England can profess to have some of the most beautiful and tranquil waterways and the Norfolk Broads, on the English eastern coast, are a shining example. With over 200 square kilometres of navigable waterways, The Broads stretch out over two counties with most of their network extending throughout Norfolk and a few venturing into the neighbouring county of Suffolk. Boating through the waterways has been a leisurely pursuit since the late 19th century and hire boats are very popular with tourists visiting the Norfolk Broads. Read more
Orchard View is a single-storey holiday cottage offering 4-Star Gold accommodation for couples with well-behaved dogs welcome. It's in the grounds of The Old Rectory in Flixton, two miles from Bungay and within easy reach of the Norfolk Broads, beaches like Southwold and Lowestoft, and the medieval city of Norwich. It's a wonderful location for walking, cycling, fishing, and boating, starting with the picturesque seven-acre grounds with gentle views of fields and countryside. Bookings are available all year round, with short breaks possible depending on availability.
Providing single storey self-catering, Sam's Stable offers Four Star Gold self-catering for couples and is conveniently located on the Suffolk/Norfolk border in the village of Flixton. There is a village pub and the Aviation Museum within easy strolling distance as well as St Peter's Brewery (a little further but still within walking distance for those who intend on sampling a pint or two of Suffolk's finest!). All the right ingredients for a relaxing break and within easy reach of the coast for days at the beach or visiting the nature reserves. Norwich city centre is also within easy reach. Short breaks available all year round (two night minimum). Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A delightful Four Star Gold holiday retreat sleeping two on the Suffolk/Norfolk borders in the village of Flixton with a village pub and the Aviation Museum a short stroll away. St Peter's Brewery is also within walking distance and Suffolk's coast is a short car ride away with beaches for lazy days and some of the country's top nature reserves. Short breaks offered all year round - an excellent choice for couples who enjoy walking, cycling, bird watching, exploring and relaxing. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
The Old Coach House has wide appeal, offering couples single level dog-friendly self-catering. Sitting on the Norfolk/Suffolk border in the village of Flixton (with village pub and Aviation Museum within strolling distance), this welcoming cottage for two provides the perfect base for exploring the many attractions of both Suffolk and Norfolk including the coast, nature reserves, Norwich and the nearby Norfolk Broads. Short breaks and longer holidays available all year round. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Perfect for couples looking for a weekend away or a longer holiday exploring East Anglia, this romantic Four Star Gold holiday home sleeps two guests and sits in the village of Flixton on the Suffolk/Norfolk borders. There is a village pub a short walk away as well as the popular Aviation Museum. St Peter's Brewery is also within walking distance and the lovely beaches and nature reserves of the Suffolk coastline are within easy reach by car. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Orchid Lodge is steps from the River Bure with fantastic views of the marina. The self-catering holiday cottage in Horning is ideal for couples and families who want to experience the best of the Broads, including from the water. There is loads of scope for walks and bike rides beside the river and through beautiful countryside and boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The waterfront Ferry Inn pub is within a short walk, as are shops, cafes and other amenities. Despite its conveniently central location, guests will enjoy the peace and tranquillity that can only come from being beside the water.
Sleeps 8 - A delightful cottage in the heart of the quaint riverside village of Horning, known as the Jewel of The Broads. Perfect base to explore the village and surrounding Broads. Deceivingly spacious inside with a great family feel.
This spacious Georgian holiday rental is in the lovely village of Winterton-on-Sea, one of North Norfolk's hidden gems, only a few miles from Yarmouth and about half an hour from Norwich. Church House sleeps 16 people in seven bedrooms and is only a moment's walk from the beach, pub, and village shop. Two of the rooms are perfect for families, and there is a games room and an outdoor hot tub to keep everyone happy in all weathers. It's an excellent place to host a self-catering holiday with friends and multi-generational families.
It would be hard to find a better located self-catering cottage in Norfolk than this fantastic property. Sleeping ten people in five bedrooms, it is just a few miles from the Norfolk Broads National Park, the Norfolk Coast and the historical city of Norwich. The accommodation is all on one level with guests having access to shared gardens and the private use of a heated swimming pool (May to Sept), as well as a private garden and patio with a seven-person hot tub. Country walks, sailing and fishing, leisurely cycles, days at the seaside, shopping, theatres and excellent food make this perfect for families and friends.
Sleeping up to eight guests in comfort, this large holiday home has a hot tub for relaxing and enjoys a lovely peaceful rural setting close to both the Norfolk coastline (four miles) and the Broads with its magical waterways. Ideal for a friends reunion or family holiday. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Riverside Cottage is a perfectly located waterfront holiday home situated directly on the river within two minutes walk of the centre of Wroxham, the 'capital of the Norfolk Broads'. Sleeping up to six adults plus two children with a 20% discount all year round for four or less guests, this welcoming holiday home is the perfect choice for couples, families and friends. Boat mooring and fishing on site. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Well positioned directly on the river in the popular Broadland village of Wroxham, this self catering cottage is just a two minute stroll from the many amenities that Wroxham has to offer. Sleeping up to six adults plus two children with a 20% discount all year round for up to four guests, Anchor Cottage is an ideal retreat all year round with boat mooring and fishing on-site. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Cosy in the winter months and sunny and bright in the summer through the fully glazed French doors into the garden, this lovely garden holiday cottage is in the charming village of Upton in the beautiful Norfolk Broads. The one-bedroom cottage is perfect for couples and individuals who want to explore the Broads and the Norfolk coast and countryside. There is a friendly, community-owned pub and a village shop within walking distance with more amenities, including regular buses and trains to Norwich, a few miles away in Acle. Great Yarmouth, Gorleston-on-Sea, Cromer and Holt are all within easy reach, with a great choice of attractions and amenities.
With a social open-plan living area adorned with beams and eco friendly principles (including an electric car charging point), The Old Piggery provides an excellent self-catering base for exploring both the Norfolk countryside and coast. Beautifully presented in a country chic style, this welcoming holiday home sits on the outskirts of East Ruston village with fabulous walks straight from the front door.
Spacious, dog-friendly self-catering holiday properties in North Norfolk are not always easy to find, which is why Running Hare Barn is such a treat. This beautifully renovated barn sleeps up to ten people in five bedrooms and has stunning views and a wealth of character. Not only does the barn go out of its way to welcome dogs at no extra cost, but the owners provide all the things they need to feel settled including throws, towels and dog bowls, whilst maintaining a high standard of accommodation for human guests too! The location on the outskirts of East Ruston is peacefully rural yet close to dog-friendly beaches and livestock-free footpaths. It can be booked together with the neighbouring property to sleep up to 16 people.
If you are searching for somewhere special for a romantic holiday in the countryside, then look no further than Partridge. This charming self-catering barn conversion offers guests 5-Star (Gold) accommodation in the heart of the Waveney Valley, with facilities including riverfront fishing from the surrounding farmland, a games barn, gym and an outdoor hot tub. Wheatacre Hall Barns are close to Beccles, The Broads and beaches like Great Yarmouth, Southwold and Lowestoft making them a perfect choice for a holiday. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
This romantic barn conversion is perfect for couples, providing a 5-Star Gold standard of luxury in a fantastic location on a working dairy and arable farm in the Waveney Valley. Pheasant is one of a collection of eight luxury Norfolk holiday cottages at Wheatacre Hall Barns, giving guests access to a wide variety of amenities that include a games barn, riverfront fishing and an outdoor hot tub. Beccles is a few miles away while Norfolk, The Broads and Great Yarmouth are all within half an hour's drive. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Sleeping up to six guests, Snipe affords fantastic amenities for your holiday that include riverfront fishing from the surrounding farmland, a games barn, outdoor hot tub and a gym. Unsurprisingly, it is no wonder couples, families and friends all love this luxury self-catering cottage at Wheatacre Hall Barns. The location in the Waveney Valley is close to Beccles and the Norfolk Broads National Park and within easy reach of Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Southwold. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
There is space for everyone including the dog at Wheatacre Hall Barns. This collection of eight luxurious Norfolk cottages is on a family-run arable and dairy farm where guests can explore the farm and even watch the cows being milked in the parlour. Facilities include riverfront fishing from the farmland, a games room and soft play area, lots of space to play outdoors and a sheltered outdoor hot tub, all in an idyllically rural location close to Beccles and The Broads, and just half an hour from Norwich and the coast at Great Yarmouth and Southwold. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Wheatacre Hall Barns have everything you need for an amazing family holiday. The eight luxurious barn conversions are on a family-run dairy and arable farm in the Waveney Valley, with riverfront access for fishing from the farmland, a games barn and soft play room, gym and outdoor hot tub as well as lots of space to roam and play freely. The holiday cottages sleep between two and seven people and are within walking distance of the Wheatacre White Lion pub. Beccles is just a few miles away, with Norwich, The Broads and the coast a relaxed half an hour's drive. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Popular towns in and around The Norfolk Broads:
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The whole area consists of seven rivers and 63 broads with most being under 13 feet deep. Thirteen of The Broads are fully navigable and open to tranquilly sailing down the peaceful rivers with serene countryside views and another 3 broad's have limited sailing. Spring and summertime represent the best periods for visiting The Broads as the green and luscious countryside combined with marshland fields, springy reeds and dense woodlands offer a calm journey through one of England's most beautiful routes.
Wildlife is present throughout the whole area. Many species are unique to The Broads and this includes the swallowtail butterfly that cannot be seen anywhere else in the country, in addition to a diverse range of birdlife such as ducks, black headed gulls and greylag and Canada geese that can all be spotted along the banks. With heathlands, wetlands, woodlands and coastal areas among the landscapes present along the extensive network of waterways, The Broads give rise to various ecosystems where certain wildlife can thrive. Rarer species such as the Chinese water deer and American mink can also be visible to lucky visitors at the right time of the year.
Sitting peacefully along the well-kept banks are numerous small towns and villages that boast a traditional and old age charm, including Burgh St Peter. Ranworth is home to St Helen's Church which is also known as the 'Cathedral of the Broads' and climbing to the top of the 16th century building will yield outstanding views of the surrounding area. The ancient village of Horning is possibly one of the most picturesque Broadland villages on the River Bure or head for the livelier village of Wroxham and Hoverton, the 'Capital of the Broads with a good range of shops and riverside pubs.
Aside from water based activities, there are also numerous cycling routes with the Sustrans National Cycle Network being the biggest that passes through the area. It makes use of forest tracks, old railway routes and quiet streets to provide endless miles of safe and enjoyable cycling paths.
The Broads are not just about boating. The area offers much more with small and traditional market towns, annual festivals and nearly two hundred miles of footpaths and trails through rolling countryside. Boating down The Broads is the most popular way to navigate around the blissful Norfolk countryside and it offers endless wildlife spotting opportunities with a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. The area is superb for a relaxing and leisurely break and while it may not be as active as other tourist spots, it provides serenity and a soothing aurora.
