Ruth
06 June 2023
Looking for a laidback holiday? Leave the fast and furious hustle and bustle of daily life far behind with a trip to the Norfolk Broads. Hire a motor launch for the day, pack a picnic and take to its waterways to discover this beloved part of Norfolk - there are so many things to see and do in the Broads.
Head to the Norfolk Broads National Park if you love nature and boating. Located in the north-eastern area of East Anglia (which combines Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex), this network of waterways is the perfect place to hire a boat, spot birdlife and see nature up close.
This is our guide about things to do in the Norfolk Broads. Read on to find out about our favourite places in this beautiful nature reserve.
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Where to hire a boat?
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Most people would probably hazard a guess that the Norfolk Broads are a natural creation. However, they are the result of an ambitious piece of engineering on a grand scale. The waterways of the Broads were originally peat workings, flooded long ago, and since the late 19th century they have been a holiday destination for boating enthusiasts.
In 2015, the Norfolk Broads gained National Park status, so nowadays the seven rivers and 63 broads are protected with the plan that they will be around for future generations to enjoy. The tidal network, which is close to the coast, consists of 120 miles of navigable waterways to explore.
While you can enjoy a waterside walk along this network of waterways, the best way to experience it is by taking to the water on a boat.
You don’t need your own private mooring to enjoy the Broads by boat. Here are some of the places which offer Norfolk Broads boat hire and day boat hire:
There’s plenty to see and do while boating through the Broads – whether you’re gently cruising the waterways or stopping off at the numerous charming towns and villages to visit one of the many pubs in the area.
Wroxham and Hoveton
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Wroxham and Hoveton combine to form the unofficial capital of the Broads. Sat on the opposite banks of the River Bure, Wroxham and Hoveton are joint hubs of the boat hire trade. It is here that the majority of visitors come to rent out a launch for the day. The Broads Information Centre on Station Road is a good place to start when planning which boat providers are best and what day they operate on.
These two villages have almost merged into a single conurbation nowadays, but the area hasn’t lost any of its Norfolk charms. You can reach Wroxham by train as well as car and boat. The Bittern Line runs between Sheringham and Norwich, stopping at Hoveton and Wroxham.
Where to stay?
Bosuns Cottage, Wroxham
Enjoy the bucolic Broads views over the private marina from the decked balcony of this contemporary cottage.With ample space for a group of six, Bosuns Cottage is the perfect base for those looking to explore the capital of the Broads.
What to visit?
Your first point of call should be Roys of Wroxham which, to put it simply, is a Norfolk institution. Founded in 1895, Roys is now known as the ‘World’s Largest Village Store’.
Visitor attractions beyond the waters and reeds include Hoveton Hall and Gardens, covering 620 acres of parkland surrounding a Regency hall, and Wroxham Barns, an indoor play centre for young children.
Where to eat and drink?
Head to Number 14, a coffee shop and sandwich bar where you can tuck into an all-day brunch, a light lunch or simply enjoy a restorative hot drink after a day exploring the Broads. Dogs are welcome, too.
Beccles
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On the border between Norfolk and Suffolk, Beccles is a charming and attractive market town on the River Waveney. Wander its narrow and winding streets to discover independent shops, restaurants and cafes. Or take the Beccles Marsh Trail if you wish to see the Broads from dry land.
Where to stay?
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Nursery Cottage, Beccles
Enjoy a couples’ break at Nursery Cottage, a stylishly-renovated home on the outskirts of Beccles, in the grounds of an 18th-century hall.
What to visit?
Conveniently situated right next to the river, Beccles Lido is a traditional outdoor swimming pool open from May until September. Or walk into the centre of town to climb the Bell Tower, open most Saturdays, where you can take in delightful countryside views from the top.
Where to eat and drink?
To eat like the locals, visit Seppings in Hungate for one of their famous sausage rolls made from local pork. Or, if the sun’s shining, sit in Twyfords' suntrap garden and enjoy a coffee made from beans roasted on the premises.
Horning
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Horning is a quaint and picturesque Norfolk Broads village is close to the River Bure. It’s well worth a visit on its own or as part of a stop during a river tour. Children will love the playground situated on the village green.
Where to stay?
Marshmere, Horning
On the very edge of the Broads, Marshmere is a waterside home with plenty of space for a holiday of relaxation. Hire a boat in Horning to explore the waterways under your own steam, or unwind at your home from home and watch the boats drift past.
What to visit?
Younger family members will love BeWilderwood, an award-winning forest of family fun and outdoor adventure. Or visit the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum, located on the site of the world’s longest continuously operating radar site, to learn about the history of radar.
Where to eat and drink?
There are plenty of pubs to visit where you can quench your thirst after a day out on the river – enjoy a pint at The Ferry Inn, The New Inn, or The Swan. If hunger strikes, the seafood at Bure River Cottage Restaurant is second to none.
Reedham
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Reedham is worth stopping at to see its striking 19th-century Grade II-listed windmill called Polkey’s Mill. The village is found on the long-distance trail, Wherryman’s Way, named after the pilots of the distinctive Norfolk Broads sailboat. It’s also a great location for Norfolk Broads fishing on the River Yare, which is free for coarse fishing and most freshwater fish including tench, bream and roach.
Where to stay?
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Reedham Riverside, Reedham
Reedham Riverside is a beautiful waterfront property sleeping four, perfect for a family break to the Norfolk Broads. You can sit out on the terrace in the evening, watching the boats go by.
What to visit?
Kids can meet domestic and exotic animals at Petits Animal Adventure Park or enjoy the rides and live entertainment. And no visit to Reedham is complete without taking the chain ferry from one side of the River Yare to the other.
Where to eat and drink?
Take in the riverside views from Reedham Ferry Inn while you enjoy a pint or tuck into a delicious Sunday roast. Locals love Reedham fish and chip shop, where you can satisfy hungry bellies after a day on the water.
Coltishall
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Coltishall's busy riverside village is often known as the gateway to the Norfolk Broads. Its picturesque setting on the River Bure makes it a great place to visit, and it also has a charming thatched church.
Where to stay?
Grove Cottage, Coltishall
Grove Cottage is a Grade II-listed cottage combing character charm with modern additions on the beautiful banks of the River Bure. There are two pubs within walking distance where you can sit and soak up the river views with a pint of local ale.
What to visit?
Take the Bure Valley Railway to Wroxham or Aylsham and enjoy the delightful countryside views. Kids looking for a little more activity can head to the Horstead Centre for bouldering, zip wires, archery and more.
Where to eat and drink?
Quench your thirst at the Kings Head or The Rising Sun pubs, which both enjoy lovely views over the river.
Hickling
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Between the Norfolk Broads and the coast, Hickling is a great place to visit to enjoy the very best of Norfolk. Split into two parts, Hickling Heath is near Hickling Broad, while Hickling Green is mostly residential.
Where to stay?
Cobble Barn, Hickling Green
In an enviable position between Hickling Broad and the Norfolk coast, Cobble Barn is a beautiful barn conversion offering everything you need for a tranquil Broads holiday. After days out on the water, soak up the sunshine in the large garden.
What to visit?
If you’re looking for a Broads activity to get your adrenalin pumping, you can try out windsurfing on Hickling Broad. Further afield, visit the National Trust’s Horsey Windpump, a Norfolk landmark, where you can climb to the top and be rewarded by views out towards the coast. The dunes at Horsey Gap provide shelter for seal pups from October to February – you can spot them from the viewing platform.
Where to eat and drink?
Head to Hickling Green for traditional food and good Norfolk beer at the Greyhound Inn.
Enjoy a holiday in the Norfolk Broads
We have some lovely holiday cottages in the Norfolk Broads so whether you are planning a romantic escape or a family celebration, we have properties of all sizes to accommodate you. Start planning your dream holiday in the Broads and take a look at our collection.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.