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
Enjoy a relaxing holiday in this lovely barn conversion, which is on a private estate with direct access to the beautiful River Waveney. The pretty market town of Bungay is about a mile away, while the Queen's Head pub in Earsham is even closer. There are footpaths and bike rides from the door, and the cottage is within easy reach of the Norfolk coast, Norwich and attractions like the Flint Vineyard and the Norfolk and Suffolk Railway. Dragonfly Cottage has a spacious bedroom for couples.
A private waterside holiday home on a small complex, ideally positioned in the heart of Wroxham on the Norfolk Broads directly alongside the River Bure. Magical waterways to explore and just 10 miles from Norfolk coastline and the City of Norwich. Excellent amenities within walking distance from Willow Reach Cottage.
In an enviable position, this large waterside holiday retreat is located in the beautiful Broadland village of Horning on the Norfolk Broads and is just a stones throw from the river's edge. Tracara affords lovely views over the river and is an ideal place for getting friends and family together for a relaxing break, celebratory weekend or just to use as a base for exploring the areas many attractions.
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.
Sunset Haven is a comfortable holiday cottage in the lively village of Hoveton in the Norfolk Broads. Sitting in an enviable position in a quiet backwater on the river, with its own private mooring, this is an excellent location for relaxing, enjoying a spot of fishing, bird watching, canoeing and sailing.
Kingfisher Lure is a riverside holiday cottage in the very heart of the Norfolk Broads in the popular village of Wroxham - an excellent location for fishing, sailing, bird watching and exploring both the magical waterways and areas many attractions.
Stylish and modern throughout, this beautifully presented detached waterside retreat is perfectly placed in the heart of Wroxham, one of the Norfolk Broad's most popular villages. Brightside is a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts, fishermen, walkers and those who enjoy being on or beside the water.
A stylish riverside holiday cottage in an enviable position in the very heart of the Norfolk Broads sitting within a private garden right on the bank of the River Bure in Wroxham. With miles of magical waterways to explore and being just ten miles from the Norfolk coastline and the City of Norwich, Sandringham Cottage is the perfect self-catering base for up to four guests from which to explore Norfolk. The private mooring and garden area make this the perfect location for those wishing to enjoy all that the Norfolk Broads has to offer from boating, kayaking, fishing in season to bird watching and photography or just relaxing and watching the world go by.
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
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
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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.
