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The Norfolk countryside and waterways around Dilham

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Days out, on and off the water.

Start with a paddle on our own canal, then explore the Broads, the coast, wild places and family favourites. Almost everything here is within a short drive.

Canoeing on the canal at Dilham
Right here on site

Start with our canoe hire.

The best thing to do at Dilham is the simplest. Take a canoe, kayak or paddleboard out on our quiet, traffic‑free canal. It is the easiest way onto the Broads, and it is right outside.

Canoe hire & prices

The Norfolk Broads

Barton BroadReserve and home of the rare swallowtail butterfly Under 15 miles
Hickling BroadCircular walks, viewing platforms and an observation tower Under 15 miles
Alderfen BroadQuiet carr woodland, brilliant for birdwatching Under 15 miles
Simpson’s BoatyardEasy day boats, seating up to 10, canopy for all weather 5 miles
Ebridge Mill LockWild swimming and boat trips on the canal Under 3 miles

Wildlife & nature

Our 95‑acre reserveDeer, birds and rare species on a protected SSSI On site
Strumpshaw FenReedbed specialists, bitterns and spring orchids 30 minutes
Cley MarshesWaders, warblers and rare migrants 40 minutes
RSPB Titchwell MarshAvocets, bitterns and marsh harriers 60 minutes
Holkham Nature ReserveWoodland, dunes and marshland with spoonbills 50 minutes
Thrigby Hall Wildlife GardensAsian mammals, birds and reptiles Under 20 miles

Walks & gardens

Our circular canal walkA gentle 3.5km loop straight from the pods On site
Mannington GardensFootpaths through coppice woodland and meadows Under 20 miles
Bacton WoodAccessible woodland trails Under 3 miles
East Ruston Old VicarageThemed gardens with teashops Under 5 miles
Fairhaven Water GardenWoodland and water garden Under 15 miles

Historic houses

Blickling EstateA 400‑year‑old house, gardens and parkland (National Trust) Under 15 miles
Felbrigg Estate17th century hall, woodland and gardens (National Trust) Under 20 miles
Hoveton Hall GardensWalled gardens and woodland walks 5 miles
Norwich Castle MuseumNorman keep, art and history Under 15 miles
Holkham HallGrand Palladian house and deer park 40 miles

Family days out

BeWILDerwoodTreehouses, zip wires and marsh adventures Under 5 miles
Bure Valley RailwayNorfolk’s longest narrow‑gauge railway Under 5 miles
Dinosaur AdventureOutdoor dinosaur park and play Under 20 miles
Amazona ZooTropical animals near the coast Under 15 miles
Sea Life, Great YarmouthSharks, rays and rock pools Under 20 miles

Beaches & coast

Sandy beachesWide Norfolk sands, perfect for a beach day 5 miles
Happisburgh LighthouseThe UK’s only independent lighthouse Under 10 miles

Food & drink nearby

The Swan InnA welcoming local within easy reach Nearby
The Gunton ArmsAcclaimed pub with food cooked over open fire Nearby
The Suffield ArmsCharacterful spot for a drink or a meal Nearby

Make a weekend of it.

Base yourself here and tick off as much as you like. Find the retreat that suits you and pick your dates.

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