Norfolk hides its light under a bushel. It's not as 'in your face' as popular destinations such as Cornwall or the Lake District, both of which have well-oiled tourist industries to guide you to their respective highlights the moment you cross the border. Yet, in its own quiet way, Norfolk has just as much to offer as these better known regions.
At the heart of the county is the Broads, an area of reed-flanked waterways that connect one picturesque village to the next. This region has always been criss-crossed by rivers and streams, but it wasn't until medieval times that the Broads were created. Peat was cut from the land to be used as a fuel and the resulting excavations filled up with water. Since then, all manner of wildlife has flourished in this unique landscape. And whether you're piloting a boat or strolling the banks, few places in the UK are this relaxing.
But you can't please everyone. "Some people complain that there are no mountains," said one local, "but I reckon they'd just spoil the view.' He has a point. There's something other-worldly about the miles of golden reedbeds broken only by the occasional mast and sail - or the white sails of a windmill. Combined with the sweeping expanse of sky that caps every view, they make for one of the most striking landscapes this country has to offer.

SEE ALSO IN THE JULY 2006 ISSUE OF PRACTICAL CARAVAN
The Great Outdoors, Holiday Hints, Nature Notes, Contacts, History and Culture, Foodies' Corner, Holiday Souvenirs, Family Fun, Festivals & Events

To enable you to pick and choose from our comprehensive range of Great Escapes, we have collected them all here for you.
CLICK HERE