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.
Blaze a trail in the Broads
If you’re not on the water, you’ll want to be beside it: whizzing along cycle trails, hacking on horseback, or simply enjoying a riverside ramble. There are countless trails and pathways through the Broads – many of which are wheelchair-accessible – plus rental bikes and riding schools too.
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.
Find some feathered friends
Whenever you visit, the park is a birdwatchers’ paradise: the skies aflutter with migrating songbirds, and the marshes bustling with waterfowl. Even if you can’t tell a robin from a raptor, it’s a joy to just watch the action, and there’s an abundance of nature reserves and wetlands to explore.
Go festival hopping
Every month brings a new fair or festival to the Broads – from spring celebrations and literary gatherings to foodie and sporting events. Summer is the liveliest time, with outdoor concerts, film screenings and village fêtes galore, plus the Broads Life Festival (in June) for free activities and shows.
Look to the starry skies
When night falls, the heavens are dazzling. Thanks to its wide vistas and minimal light pollution, the Broads offers epic stargazing year-round – best enjoyed from the deck of a boat, with a glass of local wine in hand. For a closer look, visit the Seething Observatory or try an astrophotography workshop.
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.
Frosty frolics
Misty mornings, riverside rambles and fireside pints in the pub: that’s wintertime in the Broads. With the trees bare, it’s easier to spot the deer 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 décor, 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 International 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?
Head to the national park’s official website to get the latest travel news and insider tips.