Wroxham comes from Wroc’s Ham, meaning a place frequented by buzzards. Hoveton means hill by the water.
The farming villages were transformed in Victorian times when an enterprising Norwich carpenter began hiring out boats from Wroxham for a growing holiday market, which was already transforming the coastal resorts, and really took off in the Broads in the 1920s and 30s.
Although the rivers are the busiest in the summer months, during the season for organised boat trips with commentary and entertainment, you can hire a day boat all year round – and enjoy the waterways during more tranquil, but equally, beautiful seasion. Shopping is a big draw 12 months a year too – including the famous Roys of Wroxham complex, more of which later.
The narrow gauge steam track of the Bure Valley Railway runs between Wroxham and Aylsham in the school holidays as well as the main summer season. It also runs “boat trains” which combine a trip to Wroxham with a 90-minute boat trip, and there are train-driving lessons in off-peak periods, starting this month. There is a nine-mile walk alongside the railway line for ramblers, or bikes can be hired.
Roys of Wroxham was founded in neighbouring Coltishall in 1895, by brothers Alfred and Arnold Roy, and has grown to an empire of “value” shops turning over £60m a year. The current complex of shops embraces a department store including clothing, gifts, music and household goods, plus there is toy shop, ladies fashion outlet and garden centre. But there are other shops, too, from jewellers to boat chandlers if you explore.
There is a wide range of food outlets from fast food takeaways, and cafes, to riverside pubs where, weather permitting, you can sit and watch the watery world go by.
Wroxham Virtual Tours: 
Wroxham Information: Howards Estate Agents Wroxham Norfolk UK T: 0845 38 90 409
