Potter Heigham On The River Thurne
CAISTER HOLIDAY PARK Sat: NR30 5NH

Potter Heigham, Norfolk Broads

The village of Potter Heigham is located on the River Thurne in Norfolk and is well known for its medieval bridge over the river and the 12th-century Church of St Nicholas which is dedicated to the patron Saint of fishermen and children. The church tower has a round 12th-century base and an octagonal 14th-century top. The narrow medieval bridge is believed to date from 1385 and, because of its small size, is the most difficult to navigate for boats on the Norfolk Broads. The height is just 6ft 9ins from water level at best. Limited height cruisers can only pass under the bridge at low water and even then with the appropriate clearance and help of a bridge pilot. As Potter Heigham is set in a beautiful part of the northern Norfolk Broads it is a very popular boating, visitor and tourist destination and are plenty of mooring places along the banks of the River Thurne on both sides of the bridge.

This charming village is a major boating holiday centre and a perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside, the waterways of the Norfolk Broads, the nature reserves and the local historic and natural attractions. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and go shopping. One of the biggest discount stores in Norfolk, Lathams, is based here and is easily accessible with plenty of car parking. It is packed with everything from fashion, homeware, toys, food and drink to a big garden centre, sweet shop, bakery and newsagent. Elsewhere in Potter Heigham you will find restaurants, ice cream parlours, cafes, fish and chip shops and gift shops.

Experienced walkers and hikers enjoy the Weavers Way which is a long distance footpath which passes through the village as it meanders between Cromer and Great Yarmouth. It is 56 miles long. There are many more walking routes from short circular strolls to long distance hikes. For history, take the 1.5 mile walk from the boating centre to the Church of St Nicholas for its 12th century tower, hammerbeam roof and 15th century brick font. There are also many established cycle routes and the Tour de Broads is now one of the biggest cycling events in the UK.

Fishing is popular on the Norfolk Broads and Potter Heigham is one of the best places for it. The fishing season is from 16th of June until 14th March the following year. Fishing permits are required and you can obtain one easily from the local post office.

Folklore and Ghostly Tales

Hickling Broad is nearby, and a popular tale from the early nineteenth century recounts the story of a young drummer boy who haunts the Broad during the month of February - he came home on leave from the army just before the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and sadly drowned while ice skating over the frozen Broad to meet his sweetheart at Swim Coots on the southern edge of the Broad - Read more.

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