The Broads

The Norfolk Broads are a series of rivers and lakes in the Norfolk and Suffolk counties of England. Much of the broads and surrounding waterways have been designated as UK nature reserves, which protect these areas from development and commercial projects that will deteriorate the natural habitat.
For a long time, people thought the Broads were natural features of the land. It has only been recently proven that the broads were artificial features, dating back to the early middle-ages. They are the result of the large pits and holes dug out during ancient peat excavation in the Norfolk area becoming filled with water. The dense Norfolk Reed beds that line the vast stretches of the Broads are a favourite material for use in lining thatched roofs

The area totals about 300 square kilometers, with about 200 kilometers of waterway, which can be navigated by small boats and personal watercraft. The area contains around fifty broads and riverways, most with a depth of less than twelve feet. Not all of these broads are open for navigation, and only about a dozen have channels that are able to accept boating craft easily. Some of the broads are not suitable or open for boating use during the winter or autumn seasons.

Cruising the Norfolk Broads on a self drive River Boat is one of the best ways to explore the beauty of the Norfolk landscape. River Cruiser boat hire holidays are available from various points along the Norfolk Broads and nearby waterways. Boatyards along the Broads offer various sizes and types of hire boat, sailing boats and river cruiser boats for you to rent and self drive. Without doubt hiring your own holiday boat is one of the best ways to enjoy fishing the Broads, self drive boat hire allows you to explore the river and find the best fishing swims. As well as excellent fishing on the Norfolk Broads boating can provide some of the best views of the Norfolk sights and the freedom to enjoy your holiday at your own pace. River boat cruising routes on the River Bure take in areas such as Hickling, Oulton Broad, Wroxham, Breydon Water, Reedham, Acle, Horning, Potter Heigham, Norwich, Loddon and Brundall.

If you are in the Norfolk area, you should really visit the Norfolk Broads and enjoy some of the surrounding river bank and forest nature walks. There are many places along the Broads that hire rowing boats for fishing and power boats making the Norfolk Broads fun for the whole family!