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.
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Drive to the Norfolk
Wildlife Trust visitor centre in Hickling,
located on Stubb Lane and signposted from Hickling village |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 dont miss their
award-winning pub garden. |
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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! |
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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.
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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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Stalham Circular Walk
There is an attractive 5 mile circular walk around Stalham and the surrounding countryside. The town itself is interesting, with many Georgian buildings and an inn dating from 1380. The walk goes past todays holiday boatyards, as well as the old staithe.
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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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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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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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"Norfolk Wildlife Trust was formed in 1926, the first naturalist's
trust in Britain"
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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. |
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TOP TIPS |
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Choose a warm, dry day with
not too much wind |
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Remember to take a hat, and
warm clothing as the boat trip can be breezy, even on a sunny
day |
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The boardwalk trails at the
Wildlife Trust are suitable for disabled access |
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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 |
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It is also advisable to ring
Sutton Pottery to check opening times on 01692 580595 |
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There are toilets at the
Wildlife Trust visitor centre, and for customers at the
Greyhound Inn |
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There is free customer parking
at the Wildlife Trust, the Greyhound Inn and at Sutton Pottery |
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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 TG428222
