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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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Clippesby Hall
Clippesby Hall is in a perfect location to explore the Norfolk Broads National Park, a unique network of waterways and lakes, as well as the delights of the Norfolk coast, with its range of beaches to suit all tastes.
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Wherrymans Way
You can walk the whole route or explore parts by cycle, train and river bus. Alternatively you can walk one of the ten circular walks enroute. Look out for the unique waymarkers, which include figures, sculpture, information panels and audio points.
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Elizabethan House Museum
Museum of domestic life in a 16th-century house. Hands-on activities throughout the house. Childrens playroom filled with toys from the past. Conspiracy room, where the trial and execution of Charles I was plotted. Events during school holidays.
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White Horse Inn
Traditional Norfolk pub, serving several real ales and tasty home made food
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Sutton Pottery
Small studio workshop in rural East Norfolk, established by Malcolm Flatman in 1977 in the Broadland village of Sutton, near Stalham. He uses the Potters Wheel and the fire of a gas kiln to create a large range of reduction stoneware entirely by hand.
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; grid reference TG306177
