NEATISHEAD

This area of Broadland is quiet and unspoilt. It is a great place for a walk or a cycle and explore the lovely Norfolk Broads villages of Neatishead, Irstead and Barton Turf. Neatishead is the largest of the three villages and has a pub, shop and restaurant. All the villages have their own staithe, giving access to Barton Broad, and it is this waterside setting that gives these villages that something special. This has resulted in the area containing some spectacular waterside homes (the road to the north of Neatishead is known locally as millionaires row). Between the villages of Neatishead and Irstead is Gays staithe (with boat trips on the solar powered boat Ra) and the Barton Boardwalk, allowing foot access to view Barton Broad. There are many fine walks and bike rides along quiet country lanes and to Alderfen Broad nature reserve. The villages of Barton Turf and Irstead also have fine churches that are well worth a visit.

View a detailed Norfolk Broads tourist information map

Neatishead Guided Tour

We start our tour at Neatishead public staithe, which is located off a quiet backwater (Lime Kiln Dyke). The village of Neatishead is only a 5 minute walk from the staithe and has a village shop - White House Stores.

Ye Olde Saddlery Restaurant is located opposite the pub. It has a good menu and also does afternoon teas.

Just by the Boardwalk car park is pretty Gays Staithe - the starting point of the boat trips aboard the solar powered boat "The Ra" These trips are run by the Broads Authority - see their website for details.

Close to Gayes 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 or a spot of fishing.

Amidst pretty countryside near the heart of the Norfolk Broads, this exceptional property has been converted from a barn dated 1713 to offer every modern comfort including a hot tub in its private garden. Set on its own attractive courtyard within the grounds of the owners' home, Beech Barn is sure to appeal to nature lovers – marsh harriers are in abundance and within walking distance lies Alderfen Broad, a conservation area and bird watchers' delight. A short drive leads to Barton Broad where visitors can enjoy a walk around the broadwalk or try the Solar boat experience. Nearby Horning village offers boat hire, a tree adventure park, and a trip on the Mississippi paddle steamer is a must. Medieval Norwich, with its magnificent cathedral, castle, museums, galleries, cafés, restaurants and excellent shopping, is under 10 miles' drive as are the fine sandy beaches of the beautiful Norfolk coast. Shops and pubs serving food 1½ miles.

See more cottages on the Norfolk Broads

Irstead Guided Tour

Returning to the road, we continue along a beautiful country lane to Irstead, which is a collection of pretty houses on the banks of the River Ant. Irstead staithe, is a pretty spot to stop and enjoy the peace and quiet, at any time of year.

Irstead Church - St Michael - has a thatched roof and dates from the 15th century. It is well worth taking a look inside this peaceful church.

Irstead contains some picturesque waterside homes - who are the lucky people that live in these properties!

The countryside surrounding Neatishead, Irstead and Barton Turf is very picturesque and there are some great walks and cycle rides along the quiet country lanes. It gives the opportunity to see some great Norfolk rural countryside - and its fairly flat!

Barton Turf Guided Tour

Heading North from Neatishead, we come to Barton Turf, which is a totally unspoilt Broadland village. There are cottages grouped around the village green/pond and on the road down to the pretty staithe.

The village staithe is a peaceful place to moor your boat. All kinds of boats call in at the staithe, including wherries, yachts and cruisers.

A view from Barton Turf staithe on a frosty winters morning, the building on the staithe is owned by the parish and used for meetings and events.

Barton Turf village church is nearly a mile from the village.

The methodist chapel is slightly closer - half a mile towards Pennygate.

Sailaway - Barton Turf - Norfolk Broads

A real gem, perfect for a romantic break, this unique property boasts a pretty veranda and an ideal location just 500 yards from the wide expanses of water on Barton Broad, where visitors can fish, hire boats, launch their own boats on the public slipway or simply enjoy the waterborne world going by. Set in the grounds of the owners' home, and offering a high standard of comfort, as well as its own private patio and blissful hot tub, this lovingly restored holiday retreat enjoys a wonderfully relaxing ambience. Gorgeous North Norfolk beaches, Wroxham's restaurants and river boat trips (4 miles) and medieval Norwich with its cathedral and excellent shopping are all just a short drive. Pub and shop 1½ miles.

See more cottages on the Norfolk Broads

Finally, don't miss the RAF Air Defence Museum on the road from Neatishead towards Horning. This museum depicts the secret world of RAF defence radar using many exhibits, models, photos, light and sound. It's centre piece is a Cold War Operations Room, left exactly as it was during 1954. There is also a replica operations room from the Battle of Britain and an updated operations room from 1942. A new addition to the museum is a number of rooms dedicated to nearby RAF Coltishall, which sadly ceased flying operations in 2006.

Neatishead Summary of what to SEE and DO