Explore Coltishall in the Norfolk Broads (c) Norfolk Tourism

Attractions and places to visit on The Norfolk Broads

There is much to inspire and delight those who visit The Norfolk Broads. Not only are the famous waterways something to marvel at but the surrounding landscape is full of wonderful surprises. The beautiful countryside is home to many charming towns and villages with traditionally thatched cottages, quaint village greens and stunning churches with histories that are as fascinating as the architecture. Getting around is easy; either take the car or for the more energetic hire a bike, hop on the train or even travel on the water and try out your mooring skills, to make the most of your visit. Whatever your passion, there is sure to be something for the whole family to enjoy either for just a few hours or the whole day. There are many places to visit in The Norfolk Broads, from magnificent windmills to magical woodlands, or enjoy a leisurely trip on a steam train.

Jump to: Wroxham & Wroxham Barns // Norfolk Broads towns & villages // Attractions in the Norfolk Broads // Churches in the Norfolk Broads

Junior Farm at Wroxham Barns, Norfolk Broads (c) Wroxham Barns

Wroxham and Wroxham Barns

Considered by many to be the capital of The Broads, Wroxham is a lively town and very popular with visitors to the area. During the summer months it is bustling with activity with many heading for Roys - the largest village store in the country - selling just about everything, including picnic baskets should you have forgotten to pack yours! Wroxham is the perfect place for boat hire, whether just for an hour or the whole day. From the river, you can see so much more and a leisurely cruise downstream will reveal picture postcard thatched cottages and lodges lining the banks.

Wroxham Barns really has something for everyone and is a must visit during your holiday. For the children, the first stop has to be Junior Farm, where they can experience hands-on fun in a real farmyard. For adults and children, take time to visit the skilled craftspeople in the converted barns who you will see making beautiful and unique gifts including pottery, jewellery and even real Norfolk Cider! The shopping is also excellent with clothes, health and beauty products, toys and much more.

Boats at Potter Heigham in the Norfolk Broads (c) Norfolk Tourism

Villages and towns in the Broads

The delightful village of Woodbastwick is well worth a visit, even if just for a short period to soak up the peace and tranquillity away from the busier towns. Having twice won the Best Kept Village Award, it is a beautiful place with a stunning mediaeval flint church finished with Norfolk thatching. A visit to Woodfordes Ales Brewery is a must where you can take a guided tour of the Brewery, sample some of the excellent Norfolk ales on offer and even buy a home brewing kit.

The town of Potter Heigham is another favourite with visitors and is an excellent place for boat hire. Most famous is Lathams, a large store offering many great deals for the bargain hunter! It has an excellent fishing tackle department - perfect for those who fancy trying out this pastime while in the area. Another treat is to watch sailors attempt to travel under a tiny Mediaeval bridge, renowned for being the most difficult to navigate in the area!

The village of Ranworth is an excellent place to visit, where those feeling energetic can climb the winding, spiral stone staircase of the magnificent church. Once at the top your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views over this special landscape.

There are many beautiful towns and villages to be discovered throughout The Norfolk Broads including Stalham, a small market town, where you visit the Museum of The Broads and marvel at Hunsett Mill. The picturesque village of Horning, situated on the bank of the River Bure, has some unusual and interesting shops including the Gallery, a delicatessen full of delicious treats to make your mouth water. Stop off at Coltishall to sample some local ales and food at a riverside pub, and explore the village with its old buildings and church. Acle has some very charming 17th and 18th century buildings and a church which is more than 900 years old while Reedham has a beautiful riverside and many pubs where you can enjoy some scrumptious home cooked food.

The list of places to visit is endless and these are just a few of the highlights so take to road (or water!) and start exploring!

Horsey Mill (c) Gerry Balding http://www.flickr.com/photos/8929612@N04/

Attractions in the Norfolk Broads

Sitting just one mile from the gorgeous Norfolk coastline, the four-storey high, red brick Horsey Windpump dominates the skyline. Owned by the National Trust, the windpump has been restored and is open to the public from March to October. From the top you will see stunning views across the sparkling waters of Horsey Mere and far beyond. There are refreshments available at the windpump, while the village of Horsey is about a mile away where you will find the Nelson Head Pub, perfect for a spot of lunch.

Uncover the unique history of The Norfolk Broads and its people at the Museum of The Broads, set on the waterside at Stalham. Hear the incredible stories of the people who made this special landscape come alive, see displays of the tools they would have used for their trades such as thatching, rope making or even eel catching and marvel at the boats of the past.

Enjoy a trip through the Broads countryside on the Bure Valley Railway (c) Bure Valley Railway

What better way to relax and soak up the picturesque Norfolk countryside than on a steam locomotive. Starting off in the town of Aylsham the Bure Valley Railway embarks on an 18 mile round trip through the beautiful countryside, passing through the villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall, all delightful places for a stop-off, before arriving at Wroxham. Here travellers can either while away the hours exploring the town on foot or take a cruise on the water. The train then returns to Alysham Station where you find a large shop stacked with souvenirs where you can buy a momento of your day

Hidden away in the heart of The Norfolk Broads, Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden is a great place to escape for some quiet time. Comprised of over 50 hectares of ancient woodland, sparkling water gardens and a private broad, it is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. In May, the gardens are home to a fabulous collection of candelabra primulas, named the best naturalised collection in the UK, while in the autumn you will see a stunning display of rich autumnal colours. Enjoy a boat trip on the broad and out to see the isolated St Benets Abbey - once an important Anglo-Saxon monastery but now all that remains is the gatehouse plus eighteenth century windmill.

For a fascinating journey into the secret world of radar detection visit the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum. Learn about the history and development of Detection, Air Defence Radar and Air Battle Management from the 1930s to the modern computer technology of today. Housed in the original operations unit built in 1941 at RAF Neatishead, near Horning, there are many fascinating hands-on exhibitions including the Battle of Britain Filter Room of 1940 and a Cold War Ops Room used until 1993.

Loddon church in the Norfolk Broads (c) Broads Authority

Exploring Norfolk's churches by boat

Many of Norfolk's churches are easy to explore if you're on a boating holiday in Norfolk, and there are plenty within walking distances of Broadland staithes.

Why not download the Broads & Rivers Church Staithe Guide PDF from the Broads Open Churches project, or take a look at Churches Together on the Broads churches near staithes page which also details Sunday service times or their Church Crawling on the Northern Broads page.