A leading holiday destination, Britain’s largest protected wetland and third largest inland waterway, the Norfolk Broads cover 303 sq kilometres, with more than 200 kilometres of navigable waters. The Broads, which also take in some Suffolk wetland, have the same status as a National Park, and consist of 63 broads (relatively shallow lakes formed from flooded mediaeval peat beds) and seven rivers (the Bure, Thurne, Ant, Yare, Chet, Waveney and Wensum). The Broads provide a haven for a myriad of species, including swallowtail butterflies, kingfishers, great crested grebes and Cetti’s warblers.
Since 1989, the area has been managed by the Broads Authority, which works to conserve, promote and protect the wetlands. The unique beauty of the Norfolk Broads includes a landscape rich in traditional windmills, historic churches, delightful pubs and amazing wildlife, with something to appeal to every visitor.
Things to do on the Norfolk Broads
Thirteen of the broads are usually open to navigation, and the area offers unparalleled opportunities for leisure, including exploration by boat, bicycle and on foot, and for bird-watching and other wildlife observation, as well as wildfowling and angling.
The best way to see the Broads is obviously by boat, and it is easy to spend a week exploring the lock-free navigable waterways, visiting various churches and windmills en route. The Broadland Conservation Centre at Ranworth affords the visitor a great viewing platform for herons, crested grebes and terns, and is easily accessible by road.
At Wroxham visitors can shop or take the Bittern Line or the narrow gauge Bure Valley railways. On Barton Broad at Neatishead, the Nancy Oldfield Trust, a registered charity and RYA training centre, offers water-borne activities for people with a wide range of disabilities.
Top Destinations
North Walsham - An ancient market town, North Walsham is home to the church of St Nicholas, one of the famous 14th century ‘wool churches’ which are testament to a once-thriving local weaving industry. The National Motorcycle Museum houses over 80 machines dating back to the 1920s, as well as numerous other transport ephemera, such as bicycles and die cast toys. Two long-distance footpaths - the Paston Way and the Weavers Way - also take a route through the town.
Reedham - A vehicular chain ferry over the River Yare provides the only river crossing between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Up to three cars, plus foot passengers, can utilise Reedham Ferry, saving a 30 mile journey.
Norwich - It was once said that Norwich had ‘a pub for every day of the year and a church for every week of the year’. Within the historic city walls there are over 30 medieval churches, as well as two spectacular cathedrals, a selection of award-winning pubs, the largest daily open-air market in the country, two state-of-the-art shopping malls, and a huge variety of notable buildings demonstrating virtually every stage in the development of English architecture - including those which make Norwich the most complete mediaeval city in Britain.
Great Yarmouth - This archetypal seaside resort stretches over 15 miles of wide, sandy beaches, with two glorious piers helping to make it the family holiday centre of the Norfolk coast. The Time and Tide Museum celebrates the mysterious heritage of the herring, whilst both the Nelson Museum and Nelson’s Monument are to the glory of Norfolk’s favourite son. Within easy reach of the town, nature lovers can take a boat trip out to Scroby Sands to watch the beautiful seals basking on the sand banks, whilst other local attractions include the Sea Life Centre, Thrigby Wildlife Gardens, Pettits Animal Adventure Park, Caister Castle Car Collection and the Greyhound Racing Stadium.
Leisure Hour, Hoveton, near Wroxham, Norwich, Norfolk
The property featured on the BBC’s ’Rivers’ programme in 2009This delightful thatched cottage, as featured on BBC’s ’Rivers’ programme, has been totally renovated to provide four star holiday accommodation with ...
Pine Lodge, Clippesby Hall, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Tucked away along its own woodland track and with private parking, this distinctive detached lodge benefit from the best of both worlds – part of Clippesby Hall’s family holiday park with access to all of the ...
Offering accommodation for smaller families or couples, these quirky and unusual apartments sit at the centre of Clippesby Hall’s family holiday park, converted from the old stable block. Looking out over the lawns of ...
Located directly on the main riverfront, Riverside Cottage is perfect for up to 8 guests but also ideal for smaller groups of 2 to 4 for whom we offer a 20% UNDER OCCUPANCY DISCOUNT ALL YEAR ROUND. FREE WiFi Internet ...
Golebys cottage is tucked away on a quiet lane in the rural, pretty village of Hickling, within easy reach of the best Norfolk has to offer. Hickling boasts the biggest of all Norfolk's Broads, a nature reserve and the ...
Located directly on the main riverfront at the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Anchor Cottage is perfect for up to 8 guests but also ideal for smaller groups of 4 or less for whom we offer a 20% UNDER OCCUPANCY DISCOUNT ALL ...
What a gem - tucked away in the seaside resort of Scratby with several access paths leading down from the cliff onto the wonderful wide sandy beach. Standing detached, on a quiet, unmade lane and neighbouring other similar ...
Coach House, Clippesby Hall, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Newly refurbished and completely re-fitted, this attractive detached cottage stands at the heart of Clippesby Hall’s family holiday park. With a cool, contemporary feel and a wonderful sense of space, you start to relax ...
Located directly on the main riverfront at the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Anchor Cottage is perfect for up to 8 guests but also ideal for smaller groups of 4 or less for whom we offer a 20% UNDER OCCUPANCY DISCOUNT ALL ...
Berts Barn, Beighton, near Acle, Norfolk, Brundall
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space: With beams and wooden floor.Living area: With wood burner and Freeview TV.Dining area.Kitchen area: Farmhouse style with electric oven, electric hob, microwave, fridge and ...
Bird Barn, Scottow, near Coltishall, Norfolk, Wroxham
This fabulous, detached barn conversion boasts an enclosed lawned garden and the owners live on-site. Bird Barn is tucked away in the sought after village of Scottow, in an ideal and central location to explore Norfolk’s ...
This perfect waterside setting is equally suitable for families and couples, and guests can use this holiday home as a wonderful base for exploring the famous waterways. Set on a quiet waterway leading to the River Bure, ...
Located directly on the main riverfront, Riverside Cottage is perfect for up to 8 guests but also ideal for smaller groups of 2 to 4 for whom we offer a 20% UNDER OCCUPANCY DISCOUNT ALL YEAR ROUND. FREE WiFi Internet ...
Ground Floor:2 steps to...Living/dining room: With Freeview TV, DVD player, iPod dock and patio doors leading to decked patio.Kitchen: With cooker, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and wooden floor.First Floor:2 ...
Just 600 yards from the unspoilt sandy beach and dunes of Winterton-on-Sea, this charming thatched cottage is ideal for a family seaside holiday. Located adjacent to the owners’ property. For children, the zip wires and ...
Ground floor: Living/dining room/kitchen area. Bathroom with shower over bath and toilet. First floor: 2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 twin. Shower room with toilet. ...
Clipper Schooner is a unique holiday apartment centrally located in the popular seaside resort of Great Yarmouth. It has been renovated throughout from a popular, Art Deco style, public house from the 1930s, and enjoys a ...
Offering accommodation for smaller families or couples, these quirky and unusual apartments sit at the centre of Clippesby Hall’s family holiday park, converted from the old stable block. Looking out over the lawns of ...
Offering accommodation for smaller families or couples, these quirky and unusual apartments sit at the centre of Clippesby Hall’s family holiday park, converted from the old stable block. Looking out over the lawns of ...
Coach House, Clippesby Hall, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Newly refurbished and completely re-fitted, this attractive detached cottage stands at the heart of Clippesby Hall’s family holiday park. With a cool, contemporary feel and a wonderful sense of space, you start to relax ...
Coot Cottage, Wayford Bridge, near Stalham, Norfolk, Happisburgh
All properties have exclusive use of indoor heated poolSituated on the Norfolk Broads, these four cottages provide guests with an excellent Broadland setting. These cottages make an ideal retreat at any time of year. ...
Ground floor: Living/dining room. Kitchen with tiled floor. Conservatory. Separate toilet. First floor: 2 bedrooms: 1 double (6ft), 1 twin (zip and link, can be 6ft double). Bathroom with bath, shower cubicle and toilet. ...
Overlooking the village green in the heart of Winterton-on-Sea, a popular and pretty coastal village, this spacious semi-detached holiday property, adjoining the owners home, offers a welcoming break whatever the season. ...
Farthing Cottage, Little Plumstead, near Wroxham, Norfolk, Brundall
This charming property offers both families and couples a great holiday retreat, complete with a private hot tub and en-suite facilities to each bedroom. The local pub serving good food is located just opposite and offers ...
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space: With wooden floor.Living/dining room: With wood burner, Freeview TV, DVD player, CD player/iPod dock and French doors leading to decking.Kitchen area: With electric oven, ...
Glebe Cottage, West Caister, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
This cosy, detached cottage offers a unique getaway within the grounds of the Grade II listed ruins of West Caister Parish Church and the owners’ property. Beautifully presented, you can be sure of all homely comforts. ...
Golebys cottage is tucked away on a quiet lane in the rural, pretty village of Hickling, within easy reach of the best Norfolk has to offer. Hickling boasts the biggest of all Norfolk's Broads, a nature reserve and the ...
Golebys cottage is tucked away on a quiet lane in the rural, pretty village of Hickling, within easy reach of the best Norfolk has to offer. Hickling boasts the biggest of all Norfolk's Broads, a nature reserve and the ...
Grebe Cottage, West Somerton, near Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk
Nestled on the edge of the Norfolk Broads in the beautiful village of West Somerton, is this terraced cottage, perfect for couples and small families. Surrounded by wildlife, water and countryside you will be busy all day ...
Grebe Cottage, Wayford Bridge, near Stalham, Norfolk, Happisburgh
All properties have exclusive use of indoor heated poolSituated on the Norfolk Broads, these four cottages provide guests with an excellent Broadland setting. These cottages make an ideal retreat at any time of year. ...
Half Moon Cottage, Martham, near Winterton, Norfolk, Winterton-on-Sea
All on ground floor: Living room. Dining room/kitchen with sloping ceiling. Bathroom with bath, shower cubicle and step up to toilet. 2 bedrooms: 1 double with wooden floor, 1 twin. ...
Peacefully located within Broadside Chalet Park, this semi-detached property is one of a cluster of timber-built single-storey holiday chalets. There is a communal lawned garden at the front of the chalet and a short walk ...
Located in the village of Hickling, within walking distance of Hickling Broad, Heathcote Cottage is a stunning semi-detached cottage in the Norfolk Broads National Park. Heathcote has been lovingly renovated with a cosy ...
Heron, Wayford Bridge, near Stalham, Norfolk, Happisburgh
All properties have exclusive use of indoor heated poolSituated on the Norfolk Broads, these four cottages provide guests with an excellent Broadland setting. These cottages make an ideal retreat at any time of year. ...
Heron Barn, Lamas, near Buxton, Norfolk, North Walsham
This stunningly presented semi-detached holiday barn makes the perfect location for a family break away or a couple’s retreat. Oozing with character and boasting riverside and countryside walks from the door, this ...
Heron Lodge, Hopton-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Heron Lodge is situated in the village of Hopton-on-Sea, just 5 minutes from the sandy beach, and the village of Hopton offers restaurants, pubs, shops and entertainment venues. This detached lodge with its stylish ...
Heron’s View is situated on the waters edge of the River Yare, a superb position for observing water life. The holiday cottage is a detached timber property which provides ideal accommodation for anytime of year, it has ...
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