Set Sail to a Magical Waterland in North Norfolk
North Norfolk with its spectacular coastline, quays, creeks, marshes and network of inland waterways is a hotspot for watersports, including kite-surfing and windsurfing, as well as leisurely cruises and canoeing.
Exploring Norfolk’s unique Broads is a must for any visitor. Stalham and Wroxham are among the most popular places to pick up boats and explore the area’s charming network of rivers. It’s safe and easy to navigate, with over 125 tranquil, lock-free miles. Norfolk boat-hire specialists Herbert Woods have a large fleet for day-boating between March and October. Boats depart from Potter Heigham and are available to hire from £16.00 an hour. Or for those with a sense of adventure, hire one of their Canadian canoes and cruise the waterways from £20 for a half day.
For those wanting to enjoy the glorious coastline in a less strenuous way, local leisure firm Searles runs six guided sea tours from Hunstanton. Taking in panoramic views across The Wash, trips include a seal watching and a cliff lighthouse excursion. Tour prices for adults start from £9 with children £4.50 and under 2’s free.
Hunstanton is also renowned as a kite-surfing and windsurfing haven. Exhilarating, exciting and environmentally-friendly sports, watch or have a go on the flat waters at Hunstanton that can be sailed at all tides. The seaside town attracts extreme sports enthusiasts and is also good for kayaking and wakeboarding. Simply hire kit from the local watersports centre or, for a less energetic afternoon, sit back and watch the surfers cruise the shoreline.
When the warmer weather rolls in Brancaster, Morston and Blakeney are popular spots for sailors of all abilities with sailing clubs dotted up and down the 93 miles of coast. Explore north Norfolk’s beaches, harbours and wide open spaces while mastering the art of steering and enjoying some of the best sailing in the UK. Bringing a boat to Blakeney is essential while at Brancaster hire and learning facilities are available at SailCraft Sea School; ideal for gaining some insider tips!
Kayaking and canoeing is a great pastime for all the family to enjoy. Explore miles of creeks at Brancaster Staithe and book on a taster course, and have fun exploring the reeds and some of the rarest plants and wildlife in the UK. Brancaster is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a fantastic area to go walking as the Norfolk Coast Path passes through the quay. Keep your eyes peeled to spot barn owls, kingfishers and avocets.
To Stay:-
Ivy Farm Holiday Park, Cromer – www.ivy-farm.co.uk / 00441263 579 239
Beachcomber Guesthouse, Cromer – www.beachcomber-guesthouse.co.uk / 00441263 513 398
Machrimore, Wells – www.machrimore.co.uk / 00441328 711 653
Searles Leisure Resort, Hunstanton – www.searles.co.uk / 00441485 534 211
The Burleigh, Hunstanton – www.theburleigh.com / 00441485 533 080
Heritage Hideaways – www.heritagehideaways.com / 00441502 578 278
