The City and The Broads

The City and The Broads

by Katie Thompson

Here in Norwich, city life and the natural world are all in one place. Did you know the City of Stories is part of the Broads National Park and so the only English city in a national park?

When you’re staying in Norwich, it’s an ideal day trip, whether you’re searching for on-the-water adventure or tranquility and relaxation. This is where you’ll find luscious greenery and breathtakingly calm bodies of water beneath big skies. Wildlife ducks and dives just moments away.

And it’s even easier when the Broads are so accessible. From walking distance from Norwich city centre to just a bus ride or train journey away, you don’t need to rely on driving. And then once you’re in the Broads themselves, you can’t go wrong with a boat trip!

The City and The Coast

How to Get Here

The Broads’ wetlands, home to thousands of birds and wildlife, are just a train journey away

Wherever you’re staying in our fine city, you can take the 5B bus from St Stephens Street, Castle Meadow or Prince of Wales Rd to Salhouse (in 45min), Wroxham and Horning (in 1hr), and Stalham (in 1hr 30). 

Or if you’d rather take the train, then Greater Anglia routes stop at Salhouse, Hoveton & Wroxham, Worstead and Acle. 

Broad Walks

The views of a walk in the Broads are unmatched

Get lost in the stunning scenery, meander along ancient waterways and uncover elusive wildlife- bring your binoculars! (For otter spotting, we suggest Barton Broad or Ranworth Marshes, both of which are accessible by boardwalk). There’s also plenty of heritage, including the Roman ruins of Burgh Castle, and a taste of traditional England with characterful villages like Horstead and Horning. 

Let’s start in Norwich. At UEA Broad (take the 25, 26 or 26A bus to get there), a circular walk will treat you to both art- as part of the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park, and wildlife- in early springtime listen out for baby kestrels nesting nearby! (We recommend RSPB Berney Marshes and Breydon Water for more birdwatching- you’ll find them in their tens of thousands!) 

Across the city, Whitlingham Country Park (a 2-mile walk from Norwich train station) has a lovely 2-mile circular route around the lake that’s perfect for walking and cycling. (If you want to try your hand at water sports, have a go at sailing, windsurfing and more at the adventure centre!) And for a refreshing treat afterwards, stop at Redwell Brewery– less than 1 mile away- for a locally brewed beer and slice of stone-baked pizza in their sun-drenched beer garden!  

Further into the Broads National Park, you’ll be spoilt for choice for walks and cycle paths- furry friends welcome! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful amble amid the spring-green reeds and constant hum of insects or ready for a reinvigorating walk in the fresh air, trails range from 1 mile to 3 and beyond.   

Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden boats 130 acres of wild and cultivated plants amid towering trees and rippling waters (adults £12, children £6.50). No matter when you visit, expect to be greeted by a rainbow of colour, whether snowdrops, primulas or rhododendrons, as well as grand king and queen oaks and 4 miles of woodland walks. (Plus, you can embrace wild swimming (April – October, Wednesday & Saturday, £12pp) or enjoy daily boat trips (April – October, adults from £7.50, children from £4.95) to the ancient ruins of St Benet’s Abbey at Fairhaven’s private broad.) 

At Salhouse Broad, you can walk a picturesque 3-mile route that takes you to Salhouse village, through the Norfolk countryside and around the 32-acre lake. This Broad is unusual in itself and well worth stopping off at. It’s a sandy spit and beach (perfect for a sunny picnic!) with boardwalks through woodland and fen. Before you leave, climb to the top of the hill for wonderful panoramic views!   

If you want to venture into Suffolk, start at Waveney River Centre and head south towards Oulton Broad (a 45 – 60min walk) or follow the circular route back through Carlton Marshes, stopping for a bite of local produce once you’re done. 

On the Water

What’s a trip to The Broads without a boat trip?

Just like seeing the seals on the Norfolk coast, what would a visit to the Broads be without a river cruise? There are loads of options to choose from, including wheelchair accessible trips from Hoveton and Neatishead. Don’t forget to plan in advance- booking is essential.   

With the Norfolk Wildlife Trust (celebrating its centenary in 2026!), you can take guided boat trips at Hickling and Ranworth Broads (April – October, times and prices vary) into the heart of their wild surroundings to explore hidden corners rich with natural treasures. 

Meanwhile, Wroxham (known as the ‘Capital of The Broads’) is the hub of boating. Be your own captain for the day or sit back and relax as you’re taken to Hickling Broad and beneath the medieval bridge at Potter Heigham. It’s a haven for wildlife, particularly migrating and wading birds, as well as a breeding habitat for the rare Norfolk hawker dragonfly and striking swallowtail butterfly. 

Elsewhere, Coltishall (just northeast of Norwich) is great for water sports along the River Bure, such as paddleboarding and canoeing. And the village’s idyllic country house hotel The Norfolk Mead lets you hire their 6-seater cruiser for a luxurious escape on the waterways!  

A more unusual way of seeing Norfolk from the water, Reedham’s historic chain ferry will take you across the River Yare in your car, perfect for making memories on a day trip into the southern Broads National Park (car from £4.80, cyclists £1, pedestrians £0.50).  

Or if you want to start in Norwich, we suggest a day trip with Bishy Barney Boats from Thorpe Green (from £25 for 1 hour for 4 passengers). Motor along in their distinctive red crafts and head east, where the edges of our medieval city meet the fringes of the Broads. Whilst keeping your eyes peeled for the elusive kingfisher, admire quaint waterside properties, verdant fields and wetland birds dipping in and out of the river. Along the way, stop for a waterside lunch at Thorpe Ferry Cafe or pubs in Bramerton and Surlingham before making your way back.

Attractions

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is always awash with colourful flowers

We know you’ll be tempted to visit the Broads again and again, so no matter who you’re visiting with there’s plenty to see and do. 

For multi-generational trips, we recommend Bure Valley Railway (adults from £15, children from £7.50, under 4s FREE), a nostalgia-filled steam journey through yellow fields, and Wroxham Miniature Worlds (adults £13.95, children £10.95), where sprawling layouts come to life with model trains, cars, LEGO and more.  

If you’re visiting as a young family, you can’t go wrong with the magic of BeWILDerwood (Almost WILD from £20.95, BeWILD NOW from £22.95, Still WILD from £17.95), a land of Boggles and Twiggles ready for jumping and swinging your way through mazes, treehouses, and zip wires. Or for history buffs, Paul Dickson’s half-day guided walking tours (from £18pp) will let you onto secrets and stories of trading, railways, churches and more.