Hickling Broad Bird Hide
Hickling Broad Bird Hide
Highlight • Trail
Hiking
4.5
(25)
The Hickling Broad Bird Hide offers a prime vantage point within Hickling Broad, the largest of the Norfolk Broads. Situated in the Norfolk Broads National Park, approximately 4 km south-east of Stalham in Norfolk, England, this area is a vast 600-hectare wetland nature reserve. Managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, it is renowned for its expansive reedbeds, marshes, and shallow, slightly brackish waters, lying at an elevation of around -2 meters above sea level.
Visitors consistently praise Hickling Broad for…
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
April 3, 2019
Hiking
September 5, 2020
Hiking
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Hickling Broad Bird Hide
4.3
(13)
76
hikers
8.76km
02:12
10m
10m
4.4
(5)
26
hikers
6.10km
01:32
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
10
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 0 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 4 April
13°C
5°C
11 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 30.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Hickling Broad offers a variety of trails, including waymarked footpaths, boardwalks, and gravel paths that wind through dykes and reedbeds. While some areas might be uneven, the reserve provides diverse options for exploring its natural beauty.
Yes, Hickling Broad is committed to accessibility. The Swallowtail trail is specifically designed to be wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy the reserve's unique environment. The visitor centre also has disabled facilities.
Absolutely! Hickling Broad is considered family-friendly. Many of the trails are suitable for leisurely walks, and the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, including rare birds and insects, makes it an engaging experience for children. The visitor centre also provides facilities.
While dogs are generally welcome in the wider Norfolk Broads area, specific restrictions may apply within the Hickling Broad Nature Reserve to protect sensitive wildlife. It's best to check the Norfolk Wildlife Trust's official website for the most current guidelines regarding dogs on trails and in hides.
Hickling Broad is primarily accessed by car, with a large car park available at the visitor centre in Hickling village. Public transport options are limited, so planning your journey in advance and checking local bus services to Hickling village is recommended if you're not driving.
Hickling Broad is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. While access to some areas and trails may be free, there might be a charge for entry to the visitor centre, specific hides, or for activities like electric boat trips. It's advisable to check the Norfolk Wildlife Trust's website for current admission fees and membership benefits.
Hickling Broad is a year-round haven for wildlife. Winter is excellent for spotting cranes, common goldeneyes, shovelers, and teals. Spring and summer are ideal for breeding birds like Eurasian bitterns, marsh harriers, and Cetti's warblers, as well as rare insects such as the swallowtail butterfly and Norfolk hawker dragonfly.
Yes, the village of Hickling, where the visitor centre is located, offers local amenities. You can find cafes and pubs in the village or nearby areas, providing options for refreshments and meals before or after your visit to the reserve.
Given the varied terrain and potential for wet conditions, sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended. Layers of clothing are advisable for changing weather. During summer months, be aware that ticks can be prevalent, so checking yourself and any pets thoroughly after your visit is important. Binoculars are a must for birdwatching!
Wild swimming is generally not permitted within the Hickling Broad Nature Reserve due to conservation efforts and safety concerns related to boat traffic and water quality. The reserve focuses on protecting its delicate ecosystem and providing safe wildlife observation opportunities.
Hickling Broad is renowned for its extensive reedbeds, which are the largest in England. The shallow, slightly brackish waters support rare waterweeds like the holly-leaved naiad. Beyond the diverse birdlife, you can also spot iconic insects such as the swallowtail butterfly and the Norfolk hawker dragonfly.
Yes, electric-powered boat trips are available from the visitor centre. These trips offer a unique perspective of the Broad and can provide access to more remote hides and a 60ft tree tower, which are otherwise inaccessible, offering panoramic views of the wetland.