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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…

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

Photo by: 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

Photo by: 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

Photo by: 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

Photo by: @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

Photo by: 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

Photo by: Keiron Tovell Photography

Location: 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

Photo by: Pete Huggins

Location: 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

Photo by: Richard Jarmy Photography

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: Gyre & Gimble

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: Andrew Darnell

Location: 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

Photo by: Andy Crouch

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorfolk

Location: 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

Photo by: Time & Tide Museum/Norfolk Museums Service

Location: 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

Photo by: Mary Doggett

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorfolk

Location: 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

Photo by: Broads Authority

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: Bure Valley Railway

Location: 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

Photo by: @nuriatravels

Location: 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

Photo by: James Bass Photography

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: Great Yarmouth Borough Council

Location: 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

Photo by: Edward Hill/Castle Quarter

Location: 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

Photo by: Holkham Estate

Location: 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

Photo by: Visit East of England/Keiron Tovell Photography

Location: 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

Photo by: Norwich Ghost Walks

Location: 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

Photo by: Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Location: 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

Photo by: Andi Sapey

Location: 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

Photo by: 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

Photo by: 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

Photo by: 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

Photo by: @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

Photo by: 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

Photo by: Keiron Tovell Photography

Location: 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

Photo by: Pete Huggins

Location: 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

Photo by: Richard Jarmy Photography

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: Gyre & Gimble

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: Andrew Darnell

Location: 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

Photo by: Andy Crouch

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorfolk

Location: 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

Photo by: Time & Tide Museum/Norfolk Museums Service

Location: 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

Photo by: Mary Doggett

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorfolk

Location: 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

Photo by: Broads Authority

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: Bure Valley Railway

Location: 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

Photo by: @nuriatravels

Location: 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

Photo by: James Bass Photography

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: VisitNorwich

Location: 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

Photo by: Great Yarmouth Borough Council

Location: 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

Photo by: Edward Hill/Castle Quarter

Location: 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

Photo by: Holkham Estate

Location: 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

Photo by: Visit East of England/Keiron Tovell Photography

Location: 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

Photo by: Norwich Ghost Walks

Location: 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

Photo by: Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Location: 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

Photo by: Andi Sapey

Location: 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.

Photo by: 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.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station

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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

Location: 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.

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: Dunwich, England

A woman carrying a dog along a beach in Dunwich

This five day itinerary features quirky cities, an iconic university and Britain's biggest wetland.

Photo by: Getty Images/Peter E Stokes

Location: Cambridge

A single punt passes under the Mathematical bridge, in Silver street, Cambridge late on a summer's evening

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?

Head to the national park’s official website to get the latest travel news and insider tips.