Free thingsto do

We asked Broads Authority colleagues for some of their favourites, with no special equipment needed, so here are suggestions from people working in planning, communications, operations, education, ranger services and volunteer services. Depending on where you are and where you want to go, you’ll obviously probably need to travel by some means to reach these, on foot, by bike, by train, by bus, by car or by water, and you may need to pay for parking or mooring. But apart from that – these places to visit and things to do are all free! Some places may ask for or appreciate a donation.

For climbers

Climb the tower at Ranworth Church (C3) and take in the amazing view towards the coast, making this one for photographers too. You’ll need to negotiate 89 uneven steps, two ladders and a heavy trapdoor – but it’s worth it! ranworthchurch.com

For walking or cycling off the beaten track

Halvergate Mills Trail (E4) follows bridleways so you can walk or cycle. In summer it’s suitable for any

Whatever you

off-road bike, but it’s hard going. watermillsandmarshes.org.uk/trails

For short, relaxing walks

Barton Broad Boardwalk (C2) from Neatishead is one of the best. Or in the south, take the path from Rockland St Mary (C5), starting from the staithe or mooring place; Wheatfen Nature Reserve (B5), with free entry, is close by and is great for short strolls too. Further south, on the Waveney, explore North Cove Nature Reserve (E7), between Beccles and Carlton Colville. norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk rspb.org.uk wheatfen.org suffolkwildlifetrust.org

For garden lovers

How Hill’s Secret Gardens (C2) are open all the time, with free entry, though donations to the How Hill Trust are very welcome. These water gardens were created by local architect Edward Boardman

the Broads

for the family home at How Hill, which dates from 1904. The gardens are always lovely and secluded, and in early summer there are spectacular displays of azaleas and rhododendrons. Follow signs from the car park, moorings and main house. The formal gardens surrounding the house are sometimes open too – check the signs on the gates. howhilltrust.org.uk

For nature lovers

There are so many places to choose from – a quarter of the UK’s rarest wildlife lives in the Broads – so here are just two, one north and one south. Carlton Marshes has a free play area, and they both have visitor centres and are good for accessible days out.

Carlton Marshes (E7) suffolkwildlifetrust.org Ranworth (C3) norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

For gourmets

Do you enjoy fresh, seasonal, local produce? If so, what could be better than foraging? Searching hedgerows for juicy blackberries in late summer and early autumn is perhaps the most familiar foraging activity, but elderflowers and their berries, wild garlic, common nettle, crab-apples, sloes, sweet chestnuts and fungi are just some of the easy but rich pickings to be had. Please remember to follow safety guidelines and respect ownership. woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/ things-to-do/foraging

For time travellers

Here are two accessible sites, both offering free guided tours for soaking up even more history. Details of all tours at norfarchtrust.org.uk

Burgh Castle Fort

(E5) is one of the most impressive Roman buildings to survive anywhere in Britain. Dating from the third century, it was one of the chain of Saxon Shore forts, built to defend the coast of south-east England. Burgh Castle overlooks Breydon Water, which in Roman times was the Great Estuary, when the sea came much further inland. Explore the site and enjoy one of the best views in the Broads over the rivers Waveney and Yare, and Halvergate Marshes.

Religious hermits may have lived at the St Benet’s Abbey site (D3) as early as the ninth century, then in 1019 King Cnut granted land and property to the hermits at St Benet’s and the Benedictine monastery began its long life. The Bishop of Norwich is still the Abbot of St Benet’s and an open-air service takes place at the abbey each summer, with the bishop arriving on a sailing wherry. Everyone is very welcome to attend.

For boating enthusiasts

The 3 Rivers Race, taking in the Bure, Ant and Thurne, is a Broads tradition dating back to 1961.

It’s Europe’s toughest inland sailing race and is run each year by Horning Sailing Club at the beginning of June. It takes place over 24 hours, with many competitors sailing through the night. One of the best places to watch the fun and the skill is the old bridge at Potter Heigham (D2). 3rr.uk

For a more tranquil experience, pleasure wherry Hathor is moored at How Hill Staithe (C2) from May to September when not in sailing use and you’re very welcome on board for a look round. For more about wherries see page 44. wherryyachtcharter.org

For art lovers

The Broads landscape has inspired many artists of all kinds – and it still does. Some of the best known are the painters of the early 19th century Norwich School of Artists, such as John Crome, part of the wider development of landscape painting at the time, exemplified by Turner and Constable. You can still see the landscapes that inspired Norwich School artists, and while it’s not quite free to see their paintings in Norwich and Great Yarmouth museums, cheaper ‘twilight’ tickets are available. museums.norfolk.gov.uk

If you’d like to see contemporary local art in all media – see page 49 for Norfolk and Suffolk open studios.

For detectives Geocaching

All you need to get started on this treasure hunting is a suitable phone (or GPS device if you have one). Go to geocaching.com to create a free account, choose the geocache you want to find, then navigate to its location. Most are small boxes, but some are disguised as other things such as pine