Hoveton and Wroxham staycations from London by train

Hoveton and Wroxham: UNLONDON in the capital of the Broads

Step off the train on the Bittern Line from Norwich to Sheringham at Hoveton and Wroxham and you will have no idea what you’re about to experience - only the capital of the Broads National Park, that’s all. Let the anticipation begin.

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.

Amazingly, the Broads are a nationally protected landscape with equivalent status to a National Park, formed from medieval peat diggings that became flooded as water levels rose, linking them to the existing river system.

Where is Hoveton and Wroxham in England

Hoveton and Wroxham are in the Broads National Park in Norfolk in the East of England, just ten miles from Norwich. It takes around two and a half hours to get to Hoveton and Wroxham from London, changing at Norwich.

What makes Hoveton and Wroxham special

Jamie Oliver has described the area as “absolutely beautiful” and continues to visit with his family. The Norfolk Broads have also attracted a number of well-known visitors over the years, drawn by its peaceful waterways and relaxed pace of life.

The antidote to London life

You can’t experience 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. Canoeing is another great 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 and Hoveton Little Broad. And that’s before you make the few miles to Hoveton village.

Things to do near Hoveton and Wroxham

Things to do in the Broads near Hoveton and Wroxham 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, the city of Norwich, and a trip to The Fur & Feather, the brewery tap of Norfolk brewer Woodfordes.

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 or in a waterside holiday home.

Wherever you stay, whatever you do, this is the place to get your fresh air fix away from the capital. You’re UNLONDON. Official.

Hoveton and Wroxham across all seasons

Changing scenery, changing wildlife. Whenever you come, it will be different, and utterly awesome. Just prepare yourself for a world away from drab cityscapes, high rises, pushing and shoving. Ultimate UNLONDON.

Getting to Hoveton and Wroxham by train from London

You can get to Hoveton and Wroxham by train from London Liverpool Street station, the journey takes around 2 hours 27 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.

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