The Broads
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 this National 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…
Photo by: broadsnationalpark
Location: England

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. Go boating on the Norfolk Broads and you can even rent your own cruiser, stay on a houseboat, or set sail on an elegant yacht.
Photo by: evelina.vys
Location: Horsey, England

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.
Photo by: Bure Valley Railway
Location: England

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. Look out for Weybourne Station, which featured in the TV show Dad’s Army: The Royal Train episode (1973), the BBC TV sitcom Hi-De-Hi! (1980-1988), and the 1985 detective sleuth adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple: The Moving Finger.
Photo by: @gypbeach
Location: Great Yarmouth, England

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
Thrillseekers, you’ll love the 93-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?
Photo by: Holkham Estate
Location: England

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.
Things to do in the Broads
Featured things to do
Photo by: Pensthorpe
Location: Pensthorpe, England

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. Take to the trails at Pensthorpe to immerse yourself in nature.
Photo by: norfolk_boards_direct
Location: England

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.
Photo by: Visit East of England
Location: England

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.
Photo by: Gyre & Gimble
Location: Norwich, England

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 area: the local trains, buses and Norfolk Broads 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 in the Norfolk Broads 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.
The Broads National Park is located in East England and stretches across both Norfolk and Suffolk. It sits between the city of Norwich and the coast of the North Sea.
The Norfolk Broads are known for their beautiful waterways, wildlife and boating experiences. The area is Britain’s largest protected wetland. There’s plenty to do in the area, especially for families, with a zoo, Sea Life Centre, playgrounds and more nearby.
There are over 60 broads (open bodies of water) in the Norfolk broads. They are broadened, man-made lakes, largely created from peat digging in the medieval period but now a protected area of biodiversity. The protected area spans both Norfolk and Suffolk, with the majority of broads located within Norfolk.
The Broads National Park covers an area of approximately 117 square miles (188 square km). It contains seven rivers which are navigable by boat and over 125 miles (201km) of lock-free waterways for visitors to explore.

































