Places to visit in the Broads National Park

Begin your adventure in the Broads National Park in true local style: on the water! At Richardson's Day Boat Hire in Wroxham, you don’t need any previous experience to hire a day boat (all tuition and safety gear are provided), with room for up to six or eight passengers. To appreciate the birdsong and beauty of Wroxham’s waterways, choose a quieter electric-powered boat.

Up for a more active adventure? Join The Canoe Man on a “Waddle” – walk and paddle – through the pristine Norfolk countryside. Its self-guided trips depart from Wroxham, and follow the Bure Valley Path for 5.5 miles (9km) before launching a canoe to paddle back to Wroxham on the river. It can take 4–5 hours, so you’ll want to start early; alternative shorter itineraries are available too.

Wherever your morning took you, you’ve earned a slap-up lunch at Water’s Edge Wroxham – a stylish bistro beside the River Bure. Beer-battered cod, towering cheeseburgers, juicy rump steaks: you’ll find it all here, with Norfolk-dairy ice cream for pud. Dogs are welcome, and its outdoor terrace is a glorious spot to linger on sunny days: one of the best foodie places to visit in Norfolk.

From pretty swallowtail butterflies to fish-swooping ospreys and terns migrating from Africa, Ranworth Broad and Marshes is chock-full of sightings year-round. Learn more about the rich flora and fauna of the Broads National Park at its floating visitor centre, and climb its spiral staircase to spy on the wildfowl. A fabulous introduction to the area’s abundant wildlife.

Settle in for an evening of hearty food and real ales at The Swan Inn, in the heart of the village of Horning. Dating back to the 1600s, this homely local champions the best of British: from small-batch gins to pan-roasted lamb and macaroni cheese loaded with cheddar and red Leicester. There’s a handful of stylish bedrooms upstairs, too – your recommended base for tonight.

Start your day amid the birdsong and water lilies of the River Thurne, on a serene one-hour cruise with Ross' Wildlife Boat Trips – departing from Martham Boatyard at 9.45am (book in advance). Its skippers are a fount of local knowledge, spilling tales of the region’s history and heritage as the MV Lady Ann slips through the water. The perfect way to capture the freedom of a boating holiday, without the stress of being behind the wheel.

The grey seals on Horsey Beach are one of the top things to see in Norfolk: they’re here year-round, and at all times of day, sometimes in their thousands! There’s parking nearby, or you can walk the National Trust’s three-mile (5km) trail from its car park at Horsey Windpump to the marshes, sand dunes and beach. It takes around two hours to complete, but allow extra time for seal-spying!

The National Trust cafe at Horsey Windpump is pure lunchtime heaven: think cream-laden scones, doorstep sandwiches and hefty slices of cakes. It’s just the ticket after this morning’s adventures, and the cafe even has a small second-hand bookshop to stock up on some fresh holiday reading. Post-lunch, climb the 61 steps to the top of the historic windpump, for 360-degree views of the Broads National Park.

Looking for secluded places to visit in Norfolk? Ormesby Manor is set in 5 hectares (12 acres) of pristine parkland and woodlands, with a handful of luxurious shepherd’s huts tucked away in its grounds. It’s your recommended base for this evening: check in now and explore the estate’s trails for yourself, before heading out for dinner. Breakfast will be delivered to your hut tomorrow morning!

At sunset, take a seat at The Boathouse to see Ormesby Broad bathed in rosy-hued light. This gastropub sits right on the water, with stunning views and a menu to match. Think deep-fill pies with chive mash, tempura-battered tiger prawns, and sirloin steaks with house-made onion rings. Save room for a Boathouse Sundae – a towering treat of ice cream, brownie nuggets and berry compote.

Today’s itinerary begins in the wild, wonderful grounds of Somerleyton Hall. Get lost in its yew maze, discover the flamboyant walled garden, meander through the sweet-scented My Lady's Rose Garden – and much more. In every direction, enjoy sweeping views of the Broads National Park countryside, where ponies and deer roam free. Got green fingers? You can buy home-grown plants in the estate shop.

Oulton Broad is a quick nip down the coast, where the Broads National Park meets the fringes of Lowestoft. This is a thriving boating community, with a busy yacht club and lots of pubs, cafes and shops overlooking the water – a lovely spot for a stroll and an ice cream, and a snoop at the Lowestoft Museum, which reveals the area’s musical, maritime and military roots.

It’s time to get back on the water again, with a wildlife-watching cruise with Waveney River Tours. Departing at 2pm from Mutford Lock (on Oulton Broad), this is your chance to spot nesting herons, hear tuneful reed warblers, and – if you’re visiting in springtime – see the river’s famous yellow water lilies. You don’t have to be a nature buff to enjoy it: this is one of the most beautiful things to see in Norfolk.

If you’ve always been curious about life on the water, now’s your chance to experience it for yourself – with a houseboat stay at Hippersons Boatyard. Each of its floating hideaways features quirky interior design with creature comforts aplenty, plus a private rowing boat for exploring the river. Alternatively, Ivy House Country Hotel is a stylish base on dry land, within easy reach of the walking trails around Oulton Broad.

Dinner tonight is at The Crooked Barn, so-called for its dining room’s magnificent 500-year-old timber beams. In this historic setting, you’ll tuck into a feast of refined British cuisine: think crab thermidor with samphire-sautéed potatoes, and pan-seared scallops with chorizo and sweet chilli jam. If you’re staying at Ivy House tonight, good news: it’s part of the hotel.

It’s a super-early start this morning, for a Sunrise at Sea cruise with Jet Adventures – but it’s worth it to be the first to see sunrise in England! The boat departs from Lowestoft in the small hours (4–5am), heading out beyond Ness Point – the UK’s most easterly point – to watch the sun peep over the waves. Spine-tingling stuff, followed by a high-speed cruise back to Lowestoft.

The pretty town of Beccles in the Norfolk Broads has so much to discover. Take a dip in its heated outdoor lido, snap up hand-made souvenirs in the independent boutiques, or – on Fridays – shop for local produce and delicacies in the historic market place. For panoramic national park views, you can climb to the top of its lofty bell tower – and don’t forget to check what’s on during your visit, too. From Christmas lights to antiques markets, Beccles hosts year-round events and festivals.

For a dose of wild wellness, check out Three Rivers’ floating sauna: this gorgeous cabin is built from Swedish spruce, and you can book it as your own private pampering island. It’s on a secluded waterway, with a window overlooking the river and a ladder down to the water – so stoke up the wood fire and relax into that view, then cool off with a plunge. One of the most refreshing places to visit in Norfolk!

Now you’re fresh-faced and feeling supple, the tranquil, tree-lined waters of the River Waveney are calling. Hire a kayak from Three Rivers Boat Hire, and enjoy a leisurely 30-minute paddle to the Locks Inn Community Pub, looking out for red kites and waterfowl as you go. It serves up frosty pints and crowd-pleasing grub – from home-made bean chilli to salt-and-pepper squid. Stop for lunch, before paddling back to base.

Norwich is England’s only city with part of a national park in its midst. The River Wensum, which flows through its centre, is part of the Broads National Park – another reason to explore this medieval city and its Harry Potter filming locations! For lunch with a twist, book a Sausage Roll Tour with local foodie and beer sommelier Cheryl Cade: she’ll whisk you to the city’s top five sausage spots, exploring local history and legends as you go. Sausages not your thing? Check out her beer, cheese and gin-themed tours too.