Whitlingham Park
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A woodland and water country park near Norwich, offering water sports, walking, cycling or bird watching. |
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Whitlingham Country Park Introduction
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This woodland and water park just southeast outside Norwich at Trowse is a great place to walk, cycle, picnic or bird watch. 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 sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, rafting and canoeing - all of which can be undertaken in a safe and fun learning environment. Training is available for novices from the water sports centre, where you can hire a craft on the day, or you can bring your own and buy a day-pass to float your boat. The Whiltlingham Adventure centre also operates courses in a number of non-waterbased outdoor activities, such as off-road biking, climbing and archery. Other things to do around the country park include moth and bat evenings and pond dipping. You will find miles of paths to walk or cycle along and a historic flint barn, which has been converted into a visitor information centre, cafe and WC. NOTE: Be aware that several of our readers have reported getting a parking ticket for being only a minute or two late on their expiry time - you have been warned! |
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Whitlingham Country Park Map
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Whitlingham Country Park Guided Picture Tour
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We start our tour of Whitlingham Country Park in the car-park at the Great Broad. There are a number of pay & display car-parks around the park, but the one adjacent to the visitors centre is the most popular. The visitors centre is a large converted flint barn and contains a number of displays, a Broads Authority tourist information centre and a good cafe - serving a range of drinks, snacks and meals. |
Whitlingham visitors centre, a converted flint barn |
One of the pay & display car parks at Whitlingham Park |
The entrance to the Whitlingham visitor centre and cafe |
The Broads Authority Information Centre |
The Cafe inside the Visitors Centre, serving snacks & meals |
Enjoying a coffee and a chat on the terrace, overlooking the Great Broad |
Moving down to the Great Broad, we get a wonderful view over the water with the Norwich skyline as a backdrop. This view really shows just how close Whitlingham Country Park is to the city of Norwich! The floodlights in the middle of the skyline belong to Norwich City's Carrow Road Ground. Boat trips are available aboard the solar powered boat "RA", operated by the Broads Authority. A 50 minute trip takes you around the Broad, complete with commentary on local wildlife from the skipper. |
Whitlingham Park and the Norwich skyline |
Sailing boats freely mix with various wildlife |
Take a boat trip aboard the 'RA" at Whittlingham |
Enjoying a family day out at Whitlingham |
Admiring the view and enjoying the countryside |
Various works of art can be found around the park |
Interesting wooden sculpture |
WALK & CYCLE ROUTE - Whitlingham Great Broad Perimeter - approximately 3 miles
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A path leads right around the Great Broad, which is just over 2 miles for a complete circuit. You don't have to walk the entire way round however, with the majority of visitors opting to walk a portion of the perimeter. Alternatively, you can cycle around, with the route linking up to National Cycle Network Route One and other regional routes. |
Walking in Whitlingham Country Park |
Paths at Whitlingham Park |
Signposts mark the Wherryman's Way |
Cycling at Whitlingham Country Park |
Wooden footbridge at Whitlingham |
Plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling at Whitlingham Country Park |
Hidden amongst the trees you may spot the ruins of Trowse Newton Hall. This was originally the country retreat of the Priors of Norwich Cathedral. In 1335, Kind Edward III of England and Queen Phillipa of Hainault stayed at the hall. They arrived from Norwich in a fleet of lavishly decorated rowing boats and it is said, the King & Queen were very impressed with their beautiful lodgings! Other dignitaries visiting Norwich, regularly stayed at Trowse Newton Hall. Unfortunately, this once grand house, now stands in ruins amongst the trees of Whitlingham Country Park. |
The ruin of Trowse Newton Hall, hidden amongst the trees of Whitlingham Country Park |
The gateway once leading to Trowse Newton Hall |
Glimpses of the ruin from the path around the Great Broad |
Whitlingham is a haven for nature and wildlife. You are pretty sure to meet plenty of the local residents, including swans, ducks, geese and possibly otters along the waters edge. In the woods you may spot woodpeckers, tree creepers and jays. A good place to see wildlife is the Conservation area on the northern shore of the Great Broad. |
White Swans on Whitlingham Broad |
A Geese family on Whitlingham Broad |
Yellow flowers of wild Iris |
A young gosling swimming on the Broad |
At the head of the Great Broad is the Whitlingham Adventure centre which has excellent facilities for the teaching of outdoor sports. The centre offers a full range of water-based activities, including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, rafting and canoeing - all of which can be undertaken in a safe and fun learning environment. Training is available for novices from the water sports centre, where you can hire a craft on the day, or you can bring your own and buy a day-pass to float your boat. The education centre also operates activity courses, not just watersports either, but also off-road biking, climbing, archery and more! |
Whitlingham Adventure centre |
Learning to sail in an Optimist at Whitlingham |
Launching ramp at Whitlingham |
Topper dinghy sailing on Whitlingham Great Broad |
If you get in trouble, rescue facilities are close at hand! |
Finally, at the eastern end of the country park you will find a children's play area. There are free activities for kids including a wooden ship with climbing and slides for the younger ones. There is also a large grass area for your own games or a picnic on warm sunny days. The spot offers great views of the river Yare before it is diverted around the Great Broad. |
Wooden Ship Play Area |
Riverside Picnic |
Views of the river Yare |
Things to SEE and DO at Whitlingham Country Park
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Try Sailing, Canoeing or Windsurfing at the Water Sports Centre |
Walk or Cycle along the paths around the Great Broad |
Investigate the Hall Ruin |
Let the kids play on the children's outdoor play area |
Spot wildlife on and around the Great Broad |
Spot the various pieces of sculpture around the country park |
Visit the Information Centre and enjoy a refreshment in the Cafe |
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Our Verdict
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Whitlingham is a stones throw from Norwich, but in a different world entirely. A great place for many leisure pursuits and those wanting to relax in a peaceful rural setting. Be careful about the over zealous car parking (don't let your pay & display ticket expire). |
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