Holidays in Norfolk Broads
The Broads National Park provides the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for a great self catering holiday. This area of Outstanding Natural Beauty boasts pretty villages with riverside cottages and lodges, waterside eateries and plenty of attractions waiting to be explored on your next Norfolk break.
History of the Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads are steeped in history, and are in fact man made waterways which were created by peat digging. Dating back to the 12th Century, substantial areas of East Norfolk had woodland cleared to be used for fuel and building materials, leaving pits which over time filled with water. These pits subsequently flooded, leaving a partly man-made landscape and wetlands, abundant with wildlife, and creating - nowadays - a popular location to find a Norfolk Broads holiday cottage.
Locations
The Norfolk Broads comprises 63 Broads in total, 13 of which are fully navigable. The largest of the Norfolk Broads are: Hickling Broad, Barton Broad, and Oulton Broad, and one of the most well-known and popular during holidays on the Norfolk Broads is Wroxham.
Things to do on the Norfolk Broads
You will never be short of something to do during your stay in holiday lets on the Norfolk Broads:
Boat hire
Whether you are on a short break to the Norfolk Broads and enjoy physical activities such as paddleboarding or canoeing, or are searching for cottages on the Norfolk Broads for a peaceful getaway and would like to hire a day boat; you will not be disappointed. Broads Tours in Wroxham offers a huge variety of rentals, also including short trips to explore the Broads further.
Walking routes/cycling
With over 300km in footpaths and circular routes through stunning landscapes and nature reserves, there are walking routes and cycle paths galore. The Norfolk Broads offers plenty of quiet cycle ways and miles of country lanes right on the doorstep of holiday homes on the Norfolk Broads.
Wildlife spotting
The Norfolk Broads are home to some of the UK’s rarest wildlife, making a stay in accommodation on the Norfolk Broads an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts. Home to around ¼ of the rarest wildlife species in the UK including the UK’s most endangered species - the Bittern, and a subspecies of swallowtail butterfly (Papillo machaon brittanicus) not found elsewhere worldwide - you can be sure to be fascinated by spotting wildlife during a stay in a Norfolk Broads cottage.
Steam railway
The Bure Valley Railway gauge steam railway runs in between the bustling Norfolk Broads town of Wroxham, and the market town of Aylsham. This is a great trip out for families and for train spotters during a stay in Norfolk Broads holiday rentals.
Visit a windmill
Travel nearer to the Coast during a stay in holiday lets on the Norfolk Broad to visit the Horsey windpump. Under the care of the National Trust in the village of Horsey, this Grade II listed building is an iconic building where the Norfolk Broads meet the beautiful North Norfolk coastline.
Family days out:
Bewilderwood: A fantastic woodland adventure park on the edge of Hoveton, Bewilderwood is a brilliant day out for all the family during a holiday on the Norfolk Broads.
Wroxham Barns: With a Junior Farm and fun park, shops, and places to grab a bite to eat, Wroxham Barns has long been a popular fun day out, with something for everyone to enjoy!
Check out Glaven Valley’s cottages on the Norfolk Broads - whether you are searching for a Norfolk Broads weekend break, a dog friendly holiday cottage on the Norfolk Broads, or places to stay on the Norfolk Broads for a larger group of guests - we can find the perfect accommodation for you!