Wroxham Broad

Wroxham Broad is a shallow lake beside the village of Wroxham in Norfolk, eastern England, inside the Broads National Park. It sits next to the River Bure and shows what the Norfolk Broads are about: open water, reed edges, wet woodland and quiet river routes.

What is Wroxham Broad and how did it form?

The broad covers about 34.4 hectares and has a mean depth of only 1.3 metres. Like the rest of the Broads, it is not a glacial lake. It formed when water flooded old peat workings, pits dug in earlier centuries for fuel. Much of what looks like untouched nature is in fact a landscape shaped by people.

Where is it and how does it connect to the river?

The water lies on the western side of the Bure. Two navigable openings link it to the river, so boats can leave the main channel, cross the broad and return. That makes it an easy stop on any Broads cruise. The nearest settlements are Wroxham and neighbouring Hoveton, a well-known base for boat hire.

What will you see around the lake?

The surrounding land is farmed fairly intensively, yet patches of wet woodland remain along the shore and the river. This habitat is typical of the Broads and supports waterfowl and other wetland wildlife. For nature walks and reserves nearby, the Broads Authority and Norfolk Wildlife Trust publish useful guides.

What can you do here?

The wide, open water suits sailing, and the broad has long been associated with yachts and regattas. Motor cruisers and sailing boats are easy to hire locally for trips along the Bure. Because the water is shallow, stick to marked channels and ask your hire company about the rules for each stretch before setting off.

How do you get there?

Wroxham lies north of Norwich in the heart of the Broads and is well connected to the city. The village is the practical starting point, with moorings and boatyards. The broad itself is best seen from the water, since much of its shoreline is hard to reach on foot.

When should you visit?

The boating season runs from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is warmest and the boatyards are fully operating. Outside those months it is quieter, though fewer cruises are on offer. Early morning and evening give the best light over the water.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Wroxham Broad? About 34.4 hectares in area, with an average depth of 1.3 metres.

Is the lake natural? Not entirely. The Broads formed in flooded peat diggings, so the landscape is man-made.

Which national park is it in? The Broads National Park, managed by the Broads Authority.

Can you hire a boat nearby? Yes. Wroxham and Hoveton are among the main boat-hire centres on the Norfolk Broads.