If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life for a while, you could find canal boat hire in Norfolk affords you the chance to experience tranquillity.
When searching for the perfect location to make your UK boat hire purchase, you might like to consider the unspoilt surroundings of the Norfolk Broads, which is Britain's largest nationally-protected wetland.
The tranquil area boasts many waterways and rivers on which to while away the hours while enjoying the slow pace of life and feeling closer to nature. You can travel through small market towns and boat-building villages, or explore Cambridge down the River Cam, which is popular among punters.
Moor your boat below Jesus Lock on either side of the river or on the western bank near Clayhithe and explore the university city on dry land for a while. Just remember you'll need a navigation licence from the Environment Agency or the Conservators of the River Cam to travel down the river.
If you prefer peace and quiet, you might want to see the sights of Cambridge from the river and journey on along the many waterways, taking in the local wildlife and scenery as you do so.
On a Norfolk Broads canal boat holiday, expect the pace to become slower as you meander down through the area, stopping occasionally at bird-watching stations and gazing in awe at the picturesque setting.
Try setting off from Horning in Wroxhom to benefit from more than 120 miles of lock-free cruising over flat land. The waterways were formed when the sea level rose 700 years ago, causing peat pits from medieval times to fill with water. You might like to stop off at the village of Woodbastwick on the edge of Cockshoot Broad to give your legs a bit of exercise and while you're there, why not sample some local ale at the Norfolk Brewery?
Climb more than 90 steps to the top of the ancient church tower at Ranworth for a cultural experience and fantastic views of the broads and then take in the sights of the local nature reserve, which might be particularly appealing to youngsters as shipwrecks are visible from the windows of the floating visitor centre.
After returning to your canal boat, you might want to visit Hickling Broad next, especially if you have a penchant for sailing. The area is a popular sailing boat location and is also home to a large nature reserve, which houses wintering wildfoul, rare insects, swallowtail butterflies and bearded tits. Meanwhile, if you're feeling up for a challenge, why not try out an exciting watersport such as windsurfing in the area?
Nearby is Barton Broad, which is famous for being the place where Admiral Lord Nelson learned to sail. The seaman fought with the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars before losing his life in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Follow in his historical footsteps and give sailing a go or take part in the annual sailing regatta held every August if you want to try out new experiences during your boat hire trip on the Norfolk Broads.
Next, why not journey down the River Ant's narrow and winding course for eight miles? At the end, you'll reach How Hill, home to How Hill House, which was built in 1904 by architect Edward Thomas Boardman. Explore the building and its beautiful Edwardian gardens, or go for a stroll in the separate woodland area. There's plenty of ground to cover across the 365 acres if you're looking to stretch your legs.
Continue on to Ludham and visit the How Hill Nature Reserve and Toad Hole Cottage, which was once home to a marshman and his family and is now a museum, run by the Broads Authority. Again, there are plenty of walking opportunities in the local marshes and woodland areas.
After a good night's sleep, you can pilot your canal boat down the River Thurne for six miles to reach the village of Thurne. Drink in the countryside scenery on a stroll down Weaver's Way or pay a visit to the round tower church at Repps. And don't forget to call in at the well-preserved drainage mill Thurne Dyke Windpump, which is open to the public, before leaving the area.
What better way to relax and unwind than on a canal boat holiday in Norfolk? Not only are the broads breathtakingly beautiful, offering a wealth of opportunity to explore nature; they are also steeped in history and you'll find plenty of examples of architecture through the ages as well as chances to witness and join in rural living at its best.
A Norfolk Broads canal boat holiday could be a great way of seeing the county and get close to nature. And with Boat hire on the Norfolk Broads widely available you're sure to find something to cater for your needs. Check out Le Boat for a wide selection of canal boat hire and a range of UK boat hire options available in the Norfolk Broads.
No comments:
Post a Comment