Lakes around Brumstead are primarily found within the nearby Norfolk Broads National Park. Brumstead is a village in Norfolk, England, situated about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Stalham. The area is characterized by interconnected rivers and shallow lakes, known locally as "broads." These waterways offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Great little viewing area with a couple of benches and a great view over the Mere.
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This viewpoint looks over the expansive freshwater lake of Barton Broad in Norfolk. The lake features gorgeous reed beds and waterlilies that provide home for a number of wonderful bird species including marsh harriers, bitterns, and great crested grebes. Boating enthusiasts are often seen exploring the lake's waters too.
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Cox's Boatyard is located on Barton Broad, which is the largest of the local broads. It's opposite a floating triangular island at the head of the broad, known as "The Heater". It's a wildlife rich environment, and you will find water birds and otters mixing it up with the water craft from SUPs to dinghies and traditional wherries. Users of this broad are following in no lesser footsteps than those of Lord Horatio Nelson, who started his sailing here, long before Trafalgar.
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In the winter months this area can become quite water logged. Remember to close any gates behind you to ensure the Konik Ponies don't escape when they are in the reserve.
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The Norfolk Broads National Park has over 125 miles (201 km) of waterways that wind through countryside, charming villages and sea views. This corner of Norfolk even has more miles of waterway than Venice and Amsterdam! Its marshlands, reeds and woodland provide the perfect backdrop for cycling. The river Bure, Thurne, Ant, Yare, Chet, Waveney and Wensum all flow through the area.
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Horsey Mere is regarded as one of the most beautiful of the northern broads. Close to the Norfolk coast, Horsey's reed beds and grazing marshes offer a habitat of international importance for birds, including wigeon, teal, shoveller, pochard, gadwall, goldeneye, tufted duck, bitterns, stonechats, yellow wagtails, and grasshopper warblers. You might even spot two rare warblers here; Cetti's and Savi's. According to folklore, on 13th June every year the screams of drowned children can be heard from the mere.
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Heigham Sound is a clear lake that's popular with sailors and boaters. It's home to an abundance of rare birds and insects at all times of year, too. At this spot, between meadows and Heigham Sound, with boats floating on the water and the sound of birdsong flowing through the air, you can experience a slice of Norfolk’s rural idyll.
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Near Brumstead, you'll primarily find the interconnected rivers and shallow lakes known as "broads" within the Norfolk Broads National Park. These waterways offer diverse natural landscapes rather than large, singular lakes.
Yes, Horsey Mere is highly recommended. Its reed beds and grazing marshes are an internationally important habitat for birds like wigeon, teal, and bitterns. You might also spot rare warblers. Heigham Sound is also home to an abundance of rare birds and insects.
The broads are popular for various water-based activities. Heigham Sound is a clear lake favored by sailors and boaters. You can also explore the extensive Norfolk Broads Waterways, which offer over 125 miles of routes for boating and enjoying the scenery.
Many areas of the Norfolk Broads are family-friendly. Horsey Mere is noted as family-friendly, offering great views and wildlife spotting. The View of Barton Broad is also a family-friendly viewpoint, and Cox's Boatyard on Barton Broad is a wildlife-rich environment suitable for families.
Yes, many areas around the broads are dog-friendly. For example, Horsey Mere is specifically listed as a dog-friendly location, making it a great spot to visit with your canine companion.
The Norfolk Broads offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for boating, wildlife, and enjoying the waterlilies. Autumn brings beautiful colors, and winter can offer unique birdwatching opportunities, though some areas like Heigham Sound can become waterlogged in colder months.
Yes, there are numerous walking and hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes around Brumstead, such as the 'Woodland Picnic Spot – Hickling Broad Visitor Centre loop from Hickling'. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Brumstead guide.
The marshlands, reeds, and woodland of the Norfolk Broads provide an excellent backdrop for cycling. You can find various road cycling routes, including those around Horsey Windpump. Check out the Road Cycling Routes around Brumstead guide for detailed options.
The View of Barton Broad offers an expansive vista over the freshwater lake, complete with reed beds and waterlilies. There are also great viewing areas with benches overlooking Horsey Mere.
The broads are rich in wildlife. At Horsey Mere, you can spot various birds like wigeon, teal, bitterns, and even rare warblers. Heigham Sound is known for its rare birds and insects, while Barton Broad is home to marsh harriers, bitterns, and great crested grebes. Otters can also be seen in wildlife-rich environments like Cox's Boatyard.
Yes, Cox's Boatyard on Barton Broad has a notable historical connection, as Lord Horatio Nelson is said to have started his sailing here. The area also features traditional windmills and barns, adding to its cultural landscape.
Brumstead is located about 1 mile north of Stalham, which is within the Broads National Park, making the waterways easily accessible. While specific parking and public transport details vary by broad, many popular spots have facilities. Remember to close gates behind you in reserves to manage grazing animals like Konik Ponies.
Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse natural beauty, the abundance of wildlife, and the peaceful atmosphere. The opportunity for boating, birdwatching, and exploring the extensive network of waterways, often against a backdrop of windmills and charming villages, is highly appreciated by the komoot community.


Still not found your perfect lake around Brumstead? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.