Norfolk Broads Bids For World Heritage Status

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The Norfolk Broads could soon be held in the same regard as the Pyramids, Machu Picchu, Victoria Falls, the Great Barrier Reef and the historic centre of Florence if a successful bid for World Heritage Status is submitted.

The Broads Authority is planning to bid for World Heritage Status, the ultimate cultural accolade that would raise the area's profile on the global scene.

World Heritage Status is enormously prestige and helps to promote the site internationally and attract new visitors whilst encouraging the highest quality standards for tourism and for managing and protecting the site.

Across the world, there are 890 World Heritage sites, described as places of outstanding universal value to all humanity and are of great importance for the conservation of mankind's cultural and natural heritage. In the UK there are 28 sites, including Ironbridge Gorge, Stonehenge and the Dorset and East Devon coast.

Britain's largest protected wetland, the Norfolk Broads already has the status equivalent to a National Park and every year it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors ...
... from other parts of the UK and beyond.

Many are attracted by the 200km of lock-free navigable rivers, shallow lakes, woodland, fens and grazing marshes that are home to some of the country's rarest flora and fauna.

As a result it is perhaps most famous for its boating holidays, and Norfolk broads boat hire is particularly easy to arrange, as are powerboat charters.

Although Norfolk Broads powerboat charters are popular, particularly in the summer months, there are other ways to explore this beautiful and historic landscape.

Located near to the Medieval city of Norwich in East Anglia, the flat, low lying countryside is easy to explore by bicycle and there are plenty of places to stay, from plush hotels to family run bed and breakfast establishments.

You will also find plenty of Norfolk Broads cottages to rent and other self-catering accommodation. Norfolk Broads camping is also increasing in popularity with campsites reporting a 40 per cent increase in business over the past year or so.

This is no surprise considering the quality of facilities available and the fact that the area has some of the highest temperatures and lowest rainfall in the UK. In fact, according to Met Office figures, with an average rainfall of just over 600mm a year it is nearly twice as dry as Cornwall and three times drier than the Lake District.

But water does play a vital part of any holiday in the Norfolk Broads and its enchanting waterways make for a great escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Norfolk Broads boat hire offers a great way to get a taste of life on the water.

Full tuition is usually provided before you take control of the craft and its possible to choose from a wide range of boats - from luxury cruisers to more modest craft.

When out and there are plenty of things to do - the Norfolk Broads is also famous for its fishing, with roach, bream and pike the prime targets for visiting anglers. You could also try your hand at a wide range of other watersports, including sailing and canoeing.

With so much going for it, it is no surprise that the Norfolk Broads is applying for World Heritage Status. Whether it is successful or not it is guaranteed to remain one of Britain's most popular and best-loved holiday destinations.

In fact its popularity is set to continue to rise considering the increasing cost of overseas holidays and the environmental concerns surrounding air travel.

And, with the UK looking set for a scorching summer, a Norfolk Broads holiday looks like the ideal place to top up you sun tan!

Author Bio: Michael Bailey has been in the UK Holiday Scene for over 25 years, specialising in British holidays. His involvement has been in most segments of the market from caravan, camping and hotels to Norfolk Broads boating holidays and city breaks.