The Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads are located in Norfolk and north Suffolk in the east of England. They cover an area of over 180 square miles with more than 125 miles of navigable waterways. The Broads consist of 3 main rivers: the Yare, Waveney, and Bure, plus their tributaries, the Ant, Thurne, Chet and Wensum. All of the rivers converge at Great Yarmouth on their way to the sea.

In Medieval times these rivers were used to transport peat to the various towns and villages that lined the waterways. The peat was dug from the surrounding marshland, forming huge pits – which naturally flooded to create what we now know as Broads.

Broadland holidays became popular in the early 20th century. The simple pleasures of bird watching, fishing, fresh air, peace and quiet, friendly waterside hostelries, and messing about in boats are little changed to this day.

Our favourite places in Broadland

The staff at Topcraft live and work in Broadland, but this doesn’t dim our enthusiasm for the area. Away from the crowds and bustle of the north rivers around Wroxham and Potter Heigham, here are just a few of the places that we enjoy most.

Rockland Broad, chosen by Jim

The southern Broads are all about peace and tranquility. Rockland is the epitome of this. Connected to the main river by two dykes, the broad is a haven for wildlife and the perfect spot for bird watching. It is bordered by the Ted Ellis Nature Reserve. Mooring is at Rockland Staithe where the New Inn will provide food and real ales. See Rockland on map

Norwich, chosen by Anne

A fine city indeed, the yacht station in Norwich is situated close to the grounds of the 11th century Cathedral from where it is just a short walk to the city centre. Norwich is said to have once offered the visitor 365 pubs and 52 churches; the numbers may have changed in recent years but you’ll still find plenty here to divert you. The riverside can be lively in the evenings, so you may prefer to moor overnight just outside the city. See Norwich Yacht Station on map

Geldeston Locks, chosen by Paul

After a gentle cruise from Beccles, Geldeston Locks holds the promise of a fantastic old-world pub with some great food and beer. It is extremely popular with locals and frequently has live music (mostly jazz and folk) at the weekends. See Geldeston Locks on map

Surlingham, chosen by Mark

The broad at Surlingham is actually made up of a series of shallow waterways just to the south of a bend in the river Yare. Most of it is not navigable by cruiser but can be explored by dinghy. The area is known as the ‘wherry graveyard’ as 13 of the graceful old vessels were sunk here. See Surlingham on map

Somerleyton, chosen by Diana

There is a wonderful country estate with house and gardens (including a maze) at Somerleyton. It’s a bit of a walk from the moorings on the river but well worth it. A very nice dinner can also be had at the Duke’s Head. See Somerleyton on map

Loddon, chosen by Linda

A short walk from the moorings on the river Chet through Loddon's Holy Trinity Cemetery will bring you to the heart of the village which is designated as a conservation area for its architecture. See Loddon on map

Salhouse Broad, chosen by Simon

Drop the mud weight and absorb the perfect Broadland experience. This privately owned broad is home to dragonflies, swallowtail butterflies and the occasional black swan. See Salhouse Broad on map

Beccles, chosen by Richard

After an easy cruise along the wide, quiet river Waveney the picturesque old town of Beccles should be the first stop on any holiday from Topcraft. With several good pubs and restaurants, a supermarket just by the yacht station and an open air swimming pool it has pretty much everything! See Beccles on map