Beautiful Broadland
The picturesque Broadland region of Norfolk is home to much of the Norfolk Broads - over 200kms of navigable waterways. Youll also find pretty villages and towns nestling amongst some of the most beautiful countryside in Norfolk.
There are some wonderful places to stay in Broadland and you can click here to search for the accommodation to suit you.
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The Broadland landscape
Situated between Norwich and the coast, the Broadland district of Norfolk covers around 200 square miles and is made up of 65 parishes.
Broadland is famous for its waterways which stretch for 200kms. The Broads were formed by medieval peat diggings, which became shallow lakes joined by cuts and dykes to the rivers of the area including the Yare, the Bure, the Wensum and the Waveney.
The Norfolk Broads is now the UKs largest nationally protected wetland. Its rivers, broads (shallow lakes), marshes and fens make it a unique area. Globally, wetlands are among the most threatened of landscapes and the Norfolk Broads are home to a wide variety of plant life, birds and animals and an important destination for naturalists.
Ancient crafts such as reed cutting still take place here, harvesting Norfolk reeds for thatchers throughout the UK.
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The Natural World
At How Hill in Ludham you can enjoy the Broads countryside either on foot, by following the footpaths or nature trail, or by boat. Either way you are sure to spot some outstanding wildlife in this unspoilt and peaceful corner of Norfolk.
The floating Broads Wildlife Centre at Ranworth Broad is run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. You can park at Ranworth village and walk along the interpretive boardwalk, which provides lots of information about the various habitats you pass through, or take the electric ferryboat. Ranworth is a spectacular location for birdwatching with Cettis warbler, common tern, great crested grebe, redpoll, siskin, winter wildfowl and cormorants just a few of the species you can hope to see.
The RSPB’s reserve at Strumpshaw Fen is in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. A number of nature trails lead you through the varied habitats, including reedbeds and woodland and in the summer Strumpshaw is the perfect place to enjoy Broadland meadow flowers.
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Towns and villages in Broadland
Aylsham is a traditional market town in the North of the Broadland region. A twice-weekly market is still held here and there is a weekly auction of fine art, books and antique furniture where you can seek out treasures and bargains. Just outside Aylsham is Blickling Hall, one of Norfolks finest stately homes .
Walking around Reepham is like stepping back in time. With its pretty market place, bordered by 18th century houses, this charming town has been the setting for a number of period TV productions including Poirot. A market is still held every Wednesday where you can enjoy a leisurely shopping spree before retiring to one of the welcoming town centre pubs for a well deserved pint of beer.
The only remaining car and passenger ferry in the Broads operates in Reedham, taking people across the River Yare. It is the only road crossing between Great Yarmouth and Norwich offering travellers a convenient alternative to the otherwise long drive round. The Reedham Ferry Inn is a great pub to while away a couple of hours watching the world go by and at the Old Brewery youll find a variety of locally designed crafts.
Wroxham is probably the most well known Broadland village. In the summer you will find huge numbers of visitors enjoying the bustling atmosphere and whiling away sunny afternoons by the busy river.
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Broadland boating
The Norfolk Broads have been a popular destination for boating holidays since the Victorians discovered them in the late 19th century.
Today's boats are very easy to handle with motor cruisers and yachts from 2-12 berth available to hire for short breaks and longer periods.
With over 125 miles (200 km) of lock-free waters to explore, as well as the stunning coastline, you won't get bored on a boating holiday in Norfolk.
You can start your holiday from a variety of villages and towns in Norfolk including Wroxham, Ludham, Potter Heigham and Loddon.
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Want to find out more?
In this section weve given you just a flavour of the Broadland area. You can find out lots more about places to stay and things to do by clicking on the link below. |
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Useful Links
Protection of the Broads
Find out more about the conservation of the Norfolk Broads here.
Broads Authority
Boating bonkers
If you want to find out more about boating in Broadland click here.
Boat Hire
Fantastic fishing
Find out about fishing in Broadland here.
Norfolk Broads
Broadland wildlife
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust works to protect the Norfolk countryside and its wildlife. Find out more here.
NWT
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