Tr avel report NORFOLK

that is going to catch the eye.

But there’s plenty of comforts too, below deck we find plenty of room to spread out with three bedrooms each with their own TV, one with an en suite plus a lounge, kitchen and a shower/toilet room.

It’s above board where we plan to spend most of our time though, enjoying a glass or two as we soak up the sun and take in the scenery gently drifting from one harbour to another.

The joy of the broads is the freedom to explore, to set off and explore a landscape dotted with traditional windmills, medieval roundhouses and bearded eel catchers upright in their rowing boats pulling in the day’s catch.

Just don’t leave it too late to find yourself a good mooring spot, preferably in walking distance of a good Norfolk boozer.

Our first port of call is Hordings, a charming town on the banks of a bay where boating is a way of life.

After a spot of clumsy reverse parking gratefully assisted by an amiable passer-by, and we are soon sampling the local fruits de le mer at a local pub and washing it down with a pint or two of Ghost Ship from local brewery Adnams.

Night Two sees us again nervously attempting a spot of stern end mooring, this time at the moor secluded bay of Ranworth, which is causing no of end of anxiety to the dour Yorkshireman in the boat next to our intended spot.

It’s worth it though. After a walk to explore the 15th century local church along with its original medieval painted screen of apostles and 89 step climb to the top of the tower with stunning 360 degree views across the plain, we hit the Maltsters pub where the kids order from the pizza bar and the adults treat themselves to some seriously good home-cooked food.

After failing to land a spot to moor in Thurn on Night Three we settle for fish and chips on the banks of Potter Higham and watch the sun go down drinking wine on the picnic table above deck.

More adventurous types or those with longer to spend may opt to head to Norwich or Great Yarmouth or the dozens of more secluded spots on the broads.

First timers get a 30 minute lesson in the art of manoeuvering this beast of a boat, but get the hang of the tides and side winds, try not to over steer and you’re away.

Mooring up can prove a little challenging but there are usually plenty of helping hands around to help you in until you get the hang of it.

There is a genuine bonhomie on the broads, and usually a genial sort or two around to help you out in most situations where a helping hand is desirable.

There’s strict speed limited of between 4 to 6mph in most places, ensuring that this is a pretty relaxing and genteel way of whiling away your hard-earned holiday time.

The boat comes with dual controls, one in the main cabin below deck and one on top.

We get lucky with the weather so the only time the downstairs controls get used is for navigating the lower bridges dotting the broads.

Of course, as any North Norfolk radio host worth his salt would no doubt tell you, the road network doesn’t exactly make Norwich a convenient destination by car from Manchester.

Happily, you can now hop on board a propeller-plane at Manchester airport that will see you delivered to the Anglian metropolis in less than an hour courtesy of Loganair.

As with any good trip it’s all over far too soon, and we are heading back to Manchester with batteries recharged, fresh air in our lungs, a touch of sunburn here and there and a grasp of the charms that make the broads such and unique and popular part of the country.

Maybe Alan’s got it right after all.