7 of the prettiest spots to visit in the Norfolk Broads

Here we take a look at some of the spots to visit on the Norfolk Broads.

1) St Benet's Abbey

St Benets Abbey near Horning on the River Bure (Image: Newsquest)

Named one of the best places in the UK to enjoy wildlife, the 10th-century ruins are surrounded by marshland with the sound of herons and marsh harries keeping you company.

In the 18th century, a windmill was built inside the ruined gatehouse, creating the distinctive Broads site which remains today.

2) Thurne Mill

The windmill sits on the River Thurne near Repps (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2012)

The striking 200-year-old white working mill has become a firm landmark of the Broads.

Its job in life was to drain the marshes for the farmers to make good use of the nearby land, it fell into a poor condition in 1948 before being restored by Mr Ronald Dorian Morse where its legacy still lives on. 

3)The Waters Edge

Water's Edge at Bramerton over The River Yare (Image: Denise Bradley)

The 17th-century riverside inn serves modern gastropub food, including a Sunday roast, but most importantly it has a stunning riverside view over the River Yare.

With decking along the river, the pub is a great place to while away the hours with a drink in hand.

4) Hoveton Hall Gardens

The gardens on the Hoveton estate near Wroxham. (Image: Archant)

The estate's 15 acres of well-maintained and curated flora and fauna are well-loved by locals and visitors alike.

The Spider Garden in particular highlight the broads' beauty with the highly ornate spider's web gate.

5) Hickling Broad

Hickling Broad and marshes, managed by The Norfolk Wildlife Trust. (Image: Archant)

The largest of the Broads, Hickling is a haven for wildlife - one of the few places where you might see bittern, swallowtail butterflies and otters.

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust has several viewing platforms based around the water making it an idyllic place to take in the distinct scenery.

6) How Hill

How Hill House overlooking the River Ant (Image: James Bass)The thatched Edwardian cottage was built at the turn of the 20th century where it sits on top of the hill overlooking its beautiful gardens, some of the Broads' historic windmills, as well as the sweeping River Ant.

Since 1984 the cottage was taken over by an environmental education trust which gives children from across the county a chance to explore the Broads.

7) Wroxham

Wroxham also has plenty of places to take a boat tour (Image: Newsquest)

Known as the capital of the Broads a visit isn't complete with a trip to Wroxham and neighbouring Hoveton.

Split by the River Bure, the villages offer plenty of spots to sit and take in the scenery while enjoying a drink or a snack - with plenty of moorings to see the coming and going boats.