Spooks & Sparks

Before you come

If you are driving a fair way, you may as well make a day of it. These are all within about five miles of us, and all of them work with small children and a buggy. It is November, so check opening times before you set off: several of the Broads sites go down to winter hours or shut altogether.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
about 4 miles

South Walsham. Probably the strongest of these for under-fives: wide flat paths through the woodland garden and a boardwalk out to the inner broad. Check the November opening hours before you set off.

Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
about 3 miles

Flat boardwalks and hides, buggy-friendly for most of the reserve. Quiet in November, which is rather the point.

Salhouse Broad
about 5 miles

A short walk down through the woods to the water. Free to walk, small charge to park. Worth checking what is running in November.

Surlingham Church Marsh RSPB
about 4 miles

Small, quiet and easy. A circular walk with the river at the far end.

Rockland St Mary staithe
about 5 miles

A boardwalk out across the reeds to the broad. Twenty minutes, and lovely in low light.

Brundall and Blofield playgrounds
2 to 4 miles

The reliable option when the weather has other ideas about a nature reserve.

Whitlingham Country Park
about 7 miles

Trowse, just past the five-mile mark. A much bigger playground than anything closer, plus a flat circuit of the broad.