Spend quality time with the family in the Broads National Park
Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re lucky enough to call the area home, the Broads National Park is packed with unforgettable family adventures waiting to be discovered. From peaceful boat trips and water sports to wildlife watching, cycling trails and fantastic family attractions, there’s something for every generation to enjoy.
Here’s our guide to making the most of a family day out — or even a longer holiday — in the beautiful Broads.
Make Memories on the Water
There’s no better way to experience the Broads than from the water. Whether you’re hiring a boat for the day or planning a relaxing family boating holiday, our boat hire members offer a fantastic range of options for every budget and level of experience.
If you’re new to boating, don’t worry. You’ll receive a warm welcome and a full introduction before setting off, so you can relax and enjoy your Broads adventure with confidence.
If your family is looking for something a little more adventurous, why not hire a canoe, kayak or paddleboard? Paddling allows you to discover peaceful corners of the Broads that larger boats simply can’t reach,. This makes it a brilliant way to spot wildlife and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
Not sure where to explore? Our Boating Map is the perfect place to start.
You could cruise the River Waveney visiting Beccles, Geldeston Locks and Oulton Broad towards Great Yarmouth, or follow the River Yare between Norwich and Great Yarmouth, passing beautiful spots including Surlingham Broad and Whitlingham Country Park.
The River Thurne leads to the stunning Hickling Broad, while the River Bure meanders past Coltishall through Wroxham, with offshoots to Ranworth and South Walsham Broads. Fancy somewhere quieter? Head up the River Ant towards Barton Broad and Dilham for peaceful scenery and abundant wildlife.
Discover the Broads on Foot
If you’d rather keep your feet on solid ground, the Broads offers miles of scenic walks perfect for families, couples and four-legged friends too.
Follow sections of the Wherryman’s Way or Weavers’ Way, Visit the atmospheric ruins of St Benet’s Abbey, or enjoy a day surrounded by nature at Carlton Marshes or Hickling Broad.
Wildlife lovers should make time to visit the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre at Ranworth. You may be lucky enough to spot the resident nesting ospreys. Keep your eyes peeled for the flash of blue from a kingfisher darting across the water. Or, if you’re especially fortunate, the flick of an otter’s tail disappearing beneath the reeds.
Explore by Bicycle
Want to see even more of the Broads? Jump on two wheels and let the adventure begin.
With quiet country lanes and dedicated cycling routes, the Broads is perfect for family bike rides. Hire bicycles locally and explore at your own pace. Stop off at riverside villages, picnic spots and tea shops along the way.
A popular route is the 19-mile Bure Valley Railway Loop, combining beautiful countryside with one of Norfolk’s best-loved heritage railways.
Find out more about cycling in the Broads here.
Enjoy Great Food and Drink
After a day of exploring, you’ll have earned a well-deserved treat.
The Broads is home to an excellent selection of independent pubs, cafés, tearooms and restaurants. Many of these serve locally sourced food, homemade cakes and Norfolk ales. Better still, many are located right beside the water. This makes them ideal stopping points whether you’ve arrived by boat, bike, paddleboard, car or indeed on foot.
Family favourites include The White Heron at Brundall, The White Horse at Upton, Filby Bridge Restaurant, The Waveney Inn at Burgh St Peter, The Locks at Geldeston, The Greyhound Inn at Hickling and The Dog at Ludham — just a few of the welcoming places where you’ll find great food and warm hospitality.
Browse our full Food & Drink Guide to discover even more delicious places to eat.
Broads Summer Family Adventures Everyone Will Love
Whatever your family’s interests, you’ll find plenty of things to do in the Broads.
Take a nostalgic journey aboard the Bure Valley Railway, enjoy chocolate-making experiences with Harris & James, or spend a fun-filled day at Wroxham Barns Adventure Farm, Pettitts Animal Adventure Park or Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens.
On a warm day cool off with a swim at Beccles Lido, or discover the fascinating history of aviation at the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum at Neatishead if the weather is looking a little inclement.
Whether you’re entertaining toddlers, adventurous teenagers, parents or grandparents, the Broads offers memorable experiences for every age.
Discover even more Things to Do in the Broads.
Stay a Little Longer
One day is never quite enough.
Whether you’re dreaming of a boating holiday, a family campsite, a cosy shepherd’s hut, a countryside farmhouse, a beautifully restored windmill, a holiday park or a riverside cottage, our Visit the Broads members have accommodation to suit every family and every budget.
Browse our Accommodation Guide to find your perfect base for exploring the Broads.
However you choose to stay, there’s something truly special about ending the day watching the sun set over a wide open sky, sharing stories from another unforgettable family adventure and planning where you’ll explore tomorrow.
FAQs
Can you charge e-bikes when visiting the Broads National Park?
The Broads Authority has developed a network of solar powered charging points to support people using e-bikes. Current locations include Carlton Marshes, Reedham Ferry and Salhouse Broad.
Is the Broads National Park accessible by train?
Yes, the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads is easily accessible by train. Major rail connections link the region to cities such as London, Cambridge, and Norwich. Stations including Wroxham, Hoveton, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, and Reedham provide convenient access to many parts of the Broads, making it an ideal destination for a car-free holiday.