Norfolk
Norfolk
Having spent quite a few holidays on the Norfolk Broads, I have dedicated this page to: Boating and places to visit around the Broads. I will also include some information such as: What it is like on boat? What about - heating, mooring, shopping, fishing, will I get sea sick?
If you are unsure if you would like
a holiday on the broads, all I can say is, it is a lot easier than you think. Your boat
comes with heating, a cooker, a fridge, charging points for camcorders etc, heated water
for washing (which is heated by the engine), a bathroom and electric lights. Some boats
even have microwaves. The gas is included in the price, as is drinking water and pump-out
(sewage). If you are unfortunate enough to break down, your boatyard will soon have
someone out to repair the boat.
When you start your holiday, the boatyard will show you how to steer the boat and also how to moor up. Once you have moored a couple of times it is easy. The essence of manoeuvring is to do everything slowly.
Most popular mooring locations have a pub and a shop. Wroxham has plenty of shops, most of which are 'Roys'.
If you want to fish you can get a 7 day license in most post offices, but it is seasonal. Closed season is March to June. Many people fish from their boats, and there are a lot of good bank-side locations.
The chance of getting sea-sick is tiny since you can only go at 4 to 6 mph. There are a couple of large 'Broads' which can get a bit choppy in high winds. These are Barton and Hickling on the North Broads and Braydon Water on the South Broads.
While I am there, I like to visit the Sutton Mill Pottery and a local candle maker's workshop at Stokesby (see info below). Whenever I visit the Broads I always buy something from the pottery as a souvenir. I often do some sailing or fishing - in season, and visiting Norwich to see the Cathedral or Colman's Mustard Shop makes a nice day out.
Since I started boating in my early twenties I have kept a diary of visits to the Broads. I have maps of the area, and also maps that I made, plotting my course during the holidays.
Boats come in different shapes and
sizes. Most of them are powered by diesel unless you go for a yacht. I prefer Flickering
Light, which is a boat ideal for four, but can hold up to six people. It is from the
Herbert Woods boat yard at Potter Heigham. It also suits us, because it will go under the
low bridge at Potter, and so you can see more of the North Broads at Hickling.
As there is no age
limit for steering or sailing a boat, your kids will have a great time being a captain.
And you can hire a dingy, and all learn to sail (Life jackets are provided for all members
of your party). I found a local hand book on sailing, and soon picked it up. One thing
that is worth knowing, is that boats should always give way to sail, as it is the wind
that decides there direction. But a polite arm signal to tell the boat captain which way
you would like him to go, when you are sailing, makes it a lot easier and prevents
confusion.
When I go
on the broads
I tend to rent the boat from this boat yard.
Herbert Woods, Potter
Heigham,
Norfolk, NR29 5JD.
Tel: 01692 670711
Email: mail@broads.co.uk
I usually book through Blakes Boating
Holidays;
Blakes International Travel Ltd.
Wroxham. Norwich
Tel: (01603) 739400 : 739500 : 739456
Fax:(01603) 782871
E-mail: boats@blakes.co.uk
http://www.blakes.co.uk
PLACES TO VISIT
The Candlemaker at Stokesby is well worth a visit. You can even have a go at making your
own candle.
Mill Road, Stokesby, Gt. Yarmouth NR29
3EY
tel (01493) 750242
Sutton (Windmill) Pottery
I always try to visit the pottery when I can. It is run by Malcolm Flatman; who, apart
from being a good potter, is also very welcoming.
He makes a large range of pots, from plates to windmill lamps. I have found it is a nice
place to stop off on the way home by car. It is an ideal place to buy a personal gift.
Sutton Pottery, Church Road,Sutton,Norwich,NR12 9SG
(01692) 580595