It’s winter, the festive fun is behind us, it’s dark early and the nights are long – then along comes the arrival of the winter blues. Here are some of the best things to do in the Broads to keep the winter blues at bay.
Get walking
When we exercise it increases production of endorphins, the happy hormones. The National Park offers walks to suit all tastes, whether you’re a gentle stroller or a serious stomper. We also have route maps of popular walks to download on your smartphone at: Alltrails and Viewranger.
Wellbeing walks
These walks can be a great way to get out with a group if you’re struggling with motivation to go out alone or with the family. Walks are usually free but may ask for a donation. The Norfolk Ramblers and Suffolk Ramblers host regular walks each month in many varied locations in the Broads and beyond. Or join the wellbeing ‘Central Norfolk Wellbeing Walks, Broadland, Norwich And South Norfolk‘ Facebook group.
‘Log off and go slow’
The Broads was recently chosen by Telegraph writers as one of the UK’s best National Parks. Writer Sarah Baxter picked the Broads as her favourite. When asked why she explained:
“It doesn’t have the high drama of the Lakes or Snowdonia, but it’s fitting for our times – a place to log off and go slow.”
She recommended exploring the man-made waterways by boat and climbing Ranworth church – “the cathedral of the Broads” – to soak up the views.
A day at the farm with Wroxham Barns
Wroxham Barns is an award-winning family attraction near the Norfolk Broads, designed for memorable family days out. Explore their unique Shopping Village, let children run free in the Brand New Adventure Farm, enjoy seasonal events throughout the year, or make it a longer stay on their seasonal family-friendly campsite.
Animal therapy
Set in a 3 acre woodland meadow, Starry Meadow has a number of rescue animals including a little herd of donkeys and goats and runs animal therapy sessions. Book in to have ‘tea with guinea pigs’ at Cuddly Cavies in Fakenham. This includes a cake, drink, activity, feeding, grooming and cuddles with the guinea-pigs.
Borrow a dog
BorrowMyDoggy connects dog owners with trusted local people who love to look after dogs. From walks, playtime, and overnight stays on holidays, anyone can sign up to BorrowMyDoggy.
Get mucky with Norwich Farm Share
Everybody knows that getting outside and socialising are two wonderful ways to feel great, so why not combine the two and get stuck in with Norwich Farm Share? Volunteers share helping out on the land. You can be as hands on as you like or just purchase a monthly veg box full of organic goodies. Being a part of the team is a great way to meet people and you’ll feel amazing eating all of those fresh fruit and vegetables which you’ll have helped grow.
Get on your bike
Getting out on two wheels with others can help to beat the winter blues. There are plenty of short cycle rides, suitable for adult beginners you can join in with. Community Roots in Gt Yarmouth runs a monthly wellbeing bike ride, on the first Friday of every month – they can even lend you a bicycle. Search for group bike rides near where you live with Active Norfolk and Active Suffolk.
If you prefer to choose your own routes, our guide to cycling in the National Park is the place to go.
Fall in love with stargazing
The fens and waterways of the National Park give way to endless, unpolluted skies which are particularly great for stargazing. Check out our top locations for stargazing in the Broads or go on a guided dark-skies night walk.
The parade of planets
A rare seven-planet parade occurred in February 2025, with another six-planet parade appearing in early 2026. However, such significant alignments (6+ planets) are sporadic, with some forecasts noting they may not happen again until 2040.
Six of the seven planets in our solar system graced the evening sky in an event popularly referred to as a “planetary alignment”. While this term might evoke images of a straight-line configuration, the reality is more about the opportunity to see multiple planets simultaneously — a spectacular sight!
Get snappy in the Broads
Expand your horizons and see the skies as never before; captured through the lens of your camera, under the expert tuition of professional photographers Dibs McCallum and Duncan Arnold. They run regular Through the Lens workshops on capturing the beauty of the National Park, particularly the mills, boats, and night skies around the Broads.
Good gym
Run for fun and do good deeds for those in need. From hanging curtains for Mr H because he can’t manage it on his own, to shovelling a tonne of compost for the Food Growers Group so they can grow vegetables – every GoodGym run is different.
Make wellbeing your priority
Winter can take its toll on your wellbeing. It’s hard to stay motivated in the cold weather and looking after your piece of mind can slip off the radar. The Wellbeing Service offers support and online courses for everyone, from stress control and positive wellbeing through to retraining your thinking.
There are loads of wonderful ways to fall in love with Winter and beat those seasonal blues. Making friends, getting outside, being creative and spending some time with a few furry friends are all great ways to start. Check out the Visit the Broads website for more ideas.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Mental health crisis support line is a 24/7 helpline for people of all ages in Suffolk and Norfolk, who are emotionally distressed, are at breaking point, and need urgent help. Call 111 and press option 2 for the NHS Mental Health Crisis Support line.
The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Mind’s website.