Sunsets on the Norfolk Broads

Under wide-open skies and a flat landscape, the Norfolk Broads have some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the county (the sunrises are pretty special too!). Early winter is most notable for sunsets; the colours are often richer, with the sun setting earlier in the day. The perfect time of year to watch the sky shift from gold to pink as the sun goes down over the water.

Of course, if you’re on a boating holiday, it doesn’t matter what time sunset falls. In the late summer, you might catch the sunsets out on deck on a warm night. In winter, it’s all about being wrapped up in a cosy blanket with a hot chocolate in hand.

The best places to see sunsets on the Norfolk Broads

On every river on the Norfolk Broads you’ll find a windmill or windpump that always provides a stunning backdrop to any rise or setting of the sun. Here are a few of our favourite spots to drop anchor and take it all in.

How Hill on the River Ant

How Hill is a particularly idyllic spot for watching the sun go down. The surrounding marshes create a great backdrop to capture the colours of the evening sky rippling across the water around you. The charming Turf Fen Mill also makes the perfect centrepiece for a sunset view from the water. For the best view, position your boat so it lines up with the mill and the dipping sun. You can also moor at How Hill Staithe to enjoy the sunset show if you would rather.

Thurne Mill

With its striking white sails, Thurne Mill is a top place for photography on the Norfolk Broads. Another great spot for a dramatic backdrop, the Mill is surrounded by reedbeds that sway gently in the winter breeze; it becomes truly magical when bathed in the golden glow of a sunset.

Hickling Broad

As the largest of the broads, this vast stretch of water mirrors stunning shades of the evening sky. A nature lover’s dream, Hickling Broad is home to lots of nature and wildlife. It has a sense of peace that’s hard to find anywhere else. On still evenings, a gentle mist can rise from the water and drift through the reedbeds, adding a touch of enchantment to an already unforgettable view.

Horsey Windpump

On a crisp winter’s evening (or early morning, if you’re up with the sun), a frosty glow can settle around the restored Horsey windpump. Being so close to the coast, the skies can be particularly dramatic, making it an atmospheric place to share the Broads with someone special.

Here at Herbert Woods, we’re thankful to so many customers who share their stunning pictures with us of a sunrise or sunset on the Norfolk Broads.

Take a look at some of our favourites.

Boating holidays at Herbert Woods

If you’re thinking of experiencing one of these sunsets yourself, there is no better way to enjoy them than on a boating holiday. You can enjoy the dramatic sunsets safely in the knowledge that you have somewhere cosy to rest up when it gets dark.

Simply contact us via our form or call us on 01692 670 711 to speak to one of our team about winter boating holidays.