Sustainable, Ethical and Value for Money?

Value for money has never been more important when choosing a holiday. However, more and more, we are noticing that our customers want to spend their pennies wisely, with sustainability and consideration of the local environment in mind. 

Eastwood Whelpton is based at the heart of the Norfolk Broads National Park. This is one of our unique selling points. So, it is also our responsibility to respect this environment and keep it thriving for future generations. 

As a small business that, like many others, is facing financial challenges in the current climate, it is a constant balancing act. We know we can do more, and we don’t claim to always get things right. We do, however, place environmental ethics at the heart of our growth strategy for the future. 

Here are 5 reasons why we believe a sailing holiday with us is worth considering if you are conscious of your environmental footprint:

1. Getting the wind in your sails! Being reliant on the weather to power your journey means minimal impact on the environment. You will quickly get to know the local microclimate well and soon realise that afternoon sea breeze is your friend!
2. Supporting heritage boat building. Eastwood Whelpton is one of a handful of traditional boatyards left on the Norfolk Broads that remains a working yard, with a fleet of vintage yachts. 
3. Our passion for supporting other local businesses. We try our hardest to source products and supplies locally where this is possible. We are proud that our catering is supplied by Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden and our food hampers are from the White Horse local community shop.
4. Our commitment to supporting charities we believe in. The whole team at Eastwood Whelpton is invested in the charities we support. Community coffee mornings run monthly to raise funds and the team has just completed the Macmillan Might Hike raising nearly £2000! 
5. You can leave your car at home! We offer a shuttle service from our local train station making it possible to have an entirely car-free holiday. Have an electric car? Then we will happily charge it for you whilst you are on the water. 

What do you value most when it comes to downtime and ethical responsibility?

Easy Walk from The Boatyard to The Dunes Cafe at Acle Bridge

Easy walk from The Boatyard to The Dunes Cafe at Acle Bridge. People often ask us where they can walk to from our boatyard, especially if they can be rewarded with coffee and cake at the end! We are so lucky here at Eastwood Whelpton to have many walks directly from our doorstep.

Moments after leaving the yard you can find yourself lost in the wilderness of the Norfolk Broads National Park, but never far from a resting point for a spot of refreshment, before returning to your yacht and moving on to your next destination.

The Dunes Café at Acle Bridge is an easy 40-minute amble along the bank of the River Bure. This walk is perfect for dog walkers, bird watchers and families that enjoy wildlife spotting and nature trails.

Directions

To begin, leave the boatyard by walking on the right-hand side of the Dyke and continue to follow the River Bure as it twists and turns its way towards the village of Acle. 10 minutes in, keep the Northern Rivers Sailing Club on your left, stroll a little further and you will spot Clippesby Drainage Mill on the opposite bank.

As the Acle Bridge comes into view, cross the car park on your right-hand side, towards the boat sheds. As you cross the bridge itself, take care to stick to the path on the left-hand side, as this is the only point on the walk at which you will encounter traffic. The Dunes Café can be found on the other side of the bridge.

Wildlife and Scenery

During the late Spring and early Summer, you will soon stumble across butterflies, ducklings and even an otter or two. Take care not to disturb the swans that are often nesting in the riverbanks at this time of year. Oh, and look out for the cows in the field alongside you, with the round-towered church of St Mary’s, Fishley, in the distance.  

The Cafe

It’s a lovely little cafe, with inside and outside seating and a sheltered area for dogs. Sit by the river and observe life on the water, maybe even a race or two in the busier summer months. Then, stock up on supplies in the small café shop, before you make the return journey back to your yacht.