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The Norfolk Broads travel guide looks at the Norfolk Broads, situated in Norfolk in the East of England. The Norfolk Broads are best known as a boating centre, and it is not difficult to see why. The Broads consist of a number of broad, shallow lakes lying along five major rivers. The lakes are thought to be the result of peat ‘harvest’ that occurred during the Middle Ages. As the water level increased the peat diggings became flooded and created the lakes that now provide habitat to a number of rare animal, bird and plant species.



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Norfolk Broads Guide

Overview and Attractions
Norfolk Broads Hotels
Norfolk Broads Map
Norfolk Broads Weather
Flight Search



Overview and Attractions

Known as the UK’s most famous wetlands, the area contains over 200 miles of navigable waterways, an established favourite among boating enthusiasts many hire boats by either the day or week. Many first time novice boaters come to the Broads, given many vessels are suitable for novices there is a great opportunity to learn more about boating whilst actually participating in the activity. For many cruising along the Broads is a relaxing past time and if visitors go outside the school holidays rush they are likely to find it quieter still.

The Norfolk Broads is famed for the wonderful scenery on show to visitors, there are several wildlife reserves, including a floating conservation Centre at Ranworth. With a nature trail running from the centre, walkers can explore the local fen vegetation and birdlife. The RSPB runs a bird reserve at Strumpshaw close to near Norwich, Strumpshaw Fen is a great place to fully explore the great diversity of habitats and wildlife. Visitors can walk around the reedbeds and woodlands and see the enchanting marsh harriers, kingfishers, and if you are lucky see the elusive Chinese water deer. You will find many butterflies and dragonflies in spring and the summer. For further information please see:

Strumpshaw Fen

The Norfolk Broads are one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions and have National Park status, the aim is to preserve and enhance the area’s natural beauty. Potter Heigham is infamous due to its bridge, which is the most difficult to navigate in the whole of the Broads. For this reason Bridge pilots are posted there and people in hired boats are required to use their assistance to pass under this tricky bridge. Both Wroxham and Potter Heigham can claim to be the Capital of the Broads. With the maze of cycle tracks and footpaths, walking and cycling to explore the area further is popular among visitors.

St Benet’s Abbey is located on a sand and gravel island and is surrounded by grazing marshes alongside the River Bure. Back in the Middle Ages it was approached by land along a causeway from the North West and by river along the Bure. A visit to the abbey will show visitors a sense of isolation of the abbey and the area, it is possible the area was an actual island in the past. For further information please see:

Norfolk Archaeological Trust

Hickling Broad is the largest of all the Norfolk Broads it boasts an impressive array of plants and animals. Visitors can enjoy walks in the midst of all this wildlife and nature. For those wanting to learn more about swallowtail butterflies, marsh harriers, bitterns and other rare wildlife this is the place to come. There is plenty for the nature enthusiast here. There is a Water Trail runs from May to September that takes visitors into the quieter backwaters of the Broad and takes you to the Tree Tower, where visitors are treated to the most splendid views of Broadland. For further information please see:

Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Horsey Windpump is a restored five-storey drainage windpump. It is a fully restored historic drainage windpump that provides wonderful scenic views across the Norfolk Broads and onwards towards the coast. The estate is regarded as an important wildlife estate of international importance. Bird watching fans are in their element here as it is regarded as an area of great importance for bird watching. Nature conservation is the priority at Horsey Estate and provides a treat for bird watching and nature fans. For further information please see:

Horsey Windpump

Sutton Pottery is a studio workshop in East Norfolk, in the village of Sutton. Here artists use the Potter’s Wheel and the fire of a gas kiln to create a large range of stoneware by hand. Established in 1977 there is an assortment of practical and affordable tableware and kitchenware in a wide variety of glaze colours. Artists also produce a variety of decorative pieces, including house nameplates and distinctive lamps among others. At Sutton Pottery you can see the craft processes as they occur, for further information please see:

Sutton Pottery

Boating holidays are particularly popular in the Norfolk Broads, self drive boats offer visitors the chance to explore the beautiful Norfolk Broads on your own. No previous experience is necessary as the boats are easy to drive. You can make it a special day of it by booking a picnic boat or a day cruiser and have the convenience of all its facilities. Boating holidays can appeal to people with a wide variety of interests. If you would like to get away from it all on the tranquil backwaters of the canals with their waterside pubs you can. Alternatively if your passion is exploring the normally hidden channels through major towns and cities you can. People are find boating holidays offers many places of interest to stop along the way for the whole family. The Broads due to their location and environment provide a paradise for boaters. Visitors can pilot your own boats, explore the backwaters and anglers can indulge in a spot of fishing whilst sun worshipers can even soak up the sun whilst moving serenely along the canals. The different rivers in the Broads each give their own distinctive taste and flavour of the Broads and enthusiasts can go on many different routes to explore something new. For more information please see:

Waterways Holidays

When looking for a place to eat, you may wish to consider the Recruiting Sergeant Public House and Restaurant. Situated in the village of Horstead, in Norfolk, it has a good reputation in the local area and the pub is well renowned for its quality food and attention to detail. The menus cater for both those that like traditional food to those that like more imaginative tastes. Local produce is used where possible such as fresh fish from Lowestoft. For further information please see:

Recruiting Sergeant

Accommodation is available to suit a range of budgets in the Norfolk Broads. If you wish to save time in travelling to and from your hotel, it is useful to ensure your hotel is not too far away from where you need to get to. It is wise to do your research and ensure your hotel is actually located at a convenient location for your needs and offers the facilities you require. There are a range of hotels to choose from in the Norfolk Broads, for further information please see:

Norfolk Broads Hotels

For a selection of Hotels in Norfolk please see:

Norfolk Hotels


The Norfolk Broads travel guide has taken you to the wetlands centre of the UK, the represent a boaters dream and many who previously would not have considered boating as a holiday activity learn to appreciate it here and are converted to its merits. The scenery is certainly inspiring the Broads do provide a fantastic sight and a calm relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind and appreciate the wonderful surroundings.

Norfolk Broads Travel Guide

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