When you think of the word ‘honeymoon’, what springs to mind? Sandy beaches, clear water, and blue skies? How about the natural beauty of the Broads National Park and all the wonderful wildlife that it has to offer? Honeymoons are a very personal holiday, and reflect a couple’s shared interests and tastes. Honeymoons don’t have to be all about jet-setting hours across the globe if that’s not your thing – why not consider a honeymoon in the UK on the Norfolk Broads? Here at Richardson’s, we have a range of cosy 2-berth cruisers perfect for a romantic holiday for 2 on the 7 rivers and 63 Broads that make up the Broads National Park system.
Honeymoon in the UK within the Broads National Park
The Broads National Park has a relaxing atmosphere, and with its natural surroundings, wonderful wildlife, and miles of navigable waters, it’s the quickest way to slow down. You are in control of your holiday, and there are so many different places to visit. With destinations as far south as Beccles, as well as the lively seaside town of Great Yarmouth accessible to the East and the cultural fine city of Norwich in the West, there are endless opportunities to explore all from your floating home away from home alongside your new spouse!
A delightfully romantic place to visit is Ranworth Broad. Home to the ‘Cathedral of the Broads’, St Helen’s church, this is a beautiful Norfolk medieval church, with a bell tower that reaches 100ft. The surrounding area is quite beautiful, too, as you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing walk around the Broad and explore the floating visitor’s centre on your way.
In Norwich, a romantic stroll around the Cathedral’s gardens and inside is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, followed by something to eat in the Cathedral’s café, the Refectory. Norwich is also home to a riverside walk, easily joinable from Norwich Yacht Station, as well as several other interesting local attractions including Norwich Castle Gallery and Museum and The Lanes, which offers lots independent shops to peruse. Why not also visit the 13th century Adam and Eve pub, commonly known as the city’s oldest pub.
Great Yarmouth is great for a traditional seaside experience, with the bright lights of amusement arcades, the sweet smell of donuts and the taste of salt in the sea breeze. Head to the seaside town for an Adventure Golf competition on the Golden Mile, or a romantic stroll along the beach to one of the town’s two piers or win your beau a teddy on the grabber machines!
The county of Norfolk, in which most of the Broads National Park sets its course, is known for being full of romantics, making is the perfect place to honeymoon. Jack Valentine himself is an old Norfolk ritual, also known as Old Father Valentine or Old Mother Valentine. Delivering gifts on Valentine’s Day, Jack Valentine would then disappear into thin air. In Victorian times in Norfolk, more money was often spent on extravagant Valentine’s Day gifts than Christmas gifts. Is there a better place to spend your honeymoon than in a county full of cupids?
One of the most romantic things to do in the Norfolk Broads is not tied to any one place – but one of the more rural mooring spots is probably the best way to experience it. Owing to the flatness of the county and low light pollution, it’s one of the best places to stargaze. Best enjoyed on a clear light away from light sources (try mud weighting in the middle of a Broad like Hickling Broad), grab a blanket, a warm drink and sit back on the deck – best enjoyed on a cruise like Swan Reflection where the settee turns into a double berth with a sliding canopy above it, so you can cuddle up and watch the stars.
Boating on the Broads is easy, too. Even if you have no experience, here at Richardson’s we have over 70 years’ experience helping visitors to enjoy the Broads. We offer full, free tuition and a trial run before you set off. The Broads also benefits from being lock free, meaning you’re free to navigate the waterways without having to worry about heavy, difficult locks during your boating honeymoon! Why not consider this when looking to book one of the most special holidays you’ll ever go on?
