Norfolk Broads

Introducing Norfolk Broads

Nature lovers, birders, boaties and anyone fond of splashing about in the water will undoubtedly want to linger in the county’s most beautiful attraction, the Norfolk Broads. A member of the national park’s family, the Broads are a mesh of navigable slow-moving rivers, freshwater lakes, wild water meadows, fens, bogs and saltwater marshes, flourishing nature reserves and bird sanctuaries that together form 125 miles of lock-free waterways.

A boat is by far the best vantage point from which to spy on its myriad birds, butterflies and watery wildlife. The tranquil landscape may not be dramatic in itself, but it is hypnotically peaceful and its very flatness means there’s little to shield your binocular vision from the winged and water-bound action taking place on all sides.

The Broads’ highest point is at How Hill, just 12m above sea level, which is scattered with many of the picturesque wind pumps first built to drain the marshland and to return water to the rivers.

Orientation

The Broads form a triangle, with the Norwich–Cromer road, the Norwich–Lowestoft road and the coastline as the three sides.

Wroxham, on the A1151 from Norwich, and Potter Heigham, on the A1062 from Wroxham, are the main centres. Along the way there are plenty of waterside pubs, villages and market towns where you can stock up on provisions, and stretches of river where you can feel you are the only person around.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009