Free things to do

Whatever you enjoy, the Broads is full of great free things to do!

We asked Broads Authority colleagues for some of their favourites, with no special equipment needed, so here are suggestions from people working in planning, communications, operations, education, and our ranger and volunteer services.

Depending on where you are and where you want to go, you’ll obviously probably need to travel by some means to reach these, on foot, by bike, by train, by bus, by water or by car, and you may need to pay for mooring or parking. But apart from that – these places to visit and things to do are all free! Some places may ask for or appreciate a donation.

For climbers

Climb the tower at the cathedral of the Broads – that’s St Helen’s Church at Ranworth. Take in the amazing view towards the coast, making this one for photographers too. You’ll need to negotiate 89 uneven steps, two ladders and a heavy trapdoor – but it’s worth it! You’ll get a marsh harrier’s-eye view of the Broads – can you spot boats sailing on the rivers Ant and Thurne?
ranworthchurch.com

For boardwalkers

Barton Broad Boardwalk is one of the best. It offers many contrasts, disappearing into mysterious dark and swampy wet woodland, known as carr woodland, before emerging to a huge expanse of water, the second largest of the broads. Start from the car park on Long Road, Irstead or from the car park for disabled visitors, which is at the start of the boardwalk on Irstead Road, Irstead.
norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

For naturalists

Visit Wheatfen, formerly the home of Ted Ellis, naturalist, writer and broadcaster. Writing about the East Anglian countryside he said: ‘Let us remain a breathing space for the cure of souls.’ The dykes at Wheatfen are full of dragonflies, damselflies, frogs and small fish. Swallowtail butterflies and Norfolk hawker dragonflies also live there. The reserve is a typical freshwater wetland, and the paths take you close to the river and two small broads, as well as through mysterious woodland.
wheatfen.org

For gourmets

Do you enjoy fresh, seasonal, local produce? If so, what could be better than foraging? Searching hedgerows for juicy blackberries in late summer and early autumn is perhaps the most familiar foraging activity, but elderflowers and their berries, wild garlic, common nettle, crab-apples, sloes, sweet chestnuts and fungi are just some of the easy but rich pickings to be had. Please remember to follow safety guidelines and respect ownership.
woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/things-to-do/foraging

For time travellers

Burgh Castle Fort is one of the most impressive Roman buildings to survive anywhere in Britain. Dating from the third century, it was one of the chain of Saxon Shore forts, built to defend the coast of south-east England. Burgh Castle overlooks Breydon Water, which in Roman times was the Great Estuary, when the sea came much further inland. Explore this accessible site and enjoy one of the best views in the Broads over the rivers Waveney and Yare, and Halvergate Marshes.
norfarchtrust.org.uk

For boating spectators

The 3 Rivers Race, taking in the Bure, Ant and Thurne, is a Broads tradition dating back to 1961. It’s organised each year by Horning Sailing Club and takes place over 24 hours, Saturday-Sunday 30-31 May this year, with many competitors sailing through the night. One of the best places to watch the fun and the skill is the old bridge at Potter Heigham or try the moorings at Acle Bridge. If you miss the 3RR there are many other races and regattas – the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association’s Green Book site has all the details.
3rr.uk
thegreenbook.org.uk

For art lovers

The Broads landscape has inspired many artists of all kinds – and it still does. Some of the best known are the painters of the early 19th century Norwich School of Artists, such as John Crome, who were part of the wider development of landscape painting at the time, exemplified by Constable (who painted what is now Dedham Vale National Landscape on the Suffolk-Essex border) and Turner. You can still see the landscapes that inspired Norwich School artists and if you’d like to see contemporary local art in all media ‘open studios’ events are perfect for you. 
northnorfolkstudios.co.uk
suffolkopenstudios.org

For detectives

Try geocaching. All you need to get started on this treasure hunting is a suitable phone (or GPS device if you have one). Go to geocaching.com to create a free account, choose the geocache you want to find, then make your way to its location. Some are linked together to take you on a circular walk and some take you to hidden places that you might never discover by yourself.

For navigators

Whitlingham Country Park has orienteering courses that are suitable for children and adults, and they offer something for everyone, from absolute beginners who just want to have fun, to experienced orienteers. The aim is to visit all points marked on a map, deciding on the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. Go at your own pace, walking or running, and along the way you’ll learn how to read maps and navigate. The only equipment you need is a pen or pencil.
whitlinghamcountrypark.com

For stargazers

These are all good places for stargazing: How Hill National Nature Reserve near Ludham, Catfield, Horsey Windpump, West Somerton, Thurne Mill, St Benet’s Abbey Moorings, Geldeston Lock, Beccles Marsh Trail and Herringfleet Mill. Salhouse Broad is another great place to try it - read more about Salhouse in the Broadcaster article on the Broads Society. If you have binoculars, they’ll help you see more. Please take extra care after dark, especially near water.  
norwichastro.org.uk

For beach enthusiasts

The Broads is very close to the Suffolk coast at Lowestoft and the Norfolk coast at Great Yarmouth, and actually adjoins the Norfolk coast at Horsey, where it overlaps with the Norfolk Coast National Landscape. Horsey and close-by Winterton offer a wilder experience, with sand dunes, heathland, wildlife and lots of walking opportunities.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/horsey-windpump
wintertononsea.co.uk

Please see these websites for guidance about seals, adders and dogs. And please take care in or near the sea – this part of the coast can be particularly dangerous.
friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk
gov.uk/government/publications/norfolks-national-nature-reserves
rospa.com/water-safety/water-safety-code

For history seekers

If you like to seek out the history and the stories woven into landscapes, building and boats all around you, you'll be sure to enjoy Heritage Open Days.

For racegoers

Watch the Great Norwich Duck Race, organised by the 1st Norwich Sea Scouts and taking place on Sunday 12 July on the River Wensum. To find out more go to sites.google.com/site/1stnorwichseascouts

For explorers

Would you like to visit hidden away parts of the Broads? Would you like more fresh air and exercise, with new activities to try? Would you like to make new friends and do something to help others? If the answer’s ‘yes’ to any or all of these – what about joining our volunteers? You don’t need to make a commitment straightaway – we organise ‘volunteer action days’ so you can have a go and see if it’s for you. If time is short but you’d still like to be involved, we can also suggest ‘microvolunteering’ activities to do whenever’s convenient for you. Go to broads-authority.gov.uk/looking-after/how-you-can-help/volunteering to find out more. We look forward to hearing from you!