The Norfolk Broads – Britain’s Magical Waterland

Not visiting the Norfolk Broads during a holiday in Norfolk would be like travelling to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower, or going to Rome without touring the Colosseum.  The iconic Norfolk Broads are located in the south of the county and are part of the wider network of rivers and lakes known as the Broads which also cross over into neighbouring Suffolk.

Although they are surrounded by natural beauty, the Norfolk Broads are actually a man-made feature of the landscape. They were created in medieval times as a by-product of peat excavations carried out by local monasteries. The peat was transported elsewhere and used for fuel, but the channels left behind were eventually flooded due to rising sea levels. Many of the channels were later extended to aid river transportation, and have since Victorian times been a popular destination for recreational boating.

Boating on the broads

The Broads are navigable for more than a hundred miles and there are many opportunities to hire your own boat for the day. Popular locations to hire boats from include:

• Wroxham

• Hickling

• Horning

A variety of different types of boat are available for hire, including diesel craft, electric boats and canoes. Most are easy to use with no previous experience and provide a good chance to explore the magic of the Broads at you leisure.

If you’d prefer for someone else to take the helm there are also many guided boat trips that can be taken.

Traditional villages and other attractions

Boating is far from the only thing to do on the Norfolk Broads. There are many quaint villages and towns to stroll through, such as Rainworth, Stalham and Potter Heigham. There are also plenty of riverside pubs where you can enjoy a spot of lunch in the sun.