If you just want to explore the city of Norwich by river then 2 hours will be enough. Most people paddle downstream through the medieval part of the city and as far as the football stadium (approx 45 minutes) and then turn around. There is no need to head that far if you don’t want to and you can easily pull over for a refreshing break if you would like to.
Stop off options:
- The Red Lion pub
- The Queen of Iceni
Paddling upstream
2 hours gives you plenty of time to paddle upstream from our base if you would prefer to going that direction. Paddling up stream of Norwich takes you along the upper Wensum as far as Hellesdon mill (approx 75 mins). There is one portage required about 10 minutes in where you must exit the river and take your boat around the New Mill.
We recommend using a paddle board or kayak if you want to do this as portaging canoes can be quite difficult due to their size and weight. If you have plenty of experience in portaging canoes and you would like to do that then we happy for people to head upstream in a canoe.
We recommend giving yourself at least 3 hours if you want to paddle all the way to Hellesdon Mill and back, with the option for a stop off at the Gibraltar Gardens pub. If you want to explore at a slower pace then a 5 hour trip would be a great option.
Time: 2 hours.
Cost: Single kayak £15 | Double kayak £25 | Canoe £30 | Paddle board £15 | Rowing boat £30