If you want to experience the freedom of UK sailing holidays in peaceful, natural surroundings, a break on the Norfolk Broads could be just the thing for you.
Britain’s largest protected wetlands, the Broads have a square area of 303 kilometers and are made up of a series of rivers and lakes. Some 200 square kilometers of this total area are navigable, including 63 widths and seven rivers.
Taking a boat break is a nice way to see the UK from a new point of view and enjoy the wide open space, as well as the flora and fauna that inhabit it. Boating holidays are also a great way to relax, as you can sail at a leisurely pace and enjoy the freedom of being able to indulge yourself instead of meeting check-in times at hotels or sleeping in noisy places in cities.
Known as ‘Britain’s magical waters’, the Broads have been popular with boaters since 1878 and attract thousands of people each year to their calm waters. Some of the broads are as small as ponds, while others are as large as lakes, and most lie in the northern half of Broadland. Here you’ll also find the Bure, Ant, and Thurne rivers, while the central and southern sections include the Waveney, Yare, and Chet rivers.
In all, 13 of the wide ones are fully navigable, while others have channels running through them that you can traverse. And the waterways will take you to all kinds of interesting places if you want to go sightseeing.
Follow the River Bure to reach Great Yarmouth, Acle, Wroxham and Caister on Sea, while the River Thurne will take you to Ludham and the River Waveney to Bungay, Beccles and Lowestoft in Suffolk.
If you choose to cruise the River Chet during a Norfolk Broads boat holiday, you can visit Loddon and Reedham or a trip along the Yare will take you to Brundall and Norwich.
To enjoy these sights, as well as the region’s many market towns and villages, you may need to stay for a couple of weeks, but if you don’t have that much time, there is still plenty to see and do.
Perhaps you are interested in making the most of the natural environment that is contemplated here and, if so, stretching your legs and taking a walk or excursion. The Broads are popular for their many walking trails, so follow one to enjoy the beauty of the area, as well as the wildlife if you’re lucky, as the lochs are home to swallowtail butterflies and bitterns.
Many of the paths follow disused old railway lines and are suitable for family outings because there is little to no traffic. Footpaths include Angles Way, Peddars Way, Weavers Way and Wherrymans Way, as well as numerous loop routes.
If you choose to follow the Weavers Way, from Stalham to Thurne, you will pass through Hickling Broad Nature Reserve. This is the largest body of water found on the Broads and you may want to book a boat ride to visit the calm backwaters and the 60 foot tree tower.
Another section of the Weavers Way runs through marshes from Halvergate to Great Yarmouth. The marshes are maintained as traditional grazing meadows and it is advisable to bring your wellies as the path can be quite muddy.
Once you arrive in Great Yarmouth, you’ll find the resort ideal for a day trip to the beach, and the area also has attractions such as attractions and museums.
There are also beautiful gardens to enjoy around the Broads, perfect if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy picturesque and peaceful surroundings. Be sure to visit the charming Raveningham Gardens in Reedham to enjoy the 18th century walled kitchen garden, Victorian conservatory, Edwardian rose garden and herb garden, all maintained by Sir Nicholas and Lady Bacon.
England sailing holidays in the region are also a great way to see beautiful stately homes, with Sandringham House and Blickling Hall nearby. Sandrigham is the queen’s private Norfolk residence and has been home to four generations of British monarchs since 1862. See the impressive interior and museum here before touring the manicured gardens.
Blickling Hall, meanwhile, can be found near the market town of Aylsham and is built on the site of the birthplace of Henry VIII’s wife, Ann Boleyn, the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. If you poke around the grounds, you’ll discover a sparkling lake and a hidden pyramid.
To see all of these sights and attractions firsthand, as well as many more, book your getaway to the Broads today!