You'll enjoy unspoilt scenery and abundant plant, bird and wildlife at tranquil Hickling Broad, the largest of the northern broads and an important National Nature Reserve and haunt of the rare swallowtail butterfly. As well as extensive cruising all over the Norfolk Broads, from this peaceful base you can head south to Potter Heigham with its striking 13th century road bridge over the river, moor at St Benet's Abbey to explore the ruins, and then go on to the pretty thatched village of Ludham and Barton Broad - a popular venue for regattas - finishing this leg of your journey at the country town of Stalham.

Stalham

From your mooring at Stalham on the River Ant, in the unspoilt, northernmost reaches of the Norfolk Broads, you won't want to miss cruising through the open waters of Barton Broad, following the river as it narrows and winds its scenic way to How Hill - a beautiful nature reserve with land and water trails, a thatched mansion set on a hill overlooking the river, working wind pumps and Toad Hole Cottage, a tiny Victorian eel catcher's home furnished just as it was 100 years ago. Cruises to Wroxham and Horning are also easily possible, as are longer trips to Great Yarmouth and Norwich.