The Broads
Why we love the Broads
The Broads is a breath of fresh air, in more ways than one. Its idyllic countryside is webbed with lakes, fens and rivers: a haven for animals and adventure-seekers alike. This remarkable terrain straddles the border between Norfolk and Suffolk – and there’s nowhere else like it in Britain.
It’s these waterways – known as ‘broads’ – which give the park both its name and its natural diversity. As the country’s largest protected wetland, its marshes and coast are home to more than a quarter of Britain’s rarest animals, with grey seals, red deer and a rainbow of birds year-round.
Surprisingly, the Broads boasts more waterways than Venice and Amsterdam, with a whopping 125 miles (200km) of lock-free rivers and lakes to kayak, cruise, sail and paddle – not to mention its coast. If that floats your boat, read on…
Make waves on the water
The Broads is all about boats, but which one will you choose? From off-grid kayaking tours through tranquil lakes, to bird-spotting safaris and sunset paddle-boarding trips, there’s an adventure for everyone. You can even rent your own cruiser, stay on a houseboat, or set sail on an elegant yacht.
Set your sights on the seaside
Fun in the sun, or bracing winter walks? Each of the Broads’ beaches has its own unique charms, such as Great Yarmouth’s fairground, Hemsby’s wild dunes and Lowestoft’s Victorian history. In winter, head to Horsey to see newborn seal pups cavorting on the sand – they’re irresistibly cute.
North Norfolk Railway
All aboard this historic railway, which stretches between the Victorian seaside resort of Sheringham and the Georgian town of Holt – and dates back to 1884. Expect glorious views of the sea and countryside, as you travel in a heritage steam- or diesel-powered locomotive. Alongside scheduled trips throughout summer, look out for themed events, Christmas lights and fun vintage festivals.
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
Thrillseekers, you’ll love the 92-year-old wooden rollercoaster in this seaside theme park. Or, why not test your nerve on Pendulum, which twists upside-down over 50ft (15.5m) in the air?
Holkham Nature Reserve
With its grass-topped sand dunes, golden beaches and tidal marshes, this National Nature Reserve – the largest in England – is a joy to discover. As you walk through the wetlands, look out for pink-footed geese, peregrine falcons and grey herons, while the dunes are frequented by hares, otters and countless butterflies. For a day at the beach amid a rainbow of wildlife, you’ve come to the right place.
The Broads
The Broads National Park sits on the border between Suffolk and Norfolk, in the east of England, and features a spectacular network of lakes and rivers which make up Britain’s largest protected wetland area.
Explore the many waterways by canoe, kayak or paddleboard, head to Great Yarmouth for its fairground, Winterton for rolling sand dunes, or Lowestoft for horse riding on the beach.
Hire a boat and discover charming villages while admiring iconic windmills, or cycle or hike from How Hill to the ruins of St Benet’s Abbey for a stunning riverside trail.
Spot birds and rare wildlife at one of many nature reserves, or head to Horsey Beach to watch seals and go fossil hunting.
Fun fact
Fun fact
The Broads has more waterways than Venice and Amsterdam, and includes 125-miles (200km) of lock-free rivers and lakes.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- The Broads National Park covers an area of 117 square miles (303 square km) and is made up of more than 60 open stretches of water, known as Broads.
- Although the Broads may appear natural, they are in fact the result of medieval peat digging which flooded the area to create a vast system of lakes, rivers and canals.
- The Norfolk coast is famous for its grey seal population, with November to February the best time to spot seal mothers and their pups on the beach at Horsey.
- Hickling Broad is the largest expanse of open water in The Broads and is a haven for wildlife including kingfishers, cranes, marsh harriers and the UK’s rarest and biggest butterfly, the Swallowtail.
- The Broads is the only National Park in England to contain a city – Norwich, home to a cathedral, medieval castle and aviation museum.
Things to do in the Broads
Featured things to do
New beginnings
Bright, bold and full of life: nature is booming this season. Expect clouds of butterflies, carpets of bluebells and a chorus of birdsong.
Dawn ’til dusk
Hit the beach, hire a bike, canoe the coast! Squeeze maximum adventure into every summer day, and spend your nights beneath a blanket of stars.
Scarlet splendour
After summer’s heights, the waterways are now peaceful – and the trees blaze with autumn colours. It’s nature’s last hurrah before winter descends.
Festive spirit
‘Tis the season for celebrating, so why not create your own unique gin to toast the new year with? Become a distiller for the day at Norfolk’s Gyre & Gimble, where you’ll choose from over 30 botanicals to craft a bespoke tipple. It makes a great gift too.
Places to stay in the Broads
Homely houseboats
To get to the heart of the Broads, stay on the water – whether in a luxurious floating hotel, cosy houseboat or private cruiser.
Boutique hotels
Love your creature comforts? For fabulous decor, excellent food and a very warm welcome, boutique hotels are a top choice.
Self-catering cottages
Live the dream in your very own cottage, lodge or waterside cabin. The Broads has holiday rentals to suit every style and budget.
Explore nearby
Getting to the Broads
Norwich, the region’s largest city, can be reached by train from London Liverpool Street (one hour 40 minutes), London Stansted Airport (one hour 40 minutes) and Gatwick Airport (three hours). Alternatively, Norwich Airport has direct flights from several European destinations, while Harwich Harbour (a 90-minute drive from Norwich) has ferry connections to Holland.
Getting around
There’s no need for a car in the Broads: the local trains, buses and cycle paths are convenient and well-connected, with Bittern Line trains serving the northern region, and the Wherry Line for southern and central. Regular ferries and river taxis traverse the waterways, and there are several free car parks too.
By boat
Whether you’re at the helm of a cruiser, kicking back on a boat tour, or splashing around in a kayak, the water’s where it’s at.
By bike
Exploring by bike is always an adventure, and you’ll find cycle hire and guided tours throughout the national park.
By steam train
The Bure Valley Railway runs from Aylsham to Wroxham – where you can pick up buses and boats to the rest of the Broads.
Want to know more
Want to know more?
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