Skip to main content

Push the Boat Out: Don't Be Afraid of the Norfolk Broads

We used to live by the Thames when we lived in Berkshire.  Less than a 2 minute walk away was a beautiful lock and when my Dad was alive we used to go and sit by the lock, grab an ice cream from the lock keep and just watch the boats float past.

My Dad used to reminisce about many a boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads.  Now I have to admit that they never appealed to me then, but now with two boys who I am trying to wean off electronics, they sound fab.

I grew up on caravan holidays and for me the thought of a boating holiday is something similar.  I love the idea of no electronics and making our own fun.

So for me the real positives of a boating holiday are the following:

  • No driving - Do not get me wrong, but the thought of a week without the car just really appeals to me.  I would love to take our bikes with us and just explore and make it a real adventure.
  • Cooking simple nutritious meals on the boat, but also docking up at one of the many canalside pubs and grabbing a pub lunch or dinner with the boys and being able to have a real break from the "mumotony" of cooking and cleaning.
  • Sightseeing.  I have to say the thought of the slower pace of life really appeals to me.  Windmills, pebble beaches and picnics in parks reading a book whilst watching the boys having fun.
  • Teaching the boys to steer the boat and watching them help their Dad with the locks.  I know that my Dad would have loved to take the boys on a holiday to the Norfolk Broads.  He had so many happy memories of the place and the holidays there with his Dad as a child.  It is one of my regrets that he is not around to do this with the boys.
  • Some boats are pet friendly, so you can take your dog with you.  Not only does this save on boarding costs, but it is a great excuse to have a walk.
  • For me it would be great to learn a new skill, such as parking and maneuvering the boat.  
  • It would be a great place to teach the boys to fish.
  • Both my boys love spotting wildlife and the Norfolk broads are a great place to do this, so make sure you pack binoculars and a bird book, ph and some pencils so they can draw their own wildlife too.


We love the Miles Kelly Handbooks, as they have a space for pictures and notes (which are only £4.99) and the British Wildlife handbook  and British Birds handbook would be perfect for spotting whilst on the broads.




Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

I love comments and will try to respond to all

Popular posts from this blog

Win a £60 Amazon Voucher with Barclaycard Freedom Rewards and A Thrifty Mum

Barclaycard Freedom Reward Card asked me to take their  60 second survey to see what shopping tribe I was part off .   Barclaycard and Brunel University have collaborated to research the modern way in which we shop and how UK shoppers can now be defined into four new shopping tribes.  I am a Bargain Hunter Gatherer: You're an expert at collecting the best tools, voucher codes and loyalty cards to make your budget go as far as possible, week in, week out. While the kids are doing their homework, you're doing yours - grabbing the best savings for your family. Key facts about you: You're most likely to be female, married or living with your partner and living in the north of the UK. You lot are busy. Two thirds of you cleverly juggle your home, work and financial life. You're not easily tempted by big discounts, only 35% of you have ever bought a non-essential item you didn't need because of a special offer. Home really is where the heart is - 42% of you...
233 comments
Read more

Bissell Vac and Steam Machine Review and Giveaway

I have hard floors downstairs which I love.  They are much more practical than carpet with 2 mucky boys and a dog. Over the past 8 years I have tried all sorts of ways to keep them clean and I think I have finally found the product that does that for me. It is the  Bissell Vac and Steam Machine .  This amazing suel action machine vacuums and steam cleans either independently or at the same time.  It means that I have done away with my vacuum and steam cleaner downstairs (which I gave to my brother in law). What I like: You can either vacuum or steam clean or do both It is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre The handle is adjustable great for a home with people of different heights and for getting the kids involved. You need no chemicals The pads are washable and reusable It comes with a two year guarantee It warms up fast (within 30 seconds) so no long wait to start cleaning It costs under £100 It is space saving.  No need for a separate vacuum,...
309 comments
Read more

Dumping the tumble dryer and Ecoforce giveaway

We have a tumble dryer, but it broke before christmas and we  couldn't afford to get it repaired, so I have been managing with an old fashioned wooden clothes rail and hanging bedding over the doors to dry, This last would of weeks however, I have been hanging the washing outside and it has been drying much quicker and with less creases, so I am going to take the plunge and instead of getting the dryer replaced I am going to give it away. Ecoforce heard me on twitter bemoaning the fact that I was chasing laundry round the garden as my pegs were not working and very kindly sent me some of their Ecoforce pegs to try and they have been fab. So in conjunction with Ecoforce I have a year's supply of green cleaning and washing up wonder products worth £50 comprising the following: EcoForce Peg Basket x 1 EcoForce Clothes Line x1 EcoForce Pegs x 2 packs Several of each of: EcoForce sponges, scourer...
246 comments
Read more