As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to the Broads, Jackie King picks out a selection of hotels, B&Bs, campsites and boats in this glorious National Park in east England.
You can come to the Broads for as little or as long as you like. There are plenty of boatyards that will hire a craft for a long weekend, out of season at least, and many that adhere to the greenest standards – crucial in an environment that is as delicately balanced as The Broads. Or you can stick to dry land and dip in and out of the water as much as you like.
We’ve picked the cream of the region’s accommodation, from self-catering in an old windmill to living it up at some lovely boutique hotels, each of which makes some sort of environmental difference, whether it’s in assiduous local-sourcing of the produce they serve to composting and recycling or installing self-sustaining sources of power.
Wherever you stay you can be sure you will be helping to ensure that this beautiful place is here to enjoy for years to come.
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Traveller's Guide to the Broads:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Local food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Places to say in the Broads
Norfolk Mead Hotel, Norfolk
Set in an acre of landscaped gardens with a lake and abutting the River Bure Norfolk Mead is a gorgeous country pile with Suites, Deluxe and Standard rooms in the hotel and the Cottage & Summer House in the grounds. Dog and children friendly. norfolkmead.co.uk
Carricks at Castle Farm, Norfolk
A splendid guest house on the family farm sitting on the banks of the River Wensum, home of the Carrick family for almost 100 years. Stroll along the beautiful beaches, visit the County's fantastic sights and retreat into the serene countryside. carricksatcastlefarm.co.uk
Dairy Barns, Norfolk, England
Dairy Barns is B&B accommodation on the outskirts of Hickling village, within touching distance of the coast at Sea Palling, 6 lovely B&B rooms and 3 suites, plus two self-catering cottages on what remains a working farm. Locally sourced breakfasts! dairybarns.co.uk
The Moorhen, Horning, Norfolk Broads
The Moorhen, a high quality bed & breakfast, located next to the River Bure, is less than a minute’s walk from two riverside pubs and an outstanding fish restaurant, in the heart of the beautiful village of Horning, the jewel of Norfolk Broads. themoorhenhorning.co.uk
Boats at Hunter's Yard, Norfolk Broads, England
Hunter's Yard, a charity dedicated to preserving and celebrating the classic wooden Broads yachts and half-decker sailing boats, rents them by the day, week or more for you to stay afloat, or take a skippered sail to give you a taster. huntersyard.co.uk
Boats at Richardson's, Stalham, Norfolk Broads
Established for over 60 years, and still family-owned and -run, based in the small town of Stalham, Richardson’s has the largest fleet of motor cruisers on the Broads available at a mind-boggling range of prices available for day or week long hire. richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Boats at Norfolk Broads Direct, Wroxham
Norfolk Broads Direct, based in Wroxham, offers luxury boats sleeping 2-11 people, allowing you to explore the 125 miles of beautiful waterways in comfort and style, awarded the Green Boat Mark, they are doing their bit to be as eco as possible. broads.co.uk
Cranmer Country Cottages, Norfolk, England
These award-winning self-catering converted barns are a great base from which to explorer the stunning north Norfolk coastline. All heating and water comes from the site's own renewable resources. Luxurious and green with tennis courts and pool. norfolk-luxury-cottages.co.uk
Clippesby Hall, Norfolk Broads
Near the river at Thurne, this site pretty much has it all: a wonderful location with lots of trees for secluded camping, and a position that’s perfect for cycling, walking and boating, its own pub and pool bike rental and cafe. clippesbyhall.com
Mill Farm Eco Barn, Norfolk
Luxury eco barn, near a sandy beach, & The Broads. Huge open plan, vaulted ceiling living room & 4 large bedrooms, south facing courtyard garden, free bikes, games room. Shetland ponies and a nearby a seal colony. Fresh eggs & kitchen garden. millfarm-ecobarn.co.uk
West Lexham, Norfolk, England
A creative, sustainability-focussed social enterprise offering a unique immersive learning experience as well as a beautiful rural setting to relax, eclectic accommodation including tree houses to suit all budgets and an open, friendly vibe. westlexham.org
For more information on local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities, see our Green Traveller's Guide to the Norfolk Broads
