Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

School Road, South Walsham, Norfolk, NR13 6DZ, England
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is an award-winning natural attraction set in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, offering 136 acres of protected habitat. It provides a peaceful environment focused on conservation, education, and wellbeing. Visitors can enjoy scenic woodland trails, water activities, and a relaxing connection with nature all year round.

The garden features nearly four miles of marked woodland trails, seasonal boat trips on a private broad, and activities like wild swimming, paddleboarding, guided canoe trails, and the Wildside Sauna. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, relax on benches, enjoy wildlife and seasonal blooms, and unwind at the café or browse the gift shop and plant sales area. Additional experiences include 20-minute and 50-minute boat trips on the river, as well as tranquil spaces for picnics, reflection, and nature exploration.

Admission prices include Adults £12.00 (Inc. donation) / £10.91 (Not inc.), Concessions £10.00 / £9.09, Children (4–16) £6.50 / £5.91, and Family Ticket £30.00 / £27.27. Boat trips range from £7.50 to £13.00 for adults, Wildside Sauna £17 pp (+ garden entry for non-members), and Wild Swimming public sessions £12 per person, with memberships also available.

Overall, it offers a calming and immersive nature experience with a mix of relaxation and adventure. The variety of trails, water activities, and seasonal highlights ensures something for every visitor. With its scenic beauty and wellbeing focus, it is an ideal destination to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is in the heart of the Norfolk Broads and offers 136 acres of protected natural habitat, dedicated to conservation, education, and wellbeing. Visitors can enjoy nearly four miles of marked woodland trails, suitable for walking, exploring and connecting with nature.

At the heart of the reserve lies our private Broad, where you can enjoy seasonal boat trips, or take to the water yourself. You can book wild swimming sessions, paddleboarding, and guided canoe trails, perfect for those seeking adventure in a peaceful, natural setting. 

  • Boat trips: Trips run daily, weather permitting, starting from April until the end of October on our private broad and along the river Bure past the ruins of St. Benet's Abbey. Our traditional Edwardian style river cruiser 'Primrose' operates daily, running 20 minute and 50 minute trips.
  • Wildside Sauna: Escape into the tranquillity of the woods and revitalise your body and mind with Wildside Sauna at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Gardens. Enjoy the perfect Saturday morning combination of soothing heat and refreshing cold-water immersion in the stunning Norfolk Broads.
  • ​Wild Swimming: Dive into the exhilarating world of wild outdoor swimming at Fairhaven Garden, set in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a complete beginner, our sessions are led by experienced instructors to ensure a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience.

Facilities

  • Food & Drinks: Our friendly cosy cafe welcomes visitors year-round, with no need to purchase a garden ticket to enjoy food and drinks. It’s the perfect place to spend a few leisurely hours catching up with friends. 
  • Shop: Step into our Gift Shop, where you’ll find an array of charming cards, delicious treats and distinctive gifts, many sourced locally. Browse our Plant Sales area for a fantastic selection of plants, perfect for adding colour to your garden whether it's shady or damp. 

What to see

  • Fairhaven offers the perfect escape to unwind, soak in nature’s beauty, and embrace the serenity of the great outdoors. As you wander the diverse network of pathways, you’ll find inviting benches and carved seats - ideal for pausing, reflecting, and admiring a landscape that shifts and evolves with the seasons, thoughtfully maintained for both visitors and the thriving wildlife.
  • For a different perspective, take a boat trip on the private Broad, where peaceful waters invite quiet moments and shared stories. After your adventures, gather in the Tearoom to swap photos and memories over delicious food and drinks.
  • Every season brings its own charm - Spring bursts with Candelabra Primulas and Azaleas, Summer welcomes wildflowers and fluttering butterflies, Autumn dazzles with vibrant hues, and Winter offers crisp, refreshing walks through the woodland.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Admission Prices

  • Adults: Inc. donation £12.00 / Not inc. donation £10.91
  • Concessions: Inc. donation £10.00 / Not inc. donation £9.09
  • Children (4–16): Inc. donation £6.50 / Not inc. donation £5.91
  • Children (0–3): Inc. donation Free / Not inc. donation Free
  • Family Ticket: Inc. donation £30.00 / Not inc. donation £27.27

Memberships

  • Adults Annual -  £49.50 | Half year - £40
  • Concession Annual - £42 | Half year - £32 (Students, 65+, Disabled, Carers, Blue Light Card)
  • Family Annual - £120 | Half year - £75 (2 adults and up 2 for children aged 4-16)
  • Child Annual - £24 | Half year - £15

20-minute Boat trips

  • Adults & concessions: £7.50
  • Children (4–16 years): £4.95
  • Under 4’s: Free
  • Dogs: Free

50-minute Boat trips

  • Adults & concessions: £13.00
  • Children (4–16 years): £8.95
  • Under 4’s: Free
  • Dogs: Free

Wildside Sauna

  • Members: £17 pp
  • Non-members: £17 pp + garden entry £12

Wild Swimming

  • Members’ Sessions (Free): Wednesday evenings: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Members’ Sessions (Free): Saturday mornings: 8:30am – 10:30am
  • Public Sessions: Wednesdays & Saturdays £12 per person

Pricing URL: https://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/admission-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • Open daily from 9am
  • With closing times 5pm peak (March–September),
  • 4pm off-peak (October–February).
  • Wednesdays until 9pm (May–August only).

Address: School Road, South Walsham, Norfolk, NR13 6DZ, England

Post Code: NR13 6DZ

Council: Broadland

County: Norfolk

  • From Norwich leave the Broadland Northway (NDR) at the Plumstead roundabout and follow the Norwich Road all the way through to Panxworth and then into South Walsham.
  • ​From Yarmouth take the A47 to Acle. Turn into Acle at the roundabout and follow New Road to join the South Walsham Road which will take you to South Walsham and the gardens.
  • Travelling by boat: Follow the River Bure to Fleet Dyke (by St. Benets Abbey). Moorings are available on South Walsham outer broad (not  inner broad). Then follow the footpath signs to the village. It takes approximately half an hour to walk from the moorings, and is just over a mile.

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