
Coltishall is a busy riverside village. It is sometimes referred to as the "Gateway to the Broads" as it marks the start of the navigable portion of the
River Bure. The staithe is someway out of the village itself and it captivates visitors with its picturesque setting, riverside pubs, a grassy field and is overlooked by fine properties. The thatched village
church of St John is within walking distance of the staithe. The residential part of the village is nearly a mile further along the road and has some
shops. The Bure Valley Railway has a station in Coltishall, but this is a long walk from the staithe! Coltishall is also famous for its RAF base, situated about a mile north of the village. This RAF base has a long history and is where Sir Douglas Bader was once a squadron commander. Sadly, flying operations ceased at the end of March 2006.
Belaugh is a small, quiet, and unspoilt Broadland village. It is fairly unique for Norfolk in that it is located on a hill, which forms one edge of the Bure valley. There is a pretty staithe, a boatyard, a
church and a few houses and that is about it. Because there are few facilities and most boats need to navigate Wroxham bridge to travel here, Belaugh remains a lovely peaceful place, even in high summer. A
path from the village, leads across the fields towards Coltishall (about a mile and half) and is a pleasant walk.