Although just short distance away by road, it is easy to spend a week cruising this idyllic northern section of the Broads as there is so much to see and do. At the village of Woodbastwick on the edge of Cockshoot Broad visit the local Norfolk Brewery and taste some real ale! Climb the 97 steps to the top of the ancient church tower at Ranworth for panoramic views over the Broads - the views on a clear day are spectacular. Also visit the local nature reserve - an excellent information centre and birdlife viewing station where children will love to find out all about life on the Broads and the delicate balancing act between man and nature. Passing carefully through the lowest bridge on the Broads at Potter Heigham, head for the large Hickling Broad - home to an important national nature reserve and popular with sailing boats. Or follow in Admiral Lord Nelson’s footsteps and learn to sail at Barton Broad. The North Broads are threaded by the rivers Ant and Thurne and have some lovely villages hidden away. Visit Toad Hole Cottage on the How Hill Nature Reserve at Ludham for a glimpse of Victorian country life and a chance to explore the nearby woodland and marshes.

Coltishall is a busy riverside village. It is sometimes referred to as the "Gateway to the Broads" as it marks the start of the navigable portion of the River Bure. The staithe is someway out of the village itself in a very picturesque setting with riverside pubs, a grassy field and is overlooked by fine properties. The residential part of the village is nearly a mile further along the road and has some shops.
Wroxham is considered to be the capital of the Norfolk Broads, and is where boating holidays started in the late 1800's. It has become quite commercialised over the years with hotels, tea rooms and gift shops springing up near the river to attract holidaymakers to the village.

The picturesque village, whose origin dates back to Roman times, consists of a mixture of shops, boat yards and thatched cottages. Along the banks of the river are several luxurious riverside properties. In and around Horning there are several interesting shops, pubs, hotels and places to eat and one can while away the time watching the activity on the busy river.
This is a most attractive overnight mooring, with a pub conveniently situated close by and a small general store on the quay, ideal for provisions. Here also is the The Broads Wildlife Centre - remarkable thatched timber building floating on a pontoon.

The picturesque Broadland village of South Walsham, with its thatched cottages and a village green is about a mile from the Broad and makes a pleasant stoll. The churches of St Mary and St Lawrence share a churchyard, and there are some attractive stained glass panels in St Marys Church to see. There are some very pleasant walks and an abundance of wildlife to be seen.
Stalham is a good centre for exploring the Northern Broads