Spanning 125 miles of navigable waterways, holidaying doesn’t get much better than the Broads.
This fascinating wetland is one of East Anglia’s biggest pride and joys - home to tranquil waters, wide skies, and an abundance of wildlife.
It’s also one of the country’s most popular spots for a staycation. Here’s just a handful of the best places to stay if you’re planning a trip this year. For more inspiration check out visitthebroads.co.uk
Whitlingham Broad Campsite, Norwich
Just 2.5 miles away from Norwich city centre, this is a vast site, stretching over 80 acres of Whitlingham Country Park. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodation options, including simple camping pitches, bell tents, shepherds hurts, a yurt, a converted goods wagon, and kooky woodland dens.
Additional facilities include large family-friendly washrooms with showers and toilets, an outside washing up area, a play area, and a shop selling all the essentials you could need. Perfect for families – this campsite is dog-friendly, too.
While you’re there, you can enjoy all the stunning country park has to offer. Hire a canoe. Explore the scenery on foot. Have a picnic amongst the natural landscape. Or treat yourself to a pub lunch. One of the finalists of the East Anglian Tourism Awards, River Green Café (which is vegan), is close by and worth trying. To find out more, visit whitlinghambroadcampsite.com
Hippersons, Beccles
Unique is just one way to describe Hippersons' lovely little floating glamping pod, Secret Water. Looking out over the quay, with its own little tugboat (use this to row over to Fen Lane Deli for breakfast and cake), it was the first accommodation of its kind in the UK - and is perfect for families.
Dainty but amply kitted out, a Scandi/nautical theme carries through, with bright colours and fun finishing touches, such as whale tail hooks on the walls. The living/dining/kitchen space has a squishy leather couch and TV, and is equipped with all the essentials, plus a hob, microwave and small fridge.
“The shower/toilet is more generous in proportion than anything we’ve found on a regular boating holiday. And the bedrooms (a double and a bunk bed set-up) have been crafted to include giant port hole windows for spying on nature,” explains Charlotte Smith-Jarvis, who stayed there with her family.
“We like the little touches Hippersons have added. A pair of binoculars in the wardrobe. Books in the cupboards. Extra blankets for nippy evenings. And an awesome welcome basket filled with goodies from local shops – how could you resist a pick ‘n’ mix, or thickly coated chocolate biscuits from local chocolatier H&J?”
Hippersons hires out motorboats for visitors to explore the local area - but with so much on offer in Beccles, you probably won't want to travel too far. For the latest prices, go to hippersons.co.uk
Bond Island Windmill, Repps with Bastwick
Within easy reach of the coastline, this lovingly converted, 300-year-old windmill boasts panoramic views and certainly has a ‘license to thrill’. Themed around the iconic films, it has been furnished to reflect the Broads, and offers the ultimate getaway – perfect for families, couples, or groups.
Sleeping up to a maximum of seven, guests can enjoy 360-degree views of the wonderful Broadland scenery and wildlife. Why not while away the hours and relax in one of the windmill’s sunspots, enjoy dinner on one of the outside dining areas or bars, or take advantage of your very own private mooring by fishing from it or exploring the Broads by boat?
This windmill property is kitted out with all the mod cons you could ever need – including a fully-equipped industrial-style kitchen, a lounge/dining area, a large smart TV, an office/dressing room, two bathrooms, and three bedrooms. There’s even a wood burner and a telescope! To find out more, visit holidaycottages.co.uk
Cotenham Barn, Panxworth
With easy access to many nearby villages, Norwich city, and the North Norfolk coastline, Cotenham Barn makes for the perfect base for a short break or long holiday all year round.
Set among three acres of gardens with a large pond and woodland, there are many spaces for quiet contemplation. And you’re only a short walk along country lanes to Ranworth.
Visitors to Cotenham Barn can stay in either the family room, The Nook, the garden cottage, or the Long Barn (the latter of two which have their own hot tubs).
If you stay here, you’re guaranteed to see a plethora of wildlife. Guests have reported spotting buzzards, marsh harriers, and barn owls in the field next door, while the pond has played host to otters, kingfishers and little egret (alongside the resident moor hen and ducks). To enquire about prices and availability, visit cotenhambarn.co.uk
Wardley Hill Campsite, Bungay
Established in 2014, this award-winning, eco-friendly campsite is as off-the-grid as you can get – perfect for those who really want to get back to basics.
Spread across six acres, wildflowers and grass are left to grow, providing a natural habitat for insects and shrews who can be heard chatting away. This long grass surrounds lush, mown, unregimented camping spots for visitors to choose from – from secluded area, to large, more open spaces.
Also on-site are a woodland, a small stream, and three seasonal ponds. The car-free camping field is used exclusively for tents, while there is a camping field exclusively for campervans and vehicles with rooftop tents. For those looking for something a touch more glam, there are three locally-crafted huts to choose from, if you’re too posh to pitch: Hilda the shepherd’s hut, Hammock Hut, and Tinkers Hut.
Facilities include three composting toilets, a urinal, and two open-topped showers with hot water. Drinking water is provided across the site, campfires are allowed in fire drums, and dogs are welcome. What more could you want? To find out more, visit wardleyhillcampsite.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here