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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Norfolk Broads Holiday Cottages
Find your ideal riverside holiday cottage on the Norfolk Broads from our wide selection of waterside cottages, lodges and log cabins. Many with riverside access and moorings, ideal for fishing & exploring the beautiful Broads by boat.
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Salhouse Circular Walk
The walk passes along pleasant country lanes and footpaths. Dating from the 15th century, All Saints Church has a thatched roof and a rare example of Lecturn Bell by the rood screen.
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Norfolk Windmills Trust
The Trust is responsible for twenty mills within Norfolk, and is financially and technically supported by Norfolk County Council.
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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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"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
