Museum of the Broads

Museum of the Broads in Stalham is a small riverside museum in Norfolk, England, devoted to the history, landscape and wildlife of the Norfolk Broads. It is spread across five buildings on the water's edge, which makes a visit feel more like wandering through a boatyard than a single gallery.

What is the Museum of the Broads about?

The museum tells the story of the Broads from Roman times to the present day. The exhibits follow the area through medieval peat digging, the working lives of the marshmen, and the arrival of holidaymakers and, later, environmentalists. Displays also explain how the Broads were formed, which surprises many visitors who assume the lakes are natural. They are in fact flooded medieval peat workings.

What can you see inside?

Boats are the heart of the collection. You can see restored traditional vessels, learn about wherries and the role of wind power on the rivers, and look at boat-building equipment and marine engineering exhibits. Natural history displays cover the wildlife that lives in the reedbeds, marshes and open water.

Recent additions include a small cinema area showing films of Broads holidays, and a display of postcards and souvenirs. Temporary exhibitions have included one focused on peat and one on the artist Philippa Miller, so the programme changes from year to year.

Can you take a boat trip?

Yes. Trips run on a Victorian steam launch and on an electric boat, giving a view of the Broads from the water as well as from the exhibits on land.

Practical questions

Is the museum suitable for dogs and wheelchair users?

Dogs are welcome, and the ground floor is step-free.

When is it open?

The museum operates as a seasonal attraction, running from spring to autumn. Exact dates differ between listings, so check the official website before you set out.

Who is it good for?

Families, boat enthusiasts and anyone curious about Norfolk's waterways will find plenty to enjoy. It also works well as a first stop before exploring the Broads by boat or on foot.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Museum of the Broads?

In Stalham, a small town in Norfolk in the east of England, on the riverside.

Are the Broads natural lakes?

No. The exhibits explain that the Broads were shaped by human activity, including medieval peat digging, and later flooded.

How long does a visit take?

With five buildings and the option of a boat trip, plan on at least a couple of hours.