Beach camping in The Broads

Norwich is the gateway to the western reaches of The Broads, where boat trips set sail along the River Yare into the heart of the national park. Highlights include the walking and cycling trails of Whitlingham Country Park, the idyllic Fairhaven Woodland, and the Bure Valley Railway steam train. Whitlingham Broad is all about water activities with paddle boards and kayaks for hire.

Sun, sea, and seaside fun is on the menu at Great Yarmouth, where coastal campers can take their pick of family campgrounds and sandy beaches. Inland, follow your river of choice—the Bure, Thurne, Yare, and Waveney rivers all meet here—go bird-watching around Berney Marshes and Breydon Water, or bike part of the National 1 cycling trail.

Over the border in Suffolk County, the southernmost slice of The Broads has lively market towns, beaches, and bird-filled marshes, often without the crowds of the Norfolk Broads. Head to Lowestoft for windswept coastal walks, enjoy wildlife-watching and water sports at Oulton Broad, or cruise along the River Waveney between Beccles and Bungay.

Camping is a great option for a family holiday, and The Broads offers an incredible location for it. If you’re a family of water babies, simply messing about in boats can fill every day of your holiday—hire canoes, go for a cruise, or learn to sail while you’re in this natural water wonderland. Kids might also like to look out for wildlife, give fishing a go, and cycle on the towpaths along the river. Plus, Norfolk and Suffolk are home to plenty of kid-friendly attractions too, from fun fairs to the magical woodland adventure theme park Bewilderwood.

Peaceful paddling along the waterways, long days sailing on the lake, epic walks in incredible scenery…camping in The Broads is just as much fun for grown-ups as it is for kids. An adults-only holiday in The Broads gives you plenty of opportunity to indulge in your hobbies or try out new ones. And whether you’re going alone, looking for a romantic break, or after a place to holiday with friends, The Broads National Park offers campsites reserved exclusively for grown-up getaways. Look out for high-end glamping sites aimed for relaxation, or perhaps a cosy cabin, secluded shepherd’s hut, or a wide-open meadow just for your crew.

As The Broads sit on the border between the two counties, a camping holiday here puts you at the heart of the East Anglian action. Head inland for Norwich, the only city within a national park, to see its 900-year-old cathedral and wander the narrow streets. Or head south into Suffolk to visit well-heeled Aldeburgh or Southwold with its quirky pier. To the north, campers love the long sandy beaches on the North Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Within reach of London but as rural as landscapes come, many of East Anglia’s grand homes are great places to explore, none more so than the royal residence at Sandringham on the north Norfolk coast. Deeper inland, you can discover the trees of Thetford Forest, while in the Sussex countryside, Dedham Vale inspired many of Constable's paintings.