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Norfolk Broads

In this modern world true peace and relaxation is becoming harder to come by everyday. Which is why we can be so grateful for the The Norfolk Broads. Now often referred to as The Broads National Park (due to recognition of it’s protected status), this natural wondrous landscape is made up of 125 miles of navigable waterways, and is over 303 square kilometres! Packed with wildlife and nature, the 7 rivers and 63 broads have been attracting boating tourists for over 200 hundred years!

Filled with countless picturesque towns and charming villages, this tranquil marshland remains popular with people from all over the country and beyond, from artists and anglers, to birdwatchers and boaters!

‘The Capital of the Broads’

The towns of Wroxham and Hoveton are often referred to as the Capitals of The Norfolk Broads. Split by the bridge going over the river, few even realise they are two different towns with even locals using Wroxham as blanket name for both!

This medium sized town has a terrific selection of restaurants and cafes, a wide-range of shops and independent outlets, and of course several boat hire companies!

This riverside town is perhaps the most popular place for boat hire, with a good range of destinations and sights that are possible to reach within a day of boating! Popular companies such as Broads Tours and Richardson’s Boat Hire, offer day boats for up to 8 hours allowing up to 8 people per boat. With a range of options for all parties this truly does make for a fantastic family day out. After all the best way to explore the Broads is by water!

Bite to eat or a pint?

There’s so many incredible pubs all over Norfolk, all with their own charm, character and traditions. A significant proportion of these are based by the river and offer terrific places to stop for a bite to eat whilst enjoying the relaxing nature of The Broads!

Click on the map pins below to see some of our top picks:

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Horning

Often described as the prettiest village on the broads this quaint riverside village is a popular destination amongst tourists.

With many attractions within the village and in surrounding areas, you will often see the north bank of the river Bure packed with day boats and cruisers in the height of summer!

Filled with numerous riverside properties, pubs, shops, restaurants, tea-rooms and boat trips there's plenty to do and see within this lovely village.

Ranworth Broad

One of the top choices for nature enthusiasts when choosing where to visit on The Broads. Ranworth is a spectacular area of natural beauty made up of a 136-hectare nature reserve, with large areas of woodland and reedbeds.

Just 20-minutes out of Norwich, Ranworth contains a variety of habitats and an array of wildlife, which can all be seen from 750m of boardwalk!

Many species of bird can be seen from the floating Broads Wildlife Centre such as Great Crested Grebes, Gadwells, kingfishers, Wigeons and Cormorants.

If boating from Wroxham, it can take between 2-3 hours to reach Ranworth.

Hickling Broad

The largest of the broads, Hickling Broad is a year round haven for wildlife.

Slightly brackish because of it's close proximity to the sea, Hickling is situated on the Upper Thurne river system.

It holds a large population of common crane, as well as important breeding numbers of Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Cetti's Warbler. The broad boasts the largest reed-bed in England and supports rare water-weeds such as holly-leaved naiad.

You may also see mammals such as Chinese water deer, red deer and otters!

Between April and October wildlife boat trips are on offer, with two hour trips in the morning and one trips leaving in the afternoon.

Loddon

A small market town on the river chet, which lies within the bounds of The Broads.

A terrific access to the southern part of The Broads, often overlooked by many this is a wonderfully untouched area of The Broads with boat hire available.

The town of Loddon itself has become ever more popular over the years, with many tourists starting to catch on to the attractions of the town. With many pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops on offer.

There's also some terrific walks nearby, with Hardley Flood a popular choice for it's wet marshlands, and wildlife.

Every week there's a country market, as well as a farmers market once a fortnight!

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