If feasting on freshly-caught fish in a colourful beach hut cornered with a sweeping coastline excites you, look no further!
Norfolk – the easternmost English county – boasts majestic waterways that beat the glory of Venice and Amsterdam. Adding on to its appeal, the seaside towns are a blend of medieval architecture and modern amenities.
Visitors to this summer getaway love to book Ginger and Gold properties in Norwich. Where it provides a comfortable home, navigating the entire East Anglia gets as simple as ABC!
There are numerous fisheries to satisfy your angling passion. However, finding an ideal permit-free location isn’t that easy. But we’ve listed five places in Norfolk to set a hook free of cost. You can reach any of the following spots within an hour from our houses.
Barton and Dilham Staithes
Distance from Norwich: 13 miles northeast
River Ant is a 27-kilometre tributary flowing from the iconic St. Benet’s Abbey. It caters to the vast marine habitat and water plants, giving fishing maniacs several free moorings along the way.
The shallow and gravel riverbed leads to the villages across Barton Board. You’ll have great opportunities to catch a few pike and bream on the public staithes beside Barton Turf and the bridge.
Sheringham
Distance from Norwich: 27 miles north
Imagine a perfect beach vacation with a welcoming fishing arena. It is Sheringham beach – the sandy jewel of North Norfolk. Cross the Tudor buildings to hit an endless golden shore marked with boulders and shingles.
When the tide is low, hop on the rocky areas and lure beige-coloured flatfish. Sheringham is also the best spot for year-round bass fishing.
Potter Heigham
Distance from Norwich: 20 miles east
Potter Heigham rises from the quiet shores of River Thurne. It features a wide range of marine habitats, including roach, skimmers, big perch, and bream. Consider this novice-friendly location an alternative to the famous crap dominated lakes.
Use a lightweight bait feeder with maggot rig-and-lead setup – and land a fish with each spin! Also, the nightlife at Ludham is an unexpected grandeur.
Fakenham Common
Distance from Norwich: 25 miles northwest
The Wensum means ‘winding’, which exquisitely portrays the movement of the river – add low hanging vines to finish the landscape. River Wensum produces exotic species in the region, such as brown trout and chub.
It abruptly ceases its northwest direction to adorn the Fakenham town. The mill indicates the aquatic bounties that you can wet a line to reel without a ticket.
Gunthorpe Hall Lake
Distance from Norwich: 28 miles northwest
You can also try your luck on multiple lakes and inlets sprawling throughout the county. Speaking of local lakes, Gunthorpe stands as a world-class tournament venue. Although it’s not a public spot, you can make prior arrangements by phoning 01263 861373.
Fly-fish for tench, perch, pike, and heavy carp. But avoid using conspicuous hooks and baits in transparent waters. The location is accessible on all days but Sunday and Monday.
Explore all fishing spots in Norfolk, UK
You now know the top five permit-free locations, but it’s the tip of an iceberg. View this Google map to explore all fishing spots you can venture from your place in Norwich.