What You Need to Know about Visiting The Broads by Train

Norwich Station: Gateway to The Broads

For the most convenient access to The Broads, take the train to Norwich. A gateway to The Broads National Park, from Norwich you can access various parts of the park by bus or boat. Regular trains from Peterborough to Norwich take 2 hours 20 minutes on direct services run by East Midlands Railway. Or if you’re visiting The Broads from London, take the train from London Liverpool Street to Norwich in just 1 hour 40 minutes with Greater Anglia.

Great Yarmouth Station: Coastal Hotspot

Access the heart of The Broads from coastal hotspot Great Yarmouth. Located on the eastern edge of The Broads National Park, Great Yarmouth serves as a convenient access point to the park's waterways and natural attractions. Getting the train to The Broads is simple with regular trains from London Liverpool Street to Great Yarmouth in just over two hours.

Iconic Sights and Attractions

With stunning scenery all around, there is so much to see and do at The Broads. Visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring some of this national park’s most idyllic places, from windmills to abbeys and castles. Animal lovers can visit Hillside Animal & Shire Horse Sanctuary, while thrill seekers can make the most of one of several theme parks. Culture seekers will find an abundance of old buildings to explore, including Burgh Castle Roman Fort.

Enjoy the great outdoors

One of the best reasons to visit a national park is to spend time in the great outdoors. In this unique landscape, you’ll be able to explore 125 miles of navigable waterways and a plethora of characterful towns and villages. Visiting The Broads by train is an ideal way to get the whole family outside!

Get closer to nature

While in the great outdoors, don’t forget to look out for wildlife! The Broads National Park boasts an impressive array of unique flora and fauna, from the bittern, one of the rarest breeding birds in the UK, to water voles, cuckoos, and otters.

Taking the train to The Broads brings you into the heart of one of the most beautiful national parks in the UK. Once you arrive in the national park, you’ll easily be able to continue your journey without a car, whether you’re walking, cycling, taking the bus, or enjoying life on a boat.

To get to your destination, local buses offer easy access around the national park. Look out for seasonal timetables, which may alter the frequency of some routes. Or for a true experience of The Broads, hop on a boat: through open fenlands and reed marshes, cruise along stunning routes on Britain's third largest inland waterway. 

Cyclists will find plentiful routes and marked paths to explore the national park on two wheels, including wide country lanes perfect for family cycle rides. Walkers are spoilt for choice when it comes to dramatic and delightful footpaths: explore sand dunes, woodlands and reeds in a single afternoon!

If you can’t fit everything into one day, there are lots of ways to extend your stay in The Broads. The national park has an array of rental accommodation available for every taste, from peaceful retreats in remote lodges, to adventure-filled campsites and caravan parks for the whole family. Luxury hotels are dotted around the national park too or, if you’re looking for something a bit different, why not embrace what makes The Broads special and book a relaxing and unique stay on a boat?

Seasonal Travel Advice

Summer is ideal for visiting The Broads, offering long sunny days and family-friendly activities. In July, enjoy the Horning Boat Show with vintage sailing displays, and in August, the Wroxham Children’s Regatta with paddle races. Excellent campsites and caravan parks make extended outdoor stays enjoyable.

Make the Most of Your Car-Free Adventure

Explore The Broads by foot, bike, or boat without needing a car. Pack comfortable walking shoes, waterproofs, and warm layers. A waterproof dry bag, like Sea to Summit, protects electronics during boat trips. Consider a portable charger for extended outdoor adventures.

Respecting The Broads: Leave No Trace

Reduce your environmental impact by using reusable cups and cutlery. Protect the landscape and wildlife by sticking to paths and taking litter with you. Use silicone food pouches for picnics and avoid reed beds during nesting season (April to June) to protect bittern birds.

Local Information and Visitor Centres

There are three visitor centres in the national park: Hoveton Visitor Centre on the River Bure; Ranworth Visitor Centre, overlooking Malthouse Broad, and Toad Hole Cottage at How Hill Nature Reserve. All sell short visit boat licenses, as well as books, maps, postcards and gifts, and are staffed by friendly faces who can help you get the most out of your visit.

Buy Cheap Train Tickets

Make the most of Railcard discounts, Group Saver, split tickets and advance bookings to save more on your journey. Did you know that splitting a London-to-Norwich ticket at Ipswich often cuts fares by 35%? And a Family & Friends Railcard reduces a group trip to Hoveton station from £60 to £40? Whatever you’re looking for, find cheap train tickets for your visit to The Broads on TrainPal!   

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