Norfolk Broads: a guide

Spanning over 125 miles of navigable, lock-free waterways, the Norfolk Broads National Park is a landscape like no other. This patchwork of rivers, shallow lakes and lush greenery offer a sense of total escapism.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just looking for a quiet pint by the water, we’ll take you through all the great experiences to be had in this East Anglian gem. 

We’re in the perfect place to host you on a trip to the Broads - at Norfolk Broads Club Campsite, near Ludham. 

Boat trips and hire

Ludham Bridge. Member photo by Angela Russell. Near Norfolk Broads Club Campsite.

You haven't truly experienced the Broads until you’ve seen them from the waterline. Now, the shift towards eco-tourism is stronger than ever, with many hire fleets in Wroxham and Horning now offering silent, electric day boats.

Self-drive boats: hiring a day boat is remarkably easy - no experience is required. Pack a picnic, grab a map and spend a few hours drifting past thatched cottages and iconic windmills.

Guided tours: hop on a Broads Tour river trip from Wroxham. The live commentary is fantastic for spotting the elusive Kingfisher or the rare British Swallowtail butterfly.

The best walks

Pathway close to Ludham Bridge. Member photo by Angela Russell. Near Norfolk Broads Club Campsite.

While the water is the main draw, the ‘Broads Edge’ offers some of the most scenic walking trails in the UK.

The Weaver’s Way: if you’ve got stamina, this long-distance path cuts through the heart of the park. A highlight is the stretch between Stalham and Potter Heigham, offering panoramic views of the grazing marshes.

Ranworth Broad Boardwalk: perfect for families, this short, accessible boardwalk leads you through ancient woodland to a floating wildlife centre. For the best view in Norfolk, head to nearby Ranworth's St Helen's Church, known as the ‘Cathedral of the Broads’.

Things to do

Sunset over the Broads.

The Broads are a haven for wildlife and history.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden: explore 130 acres of ancient woodland and private broads. Their ‘Hydraulic Heritage’ exhibit offers a fascinating look at how the Broads were managed in the Victorian era.

Barton Broad: managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, this is the second-largest broad and famously where Admiral Nelson learnt to sail. The boardwalk here is spectacular for birdwatching. Keep your eyes peeled for Marsh Harriers and Otters.

The best pubs

No Broads adventure is complete without a mooring up for a local ale.

The Ferry Inn, Horning: a classic riverside pub with a sprawling garden. It’s the perfect spot to watch the colourful sails of the Broads yachts go by.

The Fur & Feather, Woodbarton: located right next to the Woodforde’s Brewery, this is the place to sample Norfolk’s most famous real ales, like Wherry and Nelson’s Revenge, alongside locally sourced seasonal dishes.

The Rising Sun, Coltishall: often called the ‘Gateway to the Broads,’ this pub sits on a beautiful village green that slopes right down to the River Bure.