2.30pm and then again from 5pm until 8pm.

If you want to spend a few days on the water, holiday cruisers or traditional sailing yachts are available from…

Richardsons Boating Holidays at Stalham

Norfolk Heritage Fleet at Hunter's Yard, Ludham Sutton Staithe Boatyard – Day boats

Places to stay nearby…

Riverside Rentals – Self-catering, various locations

2 DAY BOATING ITINERARY 5 River Yare –Norwich, Surlingham, Reedham or Loddon

Holiday cruisers are available to hire from Broom Boats in Brundall, or from Waterways Holidays who have several bases in the region.

Day 1 – Norwich to Surlingham

This 2-day boating itinerary starts in Norwich. Mooring is available at Norwich Yacht Station, approximately 2 hours’ cruising from Brundall, with easy access by foot to the mediaeval city of Norwich.

Norwich is the only English city with part of a national park in its midst. The stretch of the River Wensum that flows through the city is part of the Broads.

From the yacht station, follow the riverside path on foot into the city, until you reach signs for the cathedral. Set in beautiful grounds, Norwich Cathedral is an awe-inspiring, welcoming building with spectacular architecture, magnificent art and a fascinating history. The grounds are a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by or enjoy a picnic.

Norwich is full of fabulous places to shop and eat out. Spend some time browsing the quirky, independent shops in the Lanes, or visit one of the many museums and historical sites. To learn more about this vibrant city and its fascinating history, book a guided walking tour with Paul Dickson Tours. A range of tours are available including Norwich: an introduction, Historic Pubs, or Rivers, Merchants and Markets.

When you’ve finished getting to know the city, it’s time to get back on board your holiday cruiser and head down the River Yare to Surlingham, where you’ll moor up for the night. Please leave plenty of time for the 1.5 hour journey.

Stop for dinner or a drink at the Ferry House, Surlingham. This is a delightful pub right on the water’s edge with ample mooring (free to patrons) and an attractive outdoor seating area. It’s one of the last

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places in the area where you can see the sunset and geese fl ying over in the evening, it is quite magical. They also serve breakfast between 9am and 11am.

Day 2 – Surlingham to Reedham or Loddon

After breakfast, another 2 hours or so of gentle cruising will take you to Reedham. Reedham has a beautiful riverside frontage and has Broads Authority moorings. The village has a post office, a general store and a fish & chip shop. Reedham is famous for having one of the last operating railway swing bridges in the country and at the other end of the village is the Reedham Chain Ferry. The Reedham Ferry is the only remaining vehicle chain ferry in East Anglia, which crosses the River Yare, forming the only crossing point between the city of Norwich and Great Yarmouth and saving users a journey of more than 30 miles.

Find a suitable place to moor up and make your way to Pettitts Animal Adventure Park for an afternoon of fun for all the family. They have over 25 different species resident at the park and no less than 3 themed play areas. You can take a trip around the whole park on the Miniature Railway then discover the super fun adventure rides, soar through the sky on the Little Explorers Balloon Ride or check out the Crazy Caterpillar Rollercoaster!

Next door, you’ll discover Humpty Dumpty Brewery, a ten-barrel brewery producing cask and bottled conditioned real ales. There is a shop on site which sells their own bottled beers, plus beer from other Norfolk breweries and a wide range of locally produced honeys, ciders, wines and chutneys. The Brewery Shop is open every day from 12-5pm, with tours and riverside deliveries available by arrangement. Make sure you stop off and stock up while you’re there.

Opposite the chain ferry at Reedham is the Reedham Ferry Inn. This is a great pub with a true country pub atmosphere. Much of its 400-year history is hanging on the walls of the 16th century building. The pub serves lunch and dinner, with seasonal menus and is a great place to end the day, watching cars coming and going across the river. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Or for a different itinerary ending, instead of heading straight to Reedham, why not cruise to Loddon on the River Chet, and head to the nearby Chet Valley Vineyard (a taxi might be useful). Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting, and a vineyard tour. Stock up on your favourites, and spend the night at Loddon Staithe sampling a bottle or two with your dinner.

If your boating holiday has given you a yearning to buy your own vessel, take a trip to Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall when you return your cruiser. It is the largest dedicated new and used boat sales centre in the area, they also offer boat servicing.

Places to stay nearby…

Whitlingham Broad Campsite – Camping, Near Norwich

Poolside Lodges – Self-catering, Rackheath Norfolkbreaks.co.uk – Self-catering, Brundall

The Original Cottage Company – Self-catering, various locations

Hoseasons – Boat or land accommodation across the region

The Vine House – Self-catering, Chet Valley Vineyard

River Thurne –Potter Heigham, Thurne and Hickling

Day boats are available to hire along the River Thurne from the following boatyards and should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment…

Martham Ferry Boatyard

Martham Boats

Maycraft

Herbert Woods

Potter Heigham is set right in the heart of the Broads and people have been visiting for holidays from the early 1900s. Boatbuilding has been established in the area for decades and Herbert Woods Boatyard, one of the first boatyards to operate Broads cruisers is still in Potter Heigham today.

No trip to Potter Heigham is complete without a visit to Lathams of Potter Heigham. Lathams opened in 1963 as an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ primarily stocking everything for the holidaymaker and fishermen. Today they still sell almost everything. Pick up some fishing tackle and get some local, inside knowledge about the best fishing spots and what to catch while you’re on the river. Potter Heigham is a great place to catch bream.

Collect your pre-booked day boat and get out onto the water.

Head south, towards the iconic Thurne Mill, with views across the marshes over to St Benet's Abbey.

Thurne Mill is a distinctive part of the Broads National Park landscape and the only white mill on the Broads. Finishing its working life in 1936, this iconic mill has now been restored to full working order.

Potter Heigham to Ludham Bridge and back will take you around 4 hours, not including stopping time. The Dog Inn at Ludham is worth a stop for lunch. They are a short walk from Ludham Bridge (approx. 500 metres) with an outdoor seating area that looks over open fields and marshes back towards Thurne Mill and St Benet’s Abbey.

Alternatively, head north and explore the stunning Hickling Broad. Potter Heigham to Hickling will take 3 to 4 hours (not including stopping time). Norfolk Wildlife Trust Hickling Broad is the largest broad and is a year-round haven for wildlife. Look out for common cranes as well as important breeding numbers of bittern, marsh harrier, bearded tit and

Cetti’s warbler.

You could relax and cruise the Broads in style, Broadland Charters offer luxury, skippered cruises. Simply choose the number of hours you want to cruise and they will supply the scenery and unlimited refreshments.

The Greyhound Inn in the heart of Hickling village is the perfect place to end your day. This traditional village pub serves food seven days a week and they have a varied menu to suit all tastes. The Greyhound boasts a roaring open fire and a sheltered outside area for the winter, and in the summer, there’s a sun-trap front terrace.

Places to stay nearby…

Broads Escapes – Self-catering throughout the Broads Abbots Park Homes – Holiday Lodges, Potter Heigham Limes Farm – Self-catering, Ludham Waterside Breaks – Self-catering throughout the Broads

Alternatively, Olivers Sailing Holidays in Martham and Swallowtail Boatyard in Ludham, are both ideally located for sailing on Hickling Broad or Horsey Mere.

Day Out Itinerary 7

Upper River Bure –Coltishall, Wroxham and Neatishead by car and bike

This itinerary starts with a gentle cycle ride of approximately 8 miles, taking in three stops and lots to see along the way. Some of the route is on the road. Please take care as you will meet cars and other traffic along the way. Your day will end with a visit to the RAF Defence Museum at Neatishead.

Bikes for ages 8+ can be hired from Bure Valley Cycle Hire in Coltishall, for either a half or full day, but please do book in advance. You will have easy access to the the Bure Valley Path, a 9-mile traffic free track running alongside the railway line, much of the path was re-surfaced in 2022. A route map can be provided when collecting your bikes.

Steam trains operate regularly between the old market town of Aylsham and Wroxham. The Bure Valley Railway was built on the trackbed of part of the former Great Eastern Railway, the line runs through meadowland, ancient pastures and picturesque Broadland villages. The train ride from Wroxham to Aylsham takes about 45 minutes.

Once you have your cycle, follow the path from Coltishall station for just under 3 miles towards Hoveton and then continue into Wroxham.

In Wroxham, you’ll find plenty of places to get a bite to eat, watch the hustle and bustle of boats coming in and out, or do a bit of holiday shopping. The “World’s Largest Village Store”, Roys of Wroxham has been a family run business in Wroxham since 1895. Although Roys has stores throughout Norfolk and Suffolk, it is synonymous with Wroxham where the company was born. See if you can spot all fi ve of Roys stores that are based here!

When you’re ready, jump back on two wheels and follow the Tunstead Road north out of Wroxham. You’ll shortly arrive at Wroxham Barns, where there really is something for everyone. Chat to the talented makers in their craft studios or watch them while they work. Take the children to the funfair or visit Junior Farm where you can groom, cuddle and bottle-feed the animals. Before you leave, take a break in the award-winning restaurant or the Farmyard Café.

Leave Wroxham Barns and head back towards Coltishall, along Belaugh Lane. Make sure to spend time at Coltishall common which looks out on the River Bure and the marshes beyond. It’s ideal for a picnic or visit one of the two local pubs situated just at the water’s edge. The houses here haven’t changed much since Flemish gables were the fashion and make for a welcome time warp for true quintessential relaxation. Head back to the cycle hire via the hamlet of St James.

From Coltishall, a short 10-minute car journey will take you to Neatishead, home of the RAF Defence Radar Museum. The museum occupies the site of the world’s longest continuously operating radar station and tells the story of air defence and radar from 1935 to date. The museum is not open all year, so please check opening times before you visit.

If museums are not your thing, why not spend a couple of hours on the water and hire a self-drive day boat from Richardsons back in Wroxham? A couple of hours will give you the opportunity to relax and take a peek at all of the pretty and quirky riverside properties that are synonymous with the area.

End your day out with some entertainment on the water. Every Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and selected Friday evenings during the summer Broads Tours run evening music cruises. Sit back, tap your feet to the music with a drink and enjoy the sunset. Prebooking is essential for the evening cruises, so please check availability beforehand.

Places to stay nearby…

Hotel Wroxham – Hotel, Wroxham

Hoveton Hall – Luxury B&B, Hoveton

Hall Farm Cottages – Self-catering, Horning

Salhouse Broad – Camping

Cobbleacre Holidays – Camping, Hevingham

Cotenham Barn – Self-catering and B&B, Panxworth Tunstead Cottages – Self-catering Cottage, Tunstead

All itinerary times are approximate. Please leave plenty of time for your journey as times may be affected by tides, traffic or weather. Please obey the speed limits. The Broads Authority provides a network of free 24hr moorings. Many more are available at places such as staithes, public houses and boatyards although these may charge a fee.

For more information visit www.broads-authority.gov.uk

Remember to take a torch if you’re planning to walk back to your mooring after dark.

For lots more ideas of things to do, places to eat out and where to stay, visit visitthebroads.co.uk

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