Pleasure Boat Inn aerial view (credit: Robert Smith)
The Pleasure Boat Inn at Hickling
The Pleasure Boat Inn at Hickling
In 2023, we purchased a plot of land at Hickling Staithe which included the Pleasure Boat Inn pub, adjacent buildings and a large car park, together with associated moorings.
In addition to taking care of this unique and vital landscape for wildlife, we aim to create facilities that will provide new opportunities for everyone to experience Hickling's fantastic wildlife in an area where nature, the community and the local economy are all thriving.
Investing in a popular local pub is the first step in allowing us to create new ways to introduce people to the nature, landscape and wildlife of Hickling, including walking routes and a growing programme of boat trips from Staithe.
The pub opened to the public in August 2024 and we are working in partnership with pub tenants, Rick and Felicity Malt, to ensure that the pub operates in harmony with the interests of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, including aligning with our core values and playing a valuable role in welcoming people to Hickling Broad and Marshes to enjoy and learn about the area and its special wildlife.
Hickling Broad and Marshes (credit: Richard Osbourne)
Our vision for Hickling Broad
Find out more about our new pub, the surrounding land, and how the purchase helps us achieve our long term vision for Hickling Broad and Marshes from NWT's CEO, Eliot Lyne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Norfolk Wildlife Trust bought a pub?
The pub is located on Hickling Staithe. We purchased most of the other land around the pub in 2017 and the pub was the ‘missing link’ to help realise our vision for wildlife and people in and around Hickling Broad and Marshes.
The purchase of the pub and its associated land adds to our existing land and property holdings close to our popular nature reserve.
This move sees us developing our vision for the area's wildlife and people, working alongside the local community.
Investing in a popular local pubis allowing us to create new ways to introduce people to the nature, landscape and wildlife of Hickling, and a new source of income to support our work.
You can read more about the reasons behind this decision from our CEO, Eliot Lyne, here.
Is it being run as a pub?
Yes, the Pleasure Boat Inn is being run as a pub by Rick and Felicity Malt, who already run two successful Norfolk pubs – The White Horse Inn at Neatishead and The Lion at Thurne.
How does the partnership between NWT and the pub tenants work?
Norfolk Wildlife Trust own the property and are leasing it to Rick and Felicity Malt, who run the pub.
We are working in partnership with Rick and Felicity, who are committed to ensuring that the pub operates in harmony with the interests of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, including aligning with our core values and playing a valuable role in welcoming people to Hickling Broad and Marshes to enjoy and learn about the area and its special wildlife.
Do you have plans for a visitor centre at the pub, and does this mean you will close the existing visitor centre at Hickling?
In time, we hope to develop a new visitor hub close to The Pleasure Boat Inn, which will complement the existing visitor centre at our nearby Hickling Broad and Marshes nature reserve.
Is the pub open?
Yes, the Pleasure Boat Inn opened in early August 2024. For more information about the pub, including opening hours, menu and events, please visit: www.thepleasureboathickling.com
Does NWT run boat trips from the Staithe?
We are hoping to trial boat trips from the staithe outside the pub during winter 2024/25. When boat trips are available, up-to-date information will be provided on our Boat Trips web page.
How does the pub align with NWT's core values?
Rick and Felicity Malt aim to ensure that the pub works in harmony with the interests of Norfolk Wildlife Trust. As such they operate with a strong focus on the environment and sustainability, such as reducing the use of plastic, using locally sourced ingredients and exploring ways of harnessing green energy where possible.
They employ best practice standards in the recruitment and management of their staff and are committed to working in partnership with local communities to ensure they are a great neighbour, and provide a welcoming and accessible offer for all.
Can I launch my kayak, canoe or paddle board from NWT Hickling staithe?
We politely ask that you do not launch kayaks, canoes and paddleboards from NWT Hickling Staithe, and would recommend that you launch from Hickling Parish Staithe instead.
Anyone launching into the water at NWT Hickling staithe does so at their own risk.
Oscar Lawrence at Hickling (credit: Oscar Lawrence)