Many Brits are planning holidays closer to home this year amid the ongoing cost of living crisis and airport chaos and cancellations. Today, we’re bringing back our popular Dream Destinations series to tell you why the Norfolk Broads should be on your UK touring bucket list.
The Norfolk Broads is a stunning network of waterways that spans over 125 miles of navigable rivers and lakes in the East of England. A place of natural beauty, tranquillity and unique wildlife, it’s one of the most popular UK destinations for caravan and motorhome enthusiasts to explore.
This man-made national park was created by the flooding of mediaeval peat workings. Today, it’s a protected area that is home to a variety of rare birds, animals and plants, as well as picturesque villages, historic buildings and scenic countryside.
Exploring the Norfolk Broads is an unforgettable experience that allows you to immerse yourself in nature, history and culture. Whether you choose to hire a boat, walk, cycle or drive, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Many people choose to explore the Norfolk Broads in a leisure vehicle. There are countless caravan parks and campsites in the area, offering a range of facilities and spots to pitch up so you can explore this incredible location at your own pace.
Activities to enjoy in the Norfolk Broads
There are over 100 miles of navigable waterways to explore, with various boats available to hire, from traditional wooden sailing boats to modern vessels. Take a leisurely cruise through the winding lakes, meres and dykes stopping along the way at riverside pubs for a pint of local ale before mooring up to explore charming villages and market towns.
The Broads is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Home to over 300 bird species, including kingfishers, bitterns, and marsh harriers, this is a fantastic spot for birding. You may also be lucky enough to spot otters, water voles and rare butterflies. There are several nature reserves to visit, such as Hickling Broad, where you can take a boat tour for a chance to spot the elusive swallowtail butterfly.
For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, there are countless walking and cycling routes to explore. For instance, Weavers Way is a 61-mile footpath that winds through the heart of the national park, passing through picturesque villages and nature reserves. All the cycling routes in the area are well-signposted and take you along quiet country lanes and scenic off-road tracks.
History and culture buffs will also find plenty to discover. Visit heritage buildings, such as the mediaeval ruins of St Benet’s Abbey, and the picturesque windmills that dot the landscape – a remnant from the days when they were used to grind corn and pump water.
Best spots to pitch up in the Norfolk Broads
Caravanning is a great option for those who prefer to bring their accommodation with them and enjoy more space and flexibility than a boat or hotel can offer. Moreover, it’s an affordable way to travel with the whole family and immerse yourself in the best that Britain has to offer.
Many of the caravan parks and campsites in the Norfolk Broads are located in picturesque spots, with stunning views over the water or surrounding countryside. They offer a range of facilities to guarantee your comfort and some even feature their own boat hire facilities. Here are our picks for the top spots to pitch up in the area.
- Norfolk Broads Caravan Club Site: Operated by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, this site is located on the banks of the River Thurne and offers pitches for caravans and motorhomes. Situated nearby the historic town of Potter Heigham and the Hickling Broad Nature Reserve, this site has its own facilities.
- Waveney River Centre: This award-winning park lies on the shore of River Waveney and features a range of accommodation options for all budgets, including luxury lodges, glamping pods and touring pitches for caravans and motorhomes. The park has its own marina and boat hire, as well as an indoor pool, restaurant and play area for children.
- BeWILDerwood Camping: For a truly unique experience, consider staying at BeWILDerwood Camping, located within the BeWILDerwood adventure park. The attraction is based on the children’s books by Tom Blofeld and features treehouses, zip wires and magical woodland trails.
Image credit: Andrew Banner / Unsplash
