Norfolk Broads
About The Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads is an area of interconnected lakes and rivers in
Eastern England. There are over 150 miles of navigable, lock free waterways
and many other non connected waterways as well. The Norfolk Broads is
a popular holiday destination.
If you like boats, you will love the Norfolk Broads!
The word "Broad" is the Norfolk word for Lake.
The word "staithe" is the old Norfolk word for a landing
stage. Most Norfolk villages have one or more staithes. You can moor
at many of them and they usually give access to a road, or at least
to a pub.
During the 19th Century the rivers and broads were mainly used for
the transporting of heavy loads. As the railways increased in the 1870's
the commercial use of the waterways began to decline.
During this time well-to-do Victorians and Edwardians found that using
the Norfolk Broads for recreation was great fun. There were naturalists
too, who were attracted by the wide variety of wildlife and many young
people looking for a holiday with a difference. The holiday afloat was
born. For a while the holiday makers and commercial boats travelled
side by side but slowly the trade for the traditional wherries dwindled.
The holds were swept, hammocks slung and passengers became the new cargo.
Today travelling by boat gives a perfect opportunity to relax, unwind
and soak up the atmosphere of beautiful Broadland.
What could be better than waking up to the sound of water lapping against
the stern or moor hens stirring in the rushes?
While exploring the area by boat you can visit many beautiful villages,
stop at excellent riverside pubs for good food and real ale or just
while away the hours watching the magnificent wildlife until the sun
goes down.
Visiting the Broads by boat is a most enjoyable, exciting and leisurely
way to spend a holiday. Yachts, launches and pleasure cruisers can be
hired by the hour, day or week from riverside boat yards.
Norfolk Broads - River Bure:
The River Bure is the birthplace of Broads cruising. Here you will
find some of the prettiest parts of the region, unspoilt in their scenic
beauty for centuries. Wood lined banks, valleys and open land roll southwards
towards the action packed seaside resort of Great Yarmouth. Head upstream
from Wroxham through woodland until Belaugh where the river meanders
through a shallow valley to Coltishall and its lovely green. Cruise
downstream and explore the quiet open waters of Wroxham Broad, Salhouse
Broad, Blackhorse Broad and Malthouse Broad.
Norfolk Broads - River Ant:
The intimate Broads river, quieter and less developed. Initially reedland,
it opens up into the lovely Barton Broad to provide a varied and beautiful
landscape. Narrower than the other rivers, it has a friendly charm with
sun-dappled water and exciting places to explore.
Norfolk Broads - River Thurne:
This river provides the popular image of the Broads with vast expanses
of water and sky, the horizon punctuated only by churches and derelict
windpumps. Relax and enjoy the magnificent panorama as you journey towards
the coast.
Norfolk Broads - River Waveney:
Forming the border between Suffolk and Norfolk, the winding Waveney
is the least typical of the Broadland rivers in its upper reaches. It
meanders across a flood plain, through the pretty village of Beccles,
where the river laps at the waterfront before heading to Oulton Broad.
Oulton Broad: (into Suffolk):
Oulton Broad is a lively place with shops, restaurants and pubs nearby.
Nicholas Everitt Park is on the very edge of the Broad. There are tennis
courts, a putting green, children's playground, boating lake and open-air
swimming pool.
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