The Broads

The Broads differs from most other UK National Parks, being a lowland and water based protected area (and not strictly a National Park), whose main activities are boating and to a less extent cycling, with therefore less opportunities for walking. This is, however, excellent cycling country, with networks of quiet lanes and many opportunities for cycle hire from larger villages and tourist centres.

Getting to and around the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads

The Broads are just under 2 hours by train from London. One Railway operate InterCity ½ hourly services between Norwich and London Liverpool Street with local connecting services within East Anglia  (there are also connecting services from the Midlands, North of England and Scotland via Peterborough).

Access is most easily achieved by rail along the Wherry line, from Norwich to Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth, with Berney Arms being distinguished as the lowest station in Britain (below sea level) and served only by water and rail - it is also an attractive walk from Great Yarmouth. Beccles is another important centre on the rail network, whilst bus routes radiating out of Lowestoft, Norwich and Great Yarmouth routes provide at least basic service between villages and nearby market towns. Other local Broads stations include: Acle, Beccles, Berney Arms, Brundall, Brundall Gardens, Buckenham, Cantley, Great Yarmouth, Haddiscoe, Hoveton and Wroxham, Lingwood, Lowestoft, Oulton Broad, Reedham, Salhouse, Somerleyton, Worstead.

Broads Authority Information or tel: 01603 610734

Public Transport Information: (Norfolk) 0500 626116 (Suffolk) 0635 583358

Leisure Tickets: Sunday Rover Ticket £5 for adults, £4 for Senior Citizens, £3 for children, £10 for families - valid on all buses on Sundays in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Timetables: Leaflets for individual services (free of charge) - phone the above number. There is also a Suffolk Sunday Bus book with details of Sunday services in the County - free from local Tourist Information Centres or by phoning the Suffolk enquiry line.

Best places to stay without a car: Norwich, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth

Photo credits: All photos courtesy of Chris Wood, except the "Broads Hopper" bus by Norfolk County Council.