Geldeston Lock
Geldeston Lock and the nearby Locks Inn (photo) are in an attractive setting amongst the marshes. The Inn cannot directly be reached by car it is only accessible via a track from Geldeston or by boat. Once a mill keepers cottage and later home to the lock keeper it was granted a public house licence in the 17th century. A ferry operates from Beccles in the summer months (2006) to the Inn, a pleasant 45-minute journey.
Geldeston lock is the head of navigation the public moorings here have a good depth of water with room for about 5 boats. Further downstream on the left bank and nearer Geldeston
village is Geldeston Dyke. The dyke is quite wide and ½ mile long but can be shallow nearer the village, those wishing to moor should check there is sufficient depth of water.
Geldeston & Geldeston Dyke
At the head of Geldeston Dyke is the village of Geldeston, here you will find Rowancraft where you may hire canoes (photo*) to explore the upper reaches of the Waveney. In the village overlooking the village green is the Wherry Inn.
The narrow river now meanders gently
through Barsham Marshes on its 3 ½ mile journey to Beccles. Cables cross the river at two points near the village of Dunburgh, the first is 39' the second 40'. The river turns north into Beccles, red-bricked malt houses, boatyards and colourful gardens sweep down to the waters edge, above the bell-tower of St Michaels Church looks out over the river and Gillingham Marshes. Care is needed as the old road bridge is approached, the tide flows fast here and the bridge is very low having only 6ft 6 headroom at average high water.
Beccles
Beccles is an attractive market town set high above the Waveney, it has a good range of shops including leading supermarkets and independents. There are ample opportunities to dine out in a varied range
of restaurants and public houses.
Friday is market day the stallholders sell the wares in the aptly named New Market. St Michaels Church and detached bell-tower stand in a commanding position in the middle of the town. The tower affords good views over the Waveney valley and is visible for some miles, at the time of writing it is sadly closed.
The town's swimming pool is a traditional, outdoor heated swimming pool situated by the river Waveney. There is a large 33m x 16m swimming pool with a deep end of 12ft! There is an adjacent toddler pool
and baby pool, with an extensive grass area ideal for sunbathing. The pool is open from late May to early September and is open 7 days a week.
The Beccles and District Museum is located in Ballygate and has information on the history of Beccles documenting important industries of the past including clock and watch making and printing. The
architecture in the town is predominately Georgian good examples of which can be seen along Northgate. Northgate runs uphill adjacent to the river away from the yacht station, a number of narrow
alleyways lead down to the waters edge.
Look out for the old signs on some of the buildings as they give an indication as to their former use. The river upstream of the old bridge is particularly attractive with its red-bricked malt houses, boatyards and colourful gardens sweeping down to the waters edge (photo*).
Liana (photo*) an Edwardian-style electric launch takes visitors on a 1¼ hour trip along the Waveney Valley and departs from Beccles Quay, it operates between April and October. Also available for groups and families is the Waveney Stardust a purpose built broads cruiser, centrally heated with wheelchair access and full disabled toilet facility, designed to offer people, who would not otherwise be able to use a traditional boat, the opportunity to see the Norfolk and Suffolk waterways.
Beccles Yacht Station (photo) is set in attractive tree lined surroundings close to the town's amenities. Facilities at the yacht station include showers, baths, disabled toilet, and laundry facilities, and for children, a large grass area and playground. At night the area is lit with coloured lamps (photo) that reflect in the water all adding to a delightful setting. The yacht station can get very busy during July and August and it is advisable to book a spot with the Harbour Master on ( 01502 712225 (summer) and ( 01502 523470 (winter).
Passing through the bridge on the left bank are the boatyards of Aston Boats and H.E. Hippersons.
On the right bank is the attractive tree lined yacht station with stern-on moorings for a large number of craft (fee) all within walking distance of the town centre.
Ahead is Beccles Bypass Bridge which has a headroom of 14ft at average high water. Free mooring is available here and at Beccles Marsh, although the proximity of the bridge with the
noise from the passing traffic makes the fee payable at the yacht station worthwhile.
On the right bank is Beccles Amateur Sailing Club - established over 90 years with a sailing programme from April to November. Just under a mile from Beccles are the moorings at Hill House Farm (fee).
The tree lined river winds it's way gently through the marshes towards Burgh St Peter. The villages here are set back from the river above the floodplain. If not for the work of
the Broadland Flood Alleviation Project this section would be very quiet with only the occasional walker or fisherman. There are a number of good places to moor along this section but check for
sufficient depth of water.
At Aldeby are the remains of the old swing bridge that used to serve the Beccles to Yarmouth railway line, the central brick pier still stands in the middle of the river. A little
further on, on the left bank is Aldeby Hall Staithe with space for 4 boats to moor. And further downstream on the right bank is Worlingham Staithe with space for 3 boats.
On approaching Burgh St Peter and the Waveney River Centre the river opens out with views over Peto's Marsh towards Oulton and Lowestoft.
Peto's Marsh often floods and attracts birds including the Golden Plover, Lapwing and Dunlin.
Burgh St Peter & The Waveney River Centre
The Waveney River Centre at Burgh St Peter (photo) is in a delightful setting surrounded by trees with a grassy bank rising gently from the river with good views over the Waveney valley towards Lowestoft. A sculpture of a leaping Pike (photo) entitled Eddie II marks the entrance to the marina which has good moorings, free for short stays, a charge is levied should you wish to stay longer.
The Waveney Inn (photo), situated just behind the marina offers visitors a children's entertainment room, restaurant and carvery. Entertainment includes Karaoke and live
bands throughout the season. The Mariner's Stores (photo) has been completely rebuilt and stocks chandlery, fishing tackle, general groceries, camping gear, clothing and local gifts. The centre has a range of holiday accommodation including two luxury holiday apartments above the shop featuring views over the marshes and the Waveney valley, lodges, caravans and day boats can also be hired. Also at the centre there is a heated indoor pool, sauna, spa bath, gym and a children's adventure play area (photo).
The unusual church of St. Marys (photo) is just a short walk away from the river centre and is definitely worth a visit.
The village of Burgh St Peter is just less than 2 miles from the centre and has a post office and general store.
Photos marked * are copyright Norfolk Time to Explore
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