Anyone who has visited the Broads will be quick to tell you how beautiful the area is and tempt you with plenty of justified reasons to visit. Here are 7 reasons why we love the Norfolk Broads.
1. Spectacular Scenery
Having started as a man-made accident (see our 10 things you didn’t know about the Broads article for more info on this), nature took over and showed us her best. The magnificent waterways, lakes and streams of the Norfolk Broads are truly a sight to behold. This rich landscape is over 600 years old and has to be seen to be believed. Mills, Churches, St Benet’s Abbey and rolling farmland surround what is an incredible expanse of natural beauty.
2. Wonderful Wildlife
With an abundance of fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds and mammals, the Norfolk Broads is the perfect place to see wildlife in its natural habitat. The coarse fishing open season is from 16th June – 15th March each year and there are plenty of fish to be found. Common Frogs, Grass Snakes, countless Beetles, the Swallowtail Butterfly and decorative Dragonflies can be seen close to the water. Herons, Bitterns, Ducks, Swans, the Great Crested Grebe and even the rare Marsh Harrier can all be found soaring above the waters of the Broads. You may even be lucky enough to spot an Otter or a Water Vole on the reed banks or hunting in the water.
3. Family Fun
There are so many things to do on the Broads for people of all ages, with differing budgets and available time. Picnics on the banks of the Bure, feeding the animals at Wroxham Barns, hiring a bike and exploring the woodlands and taking a train ride on the Bure Valley Railway are just some of the ways to enjoy your Broads adventure; that’s if you’re not already too busy taking in the scenery and spotting the wildlife! Have a look at our Norfolk Broads Attractions page for more information.
4. Accredited Accommodation
With plenty of accommodation throughout the Broads accredited by Visit England and Tourism Awards, you’ll be spoilt for choice. We can highly recommend Norfolk Broads Direct for a picturesque Norfolk Broads fishing holiday or a serene cottage break in Wroxham, but then we are biased!
5. Blissful Boating
Whether you have an hour, half a day, a whole day, a weekend, or more, there is a boating experience on the Norfolk Broads for you. Of course, the longer you spend on a boat, the more you will see but starting from Wroxham you can fill your boots with scenery, peace and nature even if you only have an hour. With the option of taking out a day boat for you and your family or friends, or joining a river cruise with a guided tour, we won’t let you come to the Broads without seeing the best it has to offer.
6. Delicious Dining
There are so many fantastic places to eat along and in the immediate vicinity of the Broads that it’s difficult to list them all. You’ll find cafes with cakes, cream teas and pastries; pubs with sandwiches, burgers and freshly caught fish; restaurants with Indian cuisine, fine dining and lunch time snacks so what more could you need? Fish and chips? We’ve got that covered too.
7. Picturesque Pubs
There is an abundance of waterside pubs on any route along the Norfolk Broads and many more just a short walk from the water’s edge. Many of the waterside pubs have moorings which are free if you buy something from them so not only can you stop for a drink but you could even take a walk around the local area and see even more of the Broads. Locally brewed Woodforde’s Wherry is available in many pubs and is brewed at The Fur & Feathers in Woodbastwick; it would be a shame to come all this way and not try a drop…
We know that you will have hundreds more reasons why you love to visit the Norfolk Broads and we’d love to hear about them!