It is day two of the Pullingers' staycation on the Broads.

It is day two of the Pullingers' staycation on the Broads.

Far from getting bored, our children are finding being based on a boat a novel and exciting experience.

After getting up to the sounds of water softly lapping against the boat, I made a mental note to stock up on bread as seven-year-old Hannah raided our last supplies to feed the ducks and swans looking beseechingly through our windows at Reedham quayside.

Despite the delights of cruising and spotting the rich wildlife, a Broads holiday is not just about being on the water – there are plenty of land-based activities to enjoy.

As we passed some boaters heading off into the countryside on hired bikes, we were bound for Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, a short walk away.

A delight for younger children especially, we discovered a meerkats enclosure and an amusing chickens show had been added as new attractions for 2012.

After a pleasant walk back to the boat there was time to visit the quayside Cupcakes caf� – great homemade scones and cakes – before it was time to set off for Acle.

Broads Authority quay assistant Adrian Palmer helped us plan our journey time to reach Great Yarmouth at the necessary low water to get under the bridges and we waved goodbye to the swans at 2pm.

The BA's on-board magazine, Broadcaster, has some good tips on safely getting across Breydon Water and through Yarmouth, the most tidal parts of the Broads, and two hours out of Reedham we were happily heading for Acle up the meandering Bure.

Acle Bridge is a great place to moor and the village is reached by a footpath teeming with wildlife.

It's another place that is often hurriedly passed by in the car but the shops, pubs and tearooms make it a pleasant place for a stroll.

However, we headed back to the Acle Bridge pub for a meal and enjoyed what I would call hearty pub grub – the size and quality of my steak and ale pie was particularly impressive.

Back to the boat and it's an apt time to mention the quality of onboard facilities these days.

The shower is reassuringly hot and powerful and there is even good reception on our television.