Winter wildlife boat trips

Discover NWT Hickling Broad's amazing winter wildlife on a boat trip into the heart of the reserve.

Join us for a 90-minute guided boat trip and journey into the wild heart of Broadland. This unique trip offers the opportunity to experience the peace and beauty of the reserve in winter, while seeking out the remarkable array of wildlife that thrives here during the colder months.

You'll get 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. 

We recommend that you bring your binoculars and cameras if you have them (limited number available to hire at the visitor centre). Before or after your journey why not treat yourself to a warming meal at our pub, The Pleasure Boat, just a 5 min drive from the reserve.

Suitable for ages 12+

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. Please wear warm clothes and suitable shoes. Passengers may need to be able to negotiate a high step into the boat.