NWT Hickling Broad

This is the largest Norfolk Broad and harbours a spectacular variety of plants and animals. There are gentle walks under wide skies for the casual visitor or fascinating study for those interested in swallowtail butterflies, bitterns, cranes, marsh harriers and other rare Broadland wildlife. The Water Trail takes you by boat through the quiet backwaters with breathtaking views of the Broads. It runs May to September weather permitting (additional charge). Booking is recommended on 01692 598276.

Open: nature reserve – daily Visitor centre – April to September, 10am-5pm

Location: four miles south east of Stalham. From Hickling village follow the signs to the nature reserve along Stubb Road. Bus stops a 20-minute walk away.

Map reference: TG 428 222

Cost: adults £3.50, children and NWT members free

Contact: 01692 598276

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. In the mornings, our knowledgeable guides will take you on a two hour trip which includes a visit to our exclusive tree tower, where the view of the broadland area is unsurpassed. If you prefer a shorter trip, our afternoon trails take you past the reed beds and across open water where our guides will point out habitats, explain how the broads where created and no doubt include a local tale or two!

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 10.30am - 4.30pm on  01692 598276.

Cost:

2 hour trip    
£10 - Adult non-member 
£8  - Adult  member   
£6  - Child
1 hour trip   
£8 - Adult non-member   
£6 - Adult member   
£4 - Child

If you have a party of eight we can organise ‘out of hours’ early morning or evening trips especially for you. Pre-payment is required for any out of hours trips.

Information for passengers  

• All trips are subject to weather conditions and we reserve the right to cancel at short notice. Full refunds or the opportunity to reschedule trips will be made available.
• Trips may not be suitable for very young children due to open boat on open water.
• There is an approx. a  10  minute walk to the mooring platform across boardwalk.
• Life jackets are provided and must be worn by all boat occupants.
• Children need to be at least four years old for us to be able to provide a buoyancy aid.
• No liability is taken by NWT for action taken in contravention of any instruction issued by our skippers for the safety of all passengers.

We recommend the following:

• Bring suitable clothing to cover varying weather conditions which can become changeable during each trip.
• Sun block for exposed skin
• Waterproof clothing
• Windproof clothing
• Sun or rain hat  (or other head protection against exposure of heat/wet/cold)
• Sun glasses to reduce glare from water
• Cover arms and legs to protect them from sun and /or wind
• Insect repellant