Norfolk Broads National Park

The Norfolk Broads is area of wetland and were formed in medieval times by the process of excessive digging for peat and as sea levels rose the broads flooded. The Victorians used them in much the same way as canal and used to transport goods along them. Today the Broads are used for pleasure and attracts millions of visitors each year including artists, ramblers, anglers and of course bird watchers which is hardly surprising as the Broads is the largest wetland in the UK and home to amongst other birds, Waterfowl, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Comorant and the Cettis Warbler.

The Norfolk Broads consist of 125 miles of easy to navigate waterways. Scattered around the broads are a number of pleasant villages and towns were you can moor and enjoy a pleasant pub lunch. If the idea of cruising on the broads appeals to you, there are a number of companies that specialize in renting very easy to handle boats suitable for a novice. If you prefer to take a day cruise you can hop on a boat at Ludham, Potter Heigham or Wroxham. From Barton Broad you can jump on a solar powered boat called the Ra alternatively you can explore the How Hill nature reserve at sunrise on the Electric Eel.

If you prefer to stay on Land, then you could hire bike or simply walk part of 330km of paths that wind around the broads. The broads are the natural environment for fish and insects to thrive and as such make an ideal place for a bit of fishing. A number of rare insects can be observed in the Broads including the Swallowtail butterfly and Norfolk Hawker.

St Helens Church in Ranworth offers superb panoramic views of the Broads landscape. The church also has a wonderfully preserved medieval screen and a illuminated manuscript dating back to the 14th century.