The Norfolk Broads (manmade wetland waterways) are home to 25% of England’s birds and native wildlife (including rare Swallowtail butterflies). There are seven rivers and over 60 broads (bodies of water).
If walking in any of the parks, always follow the Countryside Code, to protect dogs and livestock. Read up on how to keep dogs safe by the water.
Follow the 7 steps of Leave No Trace. Never leave behind litter (nor have barbecues, which cause wildfires). If you smoke, use a personal ashtray (which extinguishes butts immediately, to safely store until you find a proper bin).
Unique Waterways Shaped by History
The Broads might look natural but they’re mostly the result of medieval peat digging. People cut peat for fuel, leaving deep pits that filled with water when the sea levels rose.
Now, more than 60 open broads, linked by rivers like the Bure and Yare, make up England’s largest protected wetland. This blend of history and nature gives the Broads their special character.
Rare and Remarkable Wildlife
The Broads are home to creatures you won’t see anywhere else in the UK. Bitterns, marsh harriers and swallowtail butterflies all find safe haven here.
Otters swim along the quiet banks, and the sound of reed warblers fills the air in spring. In summer and autumn, wildflowers colour the marshes, drawing in dragonflies and bees. Every visit holds something new for nature lovers.
Windmills and Historic Buildings
Scattered across the flat skyline, you’ll spot old wind pumps and drainage mills. These striking buildings were used to move water and shape the marshes.
Some, like Horsey Windpump, allow visitors inside for stunning views. Stately homes and ancient churches dot the area, too, telling stories of communities over the centuries.
Peaceful Footpaths and Cycle Trails
Away from the water, a network of footpaths and cycle routes lets visitors see a quieter side of the Broads. You can stroll through reedbeds, marshes and ancient woods, spotting orchids and rare birds along the way.
The Wherryman’s Way and Weavers’ Way are among the best-known trails, linking pretty villages and classic Norfolk pubs. Many routes are flat and easy, making them good for family outings.
Boating for Sustainable Sailors
The Broads is one of England’s most popular destinations for boating holidays. So if this is you, read our post on how to be a sustainable sailor, to protect local birds and wildlife.
Canoeing is popular, with plenty of quiet corners to explore. Moor up at a riverside pub or just drift along and watch the world go by.
The Human Story: Life Along the Broads
Locals have shaped the Broads for generations, living with the rhythms of water, weather and wildlife. Norfolk wherries (traditional sailing barges) once carried goods between towns and villages.
Today, family-run boatyards, farmers and conservationists work to protect the area. Many shops and galleries sell local crafts and food. If you visit, spend time talking with people who call this place home—their pride in the Broads is clear.
Important Conservation Work
The Broads face threats from pollution, climate change and pressure from visitors. Groups like the Broads Authority and local conservation charities are working hard to protect habitats and improve water quality.
Projects help rare species, restore reedbeds and manage invasive plants. Visitors play a big part, too—sticking to marked routes, picking up litter and supporting sustainable tourism all help keep the Broads thriving.
A Landscape for Every Season
The Broads change throughout the year. Spring brings birdsong and wildflowers. In summer, the waterways buzz with boats and crowds, but you can still find peaceful backwaters.
Autumn paints the reeds gold and russet, while winter mists make the landscape feel wild and remote. There’s never a bad time to visit—each season brings its own magic.
Highlights of the Suffolk Broads
The Suffolk Broads are also home to wading avocets with their unique upturned beaks (the emblem of the RSPB). Alongside rare plants like milk parsley, you’ll also spot more birds cranes, bitterns, marsh harriers), swallowtail butterflies and the fen raft spider.
Unlike busier Norfolk, Suffolk’s Broads offer calm, open stretches with fewer crowds. Stop at riverside pubs and watch herons fish in the shallows. The pace is gentle and the views are always changing.
Towns of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads
There are quite a few towns and villages dotted along the Broads. The main ones are:
Wroxham
This village is called ‘the Gateway to the Broads’ that the River Bure runs through. Most cafés and shops have nice views of the water, but it can get busy in summer. It has safe footpaths and a train station, close to the village centre.
Ludham
Don’t come here for the shops! This quiet pretty village sits close to the Norfolk Broads, and is a peaceful and beautiful place, with old houses and an ancient church. Many of the old roads are lined with trees, and people watch the swans, ducks and boats on the river.
Stalham
This is a small town, less ‘touristy’ that sits in the Broads, with many rivers and lakes nearby. People moor their boats at nearby Stalham Staithe, on the river full of ducks, swans and sometimes herons. This is where the Museum of the Broads is housed, where you can view old boats and photos from yesteryear.
Horning
This is a small village next to the pretty River Bure, with lovely views, and quiet streets, and old windmills nearby. A popular holiday destination, it’s great for walking by the water and enjoy a drink at a riverside café.
Acle
This small ancient town is close to the Norfolk Broads, but not far from the city of Norwich (the only city in England, with a national park to run through it). Home to shops and a weekly market, it also has a unique 900-year old church (with a round tower) and nearby is Acle Windmill. This town also has a train station.
Beccles
This is one of the main market towns in the Suffolk Broads, sitting by the River Waveney. These streets have old buildings, little shops and cosy cafés. There are great views from the tall church tower in the centre of town, and a local market and nice parks.
