Bridge Broad

The water here is absolutely flat and wide - proper Norfolk Broads in character. Bridge Broad is one of those lakes that rewards a slow approach, best explored by boat rather than from the bank, though you can get a decent sense of it from Wroxham if you're passing through. The broad itself is quiet compared to some of the busier stretches nearby, which means you're more likely to spot wildlife rather than getting caught in a queue of cabin cruisers.

Walkers will find the surrounding footpaths decent enough - nothing strenuous, but the flat terrain and open water views make for a pleasant couple of hours on foot. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars; the reed beds harbour everything from marsh harriers to bitterns depending on the season. It's the sort of place that doesn't demand hours of your time, but slots perfectly into a broader Broads exploration.

If you're staying at Norfolk Broads Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just four miles away, Bridge Broad makes an easy half-day diversion. Families with young kids won't find it dramatic enough to warrant a special trip, but boat enthusiasts will appreciate the quieter water and the chance to moor up without the summer madness. The lake connects to the wider Broads network, so it works as part of a longer route rather than a destination in itself. Go when you've got time to dawdle.