SwanR

Day 3 - a walk along the Thurne ... with more refreshments ... :) As I recall now there was a chance of rain on this day so we decided to get out in the morning with one eye on whether we needed jackets or umbrellas. After a short drive to Potter Heigham we fortified ourselves with scones and coffee in Bridgestones. Always a favourite stop. Then we walked along the bank of the Thurne, behind some of the chalets, and on up to Martham Boats. It's a walk we've done before but enjoyable nonetheless. We knew there were a couple of benches on the grassy bank where we could sit and watch the few boats that were passing on that stretch of river. The rain held off until we were home and it was a lovely time out.

Always a shame when we don't have enough people as whoever is running it will have put work in to be ready. Hopefully we can get a few more next week. Have a lovely weekend everyone. :)

Day 2 - Venetian Waterways and more refreshments I have long wanted to visit the Venetian Waterways that were reopened a few years ago. This is sited at the very northern end of Great Yarmouth. I remember visiting with my children back in the 90s when you could take a ride on a little boat around the water. Today there is a boating lake and you can hire rowing boats and pedalos. We started with coffee at the coffee house within the waterways, but there are other kiosks along the promenade bordering the gardens. It was another warm day so it was just nice to have a gentle stroll, sit a while in the sunshine, and have a look at the sea out across the wide sand and dunes that line this end of Great Yarmouth. During the afternoon we needed a few things from the shops in Hoveton so we ended up taking a seat for a couple of hours outside Hotel Wroxham by the river. An afternoon drink is most unusual for us but it was warmer than a lot of the summer had been. So it was a great place to be, watching the world go by.

For many years now October has meant a few days afloat for me for an autumn break. But not this year. For a number of reasons we decided not to hire but ... it was interesting to spend time around Norfolk and the Broads without being on a boat. So rather than add to my Places to Visit topic I thought I would write this up as an example of the kind of holiday you can have if you are land based when you come to stay. Day 1 - Felbrigg Hall This is a National Trust property situated about 35 minutes drive from Wroxham, a little inland from Cromer, kind of on the way to Sheringham. There is a house and garden that you can pay to look round. But there is also a lot of land with well signed walks, which you can access without paying for any more than your parking. NT members park for free. This is what we did. You can access the coffee shop without needing to pay entry so after a little light refreshment we set off on a walk round the parkland, past the lake, and with an old church on the way. This was open, so as usual we went in for a look. This was one of those unseasonably warm October days which added to it being wonderful to be out in the fresh air. A very enjoyable visit, plenty for us to return to, plenty more to see.

Sounds like a great day out Helen. We have family in Northampton as well. Can't say as I have ever found the fashionable part ...

It rained all day again here yesterday so I’m not surprised at that.

This is exactly right. We have probably had more short breaks than week long holidays as hirers. And we have never been through Wroxham, PH, Wayford or Beccles bridges. And that’s even with having hired forward steer cruisers many times. And we have had times when we couldn’t get through Ludham Bridge either. But every hire and every holiday has been amazing.

Monica I saw that video as well. Looked as if they were helping boats going in both directions. If so then that proves that Richardson’s do have boats that won’t always go under Ludham Bridge. And if they help them out then they may have to help them back.

Sorry, it was Arabella not Annabelle, I was forgetting the name. The booking link takes you to Hoseasons. It was probably my mistake really as I had thought it was an all inclusive price. But when you get to the page where you would put your details in you should take note of the following. A deposit paid on card of £500 will be collected on arrival and covers your Fuel Deposit and security Deposit. This will be refunded less the cost of any fuel used and providing the boat is returned in good order.

I would hire anything that’s the price I want with all the features I want as long as I’m fully aware of any limitations that brings. I’ve done a week on the north before without being able to go up the Ant or through any of the bridges. You can still have a great time. I was looking at Annabelle from NYA for next year until we got to the very end of the booking process and found some hidden costs that pushed it up too far as a total cost.

Bumping this up as a reminder of the closure set for this week.

Sounds like a great plan. No point having a boat and not having time to get out much.

I can only add my condolences and thoughts to those already posted above. It's a strange feeling being in your parents' home without them. But you'll work it through.

Looks a lovely boat Biker. Congrats. Are you planning on cruising the rivers where it is or moving it over to Norfolk?

Well done to everyone. I had visitors arrive so couldn’t join but hope to be back next Friday.

Bronze Emblem definitely didn’t have a bow thruster when I hired it a few years ago. And I haven’t seen anything to indicate they’ve changed it. Let’s just say that the bathroom needs modernising as well. I have heard good reports of Tranquila at Richardson’s if you’re looking for something for a holiday when you’re not on your own.

I have thought that Ferry Marina's website has been looking very out of date in terms of their home page and offers. I've found this afternoon that if you select a boat and a start date in October, there is a 20% discount for holidays this month. I've no idea when they added that as I had been watching out for it ... but there you go. If anyone is looking for a last minute booking then give it a go.

How interesting. Looks amazing. Safe travels. :)

Thanks for the quiz Arthur. It was very good fun with some interesting rounds.

I can't remember when we last had rain like that. Some of our garden was quite flooded. Guessing the river levels will be higher now.

The weather certainly turned this afternoon. Glad you got home ok. Hope the weekend goes well. And Graham's dad is ok too.

Shame about not getting that coffee at Ranworth. As for the traffic in Wroxham and Hoveton today, it wasn’t just the start of the roadworks. There was a broken down bus early this morning somewhere between the vets and Roys garage as best as I know. That caused really long queues to build up from the start of the day.

Maybe we should wait for an update from the Broads Authority. They have acknowledged the issue on their website and say they will provide further information. https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/boating-news/sutton-staithe-electric-posts-temporarily-disabled

I think we should be careful as we don’t actually know the reason. Or have I missed something? The wording of the notice is ambiguous.

Great photos. Glad you enjoyed the week.