This is a pretty busy suggestion for a 3 night cruise taking in one of our favourite moorings. It could easily be extended by a week. The last stop is not suitable for people with dogs, but we’ve suggested an alternative!
1st Night – Horning
This pretty village is a favourite with our customers. It has 3 pubs plus several cafes and restaurants. See more details about shops, pubs and restaurants on the broads here. There are also a variety of shops for supplies.
As you pick your boat up between 2 and 4 pm, we’d recommend booking a mooring at the New Inn 07603 631101. They can be in short supply (charges apply)
There are alternative moorings on the other side of the river. Giving you the opportunity to experience the Horning foot ferry on 07393 458682 (or use your rowing boat if you have one with you)
Percies Island (opposite the public staithe) Opposite the Ferry Pub or a little further on at Cockshoot Broad.
Other options on the right side of the river involve Church Staithe. (only 2 moorings here and you will have quite a walk back into the village, but it’s worth it, it’s a lovely spot) . Another option is Ferry Boatyard (avoid Fri and Mon eve) – right next to the Ferry Pub. Its also a good spot for filling up with water / getting a pump out.
Potter Heigham
Motor up to Potter Heigham the next day. passing the iconic St Benets Abbey on your right and meandering through the reed beds. Keep your camera nearby here. Capture a shot of a heron fishing, an odd shot of a yacht appearing to sail through a field and those big Norfolk skies
Potter Heigham has a very low bridge on the river leading to Hicking Broad. Only a few of our boats can get through with the help of a pilot and a little luck with the tides.
You can, however, take a lovely 5 mile round walk around the nature reserve to get a sneak peak. You may even see a Common Crane. We struggle to resist the lure of Lathams with its ever-changing stock of “bargains”. Their fishing shop can be useful too. You’ll find quite a choice of cafe’s and restaurants to choose from for lunch. Water and pump-out facilities are easily accessed here.
Second Night – Thurne Mill Dyke
Turn around and within 1/2 an hour, you’ll see Thurne Mill on your left. choose a Sunday or a day when they have an event and it may even be working.
You’ll find plenty of side on moorings in the dyke and the Lion at Thurne Public house is at the end They offer a great pint, a good pub menu and an excellent selection of Gin (inc their own). If you need to exercise the kids there is a large play area to the side of the pub, and a selection of good round walks
South Walsham Broad
The next morning we recommend a visit to Fairhaven water gardens. at South Walsham Broad
Have a stroll through the gardens, pick up some local supplies and possibly try one of their events. Inc open water swimming, paddle boarding and photography
You can get to Fairhaven (which is at the end of South Walsham Broad) by mooring at Fleet Dyke (just before you reach South Walsham Broad) and following the footpath for 30 min walk.
Last Night – Hoveton Little Broad
Travel back towards the yard, and as you leave Horning behind you, you’ll see a sign to Hoveton Little Broad. (or Black Horse Broad as it’s known by the Locals)
This broad has no mooring facilities and is not well known. This makes it a quiet and peaceful spot especially for watching wildlife or catching a fish. Ideal for mud weighting on your last night as its about a 40 min cruise back to the boatyard.
If mud weighting is not your thing or its too windy, you might want to try Salhouse Broad. We’ve covered details about the broad in this itinerary