Salhouse: UNLONDON in the heart of the Broads
Step off the train on the Bittern Line from Norwich to Sheringham at Salhouse in the Broads National Park and you will be transported to a place of calm, peacefulness and serenity – the ultimate UNLONDON.
What are the Broads? 125 miles of navigable, lock-free waterways that are a brilliant escape from the urban, the office and the day-to-day. Absolutely unique in the world and in Salhouse you’ll be as far from Zoom and Teams as it’s possible to be.
Amazingly, the Broads are also a man-made National Park, the result of medieval peat diggings that became inundated as water levels rose, joining them up with the existing river system.
Where is Salhouse in England
Salhouse is in the Broads National Park in Norfolk in the East of England, just seven miles from Norwich. It takes a little over two hours to get to Salhouse from London, changing at Norwich.
To really UNLONDON, camp at Salhouse Broad right by the water and hire a canoe. Salhouse Broad also has a Dark Skies Hub.
What makes Salhouse special
It may be just a hop, jump and skip from the hustle and bustle of Wroxham, capital of the Broads, but Salhouse is a quiet haven where you’ll find refuge from everything you’re escaping in London. Ultimate escape… UNLONDON. Box ticked.
The antidote to London life
It’s impossible to see the Broads by car alone – they’re tucked away, an amazing hidden magical wonderland of tranquil rivers, amazing wildlife, serene sailing boats, riverside pubs and restaurants, picturesque villages, massive skies and church towers on the horizon. Peace and quiet is on the agenda here – the antidote to the chaos of London life.
You can see them by foot (why not go on a guided tour) or cycling, but the best way is by boat. You can hire them for a day or longer in Wroxham and head on out. Canoe is another good way to explore.
If you head west from Hoveton and Wroxham, you’ll head along the river Bure towards picturesque Coltishall. Head east on the Bure and explore Wroxham Broad, Hoveton Great Broad, Decoy Broad, Pound End, Hoveton Little Broad and Salhouse Broad itself.
Things to do near Salhouse
32-acre Salhouse Broad is located on the River Bure between Wroxham and Horning, in the heart of the Broads. The broad has grassy bank and areas of sand, perfect for children – and canoeing. From here you can do a short trip to The Fur & Feather, the brewery tap of Norfolk brewer Woodfordes.
This is a chocolate box pub, thatched with a duck pond and lots of seating outside.
Stack up on provisions at the Salhouse Farm Shop and Café.
Things to do in the Broads near Salhouse include the Bure Valley Railway, Wroxham Miniature Worlds, the largest of its kind in the UK, visitor attractions Wroxham Barns, Hoveton Hall Gardens and BeWILDerwood.
Further afield, there are even more things to do in the Broads such as Blickling Estate and the city of Norwich.
In Hoveton and Wroxham itself, visit ‘the world’s largest village store’, Roy’s of Wroxham. Established in 1895, one general store has become a cluster of shops including a Food Hall that specialises in local, freshly-grown produce.
If you’ve not got your ‘sea legs’, you can stay on land: glamp at Wroxham Barns, stay at The Lodge in Salhouse, or in a waterside holiday home. You can eat, drink and stay at The Stag in Salhouse.
Wherever you stay, whatever you do, this is the place to get your fresh air fix away from the capital. You’re UNLONDON. Official.
Salhouse across the seasons
Get a canoe and head out on the water… whatever the season, there’ll be a myriad of wildlife and birdsong to enjoy. Unlike the constant day-to-day humdrum of London, this is an ever-changing landscape that provide revelations to your senses.
Getting to Salhouse by train from London
You can get to Salhouse by train from London Liverpool Street station, the journey takes around 2 hours 24 minutes, and has 1 change at Norwich station. Our trains are accessible and feature free Wi-fi and plug points in-between seats. First Class and catering are available on most of our London to Norwich intercity services.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, you should check out our Weekender ticket, which lets you travel out on a Friday or Saturday, and return on a Sunday or Monday.
FAQs about staycations in Salhouse
It takes a little over two hours to get to Salhouse from London, changing at Norwich.
Things to do in the Broads around Salhouse include the Bure Valley Railway, Wroxham Miniature Worlds, the largest of its kind in the UK, visitor attractions Wroxham Barns, Hoveton Hall Gardens and BeWILDerwood.
Yes, and they’re accepted on the boats as well – just make sure they’ve a lifebelt on. They’ll be supplied – just call ahead.
Staying at Salhouse Broad you’ll be in the middle of nowhere! Enjoy canoeing, camping and dark skies at night – perfect for stargazing.
Photography courtesy of Visit of England