Foreword by Jonathan Knight, author of Cool Camping

The idea behind Discover the Norfolk Broads is great – to use practical, local knowledge of a destination to help visitors explore and appreciate the real essence of the place. This is part of the ethos behind Cool Camping and I am delighted that the team at Clippesby Hall asked me to get involved. However you choose to discover the Norfolk Broads, whether it be on foot, by bike, on a boat or canoe, there can be no better way to stay than camping somewhere really cool. See you out there!

Introduction

Welcome to our guide to Discovering the Norfolk Broads. The guide was written by individuals living and working in the Broads, to help visitors explore and appreciate the magical qualities of this special part of Britain. This is the second edition of the guide, and differs from any other guidebooks to the Broads that we are aware of, in several major ways. Firstly, it is based around practical ideas for days out around the Norfolk Broads – the ‘must see’ and ‘must do’ highlights of your visit. These ideas have been drawn from how our team of writers and researchers spend their free time. Secondly, there is no ‘paid for’ advertising at all in the guide, so you can be sure that our suggestions are the result of us having actually ‘been there and done it’.

A truly beautiful wetland landscape incorporating huge open skies, more than 120 miles of lockfree waterways and man-made freshwater lakes, quiet country lanes and an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways, the Norfolk Broads is a unique part of the family of National Parks in Britain.

A landscape significantly altered, if not wholly created, by the activities of man, the history of the Norfolk Broads is one of inter-dependence between nature and our working communities. This relationship continues to the present day and the fragile balance that exists between the needs of the natural environment, the requirements of the local inhabitants, and the attractions of the area for visitors, is one that calls for continual understanding and compromise in order to maintain the extra special qualities of the Norfolk Broads.

the Norfolk Broads is a very special place and this guide aims to help you discover its magic and beauty for yourself – whether you love walking, cycling, canoeing, bird and wildlife watching or just want to experience the unique atmosphere of the Broads, there is something in this guide for everyone. For more information on our thoughts, adventures and ideas on how to Discover the Norfolk Broads, please visit our family of websites:

www.clippesby.com
www.discoverthebroads.com
www.thethreebroadsketeers.blogspot.com

We would like to thank the following for their help:
Norfolk Wildlife Trust, The Broads Authority, Jonathan Knight and Greg Lindsay-Smith
Cover Photograph by Lee Clarke

Designed and written by the team at Clippesby Hall, the nationally acclaimed campsite and holiday park, located in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.