Enjoy the Norfolk Broads at your own pace from the comfort of a luxury cruiser
Brundall is a busy boating centre on the River Yare opposite Surlingham. The village, which is lined with boatyards and holiday houses, has pubs, eateries, shops and minimarkets plus a community nature reserve. You should also visit the stunning RSPB Strumpshaw Fen nature reserve – a bird watcher’s paradise teaming with rare wildlife!
A good place to moor is Broom Boats or Silverline Marine, whose boatyards are close to a pub, bistro and train station. Cross the railway line to walk into the centre of the village, where there are plenty of facilities, including two cooperative supermarkets.
Take a walk around Brundall Church Fen local nature reserve, which is next to the 13th century St Laurence church, and has free 24hour Broads Authority moorings. This lovely wet woodland on a former grazing marsh is home to otters and water voles.
The RSPB Strumpshaw nature reserve is just 1.4 miles from Brundall. The diverse landscape fronting the River Yare has an excellent network of trails exploring orchid-rich meadows, reed beds, woodland and numerous scrapes and pools. Look out for Swallowtail Butterflies and Norfolk Hawker Dragonflies – which only exist in the Broads – plus barn owls, marsh harriers, cetti’s warblers, kingfishers and bitterns. The well-equipped reception hide serves refreshments and there is a picnic area and toilets.
Strumpshaw Steam Museum is nearby, which displays steam engines, a narrow gauge railway, mechanical organs and a 1930s fairground (OPEN SUNDAYS AND BANK HOLIDAYS ONLY from April to October).
Eating out:
East Hills Café Bistro
Located in Brundall Bay Marina pavilion, with a garden decking area and gift shop. It serves pizzas (including takeout), breakfast, lunch, platters and afternoon teas. Free short stay moorings in Brundall Bay Marina for diners (or half price overnight). 01603 951850 www.east-hills.co.uk
The Yare Brundall
Dog-friendly pub serving traditional fayre located next to the river close to Broom Boats. 01603 713786.
The Ram (Pet Friendly)
Dog-friendly pub located on The Street, Brundall. Serves kebabs and burgers. It is most easily accessed from Brundall Church Fen moorings. 01603 712569.
Masala Cottage
Indian restaurant and takeaway in a thatched cottage on The Street, Brundall. 01603 715070.
