The Broads

beautiful, idyllic - wonderful

Click here to view 'Visiting the Broads' video.

Click here to view 'Enjoy the Broads' video.

History of the Broads

The Broads we see today are the result of medieval peat diggings between the 9th and 13th centuries. The peat was used as fuel for heating and cooking. Over the centuries, as water levels rose, the diggings flooded and The Broads were formed. The waterways of The Broads were important routes for transporting cargo between local villages and towns.

Visitors have been coming to The Broads for boating holidays since the 1890’s. The Victorians discovered the appeal of sailing through the enchanting waterways of The Norfolk Broads when, for an extra pound you could hire an onboard piano for a week! Today over a million people visit or enjoy a break on The Norfolk Broads every year.