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Ten: Sail from Ludham, Gather from Horning Take a step back in time, and experience the
look and feel of the Broads before motor
powered craft started to take over, starting at
the historic village of Ludham and ending at
the picturesque village of Horning. Our
suggestions will take you on an authentic 1930s
Broads sailing experience with Hunter’s
heritage fleet, passing the Wherry Trust, home
to the last trading wherry on the Broads; for
lunch at a local pub; followed by a short drive
to St. Benet’s Abbey an iconic image of the
Broads; and an afternoon visit to Horning, one
of the prettiest villages in Broadland, ideal for a
stroll followed by afternoon tea. |
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Drive to Hunter’s Yard at Ludham, signposted
off the A1062 between Potter Heigham and
Hoveton, for a 2-hour fully-skippered sail aboard an
original hand built 1930s yacht. These beautiful
wooden yachts seat up to 4 people, and children
are welcome. |
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You can take the helm, or just sit back
and enjoy
the tranquillity of being at one with nature, safe in
the knowledge that years of experience are at your
side. |
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Moored in the dyke next to Hunter’s Yard
is Albion, the last black-sailed trading wherry on the
Broads. The traditional flat-bottomed working
boats on the Broads, carrying a wide range of
cargoes from peat to sugar beet,Albion was
rescued in the period after the Second World War
and restored to her former glory, although the only
cargo now carried is people – she tours the Broads
in the summer months and is also available for
holiday charters. |
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Following your sail, lunch can be
provided at the restaurant of the King’s Arms public house
in the centre of the village, the entrance located to the
right of the pub itself, OR, if you sail in the afternoon
you can purchase fish & chips and take it into the beer
garden for a sit-down supper. |
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From Ludham village centre, take the road leaving the church on
your right. Along this lane, you will pass
The Dutch House on your left, one of the oldest buildings in the
village, built in 1603. This was the
home of the artist Edward Seago from 1947 until his death in 1974,
and it was here that much of his
painting was completed. |
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Turn right after around 1 mile (otherwise
you will end up in the marshes) and then look out for the
signpost indicating the road to St. Benet’s Abbey on your left. This lane
becomes a farm track, but it is possible
to drive much of the 2 miles down towards the ruins of the Abbey,
located on the banks of the River Bure. |
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Tracing its origins back to King Canute, the Abbey remains
consecrated and the Bishop of Norwich still
also bears the title ‘Abbot of St. Benet’s’, with an annual
service held on the 1st Sunday in August, the
Bishop arriving onboard a wherry. |
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Returning up the farm track, turn left
and then left again at the main road, crossing Ludham Bridge and
continuing until you reach the sign for Horning village on the
left (at a crossroads with Neatishead
indicated on the right). Drive into Horning village and park in
the pay and display car park on your left. |
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The village is ideal for a leisurely
stroll, with the path by the water’s edge, the ancient
buildings around the green, together with several
interesting shops and tearooms. There is an emphasis on
local produce in the village, with a visit to The Galley a
must. A traditional deli, it serves a wide range of local
produce including cheeses, preserves, beers, ciders and
much more. |
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For afternoon tea, the Willow ‘n Staithe
is ideal, located on the water’s edge, and serving hot and
cold drinks, home made scones and cakes as well as an
extensive menu of main meals. |
Useful Norfolk Broads Contacts
Below you will find suggestions for accommodation, activities, attractions,
food & drink and shopping. All useful
contacts while visiting the Norfolk Broads.
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Clippesby Hall
Clippesby Hall is in a perfect location to explore the Norfolk Broads National Park, a unique network of waterways and lakes, as well as the delights of the Norfolk coast, with its range of beaches to suit all tastes.
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Weavers Way, Thurne to Halvergate
Leaving Thurne village the route joins the River Bure passing close to Oby and Clippesby Mills and then onwards to Acle. Acle village would have been in Roman times on the edge of an extensive estuary system, which is now part of the Halvergate Marshes.
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Norfolk Nelson Museum
Grade II listed Georgian Merchants house. You can learn about Nelson and the times in which he lived. Explore Nelsons career, from his Norfolk childhood through his famous battles to his tragic, heroic death, with our hands-on actvities.
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Norfolk Mead Hotel, The
Built in 1740, the Norfolk Mead, formally a merchants house, is set in 8 tranquil riverside acres on the river Bure. Just 7 miles from the city of Norwich and 10 miles from the coast. An ideal location for a weekend or longer break.
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Sutton Pottery
Small studio workshop in rural East Norfolk, established by Malcolm Flatman in 1977 in the Broadland village of Sutton, near Stalham. He uses the Potters Wheel and the fire of a gas kiln to create a large range of reduction stoneware entirely by hand.
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Wildlife Fact File |
MARSH
HARRIER
Circus
aeruginosus
The largest of the Harriers, it is unmistakeable in and
around the Broads, soring at high levels with its wings
raised in a shallow V. It makes its nest in tall reed beds
on shallow fresh water, ideally suited to the Broads and
feeds on small mammals, birds and insects. With a wing
span in excess of 1m it is often seen above the marshes
around Horning and Ludham. |
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TOP TIPS |
| 1. |
It is essential to book your
sail with Hunter’s in
advance, and they can be contacted on 01692 678263 or by
email |
| 2. |
There is free customer parking
at Hunter’s Yard |
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The Willow’n Staithe tearoom has variable
opening times, depending on the season, but is
usually open until 4 or 5pm, closing for a short
time and reopening for evening meals at 6pm |
| 4. |
There are public lavatories located at Womack
Water staithe and at the car park in Horning,
with customer toilets at the King’s Arms in
Ludham and the Willow ’n Staithe tearooms |
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Each of the days suggested on this website are covered by the OS Map, Landranger 134
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grid
reference TG396177
