Although only a village of some 1500 souls, Coltishall, seven miles north of Norwich, has a name that is recognized by many because of the airbase there from 1940 to 2006. Douglas Bader served at Coltishall in the earliest years of the airfield, when Spitfires flew there. Later in the war the first jets commissioned by the RAF – the Gloster Meteor and the de Havilland Vampire - were stationed at Coltishall. The airfield, motto Aggressive in Defence, closed on April 1 2006. There are many parts of the old base still to be seen, none more moving than the graveyard, a reminder of the youth of those who won the Battle of Britain. Before flight the village was an important centre for commercial wherries navigating the Broads, and had a shipyard thanks to the significant malting trade carried out in the area. The river Bure continues to be important for the village, nowadays as a tourist spot, with Coltishall Staithe a haven for Broads cruisers. How many of them know Old Shuck, Norfolk’s giant ghost dog, is suppsed to walk Coltishall Bridge nightly? There is an elegant country house hotel, the Norfolk Mead, and a 17th Century coaching inn, the King’s Head, situated on the banks of the Bure, and various shops thriving in the main village. Tourists are also served by the Bure Valley Railway, a narrow gauge line with a station in the village, and regular summer services to Aylsham. More spiritual destinations for sightseers are the thatched church of St John in the village, and the ruins of a more ancient place of worship, St Theobald’s in Hautbois, an adjoining settlement. The latter has a very rustic round tower, far slimmer than is usual in Norfolk church architecture.
Cottage
Dentist
Doctor
Pub and Bar
Restaurant
Andaman Orchid
Kings Head
The Norfolk Mead Hotel
School
Places to Stay near Coltishall
The Norfolk Mead Hotel (0.40 miles)
Welcome to our home. The Norfolk Mead Hotel. A former merchants house, we are approached via a secluded driveway leading to our lovely Georgian Country House on a quiet edge of The Norfolk Broads.
The ... More | visit website
The Hedges (1.07 miles)
Hear evening owlsong and the dawn chorus at this friendly family run Guesthouse. Set in large peaceful gardens surrounded by open countryside, yet convenient for local amenities. Coltishall is in a delightful rural part of ... More | visit website
Heronby Bed and Breakfast (1.74 miles)
Coach House (2.49 miles)
Gullane House (2.61 miles)
This unique property, part of a converted, timber beamed 16th century flour mill, stands in lovely, willow bordered gardens leading down to the river that meanders beneath the house (view of river pictured). Perfect for ... More | visit website
Broad House Hotel (3.03 miles)
A New Treasure to be Found within the Heart of the Norfolk BroadsBroad House Hotel, opened in September 2007 is a 16th Century Queen Anne country estate house set in ... More
Broadland Small Craft - Marinella (3.10 miles)
Marinella is situated on a quiet waterway within ½ mile of shops, etc. Your cedar clad houseboat has spacious accommodation with pine ceilings and furnishings. A patio door opens on to a covered verandah. Shower ... More | visit websiteMarriott Sprowston Manor Hotel Golf & Country Club (4.47 miles)
Blue Boar Inn (4.77 miles)
Situated just ten minutes drive from Norwich.We have 4 superb en- suite rooms & 1 with private bathroom, all with one or two double beds, all non- smoking.There are 2 ... More
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