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Day One:
Day Boat Trip - Wroxham to
Coltishall / Gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Wroxham is considered to be the Gateway to the Norfolk Broads, with many of
the region’s boat hire firms being based here. A small but bustling
place that is home to Roys of Wroxham, said to be the largest village
store in the world! What better place to climb aboard a Broads cruiser
for the day and explore the area afloat.
Cost Guide : £££££
For day boat hire we recommend Fineway Launch Hire in Wroxham. This is a
family run business where you will find clean and reliable boats with
a choice of either eco friendly electric or diesel powered. Don’t
worry if you’ve no experience with boats, as the rules of the river
are simple to follow, and after a brief training session you will be
Master and Commander of your own vessel.
Once you have hired your boat our recommended route for a day trip
is as follows:
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When you leave Fineway Launch Hire boatyard turn right onto the main
River Bure and pass under the historic Wroxham bridge. As the bridge
itself is low you will find that many of the holiday cruisers cannot
get through and the river will be noticeably quieter on the other
side. |
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The water quality is so good here, you will find water lilies
growing wild and you can see the river bed in many places. Watch out
for the vivid blue flash of the kingfishers as they dart along the
river from tree to tree! |
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Be sure not to miss ‘Bridge Broad’ – it is
signposted but very small. This is one of the prettiest
Broads and is not accessible on foot. You will also pass a
large sloped grassy meadow (Cane Meadow), which sweeps down
to the river and has a sandy edge. It is quite normal to see
people picnicking and swimming here as it is popular with
locals |
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Further along you will come into the village of
Belaugh – there are no shops here but there is a public staithe
and the pretty village church which sits high on the hill is
well worth the walk. Venturing further you will come to
Coltishall Common, which is an ideal place for a lunch stop with
two pubs sitting side by side. |
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The Rising Sun is located right by the river and
has tables outside, ideal for those long hot summer days,
together with seats inside the old granary offering lovely views
across the marshes and reedbeds. With a varied main menu,
including classic dishes and daily specials, together with a
range of snacks and lighter bites, this is an ideal spot for
lunch. Vegetarians are well served with two standard options on
the main menu, together with a very tasty homemade veggie
chilli. |
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The King’s Head is next to the road and has much
more of a restaurant feel, so if fine dining is what you are
looking for, this may well be the place for you. Kevin, the
owner and head chef, is the only member of The Masterchefs of
Great Britain in the Norfolk Broads. Locally caught seafood, rare breed
pork and locally reared beef are all regulars on the range of a
la carte, light and set menus, and the homemade desserts are a
speciality. |
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Most boats will not proceed further than Coltishall Common
but in small day boats it is possible to go a little way
further towards the end of navigation at Coltishall Lock, and
you can be rewarded with the sight of kingfishers flitting
along this quiet and peaceful stretch of water, before turning
around and starting your return journey.
Useful Norfolk Broads Contacts
Below you will find suggestions for accommodation, activities, attractions,
food & drink and shopping. All useful
contacts while visiting the Norfolk Broads.
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Sutton Staithe Hotel
Sutton Staithe Hotel is located yards from the River Ant in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. The Hotel boasts thirteen fully en-suite letting rooms all with internet access and Satellite television. Special offers can be found on our website.
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The Broads by Bike
The Norfolk Broads is an ideal place for cycling; quiet lanes, gently undulating countryside, unique and beautiful landsape. These combine to make the Broads a truly special place, just waiting to be discovered by cyclists of all ages and abilities.
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Bure Valley Railway, The
Opened in 1990, the Bure Valley Railway offers an 18 mile round trip through picturesque countryside which is as varied, interesting and beautiful as any to be found on a railway journey in England.
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Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
53 hectares (131 acres) of beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad at South Walsham in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.
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Linda H. Matthews Artist
Working artists studio & gallery, in the beautiful northern broads. Paintings & gifts from Lindas work. Also offering structured painting courses and private tuition, for individuals & groups, with an experienced tutor & art materials for sale
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; grid reference TG306177
