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Day Seven: Day
boat trip – Ludham Bridge to Neatishead via How Hill
The River Ant between Ludham Bridge and Barton
Broad is one of the most picturesque parts of the Norfolk Broads. It can
be quite narrow in places and very rural. It is not unusual to see
bundles of thatch lying to the side waiting for collection which
merely adds to its old world charm as the sails of traditional
wooden yachts move effortlessly along the river. You can
experience this peace and tranquility by hiring your own Broads
cruiser for the day and exploring the area afloat.
Cost Guide: £££££
For day boat hire we recommend Ludham Bridge
Boatyard. This is a family run business where you will find
clean and reliable boats. Don’t worry if you’ve no experience
with boats, as the rules of the river are simple to follow and
after an initial briefing when you will also collect your life
jackets you will be all set to take command of your own
vessel.
Once you have hired your boat our recommended
route for a day trip is as follows:
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Drive to Acle and park, for free, at the leisure centre,
before strolling through this typical Broadland village, past the
church and Budgens supermarket, to Horners auction yard. |
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OR, for a more
environmentally friendly option, you can catch a train to Acle from either Norwich or Great Yarmouth, with the
station only a short walk from the auction yard and the village. |
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Thursday is market day in Acle, starting around 10am, with
viewing allowed earlier in the morning, and the combination of the
varied stalls selling local produce and the auction conducted by
Horners provides a vibrant taste of life in a modern Broadland
village. |
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After your visit to the
market, either drive along the A1064 towards Caister, or in the summer months, catch the circular
village bus service run by Our Hire, stopping at Filby Bridge. On
the way, you will cross the River Bure at Acle Bridge. The old
bridge, which was replaced many years ago, was the scene of many
grisly executions in olden times, with the unfortunate criminals
left to rot, hanging from the bridge itself. The bridge’s
reputation for being haunted is well-deserved! |
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Filby is a fine example of
how small communities can survive and thrive. Located
along the A1064, the village supports two pubs, a
family-run restaurant and tearoom (serving the best Eccles
cakes in the Norfolk Broads!), centred around the village shop and
post office run by the Thompson family, which provides a
wide range of services for the local community. The
Thompson family also help to co-ordinate the village’s
entry into the national and regional Village in Bloom
competition, won on several occasions. If you are lucky
enough to visit during the spring and summer, take some
time to linger in the village and experience the riot of
colour spread along the main village road. |
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Back at Filby Bridge, you
can enjoy lunch at the restaurant, with its lovely views
over Filby Broad. In the afternoon, why not hire a rowing
boat to enjoy one of the most peaceful stretches of water
in the Norfolk Broads. This is because the Trinity Broads, as
Filby, Rollesby and Ormesby Broads are known, are no longer connected to
the main waterways system for navigation purposes, with the result
that there are no hire craft on the water here. |
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These Broads are also
ideal for fishing enthusiasts, either out on the water or
from the recently built fishing platforms incorporating
disabled access at Filby, with parking located just to the
west of the Broad on the A1064. You can explore south on
Filby Broad under the road bridge, or north into Rollesby Broad (and the small Lily Broad, inaccessible
by any other means). |
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On the north shore of
Filby Broad, you can even moor up for a pint at the Eels
Foot Inn, located right on the Norfolk Broads edge. Sunsets from
these Broads can be magnificent, and we can think of no
better way to end a day exploring the Norfolk Broads than paddling
gently back to Filby across the water, with the sun
slipping down over the horizon. |
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On the north shore of
Filby Broad, you can even moor up for a pint at the Eels
Foot Inn, located right on the Norfolk Broads edge. Sunsets from
these Broads can be magnificent, and we can think of no
better way to end a day exploring the Norfolk Broads than paddling
gently back to Filby across the water, with the sun
slipping down over the horizon. |
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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Weavers Way, Thurne to Halvergate
Leaving Thurne village the route joins the River Bure passing close to Oby and Clippesby Mills and then onwards to Acle. Acle village would have been in Roman times on the edge of an extensive estuary system, which is now part of the Halvergate Marshes.
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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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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 TG374172
