Richard Crabb (left), NWT Estates and Facilities Manager, receives the keys to the pub from John Uff

We've purchased a popular Hickling pub!


Monday 06 November, 2023


We have announced that we are the new owners of the Pleasure Boat Inn at Hickling Staithe.  
 

The purchase of the pub and its associated land this week sees us adding to our existing land and property holdings close to our popular nature reserve Hickling Broad and Marshes, which include the Whispering Reeds boatyard and the Hickling Broad Sailing Club. 
 

Our new acquisition includes the pub and adjacent buildings, a large car park and public toilets, together with associated mooring. 
 

This move sees us developing our vision for the area’s wildlife and people, working alongside the local community. 
 

Eliot Lyne, our CEO, explains: “We are delighted to get a step closer to our vision of creating a Wilder Hickling Broad for our local communities and visitors to the area.  
 

“In addition to taking care of this unique and vital landscape for wildlife, we aim to create facilities that will provide new opportunities for everyone to experience Hickling’s fantastic wildlife in an area where nature, the community and the local economy are all thriving. 
 

“Investing in a popular local pub will allow us to create new ways to introduce people to the nature, landscape and wildlife of Hickling. We want to create a business that will serve the local community, as well as attract new visitors to the area, and are looking forward to working closely with the local community to turn our vision into a reality.” 
 

We're looking for a business partner, committed to our vision and values, to run the pub on our behalf. 
 

In addition to reinstating the community pub, we hope to develop additional visitor facilities at our new site, from which visitors will be able to find out more about Hickling Broad and its wildlife as well as book and enjoy boat trips. 
 

Our existing Visitor Centre located at our Hickling Broad and Marshes nature reserve will remain unchanged. 
 

We will now be embarking on significant building work and aims to share further news of the pub reopening and additional facilities available in 2024. 

Share this

Top news stories

2023-11-14 Shared vision revealed for Nor Shared vision revealed for Norwich nature reserve
Tuesday 14 November, 2023
We have revealed the emerging long-term vision for our newest nature reserve Sweet Briar Marshes. Sketches,...
2023-11-06 We've purchased a popular Hick We've purchased a popular Hickling pub!
Monday 06 November, 2023
We have announced that we are the new owners of the Pleasure Boat Inn at Hickling Staithe.  ...
2023-11-02 There could be ‘catastrophic d There could be ‘catastrophic damage’ to nature if Wash Barrier plans go ahead
Thursday 02 November, 2023
Alongside a variety of other conservation charities, we are warning of catastrophic damage to one of the UK’s m...
2023-11-01 Drop into our Sweet Briar Mars Drop into our Sweet Briar Marshes exhibition this November
Wednesday 01 November, 2023
Norfolk Wildlife Trust will be sharing the emerging shared vision for its newest nature reserve NWT Sweet Briar Marsh...
2023-11-01 New appeal to inspire a love o New appeal to inspire a love of wildlife in the next generation
Wednesday 01 November, 2023
We're launching a fundraising appeal to raise £50,000 in the next few months to help ex...
2023-10-16 We raise concerns for funding We raise concerns for funding of the NWL with the Department for Transport
Monday 16 October, 2023
Following the government naming the Norwich Western Link among road projects that could benefit&n...
2023-10-04 Globally rare frog to benefit Globally rare frog to benefit from new Norfolk habitat
Wednesday 04 October, 2023
We are leading a partnership to protect and expand ancient landscapes in the Brecks to enhance the habitat of the rar...
2023-10-03 £5 million government grant to £5 million government grant to restore peatlands in the Fens
Tuesday 03 October, 2023
As part of the Fens East Peat Partnership (FEPP), we are excited to announce we have been awarded a substantial ...
2023-09-28 New report highlights need for New report highlights need for urgent action to save Norfolk’s nature
Thursday 28 September, 2023
Today, alongside leading wildlife organisations, we are publishing a landmark State of Nature 2023 rep...
2023-09-12 Nature photography competition Nature photography competition winners announced
Tuesday 12 September, 2023
Norfolk Wildlife Trust has announced the winners of their nature photography competition for 2023. Over 600 photograp...
2023-09-04 Coastal works to protect Norfo Coastal works to protect Norfolk’s wildlife from rising sea 
Monday 04 September, 2023
This week sees the start of major works at Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Cley and Salthouse Mars...
2023-08-29 Government's weakening of wate Government's weakening of water pollution rules spells disaster for Norfolk's wildlife and people
Tuesday 29 August, 2023
Today, Norfolk Wildlife Trust was shocked to hear the Government announce a process for weakening the legislation on ...