Words: Jo Davies
Located between the popular holiday destination of Great Yarmouth and the historic city of Norwich, the serenely beautiful Norfolk Broads are Britain’s largest protected wetland, and the only UK National Park hosting a city.
This striking and unique network of lakes, rivers and wetlands was originally carved out by peat-diggers during the 12th century, and the area is now a haven for wildlife, protected by nature reserves and RSPB centres.
Studded with pretty, historic villages as well as pockets of picturesque countryside, the Broads make the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.
DAY 1
10am A capital start A great place to begin your exploration of this lovely part of the world is in the so-called ‘capital of the Broads’, the neighbouring villages of Wroxham and Hoveton. These charming places offer waterside beauty spots to admire, with plenty to do while you’re there.
Although they are ideal for exploring on foot, seasonal boat trips along the local waterways are a great way to see the stunning scenery from a different viewpoint. You could board one of Broads Tours’ passenger trips, or if you prefer, join an evening disco, a pirate voyage – or even a Christmas cruise!
broadstours.co.uk/norfolk-broads-river-trips
1pm Tudor history Taking a very short drive from Hoveton will bring you to the ancient village of Horning, a pretty place full of distinctive Tudor buildings and offering an excellent choice of pleasant walks. After a gentle wander on the riverside, it’s time to stop for a spot of lunch at Staithe ‘n’ Willow. ‘Staithe’ is a historic local name for a landing stage for loading and unloading cargo boats. This delightful thatched-cottage café provides a delicious menu of lunches and cakes.
visitnorfolk.co.uk/attraction_activity/staithe
-n-willow-restaurant
2.30pm Flora and fauna Home to more than 30 Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserves and eight RSPB sites, the Broads are brimming with flora and fauna. A 15-minute drive away from Wroxham is How Hill National Nature Reserve, home to the How Hill Trust Environmental Study Centre. After enjoying a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Edwardian house’s landscaped gardens, you can ramble along walking and cycling paths to reach the Toad Hole Cottage Museum, located on the banks of the River Ant.
This charming little cottage has been maintained as it looked in its Victorian heyday,
