CANOE & KAYAK

Barton Broad.

Barton Broad is the second largest of the Norfolk Broads and was subject to substantial improvement a few years ago. A multi-million pound project was undertaken by the Broads Authority aimed at restoring the silting broad to clear water. The project on the whole has been a success and Barton Broad is once again a real boating paradise. The Broad is home to numerous wildlife, including many species of birds, fish and even otters, who have returned to the broad following the clearwater project. Try launching at Barton Turf.

Hickling Broad.

Hickling Broad offers a large expanse of reed fringed water to explore. The Broad is popular with birdwatchers and has one of the largest nature reserves in the UK, attracting birdwatchers from all over Europe as it is a stopping point for many migrating birds.

Lime Kiln Dyke near Neatishead.

Close to Gays Staithe is the opening to Lime Kiln Dyke, a narrow, wooded channel that links the village of Neatishead with Barton Broad. The waters around Neatishead are lovely quiet backwaters, ideal for a paddle in a canoe. Often the owners of the gardens that back on to the dyke offer items for sale to floaters, such as home baked scones.

Wayford Bridge on the River Ant.

Located on the upper reaches of the River Ant, Wayford Bridge has a canoe hire place that offers a wide range of stable family canoes for hire. You can paddle downstream to see Hunsett Mill (one of the best windmills on the Norfolk Broads) before returning for lunch at the popular Wayford Bridge Hotel restaurant!

Whitlingham Country Park near Norwich.

This beach, woodland and water park just southeast outside Norwich at Trowse is a great place to walk, cycle, canoe, picnic or birdwatch. Built on the site of a quarry whose gravel was used for a number of major local construction projects, Whitlingham offers a full range of water-based activities, including moth and bat evenings, pond dipping, quarry safaris and a Canadian canoe trail. A historic flint barn has been converted into a visitor information centre, cafe and WC.

Salhouse Broad.

Salhouse Broad is surrounded by attractive woodland and is a quiet spot for a great relaxing day out. The broad is also a great place to try canoeing and you can hire a canoe and give it a go! A water taxi service operates to nearby Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail, which is only accessible by boat.

Malthouse Broad in Ranworth.

Malthouse Broad is a boating paradise with all style, shape and size of boat, and their crew can often be found having a pint of local beer in the pub! Ranworth Broad is said to be haunted by a 12th century monk that is often seen rowing his boat out onto the Broad early in the morning mist. The village itself is dominated by the church dating back to 1370 and is known as the Cathedral of the Broads.

Wells next the sea.

Wells next the sea is situated a good mile or so from open water. Like many places along this stretch of the Norfolk Norfolk Coast, silting has limited access to the sea, but back in Tudor times, Wells was one of the great ports of eastern England. It’s still one of the most attractive towns on the North Norfolk coast, and the only one to remain a commercially viable port. It features many narrow creeks nicely sheltered from the offshore winds and makes a very good base for exploring the surrounding coastline.

How Hill near Ludham.

The How Hill Estate is a study centre with a fine large, thatched Edwardian house set in acres of reed, marsh, woodland and a small broad, together with a marshman's cottage and three restored drainage mills. The nearby River Ant is a great place to enjoy this beautiful landscape and observe the local wildlife.

Burnham Overy Staithe.

At Burnham Overy Staithe, we have plenty of launching facilities for boats of all kinds. The village of Burnham Overy has moved over the years, as the channel gradually silted up sea going vessels had to moor further and further downstream, until over time the majority of the population had moved from Burnham Overy Town to Burnham Overy Staithe. Today it is a mecca for boating enthusiasts, with plenty of paths for those who prefer to remain on land!