This 3-day boating trip takes you up the beautiful River Ant from Wroxham. We have other itineraries here, covering other areas of the Norfolk Broads. – So much choice.
First Night – St Benet’s Abbey
This is a bit of a journey for your first night. (approx 2 hrs) It does, however, take you through the pretty village of Horning and into the reed beds. You can expect a beautiful sunset and a rather haunting (some would say haunted) overnight stay. Have a look at this website to find out a bit more about this 10th-century icon
This is a lovely spot for walking and wildlife, but there are no nearby amenities. Having said that both the Dog Inn and Kings Arms at Ludham are within walking distance if it’s a pint that’s calling. (approx 1/2 hr each way).
You can find a list of pubs shops and restaurants listed by village/river here
Once you’ve woken up, turn the boat around. Almost immediately you’ll see the entrance to the River Ant on your right.
Ludham Bridge
Tootle carefully up towards Ludham Bridge. The river is a little narrower and the speed limit drops to 4 mph
You may need to drop windows and canopies to get your boat under the bridge. Here’s a video of how to navigate bridges safely. You will find the height of your boat in the skippers’ handbook. (and some written instructions)
You can find a cafe, a village shop and fishing supplies at Ludham Bridge.
Travel a little further and you’ll find How Hill on your left-hand side. More details are included in this itinerary
Barton Broad
You’ll pass Irstead shoal and church on your right and then pop into Barton Broad, the second largest on the Norfolk Broads
It’s a little shallow in parts, so please stay in the channel. This beautiful broad is full of natural diversity, and, if you are quiet you may hear a Bittern boom. Find out what you’re listening for here
2nd Night – Gaye Staithe or Neatishead Staithe
On entering Barton Broad travel straight ahead. You’ll soon come across these moorings.
Both these staithes are lovely quiet spots, with facilities for filling up with water. Neatishead also has an electric charging point
You can access the Barton Broad boardwalk from both of these moorings. It’s a great way of finding more about this amazing habitat. And the conservation work implemented by to preserve it.
You may also be interested in the slightly quirky but fascinating radar museum. This is a good option when the weather is being a bit British – its all underground! You can walk to the museum from Horning too
The White Horse Inn and excellent Neatishead village Stores are also within walking distance. You may also be able to catch a Pizza on Friday Night at the Ye Old Saddlery (opposite the pub)
You will have a little map in your welcome pack. It provides information about facilities at each mooring
Next morning, take yourself back to Barton Broad and turn left towards Stalham. (within the channel)
Moor at Stalham staithe (or one of the boatyard if there is no room) and visit the award-winning Museum of the Broads
This is also a good place to resupply – with a small Tescos just across the road
Sadly it’s now time to turn around and start the 3.5 hr journey back to Wroxham.
3rd Night – Wroxham
How about reserving a mooring at the Wroxham Hotel for the evening (and breakfast!). The food is good and you get to watch the world go by from their riverside balcony.
Or, catch one of the moorings beside Wroxham Broad (or mud weight) and enjoy a last night on board. There is nothing better than watching the moonlight on the Gulls wings when they flutter over the water.
Start the engine up and you’ll be back at the boatyard in 10 mins.
This is just a suggestion for a 3 day boating trip, we’d highly recommend you slow down and take it easy, and find your own favourite places. the best memories are often a surprise