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The answers to all the questions people ask me about the Norfolk Broads 
 
Q. Just what are the Norfolk Broads?

A. An area of interconnected lakes and rivers in Eastern England. There are over 150 miles of navigable, lock free waterways and many other non connected waterways as well. The area is marshy and much is below sea level. It is a popular holiday venue. If you like boats, you will like the Broads

Q. What does the word "Broad" mean?

A. It's the Norfolk word for Lake.
 

Q. What is a "staithe"?

A. The word staithe is the old Norfolk word for a landing stage. Most Norfolk villages have one or more staithes. You can moor at many of them and they usually give access to a road, or at least to a pub.
 

Q. What kind of holidays are available on the Broads?

A. The classic Broads holiday is spent on a hired boat. Most of these are motor cruisers, but sailing boats are avaliable as well and this is the traditional way to see the Broads. If you prefer dry land to sleep on then there are lots of cottages, caravan parks, hotels and camp sites available. Many people stay ashore and hire a day boat to get out onto the water.
The East Coast is nearby and this has wonderful sandy beaches when the weather is kind. All the traditional British seaside holiday entertainments can be found at Yarmouth. For the big city, try the historic City of Norwich.
 

Q. What's the weather like?

A.  Norfolk is flat and near the coast, so don't be surprised if it is windy. A good breeze moves the sailing boats along. This is the driest part of the country, but you can get rain at any time. If you are lucky you will get excellent sunny weather, but this is not guaranteed. Be ready for anything.
In Norfolk, I have seen everything from baking hot sun,  I have seen warm still evenings with not a breath of wind, and horizontal rain driven on by a freezing gale. August is usually the best time of the year. On a still August evening, look up and in the dark clear sky you will see a million stars and the band of the milky way. Sheer magic.
 

Q. Can you recommend any holidays?

 A. There are lots of companies hiring boats. I think they are very expensive so try to pick out a luxury one. In spring or autumn get one with central heating. Blakes or Hoseasons Holidays list a good selection.
For traditional sailing (no engine, no electricity) try Hunter's Yard at Ludham.
For cottages try Riverside Holidays at Potter Heigham.
There are lots of camp sites and caravan parks.
 

Q. What is there to do?

A. Messing about in boats is an important Broads activity. Most people seem to moor near pubs in the evenings and there are lots of these. If you prefer quiet avoid the pubs. Better still, drop your mudweight in the middle of a Broad and spend the night at anchor.
I like walking and cycling and there are excellent facilities for both. The Broads Authority information centres have leaflets.
There are loads of tourist attractions to cover every taste and again get details from the information centres. The local paper (The Eastern Daily Press or EDP) gives details of what is going on in the area. A free newspaper called The Broadcaster is available from information centres and this tells you what events are going on day to day.
 
Q. What about shops?

A. There are loads of shops in the big centres of Lowestoft, Norwich and Great Yarmouth. However, there are a couple of shops which are essential to visit. These are Roys of Wroxham and Lathams of Potter Heigham. Smaller village shops are everywhere. Many villages have roadside stalls offering fresh produce in summer. 

 
Q. Can I hire Bikes?

A. There is a long distance cycle trail called the Marriott's Way. It used to be an old railway line and there are hire points along it. The Bure Valley railway (narrow gague steam) has a cycle track next to it called the Huff and Puff Trail. There is cycle hire at both ends. You can cycle out and come back by train if you wish. There are other cycle hire places as well. Get up to date details at a Broads Information Centre.
 
Q. Can you recommend places to eat?

A. There are lots of pubs offering good quality food. I can't possibly list them all, but I quite like: The Falgate at Potter Heigham, The Nelson's Head at Horsey, The Thurne Lion at Thurne, The White Horse at Upton, The Kings Arms at Ludham and The New Inn at Horning. Some are better than others, but I find that most pubs are of reasonable quality.
 

Q. What will I need to bring?

A. You will need a good quality map. I strongly recommend the Ordnance Survey Explorer map of the Broads (OL40). The wildlife is good, bring binoculars. There is a lot to see, bring a camera.
Bring good quality waterproofs, boots and warm clothing even in summer. Evenings are cold on the river.
 
Q. Where should I hire my boat from and where should I go?

A. The Broads are roughly divided into the Northern Rivers (Bure, Ant, Thurne) and the Southern Rivers (Waveney, Yare). If you have 2 weeks, you can do both so start anywhere. The Northern Rivers are more crowded, but if you only have a week then start there. You will not be able to do it all so don't rush about. Enjoy the holiday. 
Most people visit Wroxham, Horning and Potter Heigham at some time plus Barton, South Walsham and Ranworth Broads. If the tides are low enough then visit Hickling and Horsey. If you have plenty of time go to Yarmouth, Oulton Broad and Norwich.
 

Q. Do I need a licence for my boat?

A. You can bring your own boat, but you will need a licence even if it is just a canoe. Apply in advance to the Broads Authority, Colegate, Norwich.
 

Q. What is TV reception like?

A. Lousy. Get a life not a TV. (Actually, reception has improved a bit recently.)
 
Q. What is mobile phone coverage like?

A. I have never had a problem with mobile coverage but the signal can be thin in places. I use O2 and Orange and these seem to work virtually everywhere.
 

Q. Is there any pollution and are there any conservation issues on the Norfolk Broads?

A. There are lots of problems on the Broads. Once the water was clear, but now it is muddy. This is caused by a mixture of agricultural run off and boat wash. Lots of efforts are being made to improve the situation. You can help by sticking to the speed limits. For more information, visit the Norfolk Naturalists Information Centre at Ranworth. It is free and well worth a visit.
The Broads is a complex and fragile landscape, treat it with respect on your visit.