The best places to live in Wroxham

Key takeaways

• Waterside living with real convenience: Wroxham sits on the River Bure in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, blending countryside calm with everyday amenities.
• City access in 15 minutes: Direct trains to Norwich mean you get rural charm without losing urban connections.
• Endless things to do: From Wroxham Barns to the BeWILDerwood adventure park and scenic rides on the Bure Valley Railway, there’s something for all ages.
• Village options to suit your lifestyle: Choose from lively Horning, peaceful Coltishall, residential Salhouse, or market-town charm in Aylsham.
• A true lifestyle move: Boating, wildlife, riverside pubs and countryside walks make this corner of Norfolk feel like a permanent getaway.

Welcome to the capital of the Norfolk Broads, where waterside living meets village charm, and every day feels like a mini escape to the countryside.

Find out what makes Wroxham so special with our handy guide…

Is Wroxham a nice place to live?

Absolutely. Wroxham sits right on the River Bure in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, giving you that rare combination of peaceful riverside living with all the amenities you actually need.

Not to mention, the train station gets you to Norwich in just 15 minutes, so you're never too far from city life when you need it.

Plus, with the Broads on your doorstep, you can swap the commute for a boat trip whenever you fancy./p>

Things to do in Wroxham

There's plenty to keep you busy here. Wroxham Barns is a brilliant day out with craft studios, a junior farm, and seasonal events, while BeWILDerwood offers outdoor adventure for the kids.

You can hire a day boat and explore the waterways at your own pace, or hop on the Bure Valley Railway for a scenic steam train journey to Aylsham.

Whether you're into watersports, wildlife watching, or just a good lunch with a view, you're sorted.

The best places to live in Wroxham

Just across Wroxham Bridge sits Hoveton, which technically hosts most of the shops and facilities you'll associate with Wroxham.

It's where you'll find the railway station, boat yards, and that famous Roy's store that seems to stock absolutely everything.

The two villages blend seamlessly together, so you get waterside tranquillity with proper convenience. It's ideal if you want easy access to amenities without sacrificing that Broads lifestyle.

Head upstream and you'll find Coltishall, a picturesque riverside village that's a touch quieter than Wroxham – but just as charming.

The common is lovely for walks, and you'll often spot kingfishers, ducks, and geese along the water.

It's got that village feel with a couple of good pubs and easy river access. If you're after somewhere peaceful but still within striking distance of Wroxham's amenities, Coltishall hits that sweet spot.

Horning is one of the Broads' most popular villages, and it's easy to see why. The village has a good selection of shops and eateries, and you're perfectly positioned to explore the wider Broads network.

Sitting downstream on the River Bure, it's got a gorgeous riverside setting with thatched cottages, waterside pubs, and plenty of boating activity.

It might be busier during tourist season, but that brings a lovely buzz to the place.

Salhouse sits just adjacent to Wroxham and offers a quieter, more residential vibe while keeping you close to Wroxham Broad and Salhouse Broad.

It's perfect for those who want easy access to the water without being in the thick of the tourist spots.

You’ll get lovely countryside walks, good local schools, and a proper village atmosphere. It's one of those places where you can enjoy the best of the Broads while keeping things low-key and relaxed.

A bit further out, Aylsham is a historic market town connected to Wroxham by the Bure Valley Railway.

It's got a proper town centre with independent shops, cafes, and a traditional market square that still hosts regular markets.

You're a little further from the water here, but you gain more of a traditional market town lifestyle with excellent amenities and schools.

The railway link to Wroxham means you can still enjoy the Broads whenever you fancy, making it a smart choice for families who want a bit more space and a different pace.

Ready to make the move?

Wroxham and its surrounding villages offer something genuinely special.

Whether you're drawn to waterside living in Wroxham itself, the village charm of Coltishall, or the market town appeal of Aylsham, this corner of Norfolk has a lifestyle to suit.