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Norfolk Broads Holiday Cottages

The Norfolk Broads are located within the triangle of Norwich, Lowestoft and Sea Palling. It consists of around 200 miles of linked rivers and waterways that are well-suited to sailing and boat cruising. Norfolk Broads holiday cottages are hugely popular with holiday-goers - see the featured property below and follow the link for Norfolk Broads cottages, from the UKs most successful cottage rental agents, Cottages 4 You.

It was thought that the Broads were formed by glaciers millions of years ago but research has now shown that they are the result of man-made diggings for peat and turf. This practice is recalled in the village of Barton Turf.

The Broads can only truly be appreciated by hiring a boat and using its waterways to explore the unique region - many of the channels are actually set below the surrounding countryside. Boats can be hired from a selection of Broads towns such as Wroxham and Horning.

The area also has reminders of a Norman past in the form of 14th century churches such as Rollesby church and St Michael's of Beccles. These old towns, fringed by boats and waterways have a real charm to them. See below for one of Cottages 4 You featured Norfolk Broads holiday cottages.

Rent Norfolk Broads Holiday Cottages with Cottages 4 You

Norfolk Broads self catering attractions and amenities

This section provides information about the best visitor attractions, historical landmarks, pubs and restaurants in the Norfolk Broads region. Admission, opening times and locational details are also provided where possible.

Outdoor Activities
The Broads offer a rich array of activities both on land and water. Boats are available for hire from a selection of companies in Wroxham, Norwich and Stalham. Some of the best include Barnes Brinkcraft, Broads Tours and Scenic Broads. There's also a selection of parks and activity centres such as Banham Zoo with its lions and tigers, the tree-top adventure playground Bewilderwood and a Dinosaur Adventure Park, recently voted Top Norfolk Attraction.

Petrol heads should visit the Anglia Karting Centre which features a 1030 metre outdoor go-karting track - opening hours are 10.30am to 4.00pm. Cycling offers a cheaper alternative for exploring the Broads and there are a number of hire companies scattered around including Broadland Cycle Hire (Hoveton), Huff and Puff Cycle Hire (Wells-next-to-the-sea) and Bike Art (Brandon).

Butchers Inn

Food and drink
Lavender House Restaurant is among the top eateries in the Broads. Located in Brundall and part of a 16th century cottage, the Lavender has a traditional interior that has been complimented by recent refurbishment. It specialises in contemporary British cuisine, sourced from local suppliers - the fixed menu is affordable and features imaginative dishes. Families are welcome.

Brummels Seafood Restaurant in Norwich is also noteworthy and fuses British and International styles to form a varied and original menu. Non-fish meals are also offered as an alternative. Good pubs include the Fisherman's Return (Winterton-on-Sea), the Butchers Arms (East Ruston) and the Fur and Feather Inn (Woodbastwick), which features three bar areas and is a popular destination for cask ale enthusiasts.

Salt House Church

Historyand Culture
There are a number of major historical attractions in the region. Salthouse Church in North Norfolk is a fine example and is one of the most impressive of its kind in the UK. This Grade I listed building which dates back to the 16th century is noted for its impressive interior that features a distinctive stain-glassed window - it also hosts a selection of art exhibitions throughout the year - opening hours are 10am - 5.30pm.

St John the Baptist Cathedral is another important historical site and is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Dominating the Norwich skyline, it features elaborate stone carvings, Frosterley Marble and some of the finest stained glass windows in Europe. The cathedral is open every day from 7.30am to 7.30pm and entrance is free. Tours of its tower are available for just £3 but bookings should be made in advance. Other historical sites of note include the Waxham Great Barn and St Andrew's and Blackfriars Hall in Norwich which was built in the 14th century.