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
Gullane House (2.61 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
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 ... More
Peninsula Cottages (2.62 miles)
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
Marriott 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
Catton Old Hall (4.78 miles)
LAST CHECK IN 10:00PM - LATER ARRIVALS NEED TO BE PRE ARRANGED. Hidden in suburbia this charming, romantic, period house is full of quirky character Beautiful en suite rooms, ... More
Riverside Rentals (4.84 miles)
We offer self catering holiday homes with character in fantastic locations on Grebe Island, Horning, in the Heart of the Norfolk Broads. All are set in their own grounds with river frontage, panoramic views and private mooring. Ideal ... More | visit website
Innkeeper's Lodge Norfolk Broads (4.84 miles)
The White Hart (4.96 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Once a country inn, and now beautifully renovated to retain fine original features and timber beams throughout, this extremely spacious and very comfortable property is perfect for ... More
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