Flat, wide, and full of sky — a slow and tranquil landscape of rivers, broads, and quiet nature reserves.
The Broads National Park spans across Norfolk and Suffolk, a unique patchwork of reed-fringed waterways, grazing marshes, and historic windpumps. The northern half, known as the Norfolk Broads, is especially rich in walking opportunities, while the southern Suffolk Broads offers quieter, lesser-known routes along rivers like the Waveney and the Yare. Together, they form a nationally protected wetland landscape that blends open water, wild fen, and traditional riverside communities.
While boating holidays made the Broads famous, this is also one of England’s gentlest landscapes for self-guided walking. From Wroxham to Hickling, Horning to Horsey, Oulton Broad to Beccles, you’ll find low-level routes winding through wetland fen, quiet lanes between broadland hamlets, and expansive views across open water. The pace here is unhurried — perfect for birdwatching, photography, and the quiet joy of just putting one foot in front of the other.
Let the water guide your way.
A long-distance trail running through the heart of the Norfolk Broads, with gentle paths linking villages like North Walsham, Hickling, and Acle via disused railways and riverbanks.
A haven for wildlife and home to Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s largest reserve — walk boardwalks through reedbeds and catch sight of marsh harriers, cranes, or the elusive bittern.
Wander through wet woodland to a floating wildlife centre, then climb the church tower for panoramic views across the Broads.
A riverside trail connecting two of the Broads’ most characterful villages, passing moored boats, open water, and hidden nature spots.
A scenic walk from the restored National Trust windpump to the North Sea dunes — famous for its winter seal colony and wide, windswept skies.
Yes. While best known for boating, the Broads also offers excellent self-guided walking opportunities, with riverside trails, circular routes through nature reserves, and quiet country paths linking reedbeds, woodland, and waterside villages.
Absolutely. The Broads has a growing network of waymarked walking trails, including long-distance routes like the Weavers’ Way and Wherryman’s Way. Nature reserves such as Hickling Broad and Ranworth Broad also have walking paths and boardwalks perfect for independent exploration.
Yes. There are loops starting from villages like Horning, Ludham, and Ranworth, as well as wetland circuits near Hickling and Surlingham. These vary in length and offer peaceful ways to explore by land.
There are riverside cottages, B&Bs, country inns, and small hotels across the Broads, many located in or near villages with access to trails and reserves — ideal for a car-free walking break.
The Broads offers a unique mix of waterways, wildlife, and quiet landscapes, perfect for slow exploration. With peaceful walking routes, birdwatching opportunities, traditional pubs, and charming villages, it’s an ideal destination for nature-minded, independent travellers.
