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13 Best Things to Do on the Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads is the perfect place for a peaceful and relaxing holiday, but don’t worry it won’t be boring. The area delivers more than just the beautiful scenery, like watersports, boating, walks, cycling, birdwatching , to name a few.

In this post, we will share our recommendations for the best things to do on the Norfolk Broads.

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About the Norfolk Broads

History of the norfolk broads, how long should you spend in the broads, where to stay in the norfolk broads, best things to do in the norfolk broads, are the norfolk broads worth visiting.

Here are a few facts to give you a bit of perspective on why the Broads are special:

• It is one of 10 national parks in England and the only one with a city ( Norwich ) in it.
• The Norfolk Broads, also referred to as The Broads, does cross the border to Suffolk.
• There are over 125 miles of lock-free waterways.
• It is home to over a quarter of the rarest plants and animals in the UK.
• The Broads is Britain’s largest protected wetland and third largest inland waterway.

The Broads are man-made waterways created by peat digging. The practice of peat digging started back in the 12th century when much of the area had been cleared of its woodland for fuel and building materials.

The pits began to fill with water as the sea levels rose which made peat digging difficult and transformed the landscape into a wetland by the 14th century. By the 16th century, these waterways became important channels for commerce. The wool, weaving, and agricultural products from Norwich needed to be transported to Great Yarmouth to be exported throughout the world.

The area has also been used to harvest reed and sedge for centuries. The industry was in decline because of the strenuous nature of the work and tough competition from cheap imported reed. After measures to rejuvenate the industry, the area managed commercially increased from 200 to 400 hectares, which is about a quarter of the Broads fenland.

As long as you can. A week can be easily filled with activities. If you only have a day, you can still get a taste of the area, but a few days gives you time to see more.

If you are traveling to visit the Broads, it might be best to book a place to stay so you can spend more than just a day exploring the area. You can find a wide range of accommodations in the Norfolk Broads from boats to holiday homes to hotels, but if you want to treat yourself there is one place that stands out from the rest.

Norfolk Mead Hotel

Located just eight miles from Norwich in the village of Coltishall, the Norfolk Mead offers elegant rooms, spa treatments, and a contemporary venue space inside a quintessentially English walled garden .

The hotel has free Wi-Fi and parking, attractive grounds featuring a private lake, and an award-winning restaurant. All the rooms feature an en suite bath or shower with complimentary toiletries, as well as a flat-screen TV, iPod dock and tea and coffee facilities.

Read reviews for the Norfolk Mead Hotel here.

Check price and availability for the Norfolk Mead here.

Find more lodging options in the Broads here .

The Norfolk Broads offers a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for all ages and activity levels. These are our choices for the top things to do when you visit the Broads.

#1 Hire a Boat

The calm water of the Broads makes it ideal for boating and paddlesports even for those that have not done it before. If you want to do the driving/paddling yourself, you also have several options depending on what type of watercraft you prefer and the location.

We had such a fun time when we had a picnic boat to explore the Broads. On board we had our own small kitchen and bathroom plus space for the whole family. It was easy for us to maneuver.

You can hire boats from Herbert Woods, Richardson’s, Norfolk Broads Direct, Barnes Brinkcraft, and more. Most offer day boats as well as cruisers that you can sleep in.

If you don’t mind doing the paddling, you can hire a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Here are a few places you can do it:

Whitlingham Great Broad

At the west end of the Great Broad, you will find Whitlingham Adventure where you can hire different watercraft including paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, or a katakanu that can hold six people. You will need to book in advance. Get more information  here .

Norfolk Outdoor Adventures offers Standup Paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks. They include all the equipment you will need. Get more information here .

TheCanoeMan offers canoes, kayaks, and SUPs that you can hire by the King’s Head in Wroxham. Get more information here .

Note : If you don’t want to drive to the Broads to get your boat, you can take the train to the Hoveton & Wroxham Station from Norwich. Several boat companies are within walking distance of the station.

#2 Take a Broads Boat Tour

If you don’t want to worry about navigating or other tasks involved with having your own vessel, there are several Norfolk Broads boat tours that you can take. You can enjoy the scenery while someone else does all the work.

Broads Tours

Broads Tours has several boats that will take you to see more of the Broads from Wroxham. Your skipper will provide full commentary explaining the origins of the Broads, showing points of interest along the way, and pointing out local water birds.

Get more information here.

Southern Comfort

Ride on a luxury river cruiser, named the Southern Comfort, from Horning along the River Bure to Ranworth Broad and back. This double-deck paddle boat purpose built for the Broads can hold up to 100 passengers. Narration will provide more information as you pass by old thatched houses, windmills, and Norfolk reed beds.

Broads Authority

From April to October, Broads Authority runs small boat trips at each of its three visitor hubs (Hoveton, How Hill, and Ranworth ). These tours focus on wildlife and last about an hour. We enjoyed the one at How Hill .

#3 Go for a Walk

The Broads National Park is also a lovely area for a walk. You won’t have to worry about steep climbs but you will still have stunning views across the countryside. It’s so peaceful and you won’t have to worry about crowds.

Note that during the winter months or when it has been rainy , the paths in the area will be muddy (some may even close), so you will need waterproof footwear .

Some of the best places to go for a walk in the Norfolk Broads are:

Whitlingham Country Park

We frequently enjoy the 2-mile (approximately) walk around Whitlingham Great Broad just east of the city centre. It’s mostly flat so it’s ideal for all fitness levels.

The How Hill Nature Walk is about 1.25 miles long and takes about an hour depending on how long you stop in the bird hide. It’s perfect for kids as the route is marked with signs that have pictures of animals.

Tickets for the How Hill Nature Walk are £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children. This includes the guide booklet with information about the plants and wildlife you will find along the nature trail.

If you want to do more, there is the How Hill to St. Benets Abbey Circular Walk. Get the map here .

Horsey Estate

Starting from the Horsey Windpump, you can do a 4.5 mile circular walk to see the mere, reed-beds, marshes, drainage mills, and wildlife in the National Trust’s Horsey Estate. Note the car park by the Horsey Windpump is free for National Trust members . Get detailed instructions for the walk here .

Longer Trails

If you enjoy long-distance walks, the Weavers Way, Wherryman’s Way, and Angles Way all pass through the Broads.

#4 Go Bird-watching

Norfolk has plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. While you probably won’t see any seals in the Broads, you are almost guaranteed to see some interesting birds (i.e. more than pigeons and gulls). Keep in mind what you see will vary by season.

Ranworth Broad

Walk along the boardwalk to get to the floating wildlife centre where you can watch the birds around Ranworth Broad. From here, you might see ducks, great crested grebes, kingfishers, cormorants, marsh harriers, common terns, and more. While the nature reserve is open all year, the Visitor’s Centre is only open from the end of March through October.

NWT Barton Broad

Norfolk’s second largest broad has a wooden boardwalk that will take you to a viewing platform. The boardwalk, built in 2003, is quite impressive considering it is sitting on top of 10 metres of mud!

From the viewing platform you can sit, relax, and watch the wildlife (mostly birds, butterflies, and dragonflies). What you see will vary by season and there is a detailed information board to help you with identification. It’s a good idea to bring your binoculars as it is a large area.

There is a free car park a 1.2 kilometre walk from the boardwalk. They also have a toliet block there. Disabled visitors can use the car park right by the boardwalk.

Read our guide to the Barton Broad walk .

RSPB Strumpshaw Fen

Enjoy almost five miles of nature trails through reedbeds, meadows, and woodlands in the Yare Valley. You can watch kingfishers, bitterns, marsh harriers and more from three viewing hides. They have hot drinks and snacks for sale at reception and there are plenty of picnic tables.

RSPB Buckenham Marshes

Not too far from Strumpshaw Fen, you will find the Buckenham Marshes reserve alongside the River Yare. The marshland is home to huge flocks of wildfowl in the winter. There is a large viewing hide where you can look for birds of prey, including barn owls, marsh harriers, kestrels, and peregrine falcons.

Martham Broad and Marshes

At Martham Broad and Marshes there are actually two shallow Broads bisected by the navigable River Thurne, as well as surrounding fen, reedbed, and marsh. You may be able to see several species of breeding birds including bittern, bearded tit, common tern, Cetti’s warbler, and marsh harrier. It’s popular with wintering ducks and geese, too.

#5 Enjoy a Bike Ride

The Broads is the perfect place for cyclists of all levels. Most rides will consist of cycling on winding lanes through the quiet countryside without much change in elevation.

Choose one of 16 circular routes of The Broads By Bike network. There are links to nature reserves, quaint villages, riverside walks, traditional windpumps, boat trips, and other attractions.

Get more information about The Broads by Bike network rides here .

#6 Visit a Museum

In addition to all the outdoor attractions in the Norfolk Broads, there are a few that are indoor. These are ideal for rainy days or when the weather is not to your liking.

Museum of the Broads

You can learn more about how people have used the land and the waterways for food, transport and leisure from Roman times to the holiday makers, sailors, and environmentalists of today at the Museum of the Broads. There are exhibits in five different buildings, and they also offer boat trips. The electric boat, called the Marsh Harrier, which operates on Tuesdays and Sundays, has a roof making it weather-proof.

Get more information  here .

Radar Museum

Just a short walk (or drive) from the charming village of Horning, you will find RAF Neatishead which has been turned into the Radar Museum. It tells the history of radar from the Second World War to the Cold War.

You will want to allow 2-4 hours to see it as it is one of the largest museums in North Norfolk with 23 exhibition rooms and over 10,000 display items.

Get more information here .

#7 See Historic Ruins

While you are enjoying nature in the Broads, you should also take some time to appreciate the history. There are a few historic ruins that should be included in your Norfolk Broads itinerary.

St. Benet’s Abbey

You can visit the ruins of a Benedictine abbey called St Benet’s at Holme on the banks of the River Bure, near Ludham, for free. It was the only monastery that was not officially closed as part of Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.

The Abbey struggled to survive and it wasn’t long after the dissolution of the monasteries that the buildings vanished, including its centrepiece church. What you see today looks different than your typical abbey ruins as the 14th-century gatehouse has an18th-century mill built over it.

Burgh Castle

The late 3rd century fort called Burgh Castle was built as part of the Roman network of coastal defences, and probably abandoned just over a hundred years later. While one wall collapsed into the marshes a long time ago, you can still see the three remaining stone walls which stand almost to their original height.

There is an easy 1-mile circular walk which will take you to the ruins and offers panoramic views over Breydon Water. Find out more about the Burgh Castle circular walk here .

It is free to visit Burgh Castle, one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Britain.

St. Olaves Priory

The now ruined St Olave’s Priory near Great Yarmouth was founded by Roger Fitz Osbert around 1216 and named after the patron saint of Norway. This Augustinian priory was dissolved by Henry VII in 1537 and then purchased by Sir Henry Jerringham who built a three storey mansion just north of cloisters which incorporated monastic remains.

Today, you can still see part of the church, cloister, and refectory undercroft. A bit north, you may be able to see some remains from Jerringham’s house.

While it is free to visit St. Olaves Priory, which is an English Heritage site , there is no car park for the site. Visitors can use the left-hand side of the car park at the neighbouring Priory Farm Restaurant then it’s a short walk to the ruins.

#8 Take a Train Ride

Another way to see the Broads is by train. No one has to worry about driving or navigating, so everyone can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.

Bure Valley Railway

The Bure Valley Railway is Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge steam railway . It runs between the market towns of Aylsham and Wroxham, where you can hop off and walk back along the track or take a return trip. The 18-mile round trip follows the meandering River Bure through the countryside, meadowland, and ancient pasture.

Barton House Railway

Barton House Railway is a miniature ride-on railway located that goes along the River Bure in Wroxham. The whole family will enjoy travelling back in time to the golden age of steam trains with two ride-on railways, a working full-size signalling system, and authentic tickets.

#9 Explore inside a Windpump or Windmill

You can’t go very far in the Broads without seeing a Windpump or Windmill. These structures were built to help local millers grind corn and to provide power for water pumps on the Broads. Some are actually open to the public so that you can peek inside and learn more.

Horsey Windpump

Horsey windpump was working until it was hit by lightning in 1943 but has since been restored. It was reopened to the public in 2019 with a new winding cap and turning sails. During opening hours, you can climb to the top of this Grade II listed building and take in the views of the area.

It is a National Trust site , so members can visit for free. Get more information here .

Thurne Windmill

The Thurne Windmill may be one of the most photogenic windmills in the Norfolk Broads. It was built in 1820 but stopped working in 1936. In 1950, it was restored to its former glory and is still working. While it is only open to the public a few days a year, you can still get a nice picture even if you can’t go inside.

#10 Go Inside Ranworth Church and Climb the Tower

Norfolk has the greatest concentration of medieval churches in the world and one that you’ll want to visit is St. Helens in Ranworth, also known as the Cathedral of the Broads. This church dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

Inside you can see one of the finest medieval rood screens in England and a 15th century illuminated manuscript (kept in a case for protection). If the weather is pleasant, you must climb the 89 steps and 2 ladders inside the church tower. It’s hard work and a little tight at times, but worth it for the views!

Get more info here .

#11 Relax at a Pub

After a day of exploring the Broads, you have earned your pint, so why not relax at one of the charming pubs. There are many with outdoor seating and some with views of the water, so you can watch the boats go by. Some of the most popular pubs in the Broads include the Maltsters in Ranworth, Acle Bridge Inn, and the New Inn in Horning.

Read reviews of the Maltsters in Ranworth.

Read reviews of the Acle Bridge Inn.

Read reviews of the New Inn in Horning.

#12 Visit a Brewery

The Norfolk Broads are home to a few breweries, the best known being Woodforde’s Brewery, nestled in the picturesque village of Woodbastwick. With a rich heritage dating back nearly four decades, Woodforde’s has established itself as one of the foremost cask ale breweries in the UK, earning numerous accolades, including CAMRA’s ‘Champion Beer of Britain’ awards.

One of the highlights of a visit to Woodforde’s Brewery is their captivating tour experience. Led by experienced guides, you’ll get an insider’s look at the fascinating brewing process, starting at the mash tuns where the magic begins.

Discover the secrets behind Woodforde’s award-winning ‘Wherry’ pint as you unravel the brewing techniques and traditions that make their beers truly exceptional. The tour culminates in a delightful tasting session, allowing you to enjoy the distinct character of Woodforde’s brews first-hand.

RELATED: Brewery Tours in Norfolk

But the experience doesn’t end there. After the tour, make sure to explore the Woodforde’s Brewery shop, where you can take home your favourite brews. As a special treat, everyone on the tour receives a generous 10% discount on purchases in the shop.

To complete your Woodforde’s Brewery adventure, indulge in the warm hospitality of The Fur & Feather, their brewery tap located nearby. This charming pub, with its thatched roof and inviting atmosphere, offers a perfect setting to relax and enjoy a hearty meal paired with your preferred Woodforde’s tipple.

Get more information and book a Woodforde’s Brewery tour here .

#13 Have a Picnic

The peaceful setting of the Broads makes it the perfect place for a picnic, whether it’s a large family gathering or a romantic meal for two. There are countless spots where you could picnic, but these are a few of my favourites.

There is a designated picnic area quayside in Wroxham (east side of the bridge). You can bring your own food or pick up some fish and chips from the shop nearby. Just keep an eye on the birds as some might try to come after your lunch.

Potter Heigham

Follow the footpath by the Potter Heigham Bridge to find a well equipped picnic spot overlooking the River Thurne. It has picnic tables and BBQ pads.

Coltishall Common

While there are no picnic tables, this grassy area has a lovely view of the River Bure. There is also space to moor your boat.

Whitlingham

Whitlingham Country Park has several picnic areas, although none are right by the water. Still, with all the things to do at Whitlingham , you will have a fun afternoon.

Yes. You will have fun while appreciating nature. The options of things to do are almost endless, but you can also just slow down and relax. It’s a great escape from city life.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you.  Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit.  The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.

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Norfolk Broads

We’re the only city in a National Park, and the gateway to the iconic Norfolk Broads. From watersports to woodland walks, there’s something for everyone on the wild side of Norwich. Seven rivers, over sixty unique Broads and areas of open-water, thirteen ancient monuments of national importance, and more than a quarter of Britain’s rarest wildlife — there’s a lot to explore in the 303 square kilometre National Park.

BeWILDerwood

Discover a land of Boggles, Twiggles and all their beautifully unusual friends.

Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden

130 acres of beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad at South Walsham in the Norfolk Broads

Paul Dickson Tours

Paul Dickson Tours offers year-round guided walking tours in Norwich and the Broads National Park, featuring private tours for groups of 2 to 20, along with a series of bookable public tours.

Into the wild

The Broads begin at Whitlingham Country Park, and with 280 acres of beautiful landscape, perfect for walking and cycling. There’s a whole selection of watersports too, with tuition and taster sessions available if you’re a beginner. Or head to Wroxham, just fifteen minutes by car, where you can hire self-drive boats by the hour from Broads Tours for the perfect picnic.

Whitlingham Country Park

Whitlingham Country Park sits on the outskirts of Norwich and is the gateway to the Broads, with over 280 acres of beautiful countryside.

Wroxham Miniature Worlds

Wroxham Miniature Worlds is the largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK, our massive model railways with will fascinate all ages.

The National Park

With so much to explore, it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t panic. We can’t wait to show you around. Paul Dickson runs an all-day tour called Rails, Trails, and Sails that’ll take you from Norwich to Reedham on a historical adventure. Broads Tours in Wroxham gets you up close to wildlife, and the Bure Valley Railway steam train gently chugs through some of the most picturesque Norfolk villages and countryside. And at Christmas, Santa even buys a ticket…

The Reedham Ferry Touring Park

A quiet, rural 4 acre landscaped site with flat spacious pitches, alongside the beautiful River Yare.

Bure Valley Railway

Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge heritage railway runs through 9 miles of beautiful countryside between Aylsham and Wroxham.

Where to stay

You can stay in the Broads on a nature retreat and still enjoy the best of the city too. Kett Country Cottages, Norfolk Cottages and Norfolk Broads Direct have a spectacular selection of self-catering properties for families, couples, and dog-lovers, right along the waters’ edge. Pitch a tent or pull-up in your camper at Reedham Ferry, where you’ll be perfectly placed to visit both Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Or, push the boat out, and hire a cruiser for up to eleven people. The boats are super comfy, have everything you need, and they even welcome dogs.

Kett Country Cottages

For over 15 years Kett Country Cottages has been offering quality holiday cottages and accommodation across North Norfolk.

Norfolk Mead Hotel

The Norfolk Mead is a beautiful Georgian Grade II listed country house venue offering visitors the chance to get away from it all.

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10 Sights on the Norfolk Broads you Won’t Want to Miss

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There are lots of reasons people have been flocking to the Norfolk Broads for decades. From stunning scenery, riverside pubs, amazing fishing, walking & generally just taking life at a slower pace and becoming absorbed in the tranquil atmosphere of The Broads.There are many sights to see that you won’t want to miss on your visit to the Norfolk Broads, we’ve chosen our top 10 for you.

You’ll find the ruins of a 1000-year-old monastery along the River Bure. This was the only monastery in England not to be closed by Henry VIII during Tudor times, but the building began to vanish along with its centrepiece church. The ruins make a stunning backdrop to the Broads landscape. You can moor here for free overnight if you’re not fazed by the possible sound of the ghost of a traitorous monk, Essric the Bailiff!

A real must see on your boating holiday is How Hill Trust. A large thatched Edwardian house sits on the brow of How Hill which is located on the River Ant. The site includes Toad Hole which is a period thatched cottage displayed as it would have been to show what life was like for a marshman many years ago. It also boats a secret garden amongst extensive gardens, three restored drainage mills and woodland trails. It has amazing views from the top of the hill and is a great place to stop on the sloping lawn for a picnic or moor here overnight where 24-hour free side-on mooring is plentiful.

A ‘must-see’ on any trip to the Norfolk Broads…Overlooking Malthouse Broad, Ranworth is a delightful broads’ village. Moor at the staithe and enjoy a walk along the board walk to Norfolk Wildlife Trusts floating wildlife centre which has panoramic views across Ranworth Broad. Here you can learn more about the unique wildlife of the broads and view great crested grebes, cormorants, marsh harriers and the occasional kingfisher. The board walk passes through woodland and reed bed habitats full of interesting plants and woodland birds. During summer keep your eyes peeled for Swallowtail butterflies and Norfolk Hawker dragonflies. The view from the top of St. Helen’s church, otherwise known as the ‘Cathedral of the Broads’ is breathtaking. Just the 89 steps, two ladders and a trap door to reach it, but well worth it!

Thurne Mill

Thurne Mill, around 45 minutes by boat from Herbert Woods marina, is a striking and 200-year-old white working mill on the Norfolk Broads. The Broads are steeped in history and during the 1800’s some 240 mills were to be found all over the broads, but today less than 75 still stand however some are in ruins. A few mills have been restored and are often open to the public such as Horsey Mill. Read our blog on  5 Must See Windpumps and Windmills on the Norfolk Broads , where to find them on your visit to the Norfolk Broads.

Hickling Broad Nature Reserve

The famous medieval bridge at Potter Heigham gives access to the Upper Thurne, Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere. Hickling Broad is the largest of the broads and is an absolute haven for wildlife. You’ll find a large percentage of the common crane, bittern and marsh harriers here. You could also see the Chinese Water Deer and otters here too. Moorings are available on a first come first serve basis and can booked directly with Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

All Herbert Woods day boats and some of our cruisers are still lucky enough pass under the bridge in the right conditions which we can advise you on at time of booking.

Call us on 0800 144 4472 or visit www.herbertwoods.co.uk to find out more.

Sunken Wherries on Surlingham Broad

Wherries in the late 19 th  and 20 th  century were used for carrying goods from the coast to inland villages and the city of Norwich. They could travel the shallow waterways and smaller wherries were even built to reach the trickier stretches. Railways and steam powered coasters began to take the trade away and made wherries unprofitable. This saw the wherries either dismantled, converted with the addition of a motor and the masts removed, broken down to be used to strengthen banks or even sunk. Traces of sunken wherries can be seen at low tide on Surlingham Broad. It was actually here that Joyce Lambert, a stratigrapher discovered the Broads were man made formed from peat diggings. There are just 8 restored wherries left on the Broads today, some of which can be chartered.

Hoveton Little Broad

Hoveton Little Broad is also known as Black Horse Broad can be found between the middle reaches of the River Bure between Hoveton and Horning. Be sure to visit in Summer as the broad is closed to boats in winter to allow water birds to breed. The broad is known as Black Horse Broad because of the pub that once stood, a waterlogged path allowed the wherrymen to get to the pub from the waters edge. In the mid-20th century, Herbert Woods himself and around 30 local men, led a public campaign to allow a right of access the Broad after several local landowners prevented access by placing a barrier across the dyke. Agreement was reached to allow access from Easter to Mid-September as a result. You can’t moor here but you can mud weight.

Norwich Cathedral

Located in the heart of city centre and just a few steps from Norwich Yacht Station on the River Wensum where there are approximately 50 mooring spaces. This is actually a canal that was formed for boats to bring stone and building materials to drop at Pulls Ferry (a flint, 15th-century Watergate) to build Norwich Cathedral. The cathedral was requested to be built by another person by the name of Herbert, a Herbert de losinga. The Cathedral spire is iconic with Norwich and dominates the skyline measuring at 315 ft (96 m), making it the second-tallest in England. The cathedral is steeped in history and it’s worth a guided tour by a volunteer guides where visitors can gain a greater insight into the 900-year-old history of the Cathedral. Tours run frequently throughout the week.

Burgh Castle Roman Ruins

Burgh Castle is Roman shore fort constructed around the 3rd century AD and was used as defence point against Saxon raids from the rivers and coast. Set on obvious higher ground, it slopes towards the River Waveney offering spectacular panoramic views over Breydon water. It is regarded as one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in East Anglia. The ‘Angles Way’ trail which runs from Great Yarmouth to Thetford goes past Burgh Castle alongside Breydon Water. Several shorter walks are also possible in the area. Read more about  walks on the Norfolk Broads .

Wroxham located on the River Bure is often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Broads’ and is well known for ‘Roys of Wroxham’ set up by the Roy brothers to provide holiday makers with the necessary provisions. You’ll find plenty of moorings here and a bridge which boat hirers are required to use the bridge pilot to pass under if they are able to in order to reach Coltishall. Wroxham is popular with rail enthusiasts, the home of the Bure Valley Railway, a 15-inch gauge steam railway running between Wroxham and Aylsham and Wroxham Miniature Worlds, the home of the largest indoor model railway on permanent public display in the UK. You’ll also find numerous places to stop for afternoon tea or a tipple and meal in a waterside restaurant or pub.

Did you find this article useful? Why not visit our  Norfolk Broads boating holiday page  or browse our fantastic  boats for hire  for more information on our services?

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Guide to The Broads

Enjoy the Norfolk Broads at your own pace from the comfort of a luxury cruiser

• Barton Broad
• Burgh Castle
• Great Yarmouth
• Oulton Broad
• Potter Heigham
• Salhouse Broad
• Somerleyton
• South Walsham
• Upper Thurne
• Wayford Bridge
• Whitlingham
• History and Culture
• Bike and Canoe Hire
• Broads Walks
• Eating Out on the Broads
• First and last night moorings
• Mooring Tips
• Sustainable Living
• Frequently Asked Questions

Guide to the Broads

We know that the best way to enjoy the Norfolk Broads is by boat. Not only the beautiful views along the banks but also the many nooks and quirks that can only be accessed by water. So, if you’re planning a Broads holiday , you are in for a treat.

We’ve put together this guide to highlight some of our favourite places to eat, walk, visit and enjoy. We’ve also included some useful tips for your safety and for Broads conservation during your visit.

If you find an attraction, walking trail, pub, cafe, restaurant or mooring spot that we haven’t included, please let us know so we can share it with everyone…unless you want to keep it for yourself!

When it comes to getting to the Broads, we highly recommend local taxi hire company Stripes Express .

13 of the Best Norfolk Broads Walks

Flat, tranquil and bursting with nature and wildlife, where better to walk than the Norfolk Broads? If you enjoy a long-distance hike, a circular walk or a quick leg stretch, then the Broads is a wonderful place to find a route and get some miles on the legs.

From multi-day national trails, to walks amongst the peaceful inland waterways, through pretty Broads villages and past local iconic landmarks, there are walks here for dog lovers, serious hikers and families alike.

I’ve put together a guide of my favourite walks in the Norfolk Broads, with links to downloadable walking maps and specific directions. All you need to do is pack a picnic, get your boots on and get walking!

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Local’s Guide to Norfolk England

This post may contain affiliate links. If you book something I recommend, I make a small commission without affecting the price you pay!

The Wherryman’s Way

The best of the Norfolk river walks, the Wherryman’s Way can be walked or cycled and starts at the riverside opposite Norwich train station before meandering all the way along the attractive River Yare on the Norfolk Broads, to the railway station in Great Yarmouth.

The route is named after the locals who plied their trade in traditional Norfolk wherries, boats which have been part of life on the Broads for hundreds of years. Sadly there are only eight remaining wherries on the Broads from a cast of hundreds in the 19th century. You can sometimes see their distinctive sails across the fields as they move along the inland waterways.

The 37 mile route passes historic ruins, pretty villages, riverside pubs and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, which reflect the rich wildlife diversity of the Yare Valley. Whether you are lucky enough to spot rare species, or enjoy the abundant and colourful landscape, you will not be disappointed.

The Wherryman’s Way is followed by public transport almost all the way from start to finish, meaning that you can walk or cycle as much of the path as you want and catch a bus or train back to your starting point, and your holiday accommodation. This is ideal if you don’t want to go too far, or you’re walking with small children.

There are twelve circular walking routes link up with The Wherryman’s Way, ranging from 1.5 miles to 7.5 miles in length, so there will definitely be a route to suit your timeframe. Waymarkers along the route include stainless steel wherry sails, life-like figures, information panels and audio points, which help to make the walk engaging for kids.

This excellent book The Wherryman’s Way , by Norfolk local hiker Joe Jackson, includes maps and directions of the entire trail with suitable overnight stops and locations of all facilities, points of interest and public transport information, and will help you get the most from the trail, especially if you’re planning to walk the full 37 miles.

Links with:

• The Weavers’ Way  at Great Yarmouth as it heads through the Broads to Cromer.
• The Neslon Way , also at Great Yarmouth, a 404 mile long distance route from Burnham Thorpe in North Norfolk (Nelson’s birthplace), and linking locations associated with Admiral Lord Nelson.
• Bramerton Riverside Walks at Bramerton on the River Yare.

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The Angles Way

Devised by the Ramblers, The Angles Way National Trail  is a 93 mile walking trail which follows the county boundary of Norfolk and Suffolk, through the Waveney Valley and Little Ouse Valley, from Great Yarmouth through to Thetford .

There are lots of excellent Norfolk Broads circular walks which incorporate parts of the Angles Way, from 7 miles to 2 miles long. You can download a PDF map of the Angles Way Trail before setting out. If you’re planning on cycling the route, then a mountain bike or crosstrail bike is advisable as the route can be uneven in places.

One of the best Great Yarmouth and Gorleston-on-Sea walks and my favourite parts of the Angles Way just inland from the town, is the Burgh Castle walk.

You can ramble around the majestic third century Roman flint walls at the castle and on a clear day, you can see for miles with panoramic views across the River Yare and River Waveney to the grazing marshes, and the distinctive Berney Arms windmill in the distance.

From the ruins, head to the river and join the Angles Way to Great Yarmouth. At the river, turn right and you’ll find the path that runs alongside the river, before arriving at Breydon Water where the sea meets the Broads.

From here, the path takes you to the Breydon Bridge, where you can cross the river back into Great Yarmouth. This walk one way is four miles, which will take around an hour and a half at a relaxed pace.

• The  Peddars Way at Knettishall Heath in the Suffolk Brecks, which runs all the way to the North Norfolk coast at Holme and the Norfolk Coast Path .
• The  Bouddica Way at Diss, which heads through the rolling countryside of south Norfolk to Norwich.
• At Great Yarmouth pick up both the  Wherryman’s Way  to Norwich, passing through the Yare valley and  Weavers Way  heading through the Broads to Cromer .

RELATED POST: 26 Exciting Things To Do On the Norfolk Broads

The Weavers’ Way

The Weaver’s Way runs from Cromer for 61 miles through the Norfolk countryside, taking in the National Trust properties of Blickling Estate and Felbrigg Hall, the pretty village of Hickling, iconic Thurne Mill and Breydon Marshes before, arriving at Great Yarmouth on the east coast of Norfolk.

Named after the weaving industry which dominated medieval trade in Norfolk, this historic trail passes through a diverse landscape of woodland, mixed farmland, historic country estates, disused railway lines and riverside walks, showing off the best of the Norfolk Broads.

There are nineteen circular walks branching off the Weavers’ Way , ranging from 1.25 miles to 7 miles long, so there’s something for everyone along this beautiful trail.

One of my favourites is the Potter Heigham 5.8 mile circular walk, which takes you across the Potter Heigham medieval bridge, believed to date from 1385, and through beautiful lush meadows and the woodlands of Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve before returning alongside the River Thurne to the village, where you can treat yourself to lunch or afternoon tea ! You can download a map of this walk with detailed instructions here .

• At Cromer, join the  Norfolk Coast Path  (which heads west, right along the coast to Hunstanton ) or the  Paston Way  (which meanders along to link again with Weavers’ Way , in North Walsham).
• At Aylsham join the  Marriott’s Way  to Norwich.
• At Great Yarmouth pick up either the  Wherryman’s Way  to Norwich along the Yare Valley or the  Angles Way  along the Waveney Valley.

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Bramerton Riverside Walks

The Bramerton Riverside Walk is a circular walk of 3 miles which begins at Bramerton Common and follows the banks of the River Yare towards Surlingham before completing a loop along footpaths and green lanes back to Bramerton. You can download a map and directions here .

Along the river you’ll see ducks, geese and herons. You can also spot owls hunting on the marshes, and beautiful kingfishers and colourful dragonflies in the summer months.

At the riverside Woods End pub look out for the statue of Billy Bluelight (William Cullum), a popular flower seller and cult figure in  Norwich . He was well known for his races, when he would run the 20-mile stretch alongside the steam pleasure boats beside the Rivers Wensum and Yare to see if he could beat them to the finish line.

As you arrive back at Bramerton, take time to visit the Bramerton Pits, a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest important in the study of the Lower Pleistocene era which has yielded rich, mainly marine vertebrate fossils.

• The Wherryman’s Way on the River Yare section at the Woods End pub.

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Barton Broad Boardwalk

Off the beaten path Barton Broad is one of my favourites. Park in the car park in the nearby village of Neatishead before walking east along Irstead Road, for around fifteen minutes, to the start of the wheelchair and pushchair friendly boardwalk.

The 1.5 mile trail leads you through swampy, wildlife filled woodland, with resting places and information boards where you can read about the wildlife, before emerging onto a large viewing platform. From here you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view over Barton, second largest of the Broads.

If you’re looking for family adventure, hire a canoe at Wayford Bridge and paddle down the River Ant to Barton Broad, and moor at Neatishead staithe. From here you can walk the boardwalk and reward yourself with a drink at the nearby Whitehorse Inn , or bring a picnic and eat it on the pretty staithe.

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The Bigod Way

Although this route starts in the Suffolk market town of Bungay, the area is still referred to as the Norfolk Broads, so I’m including it! Bigod Way is 5.5 mile circuit in the Waveney Valley and countryside around Bungay, which can be reached from Bigod’s Castle, a Grade I Norman castle built around 1100CE.

The route passes through areas of outstanding natural beauty and offers a variety of wildlife, rare plants, and sites of historical interest. Following the River Waveney to the village of Earsham, the route then climbs the Bath Hills that overlook the whole area, providing panoramic views once you’ve scaled the 150m elevation gain to the top.

From the hills, you descend to the village of Ditchingham, home to the Duke of York pub, the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat and a well earned drink! You can download a PDF map of the route with details here .

• Much of the route coincides with the Angles Way as it encircles Bungay and Outney Common near the River Waveney.
• South of Bungay there is a mile of so where the Bigod Way coincides with the Waveney Way , a 71 mile looped trail that starts and ends at Ness Point in Lowestoft.
• Via Beata (Way of Blessing) to the North of Bungay, a long distance path from Lowestoft in Suffolk to St David’s in Pembrokeshire.

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Horsey Mill Walk

Horsey, where the Norfolk Broads meet the coast, is a remote and secluded location, perfect for walking and bird watching throughout the seasons. There is an easy 3.8 mile circular walk from Horsey Mill to Horsey Gap beach , where you can also see the seal pups between late October through to February.

The Horsey Windpump car park is owned by the National Trust, and parking there if free for members. Or park at the Nelson Head car park in the village, pop in and let them know you’re there, and then have a drink or lunch after your walk.

Most winters, over 2,000 seal pups are born, and it’s an incredible sight as you walk over the dunes to the viewing platform. Even if you’re visiting in summer, you’ll see seals bobbing along in the sea – popping up to have a nose when they know people are on the beach!

Horsey Windpump is an iconic 20th century drainage mill with a fascinating past. Standing watch over the Horsey Mere, a climb to the top is rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Broadland landscape.

Horsey Windpump is owned by the National Trust, who restored the building after the mill was struck by lightening in 1943 and abandoned for 75 years. Now complete with a winding cap and turning sails, this delightful Grade II* listed building is ridiculously photogenic.

• The Norfolk Coast Path as it heads south at Horsey Gap.

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Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail

A wonderful one hour walk for families, the Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail can be reached by boat between April and October, and there are free moorings for those enjoying boating holidays on the River Bure.

To get to the start of the trail, park at Salhouse Broad car park and head to the nearby moorings for the passenger ferry that links the moorings with the beginning of the trail.

Hoveton Great Broad is one of the largest and most secret lakes in the Broads, and is part of the Bure Marshes National Nature Reserve, along with Ranworth, Cockshoot and Decoy Broad.

The nature trail has been popular with visitors since 1968, after being developed by conservationist Dr Martin George. The trail has been designed to showcase the best of the broad including great tussock sedge, royal fern and undisturbed wet woodland, and as much of the route is on an island, it offers visitors an opportunity to experience the landscape of the Broads devoid of almost all human influence.

The walk route is staffed by wardens seven days a week throughout the summer season and you’ll enjoy a fantastic insight into the unique wildlife and flora of the Broads, and learn about what makes them so special.

RELATED POST: Norfolk Nature Reserves – Ultimate A-Z Guide

Bure Valley Path

Owned and managed by Broadland District Council, the Bure Valley Path is a nine mile footpath and cycle path which follows the brilliant narrow guage Bure Valley Railway , which runs between the historic market town of Aylsham and the bustling village of Wroxham

The route takes walkers and cyclists through the beautiful Bure Valley countryside following the meandering River Bure, through meadowland and ancient pastures, dotted with sheep and cows, and several picturesque Broads like Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall (perfect for the excellent Recruiting Sergeant pub)!

Whether you’re hopping on and off the Bure Valley Railway or taking a longer trip, the Bure Valley Path is a great trail to discover on foot, or by bike. With the Bittern Line between Norwich and Sheringham stopping at Hoveton and Wroxham it’s easy to leave the car behind.

If you decide to cycle the path, hire your bikes from Broadland Cycle Hire in Horning, a 15 minute ride from the start to the path at Wroxham station.

• At Aylsham, pick up the Marriots Way Heritage Trail , a 25 mile footpath, cycle path and bridleway between Norwich and Aylsham.

RELATED POST: Aylsham: A Historic Market Town in Norfolk

Beccles Marsh Trail

Another cross county border trail in the Broads National Park, the Beccles Marsh Trail is in the Suffolk Broads, but it’s all in the Broads so I’m including it!

The 4 mile circular trail starts at Beccles Quay and follows the River Waveney past an historic Iron Age Causeway and around the Beccles Marshes, which are grazed by cattle and criss-crossed by small dykes. Find a PDF map of the route here .

The area is full of interesting wild flowers and wildlife, home to nesting birds in spring, and birds of pray like kestrels, harriers and owls year round. There are an abundance of butterflies and insect life in summer, and you may be lucky enough to spot a kingfisher.

• The start of the walk links with the Angles Way , Via Beata and the Waveney Way.
• You can also link with the the East Suffolk Line Walks , paths which follow the railway from Ipswich and Lowestoft, traversing some of the most delightful of Suffolk’s unspoilt countryside.

Muck Fleet Dyke Walk

Nestled between Norwich and the Norfolk coast, Fleggburgh (also known as Burgh St Margaret) is situated to the west of the Trinity Broads complex within the Broads National Park.

The circular 7 mile Fleggburgh to Stokesby walk starts at Fleggburgh village hall and takes in both Burgh Common and Muckfleet Marshes as it passes areas with unqiue Broads wildlife, the River Bure and picturesque windmills along Muck Fleet Dyke.

Pop into the pretty village of Stokesby for a rest and lunch at The Ferry Inn situated alongside the river, before continuing your walk back to Fleggburgh. Download a printable map here .

• Although it doesn’t quite cross, to the north of Fleggburg at the corner of Mill Lane and Rollesby Road is the Broads Explorer Loop , a cycle and walking path beside the River Thurne between Repps, Potter Heigham and Martham. 
• Again, not quite meeting, but the route comes very close to the Weavers’ Way as it leaves Muck Fleet Dyke for the the River Bure.

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Wherry Lines Railway Ramble

The Wherry Lines head east out of Norwich along the river valleys of The Broads to the coastal towns of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

There is a great collection of countryside and town walks starting and finishing at one of the railway stations on the Wherry Lines, including Buckenham, Brundall, Cantley, Lingwood, Reedham, Haddiscoe, Somerleyton, Oulton Broad North, Acle, Berney Arms and Great Yarmouth. This means you can explore some of the best places in the Norfolk Broads without a car.

The walks range in distance from 2 miles to 9 miles and are all suitable for walking or cycling, with many having bike hire available at stations or nearby villages. You can find out more here .

My absolute favourite is the visit to the remote Berney Arms railway station which serves the remote settlement of Berney Arms on the Halvergate Marshes. The station is several miles from the nearest road and is only accessible by train, on foot, or by boat from the River Yare.

Take the train from Great Yarmouth to Berney Arms – you’ll need to request the stop from the guard – and then explore the iconic Berney Arms Windmill before walking the five miles back to Yarmouth along the beautiful RSPB Breydon Water.

• At the Berney Arms windmill, connect with the Wherryman’s Way as it heads into Great Yarmouth.
• Connects with the Weavers’ Way at Berney Arms station.
• Also at Berney Arms windmill, the Cross-Norfolk Trail is a 96 mile continuous east-west path across the county between King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth, following some of Norfolk’s principal rivers, including the Nar, Wensum and Yare.

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South Walsham Circular Walk

The tranquil and quiet route takes in some of the best of the Norfolk Broads navigable waterways including Fleet Dyke and the River Bure, with stunning views to the distinctive ruins of St Benets Abbey and the Cross of Peace.

The path passes the 18th century Tall Drainage Mill on the River Bure, open marshes and Upton Fen Nature Reserve, which you can stop and explore. Marsh harriers are frequently seen on this walk and barn owls are common in the evening, so make sure to take a pair of binoculars.

This 5 mile walk has two different starting points, which one you choose will depend on whether you arrive by car or boat! If you’re driving, the start point is from the car park in Pilson Green on the eastern side of South Walsham Broad, and moorings are available on Fleet Dyke. You can find a map and full details here .

• Burlingham Woodlands Walks which pass through a gentle landscape of old and new woodland and orchards, with farmland interspersed by hedgerows.

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There is an excellent interactive Norfolk Broads walks map on the website of the Long Distance Walkers Association, which details trails and walks in Norfolk, both long and short. Just click through and scroll down to find the map, which you can then enlarge. Use the buttons to click for ‘other paths’ and see what pops up!

Wondering where to stay?

• Norfolk Glamping – 15 of the Best Spots
• Five Ideas for a Short Break in Norfolk
• The Six Best Campsites in Norfolk
• A Local’s Guide to the Norfolk Broads
• How about a boating holiday? Check out Norfolk Broads Direct for a fantastic range of holidays on the water.

Have I missed you favourite Norfolk Broads walk from my round up? Let me know in the comments below so I can include it in this list of walks in the Norfolk Broads!

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The best Broads and rivers of the Broads National Park

Made up of a collection of around 40 inland water-filled broads, connected by over 125 miles of free flowing rivers they provide the perfect conditions for any explorer. The Broads can be split into two parts, the Northern Broads and the Southern Broads; the second stretching down into Suffolk and the Waveney Valley.

With all waterways lock-free the Broads offer the chance for trouble-free cruising. Around 12 broads are open all year round with these being fully accessible.

Driving in the Broads won’t let you see a lot of the waterways. Walking and cycling are both better, but the best way to see them is from the water – hire a boat for a day or a longer break.

Boating holidays in the Broads

The Northern Broads

River Bure, Wroxham Broad and Salhouse Broad: Considered to be one of the prettiest rivers in the Broads area and the birthplace of Broads cruising, the River Bure provides many routes for the intrepid traveller. Starting from the quaint village of Coltishall, it flows on through the hustle and bustle of Wroxham, before meandering onto the picturesque village of Horning, with its riverside pubs and continuing onto the river mouth and the energetic town of Great Yarmouth. There are many broads to be explored on this route including Wroxham Broad, where you can either sail alone or take a boat trip and the beautiful Salhouse Broad (pictured above) with its grassy bank and areas of sand, perfect for children.

River Ant and Barton Broad: The River Ant is much narrower than the other Broads rivers and in places is a quieter, more peaceful place to sail. With some beautiful towns to visit along its banks the river has a tendency to get busy during the holiday season. It begins surrounded by reed beds before heading upstream to Stalham, a lovely market town. It then opens out in to Barton Broad, the second largest broad, popular for cruising and sailing – as our picture above shows. Regattas are held here throughout the year including the Barton Regatta in October.

River Thurne and Hickling Broad: Imagine vast expanses of clear blue sky and sparkling water stretching out as far as the eye can see with only churches and windmills breaking up the horizon. This will be the view from your boat on the River Thurne which meanders onto Hickling Broad (pictured above), the largest broad in the region and forms part of a nature reserve run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. At only five miles in length, the Thurne is Norfolk’s shortest river. The river then continues on to the town of Potter Heigham.

The Southern Broads

River Yare and Breydon Water: Flowing from Norwich the River Yare is the biggest of the Broads rivers. Its journey is through beautiful scenery taking in the villages of Brundall and Reedham (where a chain ferry operates, pictured below) before opening out into the vast but shallow expanse of Breydon Water near Great Yarmouth.

River Chet: A small tributary off the River Yare, the River Chet meanders through quiet woodland and grazing marsh. A detour upstream for about three miles will bring you to the quaint market town of Loddon. With a public staithe for mooring, leave the boat behind for a bit and take time to explore on foot. Nearby is the Chet Valley Vineyard .

River Waveney and Oulton Broad: Crossing the Norfolk/Suffolk border the River Waveney is the least typical of all the rivers. From Breydon Water it heads to St Olaves and Somerleyton, onto Oulton Broad near Lowestoft then to the attractive market town of Beccles.

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Privacy Overview

Towns and Villages in the Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads area has recently acquired the title of The Broads National Park, but to the locals it is fondly referred to as Broadland.  The Norfolk Broads has lots of picturesque, quaint villages and towns to visit. They all exude a quiet charm and most have an interesting history.  Some are situated on the riverbank in full view and others are tucked away down peaceful rural lanes just waiting for you walk around the corner and discover.

The Norfolk Broads area has survived for centuries on commerce associated with the water, for example, the trading wherries plying the rivers, the thatching industry harvesting the reeds and of course agriculture, growing grain for beer, whisky not just as a staple food. Many of the villages still have cottage industries to explore, potters , basket weavers, pickle and condiment producers, mills still grinding flour to name but a few.  

It is not all work though, there are loads of family attractions , pubs , restaurants and cafes welcoming all who venture near, so as there is so much to find and enjoy in and around the Norfolk Broads, please visit as many places as you can and have fun.

How to learn more about the Towns and Villages in the Norfolk Broads

Simply click on each of the Place boxes below to find out more of the history of each town or village, where to stay, the village pub, cafes, restaurants and activities available

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Days out in the Broads -->

Day trip adventures.

Whether you want to head out for a day of fun, relaxation or discovery there are lots of great locations in the Broads. With organised attractions like Wroxham Barns , beautiful countryside, market towns like Bungay and also plenty of coastline nearby (if you want to get your feet wet) you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring!

What's the attraction?

Come rain or shine, an organised attraction is a sure fire way to guarantee some fun for all of the family. Head to Great Yarmouth or Norwich to catch a live show, or if you need to entertain the kids why not try out one of the many indoor play and activity centres in the region? If the weather's good, a theme park or zoo could be just the ticket. Take in the exotic wildlife at Thrigby Hall or explore the mysterious woodland at Bewilderwood.

Day tripping

The Broads is famous for its abundance of scenic day trip destinations just waiting to be explored. With nature reserves, gardens of stately homes, quaint towns and villages and a short (but beautiful) stretch of coastline there's definitely plenty of choice.

Inland there are beauty spots such as Hickling Broad, Ranworth Broad, How Hill and Carlton Marshes to name just a few. You're guaranteed to see some amazing wildlife including some national favourites and maybe some exotic migrants too! Pay a visit to one of the idyllic East Anglian towns or villages en route to refuel and indulge in a spot of shopping, some of our favourites are Beccles, Bungay, Wroxham and the fine city of Norwich itself.

It's not all in North Norfolk! If you head seawards there are also some great coastal areas to explore including the dunes at Winterton-on-Sea, the classic ports of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft and also the beach at Horsey which is home to thousands of grey seals at certain times during the year (please abide by the Friends of Horsey Seals rules if visiting).

Scenic settlements

The Broads is the only national park in England that is home to a vibrant, modern city. With waterways running right  through, a holiday here wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Norwich.

If you want to enjoy a day shopping, eating out, or visiting its many museums and historical sites, having Norwich on your doorstep means you don’t have to choose between the tranquillity of a boating holiday and the buzz of a city break.

Wroxham and Hoveton

Sometimes referred to as the Capital of the Broads, the interlinked villages of Wroxham and Hoveton are the perfect base from which to explore the area. The main streets are overflowing with hotels, pubs, restaurants and shops – many of which are owned by the local retailers Roys of Wroxham, also known as the world’s largest village store!

From Wroxham, it’s simple to rent a boat for the day. Set off early for a gentle cruise to the delightful village of Coltishall - with its easily accessible riverside pubs - or explore Wroxham Broad and the River Bure. It’s the ideal way for day trippers to get a taste of life on the Broads.

A quintessential Broads village with waterside pubs, a village green, crafts shops and delicatessens, restaurants and quaint tea-rooms, Horning is also home to a biannual boat show and opposite the Bure Marshes National Nature Reserve. Spend a day soaking up the sleepy atmosphere, take in lunch and a guided boat tour or visit the picturesque church of St Benedict.  The annual Three Rivers Race in June is a staple in the Broads calendar. It is run by Horning Sailing Club which also hires out rowing boats for those wanting a more gentle experience.

Known as the microcosm of the Broads, the picnic meadow at How Hill Nature Reserve looks down on a breathtaking vista of mills, sailing yachts serenely tacking the river and even an old marshman's cottage, Toad Hole, where you can experience life on the Broads a century ago. Combine your visit with a trip on the  Electric Eel wildlife boat .

Ranworth is home to the so-called 'Cathedral of the Broads', stunning St Helen’s Church which was completed in 1450 and where you can climb 89 steps to a breathtaking view for miles at the top of the tower. You can also take a leisurely boardwalk stroll spotting rare creatures in woodland and reedbeds ending up at Norfolk Wildlife Trust's floating wildlife centre where you can learn about what you've just seen.

Beccles and Bungay

Beccles is a charming, thriving market town in the heart of the Waveney valley and steeped in history. You can moor up at the quayside, take a refreshing dip at Beccles Lido or an easy walk into the town centre with its independent shops, pubs and cafes.  The nearby market town of Bungay is great for walking, good shopping and food and historic buildings. Legend has it that it was also home to the fearsome  Black Shuck .

Somerleyton

Somerleyton, with its stately home, leafy lanes and thatched fairy tale cottages, seems to have been suspended in a past era. Take a picnic on the green or a short walk to the wonderful Herringfleet Mill.

Whether you’re looking for peaceful waterways, idyllic countryside, bustling towns, a thrilling theme park, charming coastline or even combining your national park stay with a city break, the Broads has something for you. But why choose? The best thing about the Broads is the sheer variety of wonderful places you can go and exciting things to do while you’re here.

Read more about attractions and the nearby coast or check out our days out listings and attractions listings .

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• Broads Photos

Photos Of The Broads From The '80s And '90s

By Myalibi Yesterday at 11:57 in Broads Photos

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Started going through some old family albums. Sorry, the quality of the prints is now great, and I don't remember where all the shots were taken. Wroxham perhaps for the first one?

This one is Wroxham. There were some really grand houses tucked away. At the time, I recall the largest private cruiser on the Broads, the Francis Molly, at 63 feet, registererdd in London was moored alongside one. I have a recollection that the Francis Molly was used to carry Queen Elizabeth on one of her visits to the Broads as there was a photo and an article in the EDP about it. I've seen the post on the forum that The Albert was used on one visit. I do remember The Albert moored at the yacht club on Wroxham Broad.

Wroxham Broad

Salhouse Broad

Not sure if this was Ranworth, or.....

Another unidentified location, Belaugh maybe ??

Or maybe this one is Belaugh? It was taken in August 1993 for sure.

This one is on L'Aigle, around 1987

No location

Perhaps taken at one of the entrances to Salhouse Broad

And along the same stretch of river

Slightly better composition on this shot of a sailing boat B721

A much-admired property in Wroxham. The Broom Continental was named Whileaway

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Great pictures!

No.1 is I think the property around the top of Heronby's dyke in Wroxham.

5 and 6 are almost certainly Gaye's Staithe.

FairTmiddlin

Number 8 is above St Olaves on the Waveney the pylon and Cantley SBeet tower in background.

1 hour ago, Myalibi said: Or maybe this one is Belaugh? It was taken in August 1993 for sure.

I'm pretty sure this is the Anchor Street moorings in Coltishall rather than Belaugh. The big tree in front of the house has been removed now, but the roof and projecting balcony is pretty distinctive.

If you have any more from the Wroxham area in the 80s, please do post them up. I live in perpetual hope that someone caught an image of me and my dad on the river back then.

2 hours ago, dom said: If you have any more from the Wroxham area in the 80s, please do post them up. I live in perpetual hope that someone caught an image of me and my dad on the river back then.

What was your boat Dom?

16 minutes ago, webntweb said: What was your boat Dom?

It was a Broom 30 called Marie Louise (F74). Most of the time we were out on the river, we'd be accompanied by my dad's best mate from Summercraft, who had a custom 30ft cruiser called Josephine (Z540).

5 hours ago, dom said: I'm pretty sure this is the Anchor Street moorings in Coltishall rather than Belaugh. The big tree in front of the house has been removed now, but the roof and projecting balcony is pretty distinctive. If you have any more from the Wroxham area in the 80s, please do post them up. I live in perpetual hope that someone caught an image of me and my dad on the river back then.

Thanks for the help in identifying the locations Dom and the boss man, it's much appreciated.

I've had quite a laugh looking back at some of those photo albums, but I have not yet found any more from Wroxham. But I am visiting my mum tomorrow and will see if she has anything relevant. Marie Louise doesn't ring a bell though. 

5 hours ago, dom said: It was a Broom 30 called Marie Louise (F74). Most of the time we were out on the river, we'd be accompanied by my dad's best mate from Summercraft, who had a custom 30ft cruiser called Josephine (Z540).

Sorry no luck. Found about 60 photos of the Wroxham area in the 80s but no Broom 30 on any of them.

3 minutes ago, webntweb said: Sorry no luck. Found about 60 photos of the Wroxham area in the 80s but no Broom 30 on any of them.

Thanks for checking. If you ever have time, I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking it'd be interesting to see some of what you do have anyway. The area has changed so much, it's always interesting to see how it was then, in what were some of the area's halcyon days.

1 minute ago, dom said: Thanks for checking. If you ever have time, I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking it'd be interesting to see some of what you do have anyway. The area has changed so much, it's always interesting to see how it was then, in what were some of the area's halcyon days.

I will sort through them and post some tomorrow (not all though - don't want to bore everyone).

pastboating

I do not think you will bore anyone, please keep the photos coming.

9 minutes ago, pastboating said: I do not think you will bore anyone, please keep the photos coming.

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The best hotels in Norfolk for a breezy coastal break

Luxury, beach and country Norfolk hotels for a trip to the Broads and beyond

There’s lots of spectacular scenery to be discovered in England – and for your next trip east, these are the most charming hotels in Norfolk .

OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS IN NORFOLK

It may be one of the flattest counties in the country, but Norfolk is here to prove that you don’t need hills to be photogenic. Instead, it’s home to wetlands, tidal saltmarshes and historic stately homes .

The county also has more than 90 miles of coastline (technically 93 when the tide is out) – and the sandy beaches are beautiful. One of the most famous is Holkham, immortalised on the silver screen in the 1998 film Shakespeare in Love. Norfolk’s many seaside resorts include Great Yarmouth, Cromer and Hunstanton, as well as more fashionable towns and coastal villages, such as Cley next the Sea, Burnham Market and Wells-next-the-Sea.

The county capital Norwich is a university city, with a Norman cathedral that’s one of the most impressive examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe .

If you’re planning to visit Holkham Hall, book a stay at The Victoria , an elegant inn on the estate and an excellent base for exploring the namesake beach. And in Burnham Market, The Hoste Arms has a cinema room and a pub with a four-century heritage.

Read on for our pick of the finest hotels in Norfolk…

The Hoste Arms

In the popular Georgian town of Burnham Market in North Norfolk, The Hoste Arms has been offering refuge to visitors since 1651. In slightly more recent times, it has long been one of the county's most stylish places to stay. Unsurprisingly, the building is one of the oldest in the area. More modern additions include a cinema and a spa suite. There are rooms in the townhouse across the village green and other accommodation options include suites in the courtyard wing and a converted train carriage. The Hoste is just a few miles from the coast and it’s a cosy place to retreat to after a walk on one of Norfolk’s wild beaches.

READ OUR REVIEW AND BOOK

Strattons, Swaffham

Strattons is among the best boutique hotels in Norfolk. The family-owned retreat is in the market town of Swaffham, west of Norwich and 12 miles east of King’s Lynn. If you’re hoping to see the Brecks during your trip to Norfolk, Swaffham is an excellent base. It’s also easy to reach the North Norfolk coast, the Broads and even Cambridge from here.

At the restaurant, dishes are made using fruit from the hotel’s orchard and eggs from its hens, with almost all other ingredients sourced locally, too.

The Victoria

One of Norfolk’s grandest stately homes, Holkham Hall is a Palladian manor that sits on a vast coastal estate. To have time to take it all in, stay at The Victoria on the grounds and you’ll be able to stroll down to the rugged shore each morning. This is the same stretch of sand that Gwyneth Paltrow famously walked along in the award-winning Nineties film Shakespeare in Love . The hotel has cosy rooms and open fires – and, slightly more unusually, tempting vegan options on the menu.

The White House, near Burnham Market

On a smaller scale than its Washington counterpart but still grand in its own way, The White House is a Georgian manor on a farm between Brancaster and Burnham Market in North Norfolk. Highlights in the rooms include Nespresso coffee machines and the supremely comfortably Hypnos beds. The boutique hotel is home to the Acre restaurant, open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with a table d'hôte -style set menu served at 7pm Sunday to Wednesday. The house can be hired as a whole for special occasions.

The Assembly House, Norwich

The Assembly House is a Grade I-listed, 18th-century building in Norwich, with elegant Georgian interiors and buzzy communal spaces. The sweeping driveway sets the tone for the grandeur that awaits. With a setting this stately, it’d be rude not to join the opulent afternoon tea service – and if you want to improve your own pâtisserie skills, sign up for a course at the hotel’s cookery school. The bedrooms, which are in a separate wing, feature chandeliers, four-poster beds and eye-catching upholstery.

The Georgian Townhouse, Norwich

The Georgian Townhouse in Norwich is technically four townhouses, with preserved original features such as sash windows and a porticoed door. At the bar, guests can enjoy craft beers and an impressive selection of gins, before a supper of sharing plates at the restaurant. Room options include apartment-style suites across the street, with kitchenettes and lounges; some have high ceilings and slipper bath tubs. Many of the city-centre sights, including Norwich Theatre Royal, are within walking distance.

The King's Head, Holt

In a Grade II-listed building in the centre of Holt, The King’s Head (not to be confused with the namesake property just outside of town in Letheringsett) is a pub with rooms that are especially good value. The gastropub puts local produce to good use, and classic dishes such as fish and chips are joined by more exotic additions, such as lamb moussaka. Choose between dining in the lively main bar, in the conservatory or out on the terrace if the weather permits.

The Boathouse, Great Yarmouth

The Boathouse near Great Yarmouth is an excellent Norfolk hotel choice for anyone hoping to visit the Broads during their trip, since you’ll be able to admire them from your table at the restaurant. To further add to the appeal, the hotel is in a quieter corner of the popular tourist attraction. You’ll also be close to nearby beaches and dunes. The grounds feature a pub and B&B, as well as a wedding venue. If you’re travelling en masse, book one of the three lodges, which can sleep up to eight guests.

The Loddon Swan

Perfectly placed for exploring the Norfolk Broads, The Loddon Swan is a pub that’s popular with both visitors and locals. Historic sites of note in Loddon include the 15th-century Holy Trinity Church. You’ll be able to explore the Broads by boat or bicycle, and there are some scenic strolls to be had, too. The gastropub serves modern British classics, washed down with local ales or a glass of well-chosen wine – and there’s a courtyard for alfresco drinks during the summer.

Byfords, Holt

In the heart of the Georgian market town of Holt, Byfords has a 15th-century cellar, wooden beams, flint walls, flagstoned floors and huge fireplaces. As well as a B&B, it is a deli, restaurant and café, which means meals can be everything from snacks and sharing plates to elaborate dinners. The deli will also helpfully prepare picnic hampers (or hog roast boxes, pizzas and portable selections of cake) for days out at the beach. Holt is a great base for touring North Norfolk’s spectacular coastline – to Cley next the Sea, it’s a 10-minute drive.

The Norfolk Mead, Coltishall

The Norfolk Mead in Coltishall is set within a red-brick Georgian house and perfectly positioned for a break to the Norfolk Broads. The country-house hotel is surrounded by meadows, which lead down to the river. Guests can choose between rooms in the main house and multi-room cottages in the grounds. There’s also a small-scale spa, with a walled garden to relax in after your treatment. The Broads national park, with all of its cycling, fishing and walking potential, is just a few miles away.

The Dial House, Reepham

Admirers of the Laura Ashley aesthetic will enjoy a stay at the Dial House in the Norfolk market town of Reepham. The wallpapers and soft furnishings are adorned with vibrant patterns and prints, series of plates line the walls, shelves are stocked with tatty (in the best possible way) old books and there’s lots of meticulously restored furniture. One of the grandest suites is the aptly named Italian Palace, which has a slipper bath tub at the foot of the bed. It’s roughly half an hour from both Norwich and the rugged Norfolk coast at Cromer.

The Harper, Langham

The Harper is a boutique hotel in the village of Langham, which is located within an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There’s lots to see and do nearby, including visiting the county capital Norfolk, driving to market town Holt and coastal Cromer, and going in search of seals at Blakeney, which is home to Britain’s largest colony of grey seals. This Norfolk hotel is also within driving distance of Blickling Hall, a Jacobean manor surrounded by 5,000 acres of parkland. Back at your stylish basecamp, you’ll be able to enjoy drinks in the convivial bar before dinner at Stanley’s, which champions produce from local farmers and fishermen, and serves house-made sourdough. It is also home to a spa and the Den, which has a pool table, a 120-inch screen, a wine cabinet and a wood-burner.

The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham

If you’re coming to Norfolk to spend time in the classic British seaside resort Hunstanton, book a stay at the Lifeboat Inn , which is in the village of Thornham, a 10-minute drive away. As you’d expect from such an ancient establishment (it dates back to the 16th century), there’s plenty of character and atmosphere. Cosy corners at the inn include open fires, a bar with original wooden beams and a dining room in the airy conservatory. It’s a great spot for birders, since it’s surrounded by marshes – the inn has direct access to a coastal path that wends its way through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To the buzzy town of Burnham Market, it’s a 15-minute journey by car.

The Rose & Crown, Snettisham

For a traditional inn in Norfolk, check in to the Rose & Crown , situated five miles south of Hunstanton in the village of Snettisham on the county’s west coast, near the Wash. On its doorstep are the cricket pitch and the church (yes, it’s all as idyllic as it sounds). The pub at its heart is popular with locals as well as overnight guests.

The inn is also close to the Sandringham Estate. And handily for pet owners, it’s a dog-friendly Norfolk hotel, which is good news because this part of the country is perfect for long, scenic rambles your pet will love as much as you do.

The Maltings, Weybourne

New to the Norfolk hotel scene this summer is the Maltings , in the North Norfolk village of Weybourne. As the name suggests, it’s set within an old malthouse, with 28 rooms across the main house and the former stable blocks. At the heart of it all is the Grain Store, an inviting space with double-height ceilings that’s aiming to be a hub for locals and guests alike. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy classic British dishes, with many ingredients sourced from Norfolk farmers. The estate is also home to the Bottle Shop, where you can pick out some wine from the impressive selection.

Bank House, King's Lynn

Norfolk has lots of beautiful countryside and coastline, but for something a little more urban (relatively speaking), book a stay in the charming market town of King’s Lynn. Bank House is a Georgian townhouse beside the quay, overlooking the River Ouse – and one of the town’s many listed buildings. It is the sister stay to the Rose & Crown in Snettisham. The hotel is the perfect base for discovering North Norfolk. After you’ve explored the cobblestones and squares of King’s Lynn, take in the area’s famous stately homes, which include Houghton and Holkham, and, of course, the Royal Sandringham Estate.

Titchwell Manor Hotel, Brancaster

For the quintessential Norfolk experience, a trip to Brancaster is a must – the village has a beautiful beach and fishing and sailing communities that are still thriving. Unsurprisingly, you’ll be able to eat plenty of freshly caught seafood during your stay. Titchwell Manor Hotel is set within a restored Victorian farmhouse, now with suites that have hot tubs and shepherd’s huts . The roaring fires from its original incarnation are still intact, ready for those blustery days when guests return from the nearby beach in search of somewhere cosy to relax. Within easy reach of the hotel are Sandringham, Burnham Market and Wells-next-the-Sea.

The Globe Inn, Wells-next-the-Sea

There are many lovely places to visit in Norfolk, but one of its prettiest towns has to be Wells-next-the-Sea, between Hunstanton and Cromer on the north coast. Also nearby is Blakeney Point, home to the biggest grey seal colony in England. The recently refurbished Globe Inn overlooks a Georgian square in Wells, with 19 bedrooms in the main house, and 10 in the Arch House a short walk away – along with a self-contained cottage that’s ideal for longer stays. The menus at the pub change with the seasons, so you can be sure of lighter dishes such as crab salads, eaten out in the courtyard during the summer, and heartier fare by the fire come winter.

Congham Hall, Grimston

Congham Hall in Grimston is a Georgian manor that was built for a local merchant. It’s surrounded by 30 acres of parkland, with a herb garden where hundreds of types of plant, including rare medicinal varieties, are cultivated. It’s an ideal base for active guests hoping to explore the area and there’s a spa to unwind in after long days out. For something special, book one of the orchard cabins in the grounds, named after the kinds of apples growing around them. Attractions of note nearby include Sandringham, Houghton Hall and, of course, beautiful Norfolk beaches (the coast is officially an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you'll soon see why). You’ll also be within easy reach of Burnham Market, one of the county’s most charming villages.

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