Hickling

Hickling Broad, wetland walks and the Norfolk countryside

Hickling is a rural village in the Norfolk Broads, situated inland from Sea Palling and Horsey, within The Broads National Park. Surrounded by waterways, reedbeds, grazing marshes and open countryside, the village provides a peaceful base for exploring the wetland landscapes of eastern Norfolk and the nearby coast.

At the heart of the surrounding landscape is Hickling Broad, the largest of the Norfolk Broads, with extensive areas of open water, reedbeds and marshland supporting a rich variety of wildlife. The broad and its surrounding wetlands form an important part of the national park, with habitats supporting marsh harriers, bitterns, dragonflies and other species associated with the Broads.

Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve, managed by Norfolk Wildlife Trust, offers opportunities to explore the wetland landscape on foot. Nature trails, viewing platforms and wildlife hides provide access to reedbeds, freshwater habitats and grazing marshes, with opportunities for birdwatching and discovering the quieter landscapes of the Norfolk Broads.

The village itself retains a rural character, with traditional cottages, agricultural land and quiet lanes connecting neighbouring settlements. Walking routes around Hickling lead through open countryside and towards the waterways, offering a different experience from the exposed beaches and coastal cliffs found further north along the Norfolk coast.

Hickling is also well placed for exploring the nearby coastline. Sea Palling Beach, with its broad sandy shoreline and sheltered bays, is a short journey from the village, while Horsey Gap is particularly known for its grey seal colony during the winter pupping season. The Norfolk Coast Path follows the coastline through this area, providing opportunities for longer walks between coastal villages, beaches and dunes.

Further inland, The Broads National Park offers a network of rivers, shallow lakes, reedbeds and nature reserves, with opportunities to explore the landscape through walking, wildlife watching and visits to neighbouring villages. The contrast between the sheltered waterways of Hickling Broad and the open North Sea coastline makes Hickling a useful base for spending several days exploring eastern Norfolk.

For visitors staying in Hickling, Dairy Barns offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a countryside setting, within reach of Hickling Broad, Sea Palling Beach and The Broads National Park. Its location provides a convenient base for exploring local wetland walks, discovering the surrounding villages and visiting the nearby Norfolk coast and Norfolk Coast Path.