Things to do and places to go in the Norfolk Broads

From landmarks to waterways and wildlife - here are seven must-see sights of the Norfolk Broads.

1. St Benets Abbey

The 10th-century ruin is surrounded by marshland which is home to herons and marsh harriers. 

Over the centuries, wealthy landowners donated more and more land to the abbey and its power and influence grew across 76 separate parishes.

Wherry Albion passing St Benets Abbey (Image: Mike Page)

Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, its possessions were seized by the crown and passed to the Diocese of Norwich. Within a few years, the monks had dispersed.

In the 18th century, a windmill was built inside the ruined gatehouse, creating the distinctive Broads landmark which remains today.

2. Thurne Windmill

Thurne Dyke Mill was built beside the River Thurne at the mouth of Thurne Dyke in 1820.

It was built as a drainage pump for the surrounding marshland and is now a famous Norfolk landmark.

Thurne Windmill (Image: Alex Lyons/iWitness24)

3. Broads sailing

If you head down to the public beach at Wroxham, or to the shores of the River Bure by Horning Sailing Club, you may be able to see some classic Broads sailing boats out on the water and racing.

The Broads have been favoured by sailors for centuries, and the traditional yacht designs are a beautiful sight.

Maidie competing in a River Cruiser race on Wroxham Broad (Image: Newsquest)

4. How Hill

How Hill House is host to the How Hill Trust, established in 1984, which is an environmental educational charity in the heart of the Norfolk Broads National Park.

The trust offer special family events, adult courses, open gardens and venue hire, whilst overlooking beautiful gardens, wetlands, historic windmills, woodlands and the river Ant.

How Hill House (Image: Newsquest)

The 222-acre marshland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and was made a National Nature Reserve in 2006.

5. Shrumpshaw Fen

The reserve can be found 10 miles east of Norwich along the River Yare and people can often spot bearded tits, kingfishers and marsh harriers, alongside a vast array of flora.

Managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, it is a truly tranquil spot to have a walk and spot some beautiful scenes.

Shrumpshaw Fen (Image: Lyndon Cooke)

6. Church of St Mary the Virgin, Burgh St Peter

Sat two miles from the village, by the River Waveney, is the unique Church of St Mary the Virgin.

Church of St Mary the Virgin, Burgh St Peter (Image: Newsquest)

The oldest parts of the church date from c1200, with the roof from the 15th century and the tower from the late 18th century.

After the original tower had fallen down, a new one said to be based on the Ziggurat temples of Mesopotamia in Iraq, was built, and made the church a must-see sight.

7. Take in the views from Ranworth church tower

Views across the countryside and Malthouse Broad from Ranworth church tower (Image: Denise Bradley)

Often referred to as "the cathedral of the Broads", Ranworth church tower is open to the public to climb up and admire the views over Norfolk, including Ranworth Broad.

Head along to the nature reserve after for the chance to spot otters, herons the beautiful blue flash of a kingfisher and much more. You can even get on the water with a guided tour from the Broads Authority.