It's winter, the festive fun is behind us, it's dark early and the nights are long - then along comes the arrival of the winter blues. Here are some of the best things to do in the Broads to keep the winter blues at bay.
When we exercise it increases production of endorphins, the happy hormones. The National Park offers walks to suit all tastes, whether you’re a gentle stroller or a serious stomper. We also have route maps of popular walks to download on your smartphone at: Alltrails and Viewranger.
These walks can be a great way to get out with a group if you're struggling with motivation to go out alone or with the family. Walks are usually free but may ask for a donation. The Norfolk Ramblers are hosting walks soon in Coltishall and Buckenham and upcoming walks in Suffolk are taking place at Carlton Marshes and RSPB Minsmere, run by Suffolk Ramblers. Or join the wellbeing 'Central Norfolk Wellbeing Walks, Broadland, Norwich And South Norfolk' Facebook group.
Wroxham Barns run ‘cuddle sessions’ with the resident guinea pigs is a great way to stroke your worries away - these will re-open again in February. Once a month they host a makers market with eclectic mix of talented makers, artisans and craftspeople showcasing their fabulous products.
Lunch options include sourdough toasties, jacket potatoes, fresh sandwiches and homemade cakes.
Set in a 3 acre woodland meadow, Starry Meadow has a number of rescue animals including a little herd of donkeys and goats and runs animal therapy sessions. Book in to have 'tea with guinea pigs' at Cuddly Cavies in Fakenham. This includes a cake, drink, activity, feeding, grooming and cuddles with the guinea-pigs.
BorrowMyDoggy connects dog owners with trusted local people who love to look after dogs. From walks, playtime, and overnight stays on holidays, anyone can sign up to BorrowMyDoggy.
Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s Walkies for Wellbeing is the mental health charity’s fundraising challenge for March 2025. Owners (and their dogs) set a distance to walk during the month to raise funds for mental health services in Norfolk and Waveney.
Everybody knows that getting outside and socialising are two wonderful ways to feel great, so why not combine the two and get stuck in with Norwich Farm Share? Volunteers share helping out on the land. You can be as hands on as you like or just purchase a monthly veg box full of organic goodies. Being a part of the team is a great way to meet people and you’ll feel amazing eating all of those fresh fruit and vegetables which you’ll have helped grow.
Getting out on two wheels with others can help to beat the winter blues. There are plenty of short cycle rides, suitable for adult beginners you can join in with. Community Roots in Gt Yarmouth runs a monthly wellbeing bike ride, on the first Friday of every month - they can even lend you a bicycle. Search for group bike rides near where you live with Active Norfolk and Active Suffolk.
If you prefer to choose your own routes, our guide to cycling in the National Park is the place to go.
The fens and waterways of the National Park give way to endless, unpolluted skies which are particularly great for stargazing. Check out our top locations for stargazing in the Broads or go on a guided dark-skies night walk.
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is hosting a Star Night (1 February) - where expert astronomers will unveil the wonders of Norfolk's night sky through telescopes.
January and February in 2025 are particularly special for stargazing, when a rare and stunning celestial display when the planets appear close together in a small sky sector, known as a ‘parade of planets’.
Six of the seven planets in our solar system will grace the evening sky in an event popularly referred to as a “planetary alignment”. While this term might evoke images of a straight-line configuration, the reality is more about the opportunity to see multiple planets simultaneously — a spectacular sight!
The next planetary alignment is on 21 January and the easiest way to check if you see a planet or a star is by using the free Sky Tonight app.
Expand your horizons and see the skies as never before; captured through the lens of your camera, under the expert tuition of professional photographers Dibs McCallum and Duncan Arnold. They run regular Through the Lens workshops on capturing the beauty of the National Park, particularly the mills, boats, and night skies around the Broads.
Run for fun and do good deeds for those in need. From hanging curtains for Mr H because he can't manage it on his own, to shovelling a tonne of compost for the Food Growers Group so they can grow vegetables - every GoodGym run is different.
Winter can take its toll on your wellbeing. It’s hard to stay motivated in the cold weather and looking after your piece of mind can slip off the radar. The Wellbeing Service offers support and online courses for everyone, from stress control and positive wellbeing through to retraining your thinking.
There are loads of wonderful ways to fall in love with Winter and beat those seasonal blues. Making friends, getting outside, being creative and spending some time with a few furry friends are all great ways to start. Check out the Visit the Broads website for more ideas.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Mental health crisis support line is a 24/7 helpline for people of all ages in Suffolk and Norfolk, who are emotionally distressed, are at breaking point, and need urgent help. Call 111 and press option 2 for the NHS Mental Health Crisis Support line.
The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Mind’s website.
Visit the Broads and the Broads Authority work in partnership to give visitors all the information and inspiration they need to make their trip to the Broads perfect.
The Broads Authority looks after the national park for visitors, boaters, wildlife and its community.
Visit the Broads provides a strong unified voice for Broads tourism-related businesses, from accommodation providers to holiday boat operators, and other stakeholders with an interest in tourism activity.
Visit the Broads welcomes new members - read more information for Broads businesses →
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