Not only is it the perfect place to dive into the exciting wildlife that calls the Broads home, you can also enjoy free child admission with our Kids Go Free offer.

What to expect from Ranworth Broad nature reserve

Arriving at the reserve, you'll come across an ancient oak welcoming you onto the accessible boardwalk. As you make your way along the wooden pathway, you'll be immersed in woodland, before heading into beautiful reed fen.

The short walk to the visitor centre puts you right in the heart of a reedbed, surrounded by fascinating plants and calm water. Among the sights you could enjoy are nesting reed warblers and Cetti's warblers, royal fern and six-foot-tall marsh sowthistle plants. Little ones might feel like they've been transported to the jungle!

There is so much to see and hear on this trail, whatever time of year you visit. Springtime brings common terns back from migration in Africa, with several pairs nesting on the special rafts in front of the visitor centre.

Meanwhile, in summer, you may get the exciting chance to spot a Norfolk hawker dragonfly, or the rare swallowtail caterpillar or butterfly, with their beautiful and distinctive markings. The colder months bring big gatherings of wildfowl, with gulls and cormorants roosting in the evenings.

Marsh harriers call Ranworth home all year round, while you might also spot a family of otters playing together by the water!

Discover Ranworth Broad visitor centre

When you reach the end of our trail, you'll discover our unique floating visitor centre, with its distinctive thatched roof, nestled among the reeds. The centre can only be reached by the boardwalk, or by taking one of our boat trips, and its waterfront location offers stunning views across the Broad.

Come on into the visitor centre to pick up a cold drink, snack or ice cream, and enjoy browsing our special range of nature-inspired gifts, from books and birthday cards, to fun-packed toys and games with a wildlife twist.

Climb the newly-renovated staircase to the mezzanine floor and you'll discover fun interactive displays and activities for children to enjoy. You might also spot some exciting wildlife from the windows – we've had sightings of swimming grass snakes from here! Our staff will be on hand to help you out with any questions, whether you want to know more about Ranworth's wildlife or you're after recommendations for how to spend your time at this magical reserve.

All profits from the visitor centre go back into funding Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s valuable work, so your visit is helping to keep our wild spaces special for future generations!

Explore the Broad by boat

With much of Ranworth Broad being set on the water, one of the best ways to explore the reserve is by joining one of our guided wildlife boat trips across the Broad. These take place on our historic Norfolk electric reed-lighter boat, Little Tern. No two boat trips are exactly the same, but among the wildlife you could spot are vibrant kingfishers, striking common terns or even our very special family of ospreys, which breed here and remain over the summer months (you may also be able to see them on our live camera feed in the visitor centre if you prefer to stay inside).

During the 40-minute boat trip, our expert guide will share the story of Ranworth with your family, as you explore the hidden corners of the Broad. Our boat trips run between April and October, but we also offer year-round exclusive guided trips for groups (just contact the visitor centre to find out more). Check our website for exact dates and times available.

What else is there to do?

During Norfolk school holidays, our Wilder Learning team run a range of fun events for children at Ranworth. Whether your little ones are interested in ponds, birds, trees or even owl poo, there'll be something to spark their imagination.

After your visit to the reserve, why not take a look around Ranworth village? There are public toilets available at Ranworth village staithe (opposite The Maltsters pub), while the village also features a beautiful medieval church and a grassy area perfect for a picnic. You'll often see lots of ducks enjoying this area too!

Don't forget that you can get free child entry to all of Norfolk Wildlife Trust's nature reserves throughout the year, making them a great choice for a family day out in Norfolk. You can take a look at all of our wonderful Norfolk nature reserves on our website.

How to get to NWT Ranworth Broad and Marshes

Car park: There is a signed NWT car park a short walk from the boardwalk (look for signs for Broads Wildlife Centre Car Park once you enter Ranworth village). This car park is free and closes at 5pm. Limited closer disabled parking is available off Broad Road.

What3Words: glow.forces.burden will take you to the car park entrance.

Nearest postcode: NR13 6HY

Visiting without a car: The reserve is a 25-minute cycle ride from Salhouse and Acle rail stations, which have regular train services to Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Sheringham. Cycles can be taken on trains on both lines, although booking is recommended. If travelling by bus, please check times and routes online as they are subject to change.

Ferry: We run a ferry service between Ranworth village staithe and NWT Ranworth Broad visitor centre. You can see up-to-date details, including timetables and ticket prices, on our website.

How to contact the visitor centre: Give us a call on 01603 270479