The Broads on a Budget: Paddleboarding in Britain’s Largest Protected Wetland
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2024 10:29 am
Exploring the waterways of the Broads National Park via paddleboard offers an idyllic and affordable alternative to renting a boat. As Britain's largest protected wetland, the Broads are a stunning destination, but traditional boat rentals often come with high costs.
Fortunately, standup paddleboarding (SUP) offers a budget-friendly solution. Once seen as a casual holiday activity, paddleboarding surged in popularity during the pandemic. Companies like Red Equipment, iRocker, and Aztron now offer compact, inflatable boards that are easy to transport and perfect for extended adventures.
Eager for a multi-day trip, my partner and I left work early on a Friday, boarded a train to Norwich with our boards and minimal gear, and took a short bus ride to Coltishall, known as the "gateway to the Broads." For those without their own boards, rentals are available from GoPaddle in Horning at £40 per day, with discounts for longer rentals.
Our first night was spent in comfort at the Norfolk Mead Hotel, a Georgian country house with an award-winning restaurant. We dined on Norfolk-caught sea bass and local cheeses, setting a luxurious tone before our camping adventure.
The next morning, we inflated our boards at the hotel's flower-lined water frontage and set off. As we paddled, we encountered a rich array of wildlife, including the rare Norfolk hawker dragonfly and the electric blue flash of a kingfisher. The Broads cover just 0.1% of Britain but are home to a quarter of the country's rarest species.
We stopped at Belaugh for a snack, slipping in quietly among boaters struggling with their craft. Swans, cygnets, and other water birds accepted us as fellow water-dwellers. On our way to Wroxham, the "capital of the Broads," we joined a peaceful flotilla of paddleboards, pedal boats, and canoes.
After a restful break at Hoveton Great Broad nature trail, where we learned about bio-manipulation practices to improve water quality, we continued to Salhouse Broad. Our campsite there was basic but sufficient, with composting toilets and a camping pod to shelter us from the rain.
Dinner at the nearby Fur and Feather Inn featured locally brewed "wherry" amber ale and hearty bangers and mash. The next morning, we paddled north through a misty landscape, enjoying the tranquil early hours before motorboats began their day.
Our journey continued to Acle, where the increasing wind made paddling more challenging. A stop at St Benet’s Abbey provided a historical interlude before we pushed on to Acle Bridge. There, a welcoming pub rewarded our efforts with tea and chips.
Reflecting on our adventure during the train ride home, I realized how affordable and fulfilling our paddleboarding trip had been. With minimal expenses, we experienced the natural beauty and serenity of the Broads in a unique and memorable way.
**Travel Information:**
- Supported by Visit Norwich.
- Rail travel by LNER.
- Norfolk Mead Hotel doubles from £145 B&B.
- Salhouse Broad camping from £15 (up to four people), camping pod for £28 a night.
- More info at visitthebroads.co.uk.
- Paddleboarders require a licence, included with board rentals.
Fortunately, standup paddleboarding (SUP) offers a budget-friendly solution. Once seen as a casual holiday activity, paddleboarding surged in popularity during the pandemic. Companies like Red Equipment, iRocker, and Aztron now offer compact, inflatable boards that are easy to transport and perfect for extended adventures.
Eager for a multi-day trip, my partner and I left work early on a Friday, boarded a train to Norwich with our boards and minimal gear, and took a short bus ride to Coltishall, known as the "gateway to the Broads." For those without their own boards, rentals are available from GoPaddle in Horning at £40 per day, with discounts for longer rentals.
Our first night was spent in comfort at the Norfolk Mead Hotel, a Georgian country house with an award-winning restaurant. We dined on Norfolk-caught sea bass and local cheeses, setting a luxurious tone before our camping adventure.
The next morning, we inflated our boards at the hotel's flower-lined water frontage and set off. As we paddled, we encountered a rich array of wildlife, including the rare Norfolk hawker dragonfly and the electric blue flash of a kingfisher. The Broads cover just 0.1% of Britain but are home to a quarter of the country's rarest species.
We stopped at Belaugh for a snack, slipping in quietly among boaters struggling with their craft. Swans, cygnets, and other water birds accepted us as fellow water-dwellers. On our way to Wroxham, the "capital of the Broads," we joined a peaceful flotilla of paddleboards, pedal boats, and canoes.
After a restful break at Hoveton Great Broad nature trail, where we learned about bio-manipulation practices to improve water quality, we continued to Salhouse Broad. Our campsite there was basic but sufficient, with composting toilets and a camping pod to shelter us from the rain.
Dinner at the nearby Fur and Feather Inn featured locally brewed "wherry" amber ale and hearty bangers and mash. The next morning, we paddled north through a misty landscape, enjoying the tranquil early hours before motorboats began their day.
Our journey continued to Acle, where the increasing wind made paddling more challenging. A stop at St Benet’s Abbey provided a historical interlude before we pushed on to Acle Bridge. There, a welcoming pub rewarded our efforts with tea and chips.
Reflecting on our adventure during the train ride home, I realized how affordable and fulfilling our paddleboarding trip had been. With minimal expenses, we experienced the natural beauty and serenity of the Broads in a unique and memorable way.
**Travel Information:**
- Supported by Visit Norwich.
- Rail travel by LNER.
- Norfolk Mead Hotel doubles from £145 B&B.
- Salhouse Broad camping from £15 (up to four people), camping pod for £28 a night.
- More info at visitthebroads.co.uk.
- Paddleboarders require a licence, included with board rentals.