Natural England - The Broads

The Broads

England's very special wetland, The Broads, is a National Park in every sense except name. Designated under its own Act of Parliament in 1989 this atmospheric landscape is a firm favourite for boating holidays and is still one of England's finest wildlife areas.

Five rivers flow through the Broads, making the area resemble the fingers of a giant hand. It is an "enchanted land" of mysterious fens, slow, winding waterways, wet, tangled woodlands, and acres of marshes.

Water and land seem to merge on these flood plains, which stretch from Norwich in the west to the sea at Great Yarmouth. It is hard to believe that the 40 or so broads are man-made - the flooded remains of peat-pits dug out in medieval times.

Many of the shallow, reed-fringed lakes are connected to the river, by dykes, providing safe, lock-free navigation for 201 km. The best way to see the Broads is undoubtedly by boat, and there are many options available including historic sailing boats called Wherries, almost silent electric day hire boats, and when the sun shines, visitors may also take a trip on the amazing solar powered mulithull "Ra".

Other popular activities include fishing, board-sailing, walking and birdwatching. Many miles of footpaths as well as wooden walkways over marshy ground lead to hides overlooking broads. Spectacular wildlife includes species such as Kingfishers, Marsh Harriers, a growing population of Bitterns, Swallowtail butterflies and the Norfolk Hawker dragonfly.

Residential holiday study courses are held at the How Hill Environmental Centre near Ludham.

Contact Information

Broads Authority
Dragonfly House, 2 Gilders Way, Norwich. NR3 1UB
Tel: 01603 610734 Fax: 01603 756069
Email:webenquiries@broads-authority.gov.uk

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