Things to do with a family on broads sailing holidays.

Broads sailing holidays are a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your family and explore the beauty of the broads by sail. Here are 10 things to do with your family.

Wildlife: The Norfolk Broads is teeming with diverse birds, animals, and aquatic creatures. Embark on a family adventure to spot rare species of wildlife and observe their natural habitat.
Visit the Beach: The Norfolk Broads is located close to some stunning beaches. You can moor your sail boat at Horsey Dyke and spend the day visiting the seals, sunbathing, swimming, and playing games on the beach.
Explore the Villages: Sail to the quaint villages and towns, such as Thurne, Ludham, Horning and wroxham. You can moor your sailing boat and explore the charming streets, shops, pubs and cafes of these villages.
Visit the Museums: There are several museums in the Broads that are worth visiting, such as the Museum of the Broads and the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum. These museums provide a fascinating insight into the history, culture and heritage of the region.
Go Fishing: The Broads are famous for its fishing opportunities. You can hire some fishing gear and spend a relaxing evenings fishing from your sailing yacht with your family.
Go on a Cycle Ride: The Norfolk Broads has several cycle routes that are ideal for a family bike ride. You can hire bikes from several rental shops located in the region.
Visit the Gardens: The Norfolk Broads is home to some stunning gardens, such as the Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden. You can take a stroll through these gardens and enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings.
St. Benet's Abbey: is a beautiful and historic site located in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. It is one of the most famous and well-loved landmarks in the area, and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The abbey was founded in the 9th century by the Anglo-Saxon king, Saint Guthlac, and was originally a monastery for Benedictine monks. Over the centuries, the abbey grew in size and importance, becoming a major religious and cultural center in the region.
Today, St. Benet's Abbey is a popular tourist attraction, and a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Norfolk Broads. Visitors can explore the ruins of the abbey, which include the impressive gatehouse, the remains of the nave and chancel of the church, and the foundations of the monks' dormitory.
One of the most impressive features of St. Benet's Abbey is its location. Situated on a hill overlooking the River Bure, the abbey offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and is a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
In addition to its natural beauty and historical significance, St. Benet's Abbey is also known for its religious and spiritual significance. The site is considered to be a holy place by many, and is a popular destination for pilgrims and those seeking a moment of quiet reflection.
There are several 24 hour moorings close to the Abbey.
Ranworth Church Tower: in Norfolk is a true gem of the broads, boasting stunning views and rich history. Situated within walking distance of Ranworth Broads. The tower offers visitors a glimpse into the region's fascinating past, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The tower, which dates back to the 15th century, stands at an impressive 110 feet tall and is one of the tallest in Norfolk. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful church towers in the country, thanks to its intricate carvings and ornate architecture.
One of the most striking features of the tower is the intricate wooden staircase that leads to the top. The staircase, which is thought to date back to the 14th century, is made from oak and is adorned with carved figures and other decorative details.
At the top of the tower, visitors are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. From this vantage point, you can see the lush green fields of the Broads, as well as the winding waterways that are so characteristic of the region.
In addition to its impressive architecture and stunning views, Ranworth Church Tower is also home to several fascinating artifacts. The church itself dates back to the 13th century and is home to a number of interesting features, including an intricately carved rood screen and several stunning stained glass windows.
One of the most intriguing artifacts housed within the tower is the famous Ranworth Antiphoner. This medieval music manuscript dates back to the 15th century and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of medieval music in existence. Visitors can view the manuscript in a specially designed case that protects it from damage.
For breathtaking views that are sure to leave a lasting impression, a trip to Ranworth Church Tower is an experience you won't want to miss. Moorings at Ranworth are very popular and it is usually necessary to wait for someone to leave a mooring.
Woodbastwick Road, Ranworth, NR13 6HT Open 9am-5.30.
BeWilderwood: is a wonderful woodland adventure park located near Horning, in a swampy wetland. This award-winning attraction is designed to encourage children to explore and play in nature, and it has become a firm favourite with families.
The park is set in 50 acres of beautiful woodland, which is home to a range of treehouses, rope bridges, and zip wires. There are also plenty of other attractions, such as a giant slide, a boat ride, and a maze, all designed to keep children entertained for hours on end.
One of the standout features of BeWilderwood is its commitment to sustainability and the environment. The park has been built with the utmost care for the natural surroundings, and it strives to educate visitors about the importance of protecting our planet. For example, the park's boat ride is powered by solar panels, and there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to learn about the local wildlife and ecosystem.
BeWilderwood is particularly well-suited to young children, as there are plenty of gentle activities for them to enjoy, such as storytelling sessions and face painting. However, there are also plenty of more adventurous activities for older children and adults to enjoy, such as the Sky Maze, which is a high-level rope adventure course.
One of the highlights of a visit to BeWilderwood is the chance to meet the park's resident characters, who are based on the creatures that live in the Norfolk Broads. These colourful characters include Swampy the Marsh Boggle, Mildred the Crocklebog, and Twiggle the Stick Man, and they are all brought to life through interactive storytelling sessions. All the family will enjoy a trip here.

Places to visit while broads sailing

Hickling Broad:

The Pleasure Boat Inn, waterside pub - large outside garden with seating. Closed for refurbishment.

Hickling Water Trail - Explore private parts of the broads on traditional reed-harvester, learn lots about the area and see amazing wildlife, we saw Cranes, Bearded Tits, Chinese water deer, 4 different types of geese and loads of wading birds.

Horsey Dyke:

Horsey Wind Pump, which is owned by the National Trust is open to the public, and is where you can learn about the work life of the pump master.

Walk to Horsey beach where there are often seals.

We recommend the quirky Nelson pub (a 20 minute walk from the moorings, but well worth it).

Potter Heigham:

A good place to stock up on just about anything, including toys and treats for the children.
Norada Grill and Tavern. Good reasonably priced food and with a play area outside.
Tea rooms
Delicious Fish & chips
Mr Whippy ice creams!
Shoot under the 350 year old bridge.

Horning:

Pubs, restaurants, small shops and a lovely deli.
Bewilderwood, which is a 15 minute walk from the moorings, it’s an outdoor forest filled with fun and adventures, there are wobbly wires, tree houses, slippery slops and storytelling.

Tip - When looking for a mooring go as far as the yacht club and moor on the right hand side with the yacht club to your left.

St Benets Abbey:

Visit the once thriving 1000 year old monastery which is now owned by the archaeological trust
Wander around the ancient ruins and take a picnic.

Ranworth:

Pub and small shop
Nature reserve is a floating wildlife centre reached by a broad walk which children love to run around and explore.
Church tower with 89 steps leading to panoramic views.

Salhouse Broad: