About the Broads

The Broads National Park is a unique mosaic of gentle landscape, lakes and rivers covering 303 square kilometres.

Despite comprising only 0.1% of the UK the park area boasts more than a quarter of its rarest wildlife.

Iconic mills and historic landmarks nestle among miles of waterways, fen, woodland and footpaths while idyllic towns and villages dot the wide landscapes. The broad, shallow lakes are man-made rather than natural. They began as pits dug for peat to provide fuel during medieval times and filled over the centuries to become the boating playground we see today.

Take a virtual journey through the Broads to discover more.

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  Heritage and culture

  From medieval pit diggings to the birth of boating holidays, the Broads is rich in cultural heritage.

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  Land and water

  Covering more than 300 square kilometres of land and water, the Broads has a diverse and unique environment.

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  Wildlife

  Home to no less than 11,000 species, many unique to the Broads, this is a globally important area for biodiversity.

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  Facts and figures

  Do you know how the Broads were made? Or what animals only live here? We have all the answers for you.

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