What Are The Norfolk Broads?
The Norfolk Broads are a series of rivers and broads (lakes), most of which are navigable. The square area of the Norfolk Broads totals 303 kilometres, most of this is in the County of Norfolk, and just over 200 square kilometres of these waterways are navigable, covering seven rivers and 63 Broads. The depth of these waterways is usually less than 4 metres deep. Thirteen of the broads are completely navigable whilst three others have channels open to navigation running through them.
The Broads range from small ponds through the large areas such as Hickling, Barton and Breydon. The majority are located in the northern half of Broadland which encompass the Rivers, Bure, Ant and Thurne. Central and Southern parts of Broadland encompass the Rivers Waveney, Yare and Chet, however all the waterways are tidal but the effect of the tide decreases the further away from the coast until reaches upstream from Barton Broad are almost non tidal.
All the Broads are either on or situated adjacent to the rivers.
Explore The Broads
The Broads have always been a boating destination. This started way back in 1878 when you could hire sail boats from John Loynes or Harry Blake. As rail was the main form of transport, you could travel from London to Norfolk very easily. Today, tourists from all over the world visit the Norfolk Broads to have fantastic holidays on a hire boat or to sample some delicious food from one of the many waterside pubs and restaurants.
The Norfolk Broads have been coined ‘Britain’s Magical Waterland’ which represents the mystic beauty of the rivers, with the fun and adventure that the whole family can enjoy whilst on a holiday on the Broads. However, the Broads are not all about staying on a boat. There is a wide range of self catering cottages and delightful bed and breakfasts to tempt the discerning. There are also some larger hotels, for those who want a base to explore from. For the family there are many walking and cycling routes that follow the rivers through beautiful countryside and landscapes. The unspoiled villages and market towns give the adults a place to sample local food and good beer.
