Day 4 - REEDHAM TO OULTON BROAD 

It would seem that the lapping water noise last night was due to our water tank emptying. Despite filling up with water yesterday morning, our tank was empty. We could only put it down to over heating, what with the speeding across Breydon Water and the big distance we travelled. Luckily the kettle was full of water, so while we refilled the tank, we had tea and toast.

Reedham in the Morning

We went for a walk to the shop for essentials and to look around the gift shop. We took the Sunset back under the swing bridge, and turned down the man-made Hadescoe cut, which is like a canal linking the River Yare with the River Waverley. Half an hour and we were cruising down our fourth river, the Waverley.

Somerleyton Duck Pond

We were mooring at the Somerleyton moorings by eleven, and after locking up, walking along the country lane towards the village of Somerleyton. What a pretty village! Starting with pretty duck pond, beautifully arranged will shrubs, and well stocked with family of duck. Followed by plenty of chocolate-box cottages, then the prettiest village post office we have even seen, followed by a village green where a game of cricket was being played.

Somerleyton Cottages

Somerleyton Green

We turned off from the village, up a private road for 20 minutes, and reached Somerleyton Hall. The lady at the entrance gave us a map and said we had about an hour before our guided tour of the house. After such a long walk we treated ourselves a cream tea in the conservatory.

Somerleyton Hall

We had a look around the gardens, part of which is formal with fountains and flowerbeds, and other parts more landscaped. We noticed a lady in pink jeans, holding court with two gardeners, so we sat on down benches, within earshot. Someone from the Crossley family was getting married, and the lady in pink was the mother-in -law to the current Baronet of the house. She was trying to make the gardens more impressive for the wedding reception. We had to hurry over to the white sunken garden, our tour was just starting.

White Sunken Garden

Start of Tour

The house was interesting, especially the staircase hall, decorated with animal heads, and stuffed bears. Every room was different, and contained their own treasures, the ladies who showed us around were informative and did a great job.

Staircase Hall

Back in the Grounds

After the tour we wandered around the grounds, and finally tried the maze. I thought that like Hampton Court, this maze wouldn't really be a challenge, but we got seriously lost and gave up trying to find the centre, and to just get ourselves out. Needless to say we rounded a corner,we found the centre, where another couple were having a rest, being lost too. We all joined forces, and tackled it logically, by splitting  up to eliminate dead ends. It still took us another 10 minutes to find the exit.

Leaving the Village

Back at The Staithe

Alfred Hitchcock's "The Swans"

The day was scorching as we walked back through the village, and we were looking forward to a late lunch and a cuppa. The mooring was in a lovely spot, and to just sit in the sun, feeding the ducks while eating our lunch was ideal. Reluctantly we untied and continued downstream towards Beccles, Travelling down the dike we went past a lamentation of swans, there must have been around 30 all swimming together.

Crossing Oulton Broad

We crossed Oulton Broad, it's a very large open broad and it was confusing to know where we were at first,
but then I spotted the Wherry Hotel, and headed over to that corner. The hotel moorings were full so we moved over to the Yacht station, where there were plenty of spaces. We got a TV signal for the first time, so we watched the news, had showers, and went out for a walk.

Overlooking Yacht Station

Wherry Hotel

Dusk Over Oulton Broad

Oulton Broad is a very nice spot to moor, lots going on and lots to watch, and quite a number shops surrounding it. It seemed a little quiet so we decided to eat in the Wherry Hotel as it's was quite lively
compared to everywhere else. We decided to have a carvery, and at £6.99 each with a dessert, it was unbeatable value. Huge roast dinner, and delicious too. As the sun set over the Broad, the fairy lights in the park came on, and the boats all started to light up.Watching this view from our table through the large picture windows, it was the prefect view on another enjoyable day on the broads.