Norfolk Broads

    • The Norfolk Broads, often referred to as “Britain’s Magical Waterland,” is a unique network of rivers, lakes, and wetlands in the heart of East Anglia. This enchanting area is perfect for nature lovers, boating enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring the Norfolk Broads.

    Getting to the Norfolk Broads

    By Car: The Broads are easily accessible via major roads such as the A47 and A146. Key entry points include Wroxham, Beccles, and Acle. The Broads Authority oversees several free car parks at key locations, providing convenient access to various parts of the Broads. Notable sites include:

    By Train: Rail connections from Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and Lowestoft provide easy access to the Broads. Stations like Wroxham (Hoveton) and Reedham are ideal starting points.

    By Bus: Local bus services connect the Broads to nearby towns and cities, including Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

    Where to Stay

    The Norfolk Broads offers a variety of accommodations to suit different tastes:

    • Boating Holidays: Rent a houseboat or cruiser and experience the Broads from the water.
    • Cottages: Stay in charming riverside or countryside cottages.
    • Hotels: Opt for comfortable stays in Broads-adjacent towns like Wroxham or Horning.
    • Camping and Glamping: Explore nature up close at sites like Clippesby Hall.

    Things to Do

    1. Go Boating

    Hire a day boat or cruiser to navigate the waterways. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a first-timer, boating is the best way to experience the Broads.

    2. Explore Nature Reserves

    Visit sites like Hickling Broad, Ranworth Broad, or Strumpshaw Fen for wildlife spotting. Look out for otters, kingfishers, and rare plants.

    3. Walk or Cycle

    Numerous trails and paths wind through the Broads, including the Wherryman’s Way and the Weaver’s Way.

    4. Visit Picturesque Villages

    Discover charming villages like Horning, Wroxham (the “Capital of the Broads”), and Ludham, each offering unique shops, cafes, and historic landmarks.

    5. Discover Windmills and Drainage Mills

    Iconic to the area, visit landmarks like the Horsey Windpump or St. Benet’s Abbey for a glimpse into the Broads’ history.

    6. Enjoy Birdwatching

    The Broads is a haven for birdwatchers, with species like marsh harriers, bitterns, and avocets frequently spotted.

    Where to Eat and Drink

    • The Swan Inn (Horning): A riverside pub offering delicious meals and local ales.
    • Bure River Cottage (Horning): Renowned for fresh seafood and seasonal dishes.
    • The Fur and Feather Inn (Woodbastwick): The home of Woodforde’s Brewery, serving hearty pub fare and craft beers.
    • Wroxham Barns: Perfect for family-friendly dining and local produce.

    Events and Festivals

    • Norfolk Broads Outdoor Festival (May): A celebration of outdoor activities, including guided walks, canoeing, and wildlife spotting.
    • Horning Boat Show (May): Showcasing the best of boating and watersports.
    • Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival (September): A lively event featuring ships, shanty music, and maritime history.
    • Christmas Boat Parade (December): A festive spectacle with illuminated boats.

    Tips for Visiting

    1. Book Early: Boats and accommodations can book up quickly, especially in summer.
    2. Respect Nature: Follow local guidelines to protect the fragile ecosystems.
    3. Check Weather Conditions: The Broads’ weather can be unpredictable; pack accordingly.
    4. Learn the Rules of the Waterways: If renting a boat, ensure you understand basic navigation and safety rules.

    Why Visit the Norfolk Broads?

    The Norfolk Broads offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and tranquil charm. Whether you’re cruising along serene waterways, spotting wildlife, or enjoying a pint at a riverside pub, the Broads promises a memorable escape for all ages.

    Start planning your adventure today and experience the magic of the Norfolk Broads!

    Popular Self Catering Holiday Cottages

    Villa Sa Riera Sea View

    • Guests: 8
    • Size: 250m²

    Villa Pasadena

    • Guests: 8
    • Size: 350m²

    Villa Bastilicata Grande

    • Guests: 6
    • Size: 300m²

    Seaside Villa Tuscany Maremma

    • Guests: 6
    • Size: 250m²

    Popular Hotels, Holiday Parks, B+B’s and Campsites

    Villa Pasadena

    • Guests: 8
    • Size: 350m²

    Villa Bastilicata Grande

    • Guests: 6
    • Size: 300m²

    Seaside Villa Tuscany Maremma

    • Guests: 6
    • Size: 250m²

    Hotel Wroxham

    • Guests: 2

    Popular Attractions

    Private Boat Tour

    Price: £85 / Once / Per Guest

    North Norfolk Champagne Sunset trips .In the warmth of the summer months, these trips are something special. As we head out west while the sun sets, we will find an idyllic spot to anchor the boat and serve a chilled glass of champagne as you sit and watch the sun slowly set over the sea. […]

    Seal Watching

    Price: £59 / Once / Per Guest

    Join a family-run seal trip to Scroby Sands, the UK’s largest grey seal colony. Observe grey seals and common harbour seals in their natural environment. Enjoy a thrilling adventure and support a local business dedicated to showcasing the east coast’s marine life. Depart from Great Yarmouth and head to Scroby Sands. Witness hundreds of seals […]

    SEA LIFE Hunstanton

    Price: £20 / Per Day / Per Guest

    Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary is Norfolk’s only seal sanctuary open to visitors and is home to over 2,000 creatures, from tiny shrimps to Amazonian Piranhas! Boasting a state of the art marine aquarium taking visitors on a memorable undersea odyssey filled with amazing close encounters with sea creatures of astonishing variety in spectacular ‘high-tech’ displays. […]

    True’s Yard Museum

    Price: £5 / Per Day / Per Guest

    The Museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich maritime heritage of King’s Lynn’s North End, showcasing both its past and present through preserved historic assets. At the heart of the Museum are two late 18th-century cottages, which are Grade II listed buildings, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of […]

    Swaffham Museum

    Price: £4 / Per Day / Per Guest

    The Museum is located in a superb Georgian house built in 1776, following the Great Fire of Swaffham, offering five galleries that tell the stories of the people who lived in Swaffham through the centuries Being an old building, the galleries are arranged on three floors which are accessible by stairs – there is a […]

    Kayak Hire

    Price: £29.99 / Once / Per Guest

    Lifejackets and dry bags are provided as part of this package as well as a basic demo and safety tuition by our qualified paddlesport instructors prior to your launch. Importantly there are no boats to avoid on this section of the beautiful Wensum and you will find yourself amongst Kingfishers, Heron, Swans and dragonflies as […]

    Paddleboard Hire

    Price: £20 / Once / Per Guest

    This paddleboard rental allows you to explore and unwind down the Norfolk broads for 2.5 hours. With two routes available, either head north into the tranquillity of the broads and witness wildlife and beautiful scenery or head south with options of Riverside bars to stop off at and enjoy. With our location on the banks […]

    Canadian Canoe Hire

    Price: £34.99 / Once / Per Guest

    Come explore the Norfolk Broads national park on our 3 person Canadian canoes! Each hire comes with a safety demo and basic tuition taught by our qualified instructors and includes lifejackets and dry bags to ensure your safety whilst on the water. Amongst the tranquillity of the River Wensum is a variety of wildlife such […]

    SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth

    Price: £20 / Per Day / Per Guest

    Explore an incredible underwater world at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth and get closer than ever before to the creatures and features of the world’s oceans Come face to fin with our rapidly growing juvenile blacktip reef sharks in the 250,000 litre Tropical Ocean Display/tunnel where you can also see an awesome array of creatures and […]

    Gravity Norwich (Trampolining)

    Price: £13.95 / Once / Per Guest

    Let loose as you jump, bounce, hop and dance through the air on our extreme trampolines. During Open Jump, you can use all of the general park activity areas for an intense 60-minute session. From striking a pose in mid-air to defying gravity with huge jumps, there is no better feeling – whatever your moves […]

    Practical Information

    Accessibility

    The Norfolk Broads offer a range of accessible activities, accommodations, and facilities, making it an inclusive destination for visitors with mobility needs. Many boat tour operators, such as Broads Tours in Wroxham and the Nancy Oldfield Trust in Neatishead, provide wheelchair-accessible vessels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the scenic waterways. Nature reserves like NWT Ranworth Broad and Barton Broad feature accessible boardwalks, viewing platforms, and Braille signage for visually impaired visitors. Walking and cycling routes, including the Bure Valley Railway Path, offer flat, even surfaces suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. Accessible accommodations, such as Hall Farm Cottages and Wheatacre Hall Barns, cater to various needs, while numerous cafes and restaurants, including The Ferry Inn in Horning and Waterside Restaurant in Rollesby, offer step-free access. With well-planned facilities and dedicated services, the Norfolk Broads provide an enjoyable and barrier-free experience for all visitors.

    Pet Friendly

    The Norfolk Broads is a pet-friendly destination, offering plenty of opportunities for visitors to bring their furry companions along. Many boat hire companies, including those at Wroxham and Horning, allow pets onboard, so you can explore the beautiful waterways with your dog by your side. The Broads are home to a variety of scenic walking and cycling trails, ideal for pet owners who enjoy outdoor adventures with their dogs. Several accommodation options, including cottages, B&Bs, and campsites, also welcome pets, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your pet. Many local pubs and cafes have pet-friendly policies, allowing dogs to join their owners in outdoor seating areas. Whether you’re cruising the rivers, hiking through nature reserves, or relaxing by the water, the Norfolk Broads offers a great environment for pets to enjoy the trip as much as their owners.