The floating Broads Wildlife Centre at the staithe is reached by a boardwalk and has a panoramic vista across Ranworth Broad where you can view a good number of wildfowl including wigeon, gadwall, teal, shoveler and pochard, and great crested grebes and the occasional kingfisher zip across the water.
Hundreds of cormorants roost in the out stretched branches of dead trees, with marsh harriers passing overhead and common terns nesting. The boardwalk passes through excellent woodland and reedbed habitats with a number of interesting plants, as well as common woodland birds. Swallowtails are present, as well as Norfolk hawkers and other dragonflies. Guided boat trips are available between April and October, taking you along a private Broad (seasonal opening and weather permitting). If you climb the many steps of St Helen’s church tower, known as the cathedral of the Broads, you can appreciate magnificent views of the Norfolk Broads river system.
Wroxham, the capital of the Broads, is 7 miles away, with numerous pubs, cafés, daily river trips and boat hire available. Aylsham Bure Valley Steam Railway is just 17 miles away which allows you to experience a nostalgic trip by steam on Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway. It runs between Aylsham and Wroxham, and through the pretty Bure Valley countryside, stopping at the pretty broadland villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall, where you can hop off and explore by foot. Norwich, 10 miles, is easily reached by car or bus, with its theatre, castle museum, cathedral, market square and excellent shopping malls. The Norfolk Coast and its sandy beaches is less than 15 miles away. Shop/post office, pub and restaurant 350 yard
Accommodation details
Ground Floor: Shower room: With shower cubicle and toilet. Dining area. Kitchen: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer and washing machine. First Floor: Living room/bedroom: With Freeview TV and twin beds.
Extra Amenities
Electric heaters, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Garden with sitting-out area. Private parking for 1 car. No smoking. Please note: There is a river 330 yards away.
Spoilt for choice - log cabin or family beach holiday house? East of England is loved by families on vacation. You will find cottages with dogs allowed in Suffolk coast, Sudbury or Great Yarmouth - some have Easter breaks.
Hiking and walking routes
Broxbourne circular walk via Roydon
Snaresbrook to Loughton (Epping Forest)
The Rivers Ore & Alde from Orford
Erwarton, Church End & River Orwell walk from Pin Mill