(Last visited October 2018)
Hickling Broad is massive – it’s the biggest broad – so in normal times you could spend a whole day exploring all the paths. It is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs as a lot of it is boardwalk or compacted surface. In recent times there has been a one-way route of 2.5km (1.5 miles).
There are other areas of the broad that can be explored for free such as the Weavers Way south of the broad but I haven’t visited that part yet. No dogs on the nature reserve but again can be walked in other areas such as the Weavers Way.
It is worth keeping an eye on the website for this reserve as every time I’ve looked it has been different – at the time of writing it says: “From Thursday 5 November 2020 the visitor centre, toilets and hides will be closed in accordance with the Government’s new guidance. The reserve and car park will remain open, although he floodwall path from the boat departure point to Whiteslea Lodge has been closed due to slippery conditions.”
🌿 Length: One-way route of 2.5km (1.5 miles).
🌿 Café/refreshments: Yes but typically closed in autumn/winter. Check website for updates
🌿 Play area: No
🌿 Pushchairs/Wheelchairs: Yes – a lot of it is boardwalk or compacted surface
🌿 Dogs: No but “visitors with dogs can walk Weavers Way public footpath along South edge of Broad. There is also a public footpath from Hickling village North of the reserve – from here you can see some areas of the reserve. Dogs on a lead may be taken onto the Raptor Roost watch point, only by accessing it via Stubb Road and not through the main reserve.”
🌿 Toilets: Currently closed due to Covid (check website)
🌿 Seats: Yes
🌿 Picnic area: Yes
🌿 Opening times: Dawn til dusk. Visitor Centre currently closed due to Covid but usually open Thursday to Sunday from 10am–4pm every day between November 2020 and Easter 2021
🌿 Entrance fee: NWT members and children go free, non-members £5 (with Gift Aid) or standard price: £4.50. At the moment I believe it is unmanned
🌿 Parking: NR12 0BW (what3words ///caused.evenly.revealing)
🌿 Other: Nature haven. Keep an eye out for the butterflies in the summer – particularly the beautiful Swallowtails!
🌿 Website: www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-in-norfolk/nature-reserves/reserves/hickling-broad
