Literary Landscapes: Arthur Ransome's Norfolk

Hickling Broad, the largest expanse of open water in the Norfolk Broads. By Diana Jarvis.

Our last post explored the parts of the Lake District depicted in Arthur Ransome’s beloved Swallows and Amazons series. Today, we explore another part of England that featured so prominently in the books: the Norfolk Broads.

They all went out together into sunshine that seemed extraordinarily friendly. A light breeze was stirring the river and they could see the water sparkling through the trees. “Come on,” said Tom. “Let’s all go sailing.

– Arthur Ransome, The Big Six

Ransome spent part of his childhood in the Lake District and later moved there. However, he and his family also took frequent holidays in East Anglia, particularly in Norfolk where some of his ancestors came from. So it is no surprise that he should set some of his children’s books in the region. In 1934, he published Coot Club. Six years later, the Callums returned to Norfolk in The Big Six.

Unlike in the books set in the Lake District, Ransome used real place names when writing about Norfolk. Both books take place in and around the village of Horning on the River Bure.

There is lots to discover in these Northern Broads as you sail, cruise, or walk alongside the Bure, the Thurne, and the Ant. Horning dates back to 1020 but was probably home to several Bronze Age settlements much earlier. With its selection of pubs, tearooms, restaurants, and cottages, it is an ideal holiday base. Other picturesque villages worth a visit include Coltishall and South Walsham.

The village of Coltishall on the River Bure

With so many waterways, the Broads are teeming with wildlife. How Hill Nature Reserve, within the National Park, just one of many spots where you will see gleaming dragonflies, butterflies, and a host of birds. Also within the National Park, the nature reserve at Hickling Broad covers 500 acres of water, one of the larkest open expanses in the whole of East Anglia. As such, it is a great spot for sailing, fishing, watersports, and birdwatching.

To learn more about the Broads, its history, people, and wildlife, spend a day at The Museum of the Broads. Visit the exhibits and take a ride along the river on the museum’s steam launch.

Messing About on the Water

The klop, klop of water under the bows of a small boat will cure most troubles in this world.

– Arthur Ransome, Coot Club

The River Thurne

Today, the entire Broads National Park remains a popular holiday destination for seasoned and beginning sailors alike. But even if you’re a complete beginner, there are holiday options for you. Cruisers are readily available for day hire from a number of companies, or you can rent a houseboat and spend a week or two exploring.

For those who prefer to sleep firmly on the ground, there are plenty of accomodation options, including with Holiday Cottages UK and Rural Retreats (both affiliate links featured in the sidebar to your right).

Heading South

While you’re in this part of the country, it is also worth heading further south from Norfolk to visit locations from another Ransome book. In We Didn’t Mean To Go To Sea, the Walker children embark on an adventure that takes them from Felixstowe in Suffolk to Harwich, Essex. If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse somewhere along your travels of the Nancy Blackett, Arthur Ransome’s yacht and the model for the Goblin. The yacht has been carefully restored and participates in a number of events throughout the year.

Grab a chance and you won’t be sorry for a might-have-been.

– Arthur Ransome, We Didn’t Mean To Go To Sea