Rowing at Coltishall in the Norfolk Broads (c) Broads Authority

Activities and things to do in The Norfolk Broads

There are so many things to do and see in The Norfolk Broads you'll wonder how to fit it all in! If you love the open air then there are many walks, from gentle strolls around the Broadland villages to long distance walks covering many miles of the varying countryside. Stretch your legs at one of the excellent wildlife reserves where you may catch sight of one of the rare species that make their home in the unique habitat. Or spend your time enjoying one of your hobbies - The Broads are perfect for fishing or if you love to paint you are sure to be inspired by the endless views.

Jump to: Walking // Cycling // Fishing // Birdwatching & Wildlife // Sailing, Canoeing & Windsurfing

Couple walking in the Norfolk Broads (c) Waveney River Centre

Walking in the Broads

Walking is a great way of exploring the many wonders of The Norfolk Broads. With miles and miles of walks available and no need for any special footwear (although wellies may come in handy!), the whole family can enjoy the fresh air. Short nature trails or circular walks, many staying round the towns and villages, are perfect for just a morning or afternoon. The nature trail at How Hill is great for children or enjoy a leisurely stroll round Whitlingham Country Park where you can watch people learning to windsurf! For the more experienced walker there are some much longer routes to tempt you. Wherryman's Way follows the route of the River Yare from Norwich with unique waymarkers to look out for including sculptures or try Angles Way, which meanders along the Norfolk/Suffolk border. Whatever path you take the scenery will be outstanding - so don't forget your camera!

Find out more about walking in Norfolk

Cycling in the Broads

A very popular and environmentally friendly way of discovering The Broads is on two wheels! Bikes can be hired from centres around the area for short periods or your entire holiday. With all sorts of bikes available including mountain bikes, tandems, children's cycles, baby seats and tag-alongs the whole family can get cycling. There are short and long routes starting from hire points throughout The Broads. Starting from the pretty village of Hoveton you can cycle to charming Coltishall where you can watch the world pass by from the riverbank or to Barton Broad. There are also longer routes for the more enthusiastic cyclist such as the Weavers' Way and the Bure Valley Cycle Path. There is a series of Bike Trail leaflets available showing the on-road cycle routes (available at tourist information centres).

Find out more about cycling in Norfolk

Fishing in the Norfolk Broads

For the fishing enthusiast there are many places to ‘cast off' with species of bream, eel, perch, pike, rudd and tench to be found. Boats can be hired to allow you to experience fishing on the water on several of the Broads including Barton Broad and Wroxham Broad. If you prefer to fish from solid ground, the River Thurne has stretches of free Broadland fishing at Martham and Potter Heigham.

Find out more about fishing in Norfolk

A bittern hiding amongst the reeds in the Norfolk Broads (c) Broads Authority

Birdwatching and wildlife in the Norfolk Broads

There's no better place than the Broads to get up close to some of England's best loved and most spectacular wildlife. The Broads boast booming bitterns, playful otters and darting kingfishers, native white waterlilies and rare fen orchids, and this is the only place to see one of Britain's largest, rarest and most beautiful butterflies, the swallowtail. The reeds are filled with birdsong and you may spot the Norfolk Hawker dragonfly, leopard reed moth or water vole, while overhead, marsh harriers, hobbies and barn owls quarter the skies. Spring and autumn bring hosts of migrant birds, and huge flocks of waders and waterfowl spend the winter here. An internationally important wetland, the Broads is a member of the National Park family, and includes some of Europe's most special nature reserves, with no fewer than 28 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Make sure you bring your binoculars as there are so many opportunities for bird watching in The Norfolk Broads. With six national reserves to visit you are almost certain to see something a bit special during your visit. Hickling Broad, the largest and one of the wildest of the Norfolk Broads, is home to the beautiful Swallowtail butterfly. From the bird hides you may spot the marsh harrier or the elusive bittern! Berney Marshes is an RSPB reserve made up of marshland and estuary mudflats. It is a haven for waders, wildfowl, raptors and the short-eared owl - particularly in winter, so bring your thermals! Ranworth Broad and How Hill are also excellent for birdwatching.

Find out more about birdwatching in Norfolk

Canoeing in the Norfolk Broads (c) Broads Authority

Sailing, canoeing and windsurfing in the Norfolk Broads

For those more energetic there are opportunities for sailing, canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing. Whitlingham Country Park is perfect for this and if you're not keen on the water there are many other activities including archery, orienteering, climbing and off-road biking. With a picnic area and visitor centre with café there is plenty to keep you entertained all day long.

Or why not explore the Broads by canoe? Either hire a canoe and paddle off on your own, or try a Canoe Trail or Bushcraft Canoe & Camping Trail from TheCanoeMan for some more adventures.