- Cow Tower and Medieval Norwich
- Reedham ferry and quay
- Berney Arms Windmill
- Burgh Castle
- St Olaves Priory
- Somerleyton Hall and gardens
- Greyfriar’s Cloisters and historic Great Yarmouth
- St Benet’s Abbey, Ludham
- Thurne Windmill, Ludham
- Wind Energy Museum
- Potter Heigham bridge and church
- Toad Hall Cottage and How Hill
- Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
- Ranworth Church
- Horsey windpump and walks
Please check the opening times and Covid restrictions on all sites listed before planning your Norfolk Broads holiday. We cannot guarantee that they will be open to the public.
1. Cow Tower and Medieval Norwich
Cow Tower stands proud on the banks of the river Wensum not far from Norwich’s Riverside moorings. It was built in the Middle Ages as a strategic point in the city’s defences.
From Cow Tower continue on past Pull’s Ferry and Norwich Cathedral to Elm Hill. Movie buffs may recognise this historic street as the setting for the magical land of ‘Stormhold’ in the movie ‘Stardust’.
2. Reedham ferry and quay
Reedham is a popular Norfolk Broads holiday destination. There’s been a crossing here since the early 17th century. The more modern vehicle chain ferry is the only one on the Broads. The quay was once a local boatbuilding hub and a statue commemorates this important time in Norfolk Broads history.
3. Berney Arms Windmill
The stunning Berney Arms Windmill is an English Heritage site, although currently not open to the public due to essential maintenance. It sits in a remote part of the Norfolk Broads to the north of Breydon Water. The surrounding area is good for walking and birdwatching and has panoramic views.
St Olaves Priory 
Cow Tower 
Burgh Castle 
Berney Arms Windmill
4. Burgh Castle
You can see Berney Arms from the walls of Burgh Castle’s Roman fort. During the 3rd and 4th centuries AD it was one of a chain built to defend the coast of south-east England. It’s believed to be one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in East Anglia.
5. St Olaves Priory
St Olaves Priory dates back to around 1216. To the north of the priory is St Olaves drainage pump. This is one of only three open trestle windpumps recorded in Norfolk.
6. Somerleyton Hall and gardens
It’s worth the walk from the river Waveney to visit Somerleyton Hall and gardens. The impressive Victorian Stately home is flanked by what is considered to be one of the finest gardens in East Anglia. You can moor at Somerleyton Staithe, overlooking one of the last remaining swing bridges on the Norfolk Broads.
7. Greyfriar’s Cloisters and historic Great Yarmouth
At Greyfriar’s Cloisters you’ll find the ruins of a 13th-century friary. Nearby visit an old Merchant’s House and the Rows (a network of narrow alleyways linking Yarmouth’s main thoroughfares).
8. St Benet’s Abbey, Ludham
You can see why St Benet’s Abbey is popular with photographers and artists. This pretty Norfolk monastery was founded in the Anglo-Saxon period.
9. Thurne Windmill, Ludham
Thurne Windmill has been an iconic part of the Norfolk Broads for 200 years. It’s one of a handful of mills that has been restored to full working order.
10. Wind Energy Museum
The Wind Energy Museum is a short walk from Thurne Windmill. Mooring is also available on the banks going towards Potter Heigham. The museum features some of the last remaining examples of their kind in the UK.
11. Potter Heigham bridge and church
The medieval bridge at Potter Heigham is famous for being the most difficult to navigate on the Broads. The opening is so narrow that only small craft can pass through, and then only at low tide. Boating holiday craft are usually required to hire a pilot to help them safely navigate this bridge.
The church has a thatched roof and one of the best-preserved round towers in the county. Other historic buildings include Heigham Holmes windpump to the east of the parish, High’s mill on the River Thurne, and Sunways corn mill, all of which are listed buildings.
12. Toad Hall Cottage and How Hill
Toad Hall Cottage is home to the Broads Information Centre and a reconstructed marshman’s cottage. Stand and marvel at How Hill House, which sits on one of the highest points on the Norfolk Broads, visit the nature reserve or take a trip on the Electric Eel day boat.
13. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
Don’t be fooled by the tranquil nature of Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden. This historic site was used as a training ground for the home guard during World War Two.
Thankfully no such thing goes on today and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, including a 950-year-old King Oak tree. Moorings are available on South Walsham outer Broad. Then follow the footpath signs to the village of South Walsham.
14. Ranworth Church
Sometimes called the ‘Cathedral of the Broads’, Ranworth Church contains three treasures described as having ‘international significance’. These are the painted rood screen, the cantor’s desk and the Ranworth Antiphoner.
While in Ranworth you can also visit the floating Broads Wildlife Centre, which has panoramic views across the water. Ranworth Broad is also home to the rare Swallowtail butterfly.
15. Horsey windpump and walks
Horsey windpump is a classic looking windmill. It sits on the Horsey estate, which is an internationally important wildlife site. There are many circular walks providing great views. You can also access the beach at Horsey Gap.
Visit our holidays page for bookings or book an electric day boat. You may also enjoy: Nature spotting on the Norfolk Broads in springtime
Images: © Historic England Photo Library
