Oulton Broad from Old Postcards

Although actually in Suffolk, Oulton Broad is generally included under the title of Norfolk Broads as the river systems are all interconnected. The Broad is reached via Oulton Dyke off the River Waveney and is 17 miles by river from Great Yarmouth. Mutford Lock, which was opened in 1829, allows access to Lake Lothing and Lowestoft Harbour to the sea, hire craft are not allowed through the lock.

Since the turn of the 20th century the Broad has been popular with holiday makers. The Broad is ideal for sailing and power boat racing. William Dutt wrote in 1903, " during the holiday season every train from Lowestoft discharges a flannel-clad crowd of pleasure seekers onto the platforms of Oulton Broad and Carlton Colville stations " and " for 3 months of the year the boatyards are thronged with yachting parties starting on or returning from Broadland cruising ".

Today day trippers still visit in the summer and Bank Holidays and come to Nicholas Everitt Park to watch the power boat racing held every Thursday evening in summer and on Bank Holidays. As well as a centre for yachting, windsurfing and fishing is also popular.

View from the North end of the Broad, the Wherry Hotel can be seen left of centre, in the background behind the pleasure yacht is where the Yacht Station is now.

A moonlit scene probably from the East side of the Broad by Mutford Bridge looking west towards the entrance from Oulton Dyke.

Another view from the East bank by the ' Wherry Hotel ' towards what looks like the North end of the Broad.

Moonlit view of the ' Wherry Hotel ' from the North-West side of the Broad. The hotel was built on the site of what was the ' Wherry Inn '.

The card is incorrectly titled ' Potter Heigham Hotel! it is actually the ' Wherry Hotel ' at Oulton Broad. The hotel stands next to Mutford Lock and bridge.

View from the Yacht Station, Nicolas Everitt park is on the left, the site of the oast houses in the right background is today occupied by apartments.

Approaching the ' Wherry Hotel ', to the right boats are moored at the Yacht Station. The structure in the right background is the lift bridge which now carries the foot path linking the hotel to the old street by the Broad. Mutford Lock has been automated.

The moorings in front of the hotel are popular but ' stern on ' and can be very tricky if there is a strong crosswind blowing. The Yacht Station is attended and help with mooring is available.

c1935

A peaceful scene between the wars, not a motor vehicle in site. The ' Wherry Hotel ' stands in the background the other side of Mutford Bridge. The stationers and general stores of Leo Robinson are on the right, they were also yacht owners and hirers.

Mr Robinson must be turning in his grave! his old shop has turned in a tatty lo-cost clothing shop and Indian take-a-way.