Discover the Hidden Gem of the Waveney Valley
The Waveney Valley is one of those rare places, one of those places that, when you discover it, you find yourself asking ‘why did I not know this was here?’ Blending the best of both Norfolk and Suffolk The Waveney Valley has managed to achieve that magical mix of being both sought after and unspoiled.
One exceptional location that perfectly captures the spirit of this extraordinary region is Tingdene Waveney River Centre.
Charming riverside town of Beccles - via Visit The Broads
because there’s beccles
A twenty minute drive from Tingdene Waveney River Centre will bring you to Beccles. Ok, it’s not the most famous town in the country, but that’s part of its charm; that undiscovered magic of the area. Rather charmingly its name means ‘meadow by the stream’. It’s always been closely associated with the river. Known to have been a port in Saxon times it’s still a busy boating centre. But if you’re just sauntering and exploring check out The Wine Vaults.
It’s typical of the friendly and high quality food and drink offering in the town. The cafes at Urban Jungle are worth a visit too. As is the place itself, take a look at Urban Jungle.
via Visit The Broads
WHY NOT WHEATACRE?
Why not indeed! Not far form Beccles you’ll find Wheatacre Hall Barns.
This place is packed with food, drink, cafes and shops. There’s ice cream, cheeses and wine. It’s at the fabulous end of the Farm Shop spectrum.
head for haddiscoe
Yes, there’s a fair chance that this is another place name you’d not heard of. But that’s a good thing. Go explore. In fact if you’ve not heard of Haddiscoe you’ve almost certainly not heard of the Haddiscoe Cut. The Cut is a canal - you didn’t know there was a canal in Norfolk, did you? - and it has a fascinating history. Conceived in the 1830s as a means of linking Norwich and Lowestoft, the Cut failed as a business venture. After various changes of ownership it faced closure in the 1950s but the local population resisted. It’s now managed by the Environment Agency.
Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, Haddiscoe is a quintessential piece of East Anglia waiting to be explored.
STOP FOR A WHILE AT ST OLAVES
A real Norfolk village, right on the Waveney, St Olaves is somewhere you need to visit. It’s a riverside place and ideal for hiring a boat. It has a lovely 16th century inn - The Bell Inn - and a wonderful Priory, complete with a 14th century undercroft. The river bridge at St Olaves is the first bridging point on the Waveney above Great Yarmouth. It’s a small village but there’s lots to see and do there. It’s that discovering thing again. The more you find the more you’ll love The Waveney Valley.
Uncover the joy of discovery in St Olaves and fall deeper in love with the Waveney Valley.
The picturesque Carlton Marshes - via Visit The Broads
carry on to carlton
At the very southernmost point of the Norfolk Broads, and actually part of the Suffolk Broads, Carlton Marshes are often called the ‘southern gateway to the Broads National Park’. This stunning nature reserve is managed by The Suffolk Wildlife Trust and can actually be accessed from Waveney River Centre on the foot ferry.
You’ll find all weather trails, a playscape area for children, fabulous views and fantastic wildlife. The walks are are truly wonderful. One footpath will lead you to Broadlands Park - another brilliant Tingdene location in the Waveney Valley area.
Oulton Broad - via Unsplash
over to oulton broad
Oulton Broad, home to Tingdene Broadlands Park, is yet another gateway to the wonders of the Broads. It serves as an ideal starting point for a boat-based exploration of the region. Often described as a "village within a village," Broadlands Park and Marina offer exceptional facilities, including a pool, onsite marina and a newly-refurbished bar & restaurant run by local restaurateurs - Moss & Co. Additionally, its close proximity to Suffolk's natural beauty ensures easy access to an array of captivating attractions.
Oulton Broad epitomizes the magic of the Waveney Valley, offering endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
The Waveney Valley is a magical place
Its other gems include the town of Bungay, with its independent shops (a must for antiques fans) and castle ruins. There’s Somerleyton too, where the Victorian hall and gardens are truly majestic.
As we change our minds and alter our values the way we look at our leisure time is up for examination. More and more we’re realising that the UK has more to offer than perhaps we realised. And the Waveney Valley is exactly the sort of place that delivers those unexpected glories.
We’re changing our minds too about how we plan our holidays. A UK holiday home is rapidly emerging as the exciting option. And with parks like Tingdene Waveney River Centre available as holiday home locations it’s no wonder.
No wonder people are discovering the wonder of The Waveney Valley.
