During the school summer break there is a sudden increase in the number of people that want to stay for a weekend with my wife and I, particularly friends with children. We offer visits to Holkham beach and shopping expeditions into Norwich, but by far the most common request is to see the Broads. But how does one impress guests (and entertain their children) with all the wonder and beauty of the Norfolk Broads in a single day? The answer is quite simple, and it involves a trip to Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Ranworth Broad or NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes – both of which have wonderful visitor centres.     

The Broads Wildlife Centre at NWT Ranworth Broad and Marshes can be reached by a ferry service from Ranworth village staithe or a pleasant ten-minute walk along Broad Road to the entrance of the reserve – either has its own appeal. A centuries-old oak stands sentinel at the beginning of the route to the reserve along an accessible wooden path. It ambles through a swampy wood (referred to as alder carr) before opening into reedbed and ending at the floating thatched visitor centre. Those with a deeper interest in the natural world will be surprised just how much can be seen in such a short walk. The wood contains an array of flora, including an impressive royal fern. Marsh tit and Cetti’s warbler breed here, as do reed bunting and sedge warbler. On either side of the boardwalk bisecting the reedbed, colourful orchids can be seen. In late summer there is wonderful stands of meadowsweet and purple loosestrife. The seven-foot-tall marsh sow thistle is here as well as decades-old tussock sedges.  

Along with a warm welcome from staff and volunteers, the first impression you’ll have on entering the floating visitor centre is the large panel windows, giving unrestricted views of the broad. The centre has a viewing gallery with binoculars available, lots of activities for children and interactive information on the wildlife and history of the area. The well-stocked shop has books, gifts and snacks, including ice cream. From here the guided wildlife boat tours operate, offering popular trips around Ranworth Broad, along the river Bure and up to Cockshoot Broad.  

If your family, or visitors, enjoy a longer, more bracing walk, as well as wide open spaces, then NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes is the place to visit this summer. The staff and volunteers in the visitor centre can help on the best route around the network of paths and give advice on the best places to see the stunning wildlife. Marsh harrier are commonly seen, as well as crane, egrets and the recently re-established spoonbill. There are wonderful vistas across the county’s largest broad, and a boat tour stops at several hidden hides and a tall viewing tower.  

A trip to the North Norfolk Coast to enjoy its beautiful scenery, wide open landscape and wonderful wildlife is always a favourite. Although bustling with holidaymakers in summer, there are still some quiet corners to be found. NWT’s Cley and Salthouse Marshes nature reserve is such a place. The popular visitors centre on the coast road at Cley-next-the-sea village can be busy with people during the height of the season, as there is lots on offer, including stunning elevated views of the marshes. 

However, once on the reserve it is amazing how peaceful it can become. This place is internationally famous for its conservation history and its wide range of bird species; in late summer the air is alive with butterflies and dragonflies.          

At all our visitor centres we make a particular effort to engage with children. Many child development experts speak extensively about the ‘extinction of experience’ particularly relating to the natural world. Studies show that children who spend time in green spaces often view nature as magical and they develop a protective attitude to the environment. It has also been shown that children who lacked stimulation through contact with nature grow to see it as irrelevant in adulthood, even viewing wild places as hostile.   

Norfolk Wildlife Trust organises events and activities throughout the year that provide the chance for all the family to explore Norfolk’s amazing countryside and the wildlife that lives alongside us. We have always worked hard to encourage young people to enjoy and value wildlife, but we also understand how hard it is sometimes to motivate children to occupy their time usefully. We hope that this summer holiday we can help provide you with some ideas, activities and events to both amuse and – without them knowing – educate your children.  

We have five visitor centres across the county, providing easy access, information, books, gifts, snacks and most importantly a gateway to wide open space.