Whitlingham Broad – family walks in the Broads

Just a stone’s throw from Norwich’s centre, Whitlingham Country Park is where the buzz of the city meets the beauty of the broads. Being so close to a population centre, there are plenty of amenities here, with an adventure centre, woodland and waterside trails, an excellent cafe and a visitor centre. This lovely loop, suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, takes you all the way around Whitlingham Great Broad, offering something for the whole family.

From the car park, the route ventures anti-clockwise around the Great Broad, taking in the southern shore first. If you have time, it’s worth taking a detour to explore Whitlingham Woods, situatedat the eastern end of the park.

With the River Yare on the right and the expanse of the Great Broad on your left, the middle section of this hike provides loads of birdwatching potential. The bird hide on the northern shore is a good place to stop and pass the binoculars between the family. Birds you might be able to spot include swifts, herons, cormorants and kingfishers.

At the western end of the Great Broad, you pass Whitlingham Adventure Centre’s impressive canopy and launch point. You can expect to see kayaks and paddleboards sharing the water with swans and ducks. Soon, there’s the option of exploring the 15th-century ruins of Trowse Newton Hall, once a medieval retreat for the Priors of Norwich City Cathedral.

Back at the start, you can rest your feet and treat the kids at the Barn Cafe, which serves great food and is open seven days a week.