With Christmas just around the corner, those distant memories of summer days spent floating along the river and windmills dotted amongst big skies might make you feel like the Broads are now a world away.
Well, we’ve got a whole host of things to do to get you in a festive mood, as well as ideas for finding the perfect gift for everyone who loves the Broads.
The German Christmas markets might not be on the cards this year so why not book yourself and your loved ones a relaxing weekend break in the Broads National Park instead? Avoid the crowds and get all your Christmas shopping wrapped up in one go. If you stay at Hotel Wroxham in the capital of the Broads you’ll discover no less than five famous Roys stores on your doorstep. The flagship department store, the food hall, garden centre, DIY store and toy shop all in one village. So, you won’t have very far to go to get your shopping adventure off to a flying start. If you’ve got fishing fans in the family, located just a few miles up the road, Lathams discount department and fishing store in Potter Heigham has become synonymous with angling and in the Broads. An ‘Aladdin’s Cave since 1963, you’re bound to find something unique to put under the tree.
Of course, there’s nothing quite like the bright lights of the city at Christmas time. The Broads is the only national park in England that is home to a vibrant, medieval city. As well as modern shopping centres and its quirky lanes independent retailers, Norwich often host a variety of pop-up markets throughout the city this festive season.
You can still enjoy the waterways at this time of year too, with some of the boatyards open during winter. Join santa and his elves on a magical christmas themed river trip on the Broads. Presents for the little ones and mulled-wine for the grown ups! Book with Broads Tours.
Bring the flavour of the Broads to your Christmas celebrations
Humpty Dumpty Brewery in Reedham has been producing ‘Cracking Real Ales’ since 1998. A ten-barrel brewery producing cask and bottled conditioned real ales with an on-site shop stocking a range of locally produced honeys, ciders, wines and chutneys too. Tastings are available and beer can be purchased directly from the cask to take home. They also have a range of tempting Christmas offers which can be found on the Humpty Dumpty Website.
Another well-known Broadland brewer is Woodforde’s, who produce award-winning beer in Woodbastwick. With over 130 awards to date, and two Supreme Champion Beer of Britain awards under the Admiral’s hat, they are one of only four UK breweries to achieve this accolade.