Discover the Norfolk Broads
A guide to 10 great days out around the Norfolk Broads compiled with local knowledge
Discover the Norfolk Broads - A guide to 10 great days out around the Norfolk Broads compiled with local knowledge
Accommodation Activities Attractions Food and Drink Shopping What's On Where are the
Norfolk Broads?
Advertise

Day Five: Weaving, Potting & Bittern Spotting - Hickling Broad & Sutton

Traditional industries played a large part in the history and development of the Broads, and this day is designed to help you discover something of the impact these activities have had on the landscape, people and wildlife over the centuries. Our suggestions will take you to Hickling Broad, the largest peat working in the Broads, for a not-to-be-missed guided tour of the Broad, its history and wildlife; lunch at a traditional pub; followed by an afternoon stroll (around 4 miles) along the Weavers Way, now a long distance footpath, but in ages past a route for weavers and their products stretching from Cromer to the markets and port at Great Yarmouth, to a modern expression of this craft tradition at a local pottery.

Start : Norfolk Wildlife Trust visitor centre in Hickling
Ordnance Survey Landranger map 134; grid reference TG428222

•   Drive to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust visitor centre in Hickling, located on Stubb Lane and signposted from Hickling village

 
•   Take plenty of time to explore the reserve using the marked trails and boardwalks extending along the edge of Hickling Broad, the largest expanse of water in the Broads National Park.

•   A wide variety of insect and bird life inhabit the reserve, including marsh harriers, the rare swallowtail butterfly and even rarer bittern. If you visit in late spring, listen out for its booming cry carrying over the reeds.

•   Not to be missed however, and by far the best way to explore the reserve, is the guided boat trip run by the Trust. Leaving several times during the day, and lasting for around 2 hours, this trip is in our opinion the best guided boat trip available in the Broads. However, you will need to book in advance by telephoning the Trust on 01692 598276.

•   The trip is undertaken on a traditional reed lighter, electrically powered and provides a varied and comprehensive exploration of the Broad, its history, wildlife, hidden areas and conservation - just wonderful! After your trip, stop for lunch at the Greyhound Inn located in the village centre, (turn right at the end of Stubb Lane). The pub offers a wide selection of good food and real ales, and if the weather permits don’t miss their award-winning pub garden.

•   After lunch, leaving your car in the village, why not walk off those pounds with a gentle stroll along the Weavers Way, using the quiet lanes around the village. Turn right outside the pub, and take the first left, and you will pass Sutton Mill, the tallest windmill in England, although it is now closed to visitors. Once past the Mill, go straight across at the crossroads. Turning left at the next junction will bring you to Sutton Pottery, a small but busy studio, run by Malcolm Flatman. Malcolm specialises in beautiful, functional home ware, together with some decorative pieces and is happy to welcome visitors Monday to Friday. Should you wish to place an order, he can even send your pots by post!

 

•   On leaving the pottery, turn left and then left again, following the lane back to Hickling village and your car.

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.

Accommodation

Activities

Attractions

Food and Drink

Shopping


Norfolk Mead Hotel, The

Built in 1740, the Norfolk Mead, formally a merchants house, is set in 8 tranquil riverside acres on the river Bure. Just 7 miles from the city of Norwich and 10 miles from the coast. An ideal location for a weekend or longer break.


Fineway Launch Hire

Operating from our boatyard situated in the heart of the Norfolk Broads on the river Bure in the busy village of Wroxham we provide rental services of day boats, a cabin cruiser and a riverside cottage.


Norfolk Windmills Trust

The Trust is responsible for twenty mills within Norfolk, and is financially and technically supported by Norfolk County Council.


White Horse Inn

Traditional Norfolk pub, serving several real ales and tasty home made food


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

 
Day One Gateway to the Norfolk Broads - Wroxham
Day Two Hidden Heart of the Norfolk Broads - Picturesque Ranworth
Day Three Conservation in action - Salhouse and Cockshoot Broads
Day Four Living Landscape - Market Day in Broadland/Trinity Broads
Day Five Weaving, Potting & Bittern Spotting - Hickling Broad & Sutton
Day Six The Norfolk Broads Canoe Safari
Day Seven The Perfect Picnic - Cycling tour to How Hill
Day Eight Fringe benefits - Explore the Norfolk Broads coastal fringe on foot
Day Nine Our vanishing coastline – A range of perspectives
Day Ten Sail from Ludham, Gather from Horning
  Rainy Days

"Norfolk Wildlife Trust was formed in 1926, the first naturalist's trust in Britain"

Wildlife Fact File
THE BITTERN
Botaurus stellaris

Now one of the rarest birds in Britain, it requires seclusion and a habitat of reedbeds in order to breed. Hickling is one of the few locations managed in a way as to encourage these elusive birds.

TOP TIPS
1. Choose a warm, dry day with not too much wind
2. Remember to take a hat, and warm clothing as the boat trip can be breezy, even on a sunny day
3. The boardwalk trails at the Wildlife Trust are suitable for disabled access
4. The boat trip from the Wildlife Trust runs from mid-May to mid-September, Sunday to Thursday, and it is essential to book in advance by phoning the visitor centre on 01692 598276. There is a charge for entry to the reserve and for the boat trip and the reserve is open from 10am to 5pm
5. It is also advisable to ring Sutton Pottery to check opening times on 01692 580595
6. There are toilets at the Wildlife Trust visitor centre, and for customers at the Greyhound Inn
7. There is free customer parking at the Wildlife Trust, the Greyhound Inn and at Sutton Pottery


Each of the days suggested on this website are covered by the OS Map, Landranger 134

Using Google we can offer basic translations of the Discover the Norfolk Broads website into:

Deutsch

 

Espanol

 

Francais

 

Italiano

  Portuguese   日本語   한국   汉语  

العربيه

Advertise on this website Copyright © Clippesby Hall Site designed and run by Earthly Ideas Sitemap

Discover the Norfolk Broads - A guide to 10 great days out around the Norfolk Broads compiled with local knowledge