The Broads

A unique network of navigable waterways and shallow lakes in Norfolk and Suffolk, perfect for boating, wildlife watching, and peaceful nature exploration. This protected wetland landscape supports rare plants and birds while offering quintessential English waterside relaxation.

Things to do

• Boating and self-drive hire — Rent a traditional Norfolk Broads cruiser or sailing boat to navigate the interconnected waterways at your own pace, passing through charming villages and reed-fringed channels.
• Visit Hickling Broad — Explore Norfolk's largest broad, a designated nature reserve rich in birdlife including marsh harriers, bitterns, and swallowtail butterflies accessible by boat or the visitor centre.
• Ranworth Broad boardwalk and visitor centre — Walk the elevated wooden boardwalk through reed beds to the Ranworth Church Tower for panoramic views of the wetlands and stop at the environmental discovery centre.
• Wildlife photography and birdwatching — Early morning trips reveal herons, grebes, harriers, and otters; hire a guide or bring binoculars to spot rare species across the protected nature reserves.
• Wroxham Barns shopping and activity park — Browse local crafts, antiques, and Norfolk produce at this riverside complex, or enjoy falconry demonstrations and adventure activities.
• Punt or kayak through narrow dykes — Experience intimate exploration of quieter waterways in a traditional flat-bottomed punt or kayak to reach hidden corners inaccessible to larger boats.
• Walk the Weaver's Way long-distance trail — Hike sections of this 56-mile footpath that weaves through the Broads landscape, connecting villages and offering waterside views and access to local pubs.

Food to try

• Norfolk Broads smoked eel — Freshly caught and traditionally smoked eels from local fisheries, typically served warm with crusty bread or as a delicacy at waterside restaurants and village shops.
• Broads crab sandwiches — Fresh white crab meat from Norfolk coastal boats, layered in soft white bread with butter and served at riverside tea rooms and fish stalls.
• Pint of local ale at a waterside pub — Sample real ales brewed by regional Norfolk breweries like Woodforde's and Wolf Brewery while sitting on the bank with views across the water.
• Marsh samphire and wild game — Spring and autumn bring foraged samphire (sea asparagus) and locally shot game like mallard and pheasant featured on gastropub menus throughout the region.
• Norfolk wherry fish and chips — Traditional fish and chips named after the historic wooden sailing boats of the Broads, using sustainably caught local fish and served in paper at harbourside takeaways.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the wildlife nesting season — Between April and August, avoid approaching reed beds and nesting areas to protect ground-nesting birds, and observe 100-metre distances from heron and bittern sanctuaries.
• Hire an experienced boating guide — The Broads' shallow draft and narrow locks require local knowledge; guided tours or hire with instruction are essential for first-time visitors to navigate safely and avoid disturbing protected habitats.
• Join locals at village moorings and lock traditions — Embrace the unhurried pace of Broads life by stopping at village moorings for tea, chatting with lock-keepers, and learning the historic etiquette of shared waterway navigation.
• Support local boatyards and heritage museums — Visit working boatyards, the Museum of the Broads, and restored Norfolk wherries to understand the region's maritime heritage and support preservation of traditional crafts.