Ten great reasons to visit Wroxham

Feed the ducks and swans, watch the cruisers and sailing craft go by, or just sit and enjoy the sunshine glinting off the River Bure that runs between Wroxham and Hoveton. And marvel at the amazing selection of boats that fill the moorings. Many of the desirable cruisers will have been built by the Broom Boats, synonymous with luxury boating for more than 110 years. Will you be tempted by a trip to Norfolk Boat Sales at The Rhond on Riverside Road?

The delightful narrow gauge steam engines of the Bure Valley Railway run between Wroxham and Aylsham. With family fares, children under five free and plenty to interest all rail enthusiasts of all ages, this is a lovely chance to enjoy the Norfolk countryside at the steam pace once more.

Discover the curious treehouse adventure that is Bewilderwood, the brilliant park created by Tom Blofeld and friends in the woods and grounds of his childhood home. Let your children lead you into a world of imagination inhabited by Boggles and Twiggles, and enjoy the thrills of zip wires, den building and marshy boat trips.

You won’t go hungry at Wroxham! If it’s fish and chips that are tempting you, look no further than The Bridge Restaurant, which prides itself on being "Home of the big fish", or try Broadland Fish stores for fresh fish to take home. Choose from Hotel Wroxham with its restaurant, bar and real ales, The Wherryman with a restaurant and pizzeria, The Old Mill Restaurant, The King’s Head and its wholesome fresh food.

Whether you want fun with the family, a relaxing day out or some great, unusual shopping ideas, Wroxham Barns has it all. Meet the spring lambs, groom ponies and collect eggs at the Junior Farm; let the children enjoy the funfair (open June 2 to Sept 9 and other dates during the year) or play a round of 18-hole mini golf on the championship course. If it’s retail therapy you’re after, visit the craft studios specialising in stained glass, jewellery, wood, textiles, pottery, engraving, models, clothes and art, or indulge yourself in the fudge, brewery and food shops, the fashion Gallery, gift shop and rose and plant centre. And when you’ve worked up an appetite, visit the restaurant-cafe for delicious home-cooked food and drink.

"The world’s largest village store", Roys of Wroxham has food, fashion, plants and garden equipment, toys, shoes, gifts, homeware... the list goes on and you’re almost guaranteed not to leave without buying something! Roys so often has that special something you can’t find anywhere else, and prices are very competitive too, plus there’s free parking for 1,000 cars.

Bradley Hatch has a fine selection of new and secondhand jewellery as well as clocks, watches, silverware and gifts, while Wroxham Saddlery is the place to visit if you love horses. Looking for great fashions and good service? Pop into Annette Collins boutique on Church Road, Hoveton.

Hoveton Hall Gardens are a wonderful place to escape the worries of the world and enjoy the beauty of nature. With woodland and water garden walks, pathways beside flourishing magnolias and clematis, and a delightful old walled kitchen garden this is a real treat for all the family.

It’s easy to get on to the water at Wroxham, with a wide selection of very professional and experienced hire companies. Whether you fancy a day boat, a canoe or a jazz, classical music or ceilidh cruise, you will find the right people and the right craft to help you. Among them are Broads Tours, The Canoeman, Le Boat, Porter and Haylett, Barnes Brinkcraft, Sheerline and Fineway.

The Norfolk Broads Yacht Club has its home at Wroxham Broad, where its members enjoy competitive racing and more relaxed, leisurely sailing. Become a member to enjoy the bar and restaurant facilities at the clubhouse and take part in the busy calendar of social and sailing events throughout the year.