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Norfolk Broads Holiday Cottages
These rental companies have been arranged in ascending order according to the amount of Norfolk Broads holiday cottages. All provide a wide, varied range of cottages and self catering accommodation, in Norfolk and the Broads region. Visit the sites for more detailed information about the latest deals.
Cottages 4 You - Over
90 Norfolk Broads holiday cottages and a further 400 in the Norfolk region. Their cottage properties can be found all over the county in places like Stalham, Hoveton and Horning. Two-person discounts are offered on a number of cottages - bookings start at £300.
Independent Cottages -
11 Norfolk Broads cottages provided by Independent Cottages. Many of them can accommodate pets, although smokers are not permitted for any. A good number of their cottage properties enjoy river settings with booking ranging between £225 to £1230.
Holiday Rentals - 10 Norfolk Broads cottage properties in Wroxham, Horning and other picturesque locations. See their user reviews, which feature unbiased accounts of a range of their self catering properties. Bookings begin at around £295 for off-peak short breaks.
Hoseasons - A good range of cottages near or on the Norfolk Broads. They offer a varied selection ranging from farmhouses to modern stable conversions. Prices are between £230 and £870 for week-long breaks although this tends to vary according to the time of year.
Norfolk Broads
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.
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.
Norfolk Broads visitor attractions
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).
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.
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.
