The County of Norfolk, East Anglia

St. John the Baptist, The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Norwich
(photo by Colin 30d)

The tranquil county of Norfolk is a flat region in East Anglia. It is one of the counties with the lowest population density, although in the time of the Industrial Revolution it was one of the most developed economic and political centres of the country. Its capital city – Norwich, is the most populous one in the east of England and a popular tourist destination, mainly because of its Norman castle, its magnificent cathedral and the high-tech exhibition in the Sainsbury Centre, where visitors can enjoy a remarkable collection of modern art.

The Norwich Cathedral
(photo by Colin 30d)

The most attractive area of Norfolk is the Broads. It offers a lovely landscape, lined by the picturesque broad rivers of Yare, Waveney and Bure. Their banks are beautifully overgrown by reed and their waters are intensively navigated by various boat rental companies. These 3 rivers join each other at Breydon Water and reach the sea at Great Yarmouth as one single river. Many wide expanses of water, called "broads", are formed along the rivers. In the past they were considered for natural lakes but today it is known that they appeared as large pits left from the peat diggers. The Broads are scarcely wooded and the peat was the main source of firing. In 13th and 14th centuries the sea level became higher and the pits formed by the extensive peat digging flooded and turned into "broads".

The town of Cromer
(photo by haroldb)

The Norfolk Broads are a real paradise for bird-watchers. In the area nest a variety of bird species, including kingfishers, warblers and grebes. The Broads Authority is the institution which looks after the region and serves a series of tourist information centres throughout the area. In each of these centres visitors can receive useful information and take a free copy of the local newspaper guide - the Broadcaster.

Although the Broads have a variety of roads and railways, the best way to explore and fully enjoy the area is by boat. The 125 miles of traffic-jam-free waterways are the ideal opportunity to spend several days of discovering the romantic villages, the traditional pubs, the picturesque churches and windmills. There is a wide choice of boat-rental companies. The Broads Tour Ltd and Blakes Holiday Boating are among the best of them. They have offices in Wroxham, near Norwich. The rates for a one-weak cruise for four persons are around £ 700.00 but there are more affordable shorter cruises too.

From Overstrand to Cromer
(photo by haroldb)

Don't try to tour the Broads by car because it is most likely to waste your time. You'd better go by bike or just walk, taking advantage of the various cycle trails and walking paths. If you don't have a bike, you can rent it from the numerous bike rental offices of the Broads Authority. The best walking route is the Weaver's Way, a 56 mile long footpath, starting from Cromer and winding its way through the most picturesque parts of the area towards Great Yarmouth on the coast of Norfolk. Many shorter paths are available too.

Either by boat or land, you can visit the famous Toad Hole Cottage, a former cottage of ell catchers located at How Hill, in the surroundings of the pleasant hamlet of Ludham, just 6 miles from Wroxham. The cottage has a small exhibition of the history of the local trade, which was one of the important means of livelihood here until the middle of the 20th century. Right behind the Toad Hole Cottage flows the narrow River Ant and you can enjoy an hour long boat trip along it, discovering the rich wildlife of the area. Another pleasurable boat trip is available at the hamlet of Ranworth, 12 miles from Norwich. This river cruise is made by the former reed-lighter "Helen of Ranworth" and has duration of two hours, reaching the very isolated ruins of the St. Benet's Abbey, opened for free access.

Wells-next-the-Sea
(photo by bestfor)

Along the beautiful coastal line of north Norfolk you can find a string of lively, real English, resorts, such as Hunstanton, Cromer and Sheringham. Cromer has been attracting many visitors for long years. They come here to enjoy its magnificent coast with bleak and blusterous cliffs. The larger part of the north Norfolk coast is a picturesque, unspoilt coastline with salt marshes, tidal flats and creeks. The area is divided into several nature reserves, rich in interesting flora and fauna. This divine stretch of coastline is bothered by romantic traditional flint stone villages, ideal destination for a short break away in quietness and natural beauty. The most attractive of them are Cley, Wells-next-the-Sea and Blakeney.

Regular rail lines are available daily from Norwich to Cromer and Sheringham every hour and every 2 hours on Sundays during the winter. The other seaside towns and villages are accessible by local bus services. The Coasthopper bus serves the full length of the coastline from Cromer to Hunstanton and you can buy a Coasthopper Rober ticket at the price of £ 7.00, which will give you unlimited travel to all destinations of the line for one day.