Things to do & places to Eat

There is something for Everyone at Hippersons

In the boatyard

Bring the river to life with our immersive experiences from Day boats to SUPs, self -drive to guided canoe tours, all details can be found on the explore page.

Ask us for some buoyancy aids and take your dinghy for a row around the basin, as its off the main river there is a lot less current and its a great place to learn to row. No cost involved.

Take a day-boat out for the day, with buoyancy aids for all ages and suggested itineraries, we can help you plan a day that is best for you and your crew. There is nothing so good as messing about on boats.

Book your family a Sparrows and Amazons package and we can create a bespoke programme for you to bring the river to live.

Take a guided canoe and kayak tour, or for that extra special tour in the summer ask if the twilight tour is available during your stay.

Send the explorers off on a Stand Up Paddle-board lesson with Stephen, the less adventurous can enjoy a read on the deck and watch their antics from a safe distance.

Just the 2 of you? why not hire the pedal boat for 2, book it before you come for half a day, and for extra romance order a picnic hamper from the Fen Lane cafe to take with you. Pedal towards The Locks, stop at an open stretch along the way and have a picnic in the middle of nowhere - just the two of you. Carry on to the locks and have a well deserved beverage whilst you are there, then pedal gently back to your accommodation.

Just a stroll into Beccles.

Book a slot at the Lido and take the whole family for a swim in the wonderful outdoor pool, followed by an ice cream at Rao’s on the way home.

Stroll into Beccles and explore the Beccles museum. Then take the family shopping, with an independent book shop Beccles Books , a family run  toy shop, each crew member is bound to find something they can enjoy back at your holiday home. There are plenty of cafes to choose for  lunch out (take a look at our app) and on the way back you can treat them either at Sweeties independent sweet shop or for a truly indulgent younger crew members treat, stop at Rao’s the ice cream parlour (I am sure some of the older crew will enjoy this too).

Just want to go for a walk, then follow the Marsh trail which starts at the quay, and you can still around the marsh and by the river. After your walk you can take a stroll into Beccles, stop at the Bear and Bells for a well deserved beverage, and then shop for an Al Fresco dinner to take pack to your holiday home, and enjoy being just the two of you in our little piece of paradise.

Up to 30 minutes away

Want to go somewhere where the two of you can have an outdoor adventure with no interruptions, why not book the Secret Sauna for an afternoon.

Any adrenaline thrill seekers can book themselves a skydive taster at Beccies skydive centre

If its speed you are after, why not book a turn at the Beccles Go Kart race circuit in Ellough, a 10 minute drive away.

A speed to be watched is the powerboats that race throughout  the summer at Oulton Broad take a look here to see if its on when you are on your holiday

Further afield

Roar dinosaur adventure is a great place to explore, and there are lots of different activities all with just one entry fee.

Bewilderwood is a great day out in the open air, with ones from toddlers to 11 year olds, discovering the Twiggles and a Boggles will be a day to remember, and young crew should sleep well after playing here for a day

Africa Alive is a great place to spend the day, something for all ages and you can take your own picnic.

The Norfolk Tank museum is a great day out, they host a unique collection of Centurion tanks, and offer white knuckle ride experiences off road (weather permitting), with a cafe which offers light snacks and drinks to all visitors.

For the Film Fanatic

Vist the Lydia Eve as seen in the recent Wonka film with Timothee Chalet, Olivia Coleman and Keegan-Michael

Explore Sutton Hoo, the recent film The Dig starring Carey Mulligan tells the story of the discovery of the ship.

Walk along Gorleston beach where Danny Boyle directed Yesterday a film where the Beetles never happened and starring Himesh Patel, Lily James and Ed Sheeran.

For the Older Crew Members

A night out at the theatre is aways a great date. Just a 30 minute drive away is Norwich Theatre Royal, worth checking what’s on once you decide your dates, a lovely restaurant there too.

Southwold is a lovely place to spend an afternoon, and to really wow the special one in your life why not take them for a gin making workshop at the Adnams shop.

If local wines are a winner for your romantic rebel, then why not book a wine tour at the local vineyards, You can choose from Chet Valley or Flint Vineyard, or why not try both, after all you are on holiday.

Fun when it rains

The English weather can be a little bit unpredictable, and when it rains there is still plenty to do. If you brought your wellies a good muddy puddles walk can always be a lot of fin.

The East Coast cinema is only a 20 minute drive day. It always has a good programme and although smaller than some, it is a lot less commercial and will remind you of cinema back in the day.

The Sainsbury centre is a fabulous art gallery and museum to visit, all indoors and has a lovely cafe too .

The Southwold pier is a place full of family fun, with arcades and the famous under the pier show, a rainy day will be spent full of sunny smiles here.

If you like solving puzzles then book an adventure in the Escape room in Norwich, the setting of this one in Tombland adds to the adventure and will be the perfect tonic for a wet and windy day.

Borrow some board games from us, make sue you have plenty of local snacks, order a pizza delivery from OakFired Pizza and enjoy watching the water making shapes on the river

Places to Eat

Beccles has many good restaurants and cafes and all are just a short stroll from your houseboat. In the interests of our customers, we have tried out most that follow, we have enjoyed them and hope you find them to your liking and taste. A link to their sites is provided for you, so you can to check if they are doing take away or eat in. A few offer delivery and those who will, deliver to Hippersons, although some are collection only and collection slots must be reserved in advance.

Guests Favourite Three:

Royal Oak Fired Pizza eat in and delivery

Graze at the White horse eat in

Easy Tiger eat in

More of our family favourites:

Wine Vaults wine bar and restaurant eat in

Fen Lane Cafe eat in and picnic baskets

Relish Cafe eat in and also offers bespoke hampers

India Gate restaurant eat in and delivery

Beccles Station Cafe eat in and check opening hours and times in advance.

Twyfords Cafe eat in and take away from the patisserie

Spindlers Cafe eat in and take away

Fen Lane cafe freshly made to order while you wait

Old School Cafe eat in and conveniently close to Tescos for a delicious treat before stocking up your holiday home.

Top Tip: make your reservations in advance, to avoid disappointment at busy times.

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