Hickling Broad

PLEASE NOTE: Over the next few months visitors to the south side of the reserve will be aware of flood alleviation work. For more details, please ask at the visitor centre or ring them on 01692 598276 before your visit. Thank you for your understanding.

Hickling Broad is situated in the upper stretches of the River Thurne, and is the largest expanse of open water in the Broads. It is a National Nature Reserve, and its wide skies and open landscape offer the perfect place for a walk at any time of year. It is a haven for rare Broads plants and animals, particularly bittern and the swallowtail butterfly.

Book on to a fascinating boat trip at the visitor centre. Explore the quiet backwaters and 60-foot tree tower to enjoy the best view in Norfolk.

Part of the Upper Thurne Living Landscape.

Click here to download the reserve leaflet for points of interest (0.5mb).

Dogs Policy:
NWT no dogs policy. Visitors with dogs can walk Weavers Way public footpath along South edge of Broad. There is also a public footpath from Hickling village North of the reserve – from here you can see some areas of the reserve. Dogs may be taken to the raptor roost from Hickling car park

Post code:

NR12 OBW

Contact Number:

01692 598276

Reserve information and details
What to see at Hickling Broad

Opening times

Season	Opening Days	Opening Hours
Visitor Centre	Everyday, Easter to October	10am-5pm
Reserve: all year	Everyday	Dawn till dusk

Prices

There is a charge to access this nature reserve.

Non-members:	£4.50 (with Gift Aid)
Members and children:	Free

Directions and Transport

NWT Hickling Broad is approximately 4km south of Stalham off the A149 Stalham to Caister-on-Sea road. It is clearly signposted - from Hickling village follow the ‘brown badger ’ tourist signs into Stubb road and on to the nature reserve.

Facts

Type:	open water, reedbed, fen, grazing marsh and woodland
Size:	600 Hectares
Designation:	NNR, SSSI, Ramsar, SPA, SAC
Map reference:	OS Landranger 134
Grid reference:	TG 428 222

Did you know?

HRH The Prince of Wales came here in 2001 to see the results of the restoration.

Facilities

Birdwatching hides overlooking pools. Boardwalk with way-marked trails suitable for wheelchairs, information boards and reserve leaflet. Wildlife Detective Bumbags for children are free to hire.

Visitor centre

Visitor centre and toilets (one with wheelchair access). Interpretive displays and refreshments, giftware and books available. Book at the visitor centre for the Water Trail.

Water Trail - boat trips

Electric powered boat trips at Hickling Broad take you across open water, passing reed beds and grazing marshes, where you may spot wildlife in its natural habitats including beautiful dragonflies, spectacular marsh harriers, a variety of water birds and other reed inhabitants. Includes a visit to boat-only bird hides and the spectacular 60ft tree tower. Pre-booking is always recommended as these trips are very popular, especially during school holidays. For further details and availability please telephone our visitor centre on 01692 598276.

Boat trips are still running, weather dependant. Please check in advance by ringing the visitor centre: 01692 598276.

Cost: 2-hour trips: Adults £10, NWT members £8, Children £6
1-hour trips: Adults £8, NWT members £6, Children

Water Trail Safari and Supper

Every Thursday evening 6-8pm; 5 May to 1 Sept

Experience a wonderful evening Water Trail around the inlets and waterways of Hickling Broad and savour the spectacular view from the Tree Tower before returning to the Pleasure Boat Inn in Hickling for a meal and drink. Trips run every Thursday evening from 5 May to 1 September (weather permitting); trip departs from the Inn at 6pm. Book at the Hickling Visitor Centre or call 01692 598276.
Cost: £17.50 per head (includes pub meal and a drink)

Sunset Safaris – Evening Boat Trips

Every Wednesday evening 7-9pm; 27 July to 31 Aug

Join us at Hickling on Wednesday evenings as we investigate the reserve’s wonderful wildlife before heading across the Broad to climb the Tree Tower and enjoy the sunset. Booking essential, please call 01692 598276.
Cost: Adults £8, children £6