North Norfolk Broads

Stalham

A gateway to the northern reaches of the famed Norfolk Broads, Stalham also lies just 10 minutes away from the beaches at Waxham and Sea Palling. It is also a short drive from the major resort of Great Yarmouth.

The town dates back to the Middle Ages, when, like other nearby communities, it was involved in the hand weaving industry. Stalham was also, at one time, a centre for basket-making - these products being used by fishermen at Great Yarmouth.

The Staithe, or riverside wharf, is as important to the town today as it was when wherries (those ancient Norfolk cargo vessels) used to ship goods from here to Yarmouth. Now the Staithe is busy with pleasure boats and Broads cruisers.

Villages across the Broads

Wroxham and Hoveton, known to many as the capital of the Broads, is as its nickname suggests, busy with the hustle and bustle of tourists. Potter Heigham is perhaps known best for its medieval bridge with its low and narrow arch. Hickling Broads is a have for migrating birds, which include waders, osprey and spoonbill, as well as the rare Norfolk hawker dragonfly and swallow-tail butterfly, both of which still breed on the Broads.

Horsey is best known for its mill, a four storey brick windpup and round towered thatched church both well worth a visit. Horsey Mere is particularly well known for its winter wild fowl. The march harrier is common here but a sharp eye could discover a wide variety of birds.