Not sure about where to go on next UK staycation? Here’s 10 great reasons why visiting the beautiful Norfolk or Suffolk Broads should be top of your to-do list!
1. The UK’s most unique National Park
The Broads National Park is unlike anywhere else in the UK. With over 125 miles of lock-free waterways and more than 40 broads, it’s a landscape shaped by water, big skies, and endless horizons.
This is a place where you can slow the pace right down. Cruise along peaceful rivers, spot wildlife in the reeds, or simply sit back and watch the light change across the marshes. Whether you’re exploring by boat, paddleboard, or on foot, every visit feels different.
If you’re looking for space, scenery, and a sense of adventure, the Broads delivers it effortlessly.
2. Idyilic riverside pubs
Most of our beautiful riverside pubs are now open. Moor up from your boat or arrive by land. Either way, you will be able to enjoy glorious real ales and traditional home cooked food, often sourced within just a few miles.
- Reedham Ferry Complex offers a true country pub atmosphere, with centuries of history reflected in the characterful 16th century building and its story-lined walls. Just outside, the Reedham Ferry remains the only vehicle chain ferry in East Anglia, forming the only crossing point between the city of Norwich and Great Yarmouth and saving users a journey of more than 30 miles.
- The Waveney Inn on the southern broads boasts stunning balcony views of the Norfolk and Suffolk marshes, with a pedestrian ferry to Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve.
- The White Horse Community Pub and Shop, Upton. Nestled near the picturesque River Bure on the Norfolk Broads, The White Horse is proud to be the longest-established community-owned pub in Norfolk
- The Bell Inn, St Olaves. With its own moorings on the River Waveney, pleasant gardens and first class restaurant serving a good ‘home cooked’ style of food – this 16th century inn is the place to relax and sample the atmosphere of days gone by!
3. Our real ale
The Broads might not be the first place that springs to mind but there’s plenty of great, independent breweries and vineyards producing some fantastic beers, wines and spirits for you to try when you’re here.
The Humpty Dumpty Brewery, based in Reedham is a ten barrel brewery producing Award Winning cask and bottled real ales. Only walking distance from Salhouse Broad is The Fur & Feather, Woodfordes very own brewery tap and shop, where the beer travels meters not miles.
4. Picnic on a day boat
If you only do one activity when you visit the Broads, hire a day boat. It’s easy and fun, perfect for a picnic or a quirky way to celebrate a special occasion – We’ve heard it’s one of the best ways to pop the question! Some boats can carry up to 12 people and are fitted with heaters, so you can get on to the water even in the quieter, cooler months.
There are boatyards for you to grab a dayboat from in both the northern and southern rivers, so you have plenty of options if you want to take to the waterways for the day.
5. It’s all in the paddling
No need to roll up your trousers! Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding are excellent ways to get up close to the wildlife and discover the unique environment of the Broads. You can explore hidden corners of this magical waterland that no other craft can get to. The calm waters are considered suitable for all ages and levels and it’s also great exercise!
Many providers offer both guided excursions with an expert paddler, or independent hire if you want to go off and find your own route. It also doesn’t matter where you’re based, there are tons of Broads Canoe Hire Association Centres located throughout the Broads National Park and all of them will lead you on to a new adventure.
6. Land a prize-winning fish
Over 300sq km of broads and rivers offer anglers of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy fishing, and the area is home to an abundance of fish species including bream, rudd, tench, roach, perch, carp and most famously large pike, with many 40lb+ specimen caught over the years.
You can fish from your moored boat or choose one of the many fishing platforms scattered around the area. Frequent visitors might appreciate joining of the the local angling clubs for access to even better fishing spots. Run by anglers for anglers, Lathams Fishing store at Potter Heigham has been providing anglers with expert advice and top quality fishing equipment for more than 30 years! Pop in if you need anything from new equipment to a spot of friendly advice for your visit.
7. Rooms with a view
The Broads boasts heaps of stunning waterside holiday cottages and apartments, sleeping anything from 2 to 12. There are quirky hideaways to modern penthouses, all with their own prime waterside locations. These are ideal for fishing breaks and many have a day boat or rowing boat included, so you can explore straight from your door. Secret Water at Hippersons Boat Yard in Beccles offers a unique floating glamping experience on the Broads!
8. Holidays on the water
A boating holiday is an experience like no other! There’s 125 miles of lock-free navigable waterways and 40 inland broads to explore. You can wake up with a different view each day and immerse yourself in your surroundings! Finding a rural spot to moor up for the night also offers some fantastic opportunities to enjoy stargazing, another pastime that the Broads is famous for.
Pick up a luxury cruiser for two, perfect for a romantic getaway or one that will accommodate the whole family (including the dog) sleeping up to 12.
9. Put some wind in your sails
Sailing on the Broads has been a traditional pastime since the turn of the century and is now even more accessible than ever, with both sailing boat hire and skippered trips available all-year round.
Sailing is also one of the most environmentally friendly ways to enjoy the Broads, and offers either a relaxing Arthur Ransome style holiday or an exhilarating challenge, depending on you inclination!
Take your pick of cabin yachts, half-decker style boats or even spend a day on an historic Norfolk wherry.
10. Because nowhere else feels like it
There’s something about the Broads National Park that’s hard to put into words. Maybe it’s the way the light stretches across the water, or how quiet it becomes as the day winds down.
This is a place to breathe, to slow down, and to escape the everyday. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the feeling never really changes.
And that’s exactly why people keep coming back.