Hickling boat trip (credit: Jimmy King)
Steve Cox
Hickling boat trip (credit: Jimmy King)
Winter boat trip on NWT Hickling Broad (31 January - 10.30am)
Event details
Date
About the event
Join us for a 90 minute guided boat trip and journey into the wild heart of Broadland. This unique excursion offers the opportunity to experience the peace and beauty of Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve in winter, while seeking out the remarkable array of wildlife that thrives here during the colder months.
During the trip we hope to see gatherings of wintering waterfowl, including tufted duck, pochard, mute swan, coot and several dabbling duck species. With a little luck, rarer visitors such as scaup, goosander, and a variety of grebes may make an appearance. We will keep an eye to the skies for flocks of pink-footed geese and winter thrushes, while numerous raptors hunt across the reedbeds and marshes before heading to their evening roost at Stubb Mill. There is always the possibility of rarer sightings too – from the elusive bittern and Broadland’s resident cranes, to otters and even red and Chinese water deer.
This immersive winter journey promises to be a memorable encounter with the wild side of the Norfolk Broads.
Important - please read before booking
Passengers may need to be able to negotiate a high step into the boat so please consider this, along with any mobility issues that you may have when making a booking.
There is a 20-minute walk to the boat departure point, we therefore ask that you arrive and check in at our visitor centre at least 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time. To avoid waiting around in cold conditions the boat trips will depart at the scheduled time and will not be able to wait for late arrivals.
This event is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.
Booking
Price
Additional adult reserve entry fee applies for non-members - £5.50 gift aid / £5 standard entry payable on arrival at the visitor centre. NWT Members / Children 16 and under - free entry.Additional booking information
Before or after your journey why not treat yourself to a warming meal at our pub, the Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling (just a 5 min drive from the reserve) - to book a table call 01692 780660.Suitable for
AdultsKnow before you go
Dogs
No dogs permitted on reserve. Dogs permitted on public right of way.
Accessibility
We want our events, and nature itself, to be accessible to everyone. If you have specific needs or requirements, please get in touch at events@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk so we can support you wherever possible. Please be aware that the natural terrain and access conditions may limit what we are able to provide on site.
For information about accessible boat trips, please get in touch with our partner organisation The Nancy Oldfield Trust who run fully accessible boat trips from the Pleasure Boat at Hickling. Accessible Motor Cruising Norfolk – The Nancy Oldfield Trust Call: Monday - Friday 01692 630572.
Additional information
Important health and safety information
Events will take place in all weather conditions unless deemed unsafe. We strongly recommend wearing stout and waterproof footwear and warm, waterproof clothing. Biting insects can be present at certain times of the year and you may choose to apply insect repellent as a precaution.
Please also be advised to take caution when walking on a site with open water and ensure that you always remain on the designated paths.
Refund policy
Tickets are non-refundable unless the event or activity is cancelled by Norfolk Wildlife Trust. In the event that Norfolk Wildlife Trust has to cancel an event or activity due to low numbers, extreme weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control, we will inform you at the earliest opportunity and will offer a full refund. Please check our website www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk for event updates.