Green Travel Guide to the Broads, Norfolk and Suffolk
Words by Florence Fortnam. Film produced by Green Traveller.
Artwork for Green Traveller's Guides by Tina Smith and Mark Edwards.
Foreword by the Broads Authority
The Broads is Britain’s magical waterland – a special place where land, sky and sparkling water seem to meld into one. It is a uniquely beautiful environment, shaped by people working hand in hand with nature, over thousands of years.
Teeming with wildlife, this is the Nature Capital of the UK, home to the largest concentration of rare and endangered species existing anywhere in the country. Some of these wonderful things are found only in the Broads, like the spectacular Swallowtail – Britain’s largest butterfly. Over a quarter of the area is protected by international designations; such is the global importance of the Broads wetlands.
You can sail away into another world where time seems to slow down, and everyday pressures disappear into a watery dreamland. Water is indeed at the heart of everything here, whether you are walking beside it, canoeing on it – or just sitting by it and enjoying the view.
There is much to do on land as well, and it is easy to get around without a car. A great railway network takes you right out to the very wildest places, as well as to the tourism hot-spots.
And if you want nightlife or shopping, just head into Norwich, the historic city of the Broads. But don’t forget the sea and the miles of open sandy beaches of the Norfolk coast, many of which are close by and some actually within the Broads area.
We take climate change and the environment rather seriously here – the very fabric of this special landscape depends on preserving the balance between the needs of people and those of nature and we don’t want our fabulous wetlands to disappear under the sea. We’re finding new ways to reduce our footprint so that future generations can enjoy the jewel of Britain’s National Parks family for many years to come.
The Broads Authority is widely known as a pioneer of sustainable tourism, and it works closely with tourism businesses to promote green initiatives. Green Traveller has selected some of the top things to do in this guide – plus super places to stay and eat, and it will help you to tread lightly as you enjoy the best of this fantastic place. Then go out and discover lots more on your own!
What our writers discovered in the Broads
Strings of golden beaches, historic fishing villages, fantastic local food around every bend, and a strong cultural identity celebrated in festivals and regattas throughout the year: Cornwall really does seem to have it all. The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, accessed by the stunning South West Coast Path, provides walkers with everything from gentle strolls to challenging hikes, uncovering hidden beaches and wild swimming spots along the way. Those who come to enjoy the natural environment will also find a thriving food scene, proudly serving Cornish produce, as well as a rich cultural heritage and a host of wonderful accommodation.
Stay, Eat, See & Do
Our pick of places across the Broads
Google Map Key:
Click on the coloured icons for more information about each listing
Green = Places to stay; Blue = Places to eat; Yellow = Attractions; Purple = Activities
Click on the square brackets top right of map to reveal expanded map
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There are more than 60 Broads (small lakes) and 200km of lock-free, navigable waterways
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England’s greatest hero, Lord Nelson, was born in Norfolk and learned how to sail on the Broads as a boy
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Britain’s first solar-powered passenger boat – ‘Ra’ – was launched here and you can still take a trip on her today
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Large areas are up to a metre below sea level
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In Roman times, most of the area was a huge estuary, until the sea later receded
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The Broads today are the remnants of mediaeval peat-diggings (for fuel).
Sea level then rose again and flooded them – and sometime in the next 100 years the sea will rise further and all will be water once more!