Wroxham & Hoveton
In and around the area
The bustling village of Wroxham, often referred to as the “Capital of the Broads” is closely connected with its partnering village of Hoveton, which is divided by the River Bure, and connected by Wroxham Bridge.
Hoveton is often referred to as Wroxham, indeed one of the most well-known attractions, Roys of Wroxham, the World’s largest Village Store; is actually located in Hoveton! Founded in 1895, brothers Alfred and Arnold Roy opened their first store in the nearby village of Coltishall, with a second store being opened in Hoveton in 1899.
The current bridge was built in 1619, replacing a bridge built earlier in 1576. From the nearby Granary Staithe, hire boats can pick up a pilot to navigate them through the bridge, on their way to and from Coltishall, further upriver, as it is notoriously difficult to navigate. It is a great place to watch them shooting through the bridge!
Among the notable celebrities who enjoyed holidaying on the Norfolk Broads, George Formby came to regard the Norfolk Broads as his second home; in the 1940s he and his wife Beryl bought a riverside house called Heronby, where they would spend several summer months each year.
Things to do
Most of the shops and amenities in the village are within walking distance, and a drive to the coast takes around 15 minutes.
As well as visiting Roys of Wroxham, which comprises a supermarket, department store, toy shop and DIY store, there are a wealth of local shops and places to eat, catering for all tastes.
If you fancy leaving your car at your cottage, you can easily take the train into Norwich, or up to the coast at Cromer. Or if you fancy a steam train ride, why not catch a train with the Bure Valley Steam Railway? Located alongside the mainline railway station it is the longest 15 inch gauge railway in Britain, linking Wroxham with the historic market town of Aylsham.
Also near to Wroxham station, Wroxham Miniature Worlds is the UK’s largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK, with over 300 locos, coaches and wagons. And to further whet the appetite of train enthusiasts, the nearby Barton House Railway, a miniature steam railway, is open on the third Sunday of each month between April and October.
There are plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling; you can hire a bicycle from the village, and there are numerous walks and cycle trails to follow. Just north of Wroxham Bridge, Hoveton Riverside Park is a great route for walking, and dog walking within the village, and further out, you can follow the Bure Valley Steam Railway either on bicycle or by foot.
A couple of miles outside the village, Wroxham Barns hosts a selection of craft studios, shops, cafés and a junior farm where children can meet and feed the animals.
Nearby Hoveton Hall Gardens spans over 600 acres of woodland and gardens. Built between 1809-1812 it has been owned by the Buxton family since 1946, and its Garden Kitchen Café is open between Easter and September.
Also a few miles outside the village is the treetop adventure park, BeWILDerwood, home to Crocklebogs, Twiggles and Boggles, with zip slides, treehouses and lots of fun for the whole family.
If you love messing about on the water, as well as hiring a dayboat or a trip boat, you can also hire a canoe or stand up paddle board, and of course there are plenty of opportunities for fishing during the fishing season.
A couple of miles downriver, Wroxham Broad is a haven for sailing and wildlife, and is home to Norfolk Broads Yacht Club, where regular races and regattas are held.
If you want, you can just relax in your cottage, watch the boats go by, and fish during the fishing season. Don’t forget you’ll need a fishing license to fish on the Norfolk Broads which can be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence or from the local post office.
If you want to get out on the water, you can hire a day boat, or a canoe from Herbert Woods, taking advantage of our 25% off discount for Broads Escapes customers. Enjoy the relaxing pace and enjoy the wealth of wildlife in the area.
Eating and drinking
The Station Smokehouse
Hoveton and Wroxham Station, Station Road, Hoveton NR12 8UP
Tel: 01603 920123
Garden Kitchen Café
Hoveton Hall Gardens, Hoveton NR12 8RJ
Tel: 01603 784500
Bijou Wine Shop Bar and Deli to Tatlers Pizza & Wine Bar
Station Business Park, Horning Road West, Hoveton NR12 8QJ
Tel: 01603 784990
The Kings Head Hotel
Station Road, Hoveton NR12 8UR
Tel: 0345 608 6040
Thai Ubon
Traditional Thai Restaurant
Riverside Centre, Hoveton NR12 8AJ
Tel: 01603 781133
Kebab Hut Wroxham
The Bridge, Norwich Road, Hoveton NR12 8DA
Tel: 01603 784785
The Golden Fish
Chinese Takeaway
11 Norwich Road, Hoveton NR12 8DA
Wherryman’s Restaurant
The Bridge, Norwich Road, Wroxham NR12 8RX
Tel: 01603 784041
McDonald’s
The Hoveton Centre, Church Road, Hoveton NR12 8DB
Tel: 01603 784397
Hotel Wroxham
Riverside Centre, The Bridge, Hoveton NR12 8AJ
Tel: 01603 782061
The Old Mill Restaurant and Café Bar
243 Norwich Road, Hoveton NR12 8DA
Tel: 01603 783744
No 14 Café
Norwich Road, Hoveton NR12 8DA
Tel: 01603 784348
Ken’s Traditional Fish and Chips
The Bridge, Norwich Road, Hoveton NR2 8DA
Tel: 01603 784445
Oh Crumbs Sandwich Bar Café
Norwich Road, Hoveton NR12 8DA
Tel: 07554 232920
Greys Traditional Fish and Chips
Norwich Road, Hoveton NR12 8DA
Tel: 01603 782427
Liberty Restaurant
The Bridge, Norwich Road, Wroxham NR12 8RX
Tel: 01603 782337
The River Kitchen Café and Restaurant
Riverside Road, Hoveton NR12 8UD
Tel: 01603 926560
Royal Indian
Indian Takeaway
10 Norwich Road, Hoveton NR12 8RX
Tel: 01603 782848
Shopping
Roys of Wroxham Food Hall
Stalham Road, Hoveton NR12 8DB
Tel: 01603 782131
Massingham Bros Butchers
Station Road, Wroxham NR12 8UR
Tel: 01603 782708
Nisa
Convenience store and Post Office
Riverside Road, Hoveton NR12 8AJ
Tel: 01603 782859
General
Roys of Wroxham Department Store
Stalham Road, Hoveton NR12 8DP
Tel: 01603 782131
Roys Toys
Church Road, Hoveton NR12 8DE
Tel: 01603 777055
Wroxham Barns
Craft studios, children’s farm, cafes
Tunstead Road, Hoveton NR12 8QU
The Bridge Gift Shop
Norwich Road, Hoveton NR12 8DA
Tel: 01603 784236
Riverside Art & Glass
Art Gallery
24 Norwich Road, Wroxham NR12 8RX
Tel: 01603 784000
Bijou Bottles
Wine shop and cellar
Unit 4, Station Road, Business Park, Norwich NR12 8QJ
Tel: 01603 784990
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