Norfolk Broads Towns & Villages - Neatishead

The small village of Neatishead is situated at the end of one of the dykes which diverge out from the river Ant. To get there you will pass under Ludham Bridge, cruise past the charming village of Irstead, enter Barton Broad then take the left hand channel which takes you across the Broad. A sign post directs you to Gays Staithe and Neatishead. Both offer access to the village though the latter is much nearer. Gays Staithe is a pleasant mooring spot amongst the trees but has no services. A little further down the narrow winding dyke you come to Neatishead staithe. If you want or need to turn your boat it is worth knowing that there is a small dyke just past the entrance to the staithe which allows for this.

A picture of the staithe is shown above and you can see it is one way in and one way out. It is barely wide enough to turn a boat so reversing in should be a consideration unless you can claim a mooring spot close to the staithe entrance. Moorings are free for up to 24 hours and you will find water and a refuse disposal point on-site. The village centre is a 5 to10 minute walk from the moorings - turn right as you exit the staithe. You will pass a small village store and many attractive houses before reaching The White Horse Inn, which is at the centre of the village.

Local Attractions: Barton Boardwalk is around 45 - 60 mins walk away on the same road which passes Gays Staithe moorings and is sign-posted. You can shorten the journey time by around 15 minutes by mooring at Gays Staithe if you prefer. The walk is pleasant and through open countryside. The Boardwalk itself takes you though waterlogged carr woodland and local vegetation until you happen on a grand vista of Barton Broad. Amazingly, this is the only spot you can view the Broad from without being on the water.

Eating and Drinking: White Horse Inn - Restaurant and bar food. To be found on the main street. Well thought of pub with excellent food and a variety of guest ales. May be wise to pre-book if you are eating at evenings and weekends.

Services: A small village community store is around 5 minutes walk from the staithe, en-route to the village centre.

TIP: You will likely approach the moorings in such a manner that you will have to reverse out again on departure. If there is room, consider turning your boat around in the dyke using a rope from the bow (front) passed to someone on the opposite bank, who can then pull the craft around. This is much simpler than trying to reverse out, especially if other boats are moored either side of the dyke.