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Why we love the Broads

The Broads is 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…

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

Shutterstock / Elle1

Aerial view of Thurne Windmill in Norfolk UK

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?

SPK / Alamy Stock Photo

Grey Seals pup pups halichoerus gryphus Horsey Gap seal colony Norfolk England UK

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

Take to the helm of your very own boat to explore this glorious waterway.

Discover the beautiful Broads by boat

Norfolk Broads Direct

A family riding on a boat in the Norfolk Broads
Boat hire in the Broads

Enter the forest of family fun – with treehouses, wobbly wires, storytelling, boat rides, marsh walks and more.

Go wild for BeWILDerwood

journeyof_maisonmorgan

Person in raincoat pushing buggy along trail in woodland
BeWILDerwood

Enjoy walking and bird-watching where the Broads meet the coast, in this secluded part of Norfolk.

Walk on the wild side at Horsey

norfolkbeachbarn

Bird watching at Cley & Salthouse marshes
Horsey

Thrillseekers, you’ll love the 92-year-old wooden rollercoaster in this seaside theme park.

Plan your visit to Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

@gypbeach

View to a fairground ride at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

Explore the largest of the Broads: it’s a year-round haven for wildlife, including kingfishers, cranes and marsh harriers.

Make a splash at Hickling Broad

lukephotoslondon

Sunset over Hickling Broad
Hickling Broad

You’ll leap, climb and swing through the trees, on this wild woodland’s thrilling high ropes courses.

Explore Go Ape Thetford

Keiron Tovell Photography

Broads

A group of people on high wires at Go Ape in Thetford Forest
Go Ape Thetford

Packed with art from all over the world, this gallery and garden is an inspirational day out.

More about the Sainsbury Centre

Pete Huggins

Broads

Various art exhibits on display at Norwich's Sainsbury Centre
Sainsbury Centre

From stand-up comedy to glittering musicals, this popular venue has entertainment to suit every taste.

What’s on at Norwich Theatre Royal

Richard Jarmy Photography

Broads

A performance of Jack and the Beanstalk on stage in Norwich
Norwich Theatre Royal

With just 300 seats, this intimate venue is a great setting for fringe productions and new talents.

What’s on at Norwich Theatre Royal Playhouse

VisitNorwich

Broads

Groups of people sitting at tables outside Norwich Playhouse
Norwich Theatre Playhouse

Norwich Castle served as a fortress, a royal residence and a jail – but now, it’s full of history and art.

Discover Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery

VisitNorwich

Broads

An upwards shot of Norwich Castle
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery

From Javanese puppetry to antique Indian furniture, discover this incredible collection of crafts, art and curios.

Tour The South Asia Collection

VisitNorwich

Broads

Two people looking at exhibits in the South Asia Collection in Norwich
The South Asia Collection

Hit the shops, then feast to your heart’s content in the fantastic cafes, delis and restaurants.

Step inside the Norwich Lanes

VisitNorwich

Broads

People sitting at tables outside on Norwich Lanes
Norwich Lanes and Upper Giles Street

This cocktail bar makes its very own gin – and you can too, on its distillery workshops.

Get to know Gyre & Gimble

Gyre & Gimble

Broads

A bartender pouring a cocktail with coastal gin at Gyre & Gimble in Norwich
Gyre & Gimble

Led by a famous local chef, this cooking school hosts hands-on workshops and supper clubs.

Get stuck in at the Richard Hughes Cookery School

VisitNorwich

Broads

A chef posing outside a stately home in Norwich
Richard Hughes Cookery School

From beautiful beaches to countryside villages, explore the places that starred in Danny Boyle’s famous movie.

Tour Yesterday's filming locations

Andrew Darnell

Broads

Children with surfboards running into the sea in Norwich
Yesterday – filming locations

This Norfolk art gallery has a surprising secret: it’s also the Avengers’ futuristic headquarters…

Discover the Sainsbury Centre

Andy Crouch

Broads

An exterior view of the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich
Spider-Man: Homecoming – Sainsbury Centre

No matter what your faith, it is impossible not to be awe-stuck by the majesty of this ancient sanctuary.

More about Norwich Cathedral

VisitNorwich

Broads

People exploring an outside area of Norwich Cathedral
Norwich Cathedral

All aboard this historic railway, which stretches between Sheringham and Holt – and dates back to 1884.

Discover the North Norfolk Railway

VisitNorfolk

Broads

A steam train passing through fields in the Broads National Park
North Norfolk Railway

From quaint fishing village to thriving seaside resort, discover the story behind Great Yarmouth.

Visit the Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life

Time & Tide Museum/Norfolk Museums Service

Broads

Children looking at an exhibit in the Time & Tide Museum, Norwich
Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life

Founded in 1824, this is one of Britain’s oldest city festivals of arts, crafts, circus and music.

What’s on at Norfolk & Norwich Festival

Mary Doggett

Broads

A group of performers putting on a display outside as part of Norfolk and Norwich Festival
Norfolk & Norwich Festival

A weekly festival of live music, street theatre, children’s entertainment – and all for free.

More about Norwich Summer Sessions

VisitNorwich

Broads

A performer with hula hoops outside as part of Norwich Summer Sessions
Norwich Summer Sessions

Once a royal residence, this magnificent 12th-century fortress hosts colourful festivals and battle reenactments year-round.

Plan your trip to Castle Rising

VisitNorfolk

Broads

A couple walking along the ruins of Castle Rising West in Norfolk
Castle Rising

From archery and bushcraft to camping and climbing: this activity centre is packed with adventures.

Discover Whitlingham Country Park

Broads Authority

Broads

A child sailing a boat on a river in the Broads National Park
Whitlingham Country Park

For over 100 years, this vibrant idyll has wowed visitors with its gothic fountain, Victorian-style greenhouse and flower-filled borders.

Explore the Plantation Garden

VisitNorwich

Broads

Groups of people exploring the plantation gardens in Norwich
Plantation Garden

Powered entirely by steam, this is Norfolk’s longest narrow-gauge railway.

Explore the Bure Valley Railway

Bure Valley Railway

Broads

A steam train passing over a river in the Broads National Park
Bure Valley Railway

This royal residence is open to visitors, with tours offering afternoon tea, Land Rover safaris and more.

Buy tickets for Sandringham Estate

@nuriatravels

Broads

Sandringham Estate
Sandringham Estate

In the Broads, Roys is synonymous with shopping: this family-run retail chain dates back to 1895.

Be inspired by Roys of Wroxham

James Bass Photography

Broads

An exterior shot of Roys of Wroxham, a department store in the Broads National Park
Roys of Wroxham

This award-winning market features almost 200 stalls, and was founded in the 11th century.

What’s on at Norwich Market

VisitNorwich

Broads

An overhead view of market stalls at Norwich Market
Norwich Market

As if its striking medieval architecture wasn’t enough, this historic street also has fantastic shops.

Visit Elm Hill

VisitNorwich

Broads

An uphill look of Elm Hill in Norwich
Elm Hill

From fashion to fruit, candles to chocolates: there’s something for everyone at this community market.

Visit Great Yarmouth Market

Great Yarmouth Borough Council

Broads

A group of people looking at seafood at a stall in Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth Market

Discover five storeys of brilliant shopping, dining and entertainment at this mall in central Norwich.

Shop at the Castle Quarter

Edward Hill/Castle Quarter

Broads

An interior shot of the Castle Quarter shopping centre in Norwich
Castle Quarter

With its grass-topped sand dunes, golden beaches and tidal marshes, Holkham is a joy to explore.

More about Holkham Nature Reserve

Holkham Estate

Broads

An overhead view of various canals making up part of the Broads National Park
Holkham Nature Reserve

From cabins in the woods to off-road dirt tracks, paintball and tree-top obstacle courses, eco-adventurers will love the action at Thetford Forest.

Adventure awaits in Thetford Forest and The Brecks

Visit East of England/Keiron Tovell Photography

Thetford, England

Two people walking along a path in Thetford Forest
Thetford Forest and The Brecks

Take a tour after hours with Norwich Ghost Walks and journey through some of the city's most haunted areas.

Wrap up warm for Norwich Ghost Walks

Norwich Ghost Walks

Norwich, England

A group on a ghost walk tour of Norwich
Norwich Ghost Walks

Try a SUP yoga retreat, learn how to paddleboard for the first time, or book a sunset paddleboard adventure.

Try paddleboarding with Norwich Paddleboard Hire

Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Norwich, England

A group of people paddleboarding on the River Wensum
Norwich Paddleboard Hire

With shows for younger audiences and adults alike, enjoy a puppet show or get the kids involved in puppet making.

Pick up a puppet at Norwich Puppet Theatre

Andi Sapey

Norwich, England

A performer on stage at Norwich Puppet Theatre
Norwich Puppet Theatre

Take to the helm of your very own boat to explore this glorious waterway.

Discover the beautiful Broads by boat

Norfolk Broads Direct

A family riding on a boat in the Norfolk Broads
Boat hire in the Broads

Enter the forest of family fun – with treehouses, wobbly wires, storytelling, boat rides, marsh walks and more.

Go wild for BeWILDerwood

journeyof_maisonmorgan

Person in raincoat pushing buggy along trail in woodland
BeWILDerwood

Enjoy walking and bird-watching where the Broads meet the coast, in this secluded part of Norfolk.

Walk on the wild side at Horsey

norfolkbeachbarn

Bird watching at Cley & Salthouse marshes
Horsey

Thrillseekers, you’ll love the 92-year-old wooden rollercoaster in this seaside theme park.

Plan your visit to Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

@gypbeach

View to a fairground ride at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

Explore the largest of the Broads: it’s a year-round haven for wildlife, including kingfishers, cranes and marsh harriers.

Make a splash at Hickling Broad

lukephotoslondon

Sunset over Hickling Broad
Hickling Broad

You’ll leap, climb and swing through the trees, on this wild woodland’s thrilling high ropes courses.

Explore Go Ape Thetford

Keiron Tovell Photography

Broads

A group of people on high wires at Go Ape in Thetford Forest
Go Ape Thetford

Packed with art from all over the world, this gallery and garden is an inspirational day out.

More about the Sainsbury Centre

Pete Huggins

Broads

Various art exhibits on display at Norwich's Sainsbury Centre
Sainsbury Centre

From stand-up comedy to glittering musicals, this popular venue has entertainment to suit every taste.

What’s on at Norwich Theatre Royal

Richard Jarmy Photography

Broads

A performance of Jack and the Beanstalk on stage in Norwich
Norwich Theatre Royal

With just 300 seats, this intimate venue is a great setting for fringe productions and new talents.

What’s on at Norwich Theatre Royal Playhouse

VisitNorwich

Broads

Groups of people sitting at tables outside Norwich Playhouse
Norwich Theatre Playhouse

Norwich Castle served as a fortress, a royal residence and a jail – but now, it’s full of history and art.

Discover Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery

VisitNorwich

Broads

An upwards shot of Norwich Castle
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery

From Javanese puppetry to antique Indian furniture, discover this incredible collection of crafts, art and curios.

Tour The South Asia Collection

VisitNorwich

Broads

Two people looking at exhibits in the South Asia Collection in Norwich
The South Asia Collection

Hit the shops, then feast to your heart’s content in the fantastic cafes, delis and restaurants.

Step inside the Norwich Lanes

VisitNorwich

Broads

People sitting at tables outside on Norwich Lanes
Norwich Lanes and Upper Giles Street

This cocktail bar makes its very own gin – and you can too, on its distillery workshops.

Get to know Gyre & Gimble

Gyre & Gimble

Broads

A bartender pouring a cocktail with coastal gin at Gyre & Gimble in Norwich
Gyre & Gimble

Led by a famous local chef, this cooking school hosts hands-on workshops and supper clubs.

Get stuck in at the Richard Hughes Cookery School

VisitNorwich

Broads

A chef posing outside a stately home in Norwich
Richard Hughes Cookery School

From beautiful beaches to countryside villages, explore the places that starred in Danny Boyle’s famous movie.

Tour Yesterday's filming locations

Andrew Darnell

Broads

Children with surfboards running into the sea in Norwich
Yesterday – filming locations

This Norfolk art gallery has a surprising secret: it’s also the Avengers’ futuristic headquarters…

Discover the Sainsbury Centre

Andy Crouch

Broads

An exterior view of the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich
Spider-Man: Homecoming – Sainsbury Centre

No matter what your faith, it is impossible not to be awe-stuck by the majesty of this ancient sanctuary.

More about Norwich Cathedral

VisitNorwich

Broads

People exploring an outside area of Norwich Cathedral
Norwich Cathedral

All aboard this historic railway, which stretches between Sheringham and Holt – and dates back to 1884.

Discover the North Norfolk Railway

VisitNorfolk

Broads

A steam train passing through fields in the Broads National Park
North Norfolk Railway

From quaint fishing village to thriving seaside resort, discover the story behind Great Yarmouth.

Visit the Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life

Time & Tide Museum/Norfolk Museums Service

Broads

Children looking at an exhibit in the Time & Tide Museum, Norwich
Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life

Founded in 1824, this is one of Britain’s oldest city festivals of arts, crafts, circus and music.

What’s on at Norfolk & Norwich Festival

Mary Doggett

Broads

A group of performers putting on a display outside as part of Norfolk and Norwich Festival
Norfolk & Norwich Festival

A weekly festival of live music, street theatre, children’s entertainment – and all for free.

More about Norwich Summer Sessions

VisitNorwich

Broads

A performer with hula hoops outside as part of Norwich Summer Sessions
Norwich Summer Sessions

Once a royal residence, this magnificent 12th-century fortress hosts colourful festivals and battle reenactments year-round.

Plan your trip to Castle Rising

VisitNorfolk

Broads

A couple walking along the ruins of Castle Rising West in Norfolk
Castle Rising

From archery and bushcraft to camping and climbing: this activity centre is packed with adventures.

Discover Whitlingham Country Park

Broads Authority

Broads

A child sailing a boat on a river in the Broads National Park
Whitlingham Country Park

For over 100 years, this vibrant idyll has wowed visitors with its gothic fountain, Victorian-style greenhouse and flower-filled borders.

Explore the Plantation Garden

VisitNorwich

Broads

Groups of people exploring the plantation gardens in Norwich
Plantation Garden

Powered entirely by steam, this is Norfolk’s longest narrow-gauge railway.

Explore the Bure Valley Railway

Bure Valley Railway

Broads

A steam train passing over a river in the Broads National Park
Bure Valley Railway

This royal residence is open to visitors, with tours offering afternoon tea, Land Rover safaris and more.

Buy tickets for Sandringham Estate

@nuriatravels

Broads

Sandringham Estate
Sandringham Estate

In the Broads, Roys is synonymous with shopping: this family-run retail chain dates back to 1895.

Be inspired by Roys of Wroxham

James Bass Photography

Broads

An exterior shot of Roys of Wroxham, a department store in the Broads National Park
Roys of Wroxham

This award-winning market features almost 200 stalls, and was founded in the 11th century.

What’s on at Norwich Market

VisitNorwich

Broads

An overhead view of market stalls at Norwich Market
Norwich Market

As if its striking medieval architecture wasn’t enough, this historic street also has fantastic shops.

Visit Elm Hill

VisitNorwich

Broads

An uphill look of Elm Hill in Norwich
Elm Hill

From fashion to fruit, candles to chocolates: there’s something for everyone at this community market.

Visit Great Yarmouth Market

Great Yarmouth Borough Council

Broads

A group of people looking at seafood at a stall in Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth Market

Discover five storeys of brilliant shopping, dining and entertainment at this mall in central Norwich.

Shop at the Castle Quarter

Edward Hill/Castle Quarter

Broads

An interior shot of the Castle Quarter shopping centre in Norwich
Castle Quarter

With its grass-topped sand dunes, golden beaches and tidal marshes, Holkham is a joy to explore.

More about Holkham Nature Reserve

Holkham Estate

Broads

An overhead view of various canals making up part of the Broads National Park
Holkham Nature Reserve

From cabins in the woods to off-road dirt tracks, paintball and tree-top obstacle courses, eco-adventurers will love the action at Thetford Forest.

Adventure awaits in Thetford Forest and The Brecks

Visit East of England/Keiron Tovell Photography

Thetford, England

Two people walking along a path in Thetford Forest
Thetford Forest and The Brecks

Take a tour after hours with Norwich Ghost Walks and journey through some of the city's most haunted areas.

Wrap up warm for Norwich Ghost Walks

Norwich Ghost Walks

Norwich, England

A group on a ghost walk tour of Norwich
Norwich Ghost Walks

Try a SUP yoga retreat, learn how to paddleboard for the first time, or book a sunset paddleboard adventure.

Try paddleboarding with Norwich Paddleboard Hire

Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Norwich, England

A group of people paddleboarding on the River Wensum
Norwich Paddleboard Hire

With shows for younger audiences and adults alike, enjoy a puppet show or get the kids involved in puppet making.

Pick up a puppet at Norwich Puppet Theatre

Andi Sapey

Norwich, England

A performer on stage at Norwich Puppet Theatre
Norwich Puppet Theatre

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

The city of Cambridge is a hotbed of history, architecture and innovation.

Shutterstock/Pajor Pawel

View of college in Cambridge with people punting on River

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station

From ice-cream parlours to seafood festivals, the ‘Garden of England’ is meant for discovery.

VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

Kent

Man and woman walking between vines at a vineyard

From traditional seaside towns to adventure sports and charming cities with heaps of history, the East of England has something for everyone.

Visit East of England

Dunwich, England

A woman carrying a dog along a beach in Dunwich

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.

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