Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle is that perfect campsite that nobody wants to share, it’s also a great place for boat hire on the river Waveney.
I remember a post on a Facebook group when someone was asking about campsites with river access.
Then, as soon as I mentioned Three Rivers I received a barrage of abuse asking me to take my post down recommending Three Rivers down as these people didn’t want to share the campsite.
Well, I want to share the place as it is a little gem nestledalong a backwater of the River Waveney.
I first came across Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle about 5 years ago and since that day the campsite has been developed into what it is now.
It is the perfect place to come if you want river access to launch your own water craft or if you want to experience some waterspouts then you have the possibility of hiring gear from them.
Three Rivers is a peaceful and fun retreat for those wanting to explore the river.
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Everyone is welcome but as Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle is a tranquil campsite all they ask is children are kept on a lead and dogs are quiet.
Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle is a family run business and managed by Jodi. The whole ethos on the campsite is all about nature and enjoying the outdoors.
Camping at Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle.
Wether you’re after a hard standing pitch for you motorhome or caravan, an electric hook up for you tent or further up the campsite at the very end of the site is the wild camping pitches.
These have all been named after local birds and are located in the long grass area of the site.
Mown circles in the long grass can accommodate at least two units in most of the bays, however Swan Bay and the final premium pitch can accommodate more.
There are picnic tables in the premium pitches and a couple near the jetty and the boat shed to make your visit more comfortable.
When the sun sets there’s nothing like lighting one of the fire pits you can hire and spend the evening keeping warm or cook up over the fire.
My recommendation is a bag of smoked Polish sausage, stuck on a stick and grilled over the open flames, then placed in a bun with onions, mustard and ketchup. (These can be brought from Lydls in Beccles).
Open all year round.
Three Rivers Pitch and paddle is open all year round. During the winter months only electric pitches are available.
Facilities at Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle.
- Picnic tables in the premium pitches.
- Play park for under 12s to use under supervision.
- Use of the floating pontoon, jetty and river with full access to use your own watersports (you will need a Broads Licence or BCU membership to paddle the river).
- Onsite toilet disposal point as well as grey water disposal.
- Large under cover outdoor sink for all of your washing up.
- 5 toilets in total, 3 of which are shower rooms.
- Hire Facilities for Kayaks, Canoes, Paddleboards, motorboats and a rowing boat.
- Pre booked local hampers.
New facilities at Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle.
2022 saw the completion of the main office building and the shop. And 2023 saw the opening of the room hire. Above the main building there are three wonderful different rooms that you can rent if you ware too posh to pitch or looking for a quick weekend get away.
2023 was the year that the floating sauna went live, offering people one of my most favourite pst times. There’s nothing like a relaxing sauna and then a jump in some ‘character building’ water. Sauna therapy is one thing that I’d recommend to anyone.
2023 also saw the outdoor activities being offered to guests. These activities are designed for people who are looking to have a couple hours to themselves by leaving the children under the excellent care of the activity leader or want to develop their children’s experience in the outdoor world.
Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle is a very loved by everyone who visits. Most people will return making this campsite very popular. It is recommended to book well in advance for pitches.
Booking can be made online via the Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle website
Boat Hire for the river Waveney at Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle.
There’s plenty of choice to choose from whether you want a few kayaks for the family, an open canoe or have ago at paddleboarding everything you will need for a day on the river Waveney can be hired at a reasonable price.
If you live in the area or are visiting the area you can pay to launch your own craft. If you fancy taking a swim in the river for a small charge you can access the river and for another small charge you can use the showers.
Boat hire for the river Waveney can be made online at Three Rivers boat hire and it is best (in the summer months) to book ahead as you can’t be guaranteed a craft if you just turn up
A October weekend at Three Rivers
The River Waveney.
The river Waveney starts its life at the side of the B1113 at Lopham Fen and meanders all the way to the sea keeping Norfolk on one bank and Suffolk on the other. At Breydon Water it joins the river Yare and later the Bure and enters the North Sea at Great Yarmouth.
The area of the River Waveney around the Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle is navigable, meaning you will see broads cruisers and day boats. The end of the navigable part of the rivers ends at the Geldeston locks and up stream from there you will only find paddle craft. Once you hired your kayak, canoe or boat you’ll be ble to head out and explore the river Waveney.
River Waveney Canoe Trail.
There is a great canoe trail upstream from the campsite that will involve portage point around sluices and weirs (please note it is very dangerous to swim around these structures).
Paddle to the Geldeston Locks from Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle.
Taking about 20 minutes from the campsite you reach the Geldeston Locks. Originally a Lock Keepers cottage built around 1670 It was later turned into the Locks Inn. Now owned by the community this pub is another true gem on the bank of the river Waveney.
Along the River to Beccles.
Taking about an hour (depending on how fast you paddle) you can reach the market town of Beccles. One of the first things you’ll see as you come around the bend is the Church tower.
One of the first mooring points is next to the Lido which is an open air swimming pool. You’ve also got the Waveney House Hotel, with great outdoor eating and drinking facilities. You can moor here with permission.
Swimming in the River.
I’ve swam in the river all my life and have never been ill from it. I’d recommend wearing something on your feet as you never know what you could stand on. Please also be aware of the symptoms of Weils Disease, its not that common but it is about.
So in a nutshell, it’s a great place that’s relaxing, tranquil, close to two pubs that no-one wants to share.
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