Norfolk Caravan Trip August 2012

Having recently had a boat holiday on the Broads we felt that we would like to visit some of the places that we had seen but this time by road. We decided to stay at a caravan CL that we had seen near Womack Water.  However this particular site was full and the owner offered us a place on his other site which was only a few hundred yards away. As it turned out this was a much nicer site that had much more room and was still within easy walking distance of the river. It was known as Danny's Paddock. When we arrived and met the farmer we were a little surprised that it cost £12 a night but decided that overall it was worth it. We rounded off the day by having a meal at a Toby Carvery (a very busy one) that we had discovered to the south of Great Yarmouth.

Masses of room at Denny's Paddock

On Thursday (2/8/12) we walked the short distance through the farm yard and the other CL to the river and noted the very crowded moorings. In fact this was probably the only really crowded moorings we saw on this holiday despite it being peak season. We made it a circular walk by visiting the large Ludham village shop. The pub in Ludham appeared a bit noisy and we didn't visit it the whole time we were there. Our next port of call was Potter Heigham where we looked round the shops. A walk over the bridge to the place where the bridge pilot can be found let us meet Dillion the Border Collie again. He was still just as anxious to bring things to be thrown and this time had found a discarded fender to use as a 'ball'.

Dillion kept Julie busy for ages throwing his 'ball'.

Whilst playing with Dillion we saw a couple on a boat approaching the bridge. It seemed obvious that their boat was too tall to go under the bridge and in addition they had a bicycle in a blue bag on the roof. They seemed oblivious to the danger and only turned away from the bridge at the last minute. The tide, which was coming in, had them firmly in its grasp and pinned their boat sideways on against the bridge. No matter what they tried they couldn't escape. The pilot had seen their plight and dashed round to help. After some pushing and shoving they made their escape, hopefully having learnt a good lesson!

The boat held against the bridge by the incoming tide.

We had enjoyed our visits by boat to Stokesby so decided to visit again. As usual the free moorings were fully occupied but as we had found in June there were spaces near the Pub that were free until the early evening. We made sure to visit the Cafe for lunch and once again had a splendid meal.

Waiting to have lunch at the Tea Rooms.

After Stokesby we motored on to Reedham. It's always interesting to see the boats coming and going here. As we have previously discovered the tide can be quite treacherous and people trying to moor are pleased if you volunteer to catch a rope etc.. Whilst we were there I heard some shouting on the river and eventually realised that a sailing boat, with its mast up, was heading towards the railway bridge that was closed! The boat made a couple of tight turns and eventually the bridge swung open, panic over.

Sailing boat forced to turn sharply to avoid closed bridge.

The bridge swings open and the danger is averted.

Near to Reedham in a village called Moulton St Mary we saw some nurseries that had the most amazing display of flowers. It was hard to take a picture that conveyed the huge dispaly but here is my attempt.

The huge display of flowers in Moulton St Mary.

We wanted to have our evening meal at the pub in Thurne. We had read all sorts of strange things about Sid the guy who runs this pub and wanted to see for ourselves. Arriving a bit early we walked to the moorings at Thurne mouth. Plenty of room there and a nice gentle walk. Getting back to the pub we had a very enjoyable meal and Sid turned out to perhaps be a little officious but otherwise very helpful.

On the Friday we first went to Ludham Bridge where we visited the shop. We saw a strange machine here. It appeared to be used for getting weed or trash out of the river.

Machine with conveyor to rake the river bed.

After this we went to Horning, we had often passed Horning by boat but had never seen anywhere to moor. Parking turned out be easy (and free) at the village hall. Quite a few facilities in Horning and some interesting old buildings.

Pub on the river front at Horning.

At Wroxham we parked in the car park for Roy's shops and had a walk round. We found the Faircraft Loynes boat yard and looked at a number of their boats. They were beautifully prepared and seemed to be no more expensive than the other yards. Their boats had things like Satellite TV and interesting layouts, well worth considering for any future boating holiday. 

One of the superb boats at Faircraft Loynes

A number of times, whilst on boats, we have headed for Sutton Staithe only to find that there was no room to moor. 

Sutton Staithe, room to turn  but limited mooring and few facilities

We finished Friday off with Fish and Chips from Potter Heigham.

On Saturday we visited Lowestoft. With the help of some instructions from a local radio amateur we first went to the most easterly point in the UK. This was next to a huge wind turbine. On the spot (at Ness Point) there is a large circular metal ring that shows the distance to many places. We have now visited the most Easterly, most Southerly and most Westerly points, only the most northerly to go.

The most easterly point in the UK

Part of the ring showing the distance to various places.

The complete 'Most Easterly 'ring.

Lowestoft has a lovely beach but seems to lack amusements etc.

A bit quiet for me at Lowestoft

Oulton Broad was a place that I had never visited before. Mooring at the Yacht Station was not too expensive and there were shops nearby.

The view across Oulton Broad.

It was a short journey from Lowestoft back up the coast to Great Yarmouth. We had a good time at Yarmouth visiting the amusement arcades where we won a pencil, two model coaches and a model VW camper!! We had a meal in one of the many Yarmouth Restaurants. 

On Sunday we visited 'Dillion' at Potter Heigham again and then went to Stracey Mill to see the goats, pigs etc.. 

One of the many friendly animals at Stracey Mill.

We had a great meal at Acle Bridge and discovered that you moor for free on the east bank of the river during the day time. The small shop on this bank also does bacon rolls that seem very popular with lots of people.

The little shop at Acle Bridge where you can moor for free in the day time.

In the evening I went to see the stockcar racing at Great Yarmouth stadium. The stadium was a very pleasant place to watch racing and was quite luxurious. Lots of good food outlets there too!

Yarmouth Stadium with great undercover seating.

A very enjoyable short break and one that I'm sure we will repeat.