Day Six: The Norfolk Broads Canoe Safari
| When visiting the Broads, there are a
number of ways to explore the landscape in order to get a feel
for the area, but in our opinion, hiring a Canadian canoe and
paddling quietly along the river while kingfisher-spotting,
stopping for lunch at a country pub, takes some beating. There
are a number of canoe hire centres located throughout the
Broads, and you can find your nearest centre by telephoning
the Broads Authority on 01603 782281, or by picking up the
bike & canoe hire leaflet from any Visitor Information Centre.
We have chosen one such centre, Bank’s Dayboats at Wayford
Bridge, and designed a day based around the River Ant, Barton
Broad and Neatishead, but other centres will be happy to
provide suggestions for days out in their local area. |
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Drive to Bank Boatyard
located on the A149, west of Wayford Bridge |
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Hire a canoe, turning
right out of the boatyard, and spend a peaceful day
paddling at your own speed down the River Ant towards
Barton Broad |
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The Broad itself has been
the subject of a major water quality improvement programme
in recent years, and it has become a flagship example of
best practice across Europe |
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As you enter the Broad,
bear to the right and follow the signs to Neatishead,
keeping an eye out for the Ra, the distinctive
solar-powered boat operated by the Broads Authority |
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2 & 3 seater canoes £25 a day,
£15 per half day, hourly rates on request
Bungay, Outney Meadow Caravan
Park
Tel: 01986 892338
Burgh St. Peter, Waveney
River Centre
Tel: 01502 677343
Geldeston, Rowancraft
Tel: 01508 518208
Wayford Bridge, Bank Dayboats
Tel: 01692 582457
Whitlingham Country Park
Norfolk County Council Outdoor Education Programme
Tel: 01603 632307
Wroxham, Barnes Brinkcraft,
Riverside Road
Tel: 01603 782625 |
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Moor at Neatishead and
wander along the lane into the village for lunch at the
White Horse public house, a traditional Norfolk pub,
serving several real ales and tasty home made food
(including some great sausages (veggie or meaty) and mash
with red onion gravy on our last visit) |
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Feeling re-vitalised,
return up river at a leisurely pace, taking plenty of time
to look for the kingfishers that are known to live along
this stretch of the river. Paddling quietly in a canoe is
an ideal way to view these magical, brightly coloured
birds as they dart along searching for their next meal. |
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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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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.
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Burlingham Circular Walk
The circular walks (1mile, 2 miles and 3 miles) can be enjoyed by the visitor, their routes are colour coded and utilize both existing public footpaths and permissive paths. The trails pass through woodlands, fields and along a green lane.
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Blickling Hall, Garden & Park
Magnificent Jacobean house with garden and park. Famed for its long gallery, fine tapestries, paintings and rare books. Parkland, lakeside walks and sunken garden. Reputedly home to the headless ghost of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIIIs second queen.
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Broad House Hotel
Broad House is a 9 bedroom, Grade II listed English country estate. This boutique hotel located on the Norfolk Broads set in 25 acres.parkland is a world away from day to day living, where you can relax and enjoy an informal country house
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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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"Staithes are common in
the Broads, and these are merely
banks for mooring,
or landing-stages
for boats"
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TOP TIPS |
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Choose a warm, dry day if
possible with not too much wind |
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Remember to take a hat,
sunscreen and a drink |
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In high season it is advisable
to telephone Bank Boatyard in advance on 01692
582457 and prebook your canoe |
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There is free customer parking
at the boatyard |
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Each of the days suggested on this website are covered by the OS Map, Landranger 134
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grid reference TG348248
