Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads is a network of navigable rivers, dykes and shallow lakes covering around 300 square kilometres of east Norfolk and north Suffolk. The Broads were created by medieval peat digging that flooded over centuries to form the current landscape – a fact discovered only in the 1960s, before which their origin was thought to be entirely natural. The result is a landscape of flat wetland, reed beds, windmills and grazing marshes that is unique in the UK.

For van travellers, the Broads works best as a base for day boat hire or cycling rather than a driving destination – the roads are largely peripheral to the water, and much of the best landscape is only accessible from the river. Day boats available from Wroxham, Potter Heigham and several other bases give access to the network without needing a mooring. The Broads cycling routes follow quiet roads and traffic-free paths through the marshes.

Wildlife is exceptional throughout – bitterns, marsh harriers, bearded tits and swallowtail butterflies are all found here and in few other places in Britain. The RSPB reserve at Strumpshaw Fen and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserves at Hickling Broad and Barton Broad are among the best sites. The reed bed habitats at Ranworth and Horning give excellent access on foot.

Overnight options include a good range of campsites around the Broads and in the surrounding villages. The Broads Authority website lists moorings suitable for overnight boat use, which is relevant if you are combining a van trip with any time on the water.