Norfolk Broads boat trips - for fishing, relaxing and exploring
If you fancy booking boat holidays for a getaway with a difference, make sure you head to the Norfolk Broads. With 125 miles of navigable waterways, you will not be short of places to explore when on a trip here, especially if you are a keen angler.
However, the UK's largest nationally-protected wetland is not just all about fishing, and a boating break is ideal for everyone from couples on a romantic weekend to families with young children who want to spend some quality time together.
As your boat glides down the waterways, you can sit back, relax and watch the beautiful scenery pass by. When the time comes for you to moor up, you will not lack things to do and places to see.
One of the most popular activities on boating holidays on the Norfolk Broads is angling, and with plenty of interlocking lakes, rivers and coastline to choose from, you will not be short of locations to try your luck at.
It does not matter if members of your party are beginners to the activity, as there is such an abundance of aquatic life that even novices will soon feel a tug at their line. Pike, perch, chub, tench, bream and roach are just some of the species that call the Norfolk Broads home, so it is easy to see why it is a fisher's haven.
There are some things to remember before you settle down for a spot of angling, the first being what time of the year you take your river fishing breaks. June 16th to March 14th is the coarse fishing season, so keep this in mind when booking your holiday.
It is also essential you use the right kit for the type of fish you hope to catch. Ledgered worm is ideal when trying to hook eel, while frozen bait is best for pike. Don't worry if you are completely new to fishing - you will be able to hire equipment and everything will be explained to you. You do, however, need an Environment Agency angling license, so make sure you get your hands on one before climbing onboard your boat.
One of the other big draws for visitors to the Norfolk Broads is the varied wildlife, which you should keep in mind both when fishing and exploring the area. Chinese water deer, grey seals, hares and otters are some of the region's mammals, while keen birdwatchers should keep an eye out for the marsh harrier, kingfisher, great crested grebe and bittern.
Although it is tempting to remain on the Norfolk Broads, try and get out to the just-as-beautiful coastline. If you have little ones with you, they are bound to appreciate playing on the beach and splashing in the waves.
The Norfolk Broads is also popular with people on UK short breaks because of the market towns found here. Shopping in independent boutiques, sipping a coffee in the sun and enjoying a pub lunch are great ways to pass the time before you get back onboard your boat.
Woodbastwick is a tranquil village that boasts the Woodfordes Ales Brewery. You can take a guided tour and sample beverages along the way, while back in the fresh air, the medieval flint church with Norfolk thatching is a must-see.
The busier Wroxham should also be on your agenda when exploring the surrounding area. Children in your party will love the hands-on farmyard at Wroxham Barns, while avid shoppers will want to head to Roys, the largest village store in the country.
One of the best things to do in Wroxham, however, is simply walking down the river lined with thatched cottages, especially if you time your getaway with generous weather.
Although you will have already seen lots of stunning scenery, you can take in an especially spectacular view at the top of the four-storey Horsey Windpump. Located just a mile from Norfolk's coastline, the attraction is open for you to climb between March and October.
Wherever you disembark your boat on the Norfolk Broads, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. There are also several boat-building villages, where you can learn more about its cruising past.
