Indispensable information
for the first time boat hirer
and the regular Broads sailor
Norfolk Broads Towns & Villages - Dilham
The little village of Dilham lies at the top of one of the branches of the River Ant. To get there you will cross Barton Broad, then head towards Wayford Bridge. Headroom at the bridge is limited to 7ft (2.13 metres) clearance at high water. It is unusual in that the Dilham side has actually a greater headroom clearance than the Barton Broad side. To avoid cruiser skippers being misled as to the available height, a board has been hung horizontally beneath the Dilham side to equalize the clearance required on both sides. Basically, if you can pass under from the Barton Broad side, you will be able to pass back again subject to tidal rise and fall. Shortly after passing under the bridge, the river forks. The narrow channel to the right leads to Honing Lock (disused) and is not navigable for hire craft. The wider channel to the left leads you through delightful tree-fringed countryside until you reach the village of Dilham on your left-hand bank. Proceed on until you reach the free public moorings at the end of the channel. Here there is space for around 4 or 5 cruisers as well as a turning circle, accommodating boats up to around 40 feet in length.
Local Attractions: Dilham is a sleepy village bordered by the river on one side and open farmland on the other. The main attraction is the peacefulness of the place. Take a rowing boat up the North Walsham and Dilham Canal, a tranquil disused waterway leading up to Honing Lock.
Eating and Drinking: The Cross Keys Inn is a 5 to 10-minute walk down the "main street". Turn left as you exit the moorings. Bar food as as well as a restaurant is available to diners.
Other Services: There are no other services in the village.
TIP: Turn your boat before mooring as there may be less room later due to other arriving craft. Also if visiting the Cross Keys Public House in the evening, be sure to take a torch with you as there is no street lighting between the bar and the moorings.