Indispensable information
for the first time boat hirer
and the regular Broads sailor
Norfolk Broads Towns and Villages - Coltishall
Coltishall is a medium-sized village located on the river Bure around one hour's cruise upriver from Wroxham. To reach Coltishall you will need to pass under the low-arched bridge crossing the river at Wroxham. A pilot service is available for hire boats to help you through. The mooring point for this is just before you come to the bridge, on your right-hand side of the river. Currently, there is a charge of £15 for passage through, though the return trip is included in this cost. Once under, the cruise takes you through delightful scenery with wooded pastures, past the tiny village of Belaugh, and on to the village green at Coltishall. The moorings on the village green are plentiful and are free for overnight stays.
Local Attractions: Unusual for the Norfolk Broads, Coltishall has a set of disused locks which were once used to enable trading wherries to travel further upriver as far as Aylsham to deliver and collect goods. The riverside walk to them is a very pleasant way to stretch your legs and will take around 45 mins.
For those people who like to view churches, Coltishall's Church of St. John the Baptist is a short walk from the village green and is striking with its thatched roof and stained glass windows. It is usually open for viewing.
The village itself has many fine properties reflecting an age when Coltishall was an important wherry trading point. Many shops and businesses are housed in them. The walk along the roadside to the centre affords views of many of them.
Eating and Drinking:The Rising Sun and the King's Head are located at the end of the village green. Both offer restaurant and bar food. The Recruiting Sergeant is further away past Coltishall village centre and has a good reputation for food. The Norfolk Mead Hotel is set on its own grounds and affords bars and a restaurant. (Turn left after passing the church.) The cafe, "A Piece of Cake" is on the road leading into the village centre. Fish and Chips, Chinese, and Indian Takeaway establishments are located in the village.
Other Services: Post office and village stores - village centre.
Greengrocers and Butchers - village centre.
Pharmacy and Hairdresser - village centre.
Doctor's surgery.
TIP. Because the low bridge at Wroxham acts as a choker on river traffic, you will find the upper reaches of the river Bure to be much more peaceful than those below the bridge.
