Norfolk Broads Direct Open Weekend

Norfolk Broads Direct Open Weekend: Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April 2013

The British Marine Federation is launching a nationwide campaign to get people ‘On the Water’ during the weekend of the 27th & 28th April 2013.  The marine industry will be coming together to provide boating information and activities at venues all around the country.

There will be events, taster trips and briefings at open days at training centres, boatyards and marinas. Whether people are experienced boaters or complete novices this weekend will be a great opportunity for people to learn more about the joys and excitement of boating.  There will be a wealth of opportunities to get ‘On the Water’ either on the UK’s 7760 miles of coastline or on the nation’s network of inland rivers, canals and of course here in the Broads, Britain’s magical waterland.

Here at Norfolk Broads Direct in Wroxham we will be opening our boatyard for both days to showcase a selection of the hire cruisers from our premier Faircraft Loynes fleet. Our enthusiastic team will be on hand to show potential hirers around the different styles of boats available including all of the onboard facilities. Potential hirers will even have the opportunity to try the boat out ‘On the Water’, our experienced staff will give them tips and friendly advice in the skills of boat handling to ensure that they can get the maximum out of their chosen craft.

A real head turner with outside dining area and sun-deck.

During the days we will be running a timetable of river trips to Salhouse Broad on the Queen of the Broads and the Belle of the Broads.  Visitors to the open day will be able to enjoy a trip at half of our normal published rate.  Visitors will also be able to hire a dayboat for two hours for the price of one. The ever popular Vintage Broadsman will be on her moorings providing a licensed bar with teas and coffees and light refreshments.  There is ample parking, and customer toilets on site.  Hoveton and Wroxham railway station is only a 10 minute walk way.

Other on site attractions during the weekend will include a Hog Roast and ice cream, all from local producers. We also hope to be joined by other attractions close to the Broads, to give people a flavour of what our magical waterland has to offer.

We have just received the exciting news that the Pleasure Wherry Norada will be joining us for the 2 days. We are very pleased to see this lovely traditional craft back on the water after her extensive refit during 2011 and 2012.

Watch this space for further details or alternatively contact a member of our team on 01603 782207

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Educational Discovery River Trips

Educational Discovery River Trips

Broads Tours offers educational trips on the Norfolk Broads.

These fun trips can be tailored to suit the curriculum being studied by the individual schools, but all trips will include a river trip followed by time ashore either at Salhouse Broad, Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail or even both.

Topics that can be covered on the journey include:

• Wildlife / waterbirds
• National Parks / Broads Authority
• Land use around the Broads, house construction , thatching /reed cutting
• The origins of the Broads, peat digging, transportation- Norfolk Wherries
• The evolution of the tourism industry
• How Tourism conflicts with other Broads users
• Bank erosion / causes and preventative measures
• Eutrophication
• Succession

At Salhouse Broad we disembark and have a walk around led by the Countryside Ranger.  Here we can discuss the different wildlife habitats.  The Ranger will explain the conservation work being undertaken and the impact of tourism on the broad.  For younger children there is a small play area where they can let off steam.

At Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail the Natural England Warden will lead a walk around the boardwalk and the younger children can take part in a pond dipping activity.  The Biodiversity of the Broads area will be covered during these activities.

On the return journey to Wroxham we can either organise a quiz to recap everything covered or we can just allow the children to sit back, chill and enjoy the scenery.

Groups of up to 40 can be accommodated on our dedicated single decker passenger trip boat the Discoverer.  Larger groups of up to 60 can be accommodated on the lower deck of the Belle of the Broads passenger boat.

Trips can be arranged at a time to suit.  Allow 2 hours for trips to Salhouse Broad, 3 hours for Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail if pond dipping is required and 4 hours if both locations are being visited.

Please note that Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail will only be available April – June and 1^st – 19^th September 2013, Mondays to Thursdays.  Salhouse Broad is available any week day during term times.

Cost:

2 hours £6.50 per person, 1 adult free per 10 children
3 hours £7.50 per person, 1 adult free per 10 children
4 hours £9.00 per person, 1 adult free per 10 children

Please telephone 01603 782207 if you require any further information or to discuss your individual requirements.

Booking is essential for Discovery Trips.

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Winter on Salhouse Broad

On Sunday 5th February James Greasley was down on Salhouse Broad taking some very eye catching photographs

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