Somerleyton

An overnight stay on the River Waveney to visit the idyllic little village of Somerleyton and its magnificent stately home – Somerleyton Hall - is a must.

Somerleyton Staithe – a long, grassy river bank flanked by marshes and wooded hills - is a beautiful mooring overlooking one of the last remaining railway swing bridges on the Broads. The double tracked bridge, which replaced an earlier single track bridge, was built in 1905 to enable trains travelling from Norwich to Lowestoft to cross the river without causing sailing boats to lower their sails.

You can walk along a wild riverside path from Somerleyton Staithe through species rich marshes to the Grade II listed Herringfleet smock mill. The octagonal, three storey mill was built in 1820 and was used until 1956 before being later restored to working order.

A short track from the staithe takes you to the Duke’s Head pub and restaurant. Continue for half a mile through the village to reach the pictureperfect village green surrounded by fine timber frame thatched houses. There is a children’s play area on the green plus a water pump dating back to 1859 and the village sign. This pictures a Viking on a long ship – hinting at the Norse roots to Somerleyton’s name. Opposite the green is a large column commemorating engineer Christopher Cockerell, who invented the hovercraft in the village in the late 1950s. The village has a train station plus a cycle hire shop, which may be able to arrange a pickup from the staithe 01502 732004, www.somerleytoncycles.com.

Standing in stunning parkland at the edge of the village is Somerleyton Hall, which is one of the finest Victorian stately homes in England. While it is still the residence of Lord and Lady Somerleyton, visitors can take a guided tour of the hall and explore its 12 acre ornate garden, which includes a finely restored parterre and famous maze (open from the end of March until the end of October on Tuesdays, Wednesdays [garden only], Thursdays and Sunday Bank Holidays www.somerleyton.co.uk). The 15th century St Mary’s church is on the edge of Somerleyton Hall’s parkland.

Somerleyton Staithe Side on moorings with space for 28 boats, double mooring allowed. Electric hook up and waste disposal facilities available.

The Dukes Head Gastro pub owned by the Somerleyton Estate. Much of the ingredients are sourced from their own and nearby farms. Serves real ales. There is a conservatory and beer garden with a children’s play area. 01502 730281 www.somerleyton.co.uk/somerleyton-hall/ the-dukes-head

Visit beautiful South Walsham Broad by turning off the River Bure opposite St Benet’s Abbey and continuing along Fleet Dyke for a mile. The broad is divided into two sections - an outer broad which is a mecca for boaters in summer and is flanked by waterside houses – and a private inner broad. South Walsham village is a mile away from the broad and, unusually, has two historic churches in the same churchyard. The village also has a children’s play area and is home to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Gardens. This has stunning woodland pathways around South Walsham’s inner broad, where you can take a guided boat trip. There is also a cafe and shop.

After cruising around South Walsham Broad the best place to moor is Fleet Dyke. From here take the footpath to South Walsham Broad’s tiny village staithe which is only suitable for rowing boats but has a lovely little green surrounded by thatched cottages and a bench overlooking the broad.

Next visit the red phone box by the village staithe which has been turned into a rather novel information point!

A twenty-minute walk from here brings you to the village hall, which has a bar that opens on Wednesday and Friday evenings. For little ones, there is a children’s play area and recreation ground. The award-winning Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is located close to the village hall. This has 130 acres of wildlife gardens and nearly four miles of footpaths to explore through ancient woodland on the edge of South Walsham inner broad, on which you can take a guided boat trip. The beautiful water gardens were created by the 2nd Lord Fairhaven who bought the South Walsham Estate in 1946. On his death he requested that the gardens be left in Trust for the public to enjoy. Fairhaven has a popular tea room and gift shop plus plant sales, which are open to non-garden visitors. 01603 270449 www.fairhavengarden.co.uk

Visit the atmospheric ruins of St Benet’s Abbey which is located on the River Bure opposite Fleet Dyke. There are plenty of Free 24 hour Broads Authority moorings here.

St Benet’s Abbey was founded in Saxon times and became one of the most powerful monasteries in the East of England throughout the medieval period.

While it was probably the only monastery not to be shut down by Henry VIII most of its buildings mysteriously vanished shortly after the Reformation. As a result only the earthworks and a ruined gatehouse and mill can be seen. Nevertheless St Benet’s remote marshland setting has attracted artists for generations.

Free guided tours from the gatehouse take place from the beginning of May until the end of September on Wednesdays at 2pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm. Alternatively, download an audio tour at www.stbenetsabbey.org

Fleet Dyke Free overnight moorings in two sections along Fleet Dyke managed by the Environment Agency. A footpath along Fleet Dyke leads to South Walsham Broad Staithe (10 minutes) a further 20 minute walk to the village of South Walsham. St Benet’s Abbey Side on moorings close to St Benet’s Abbey. Stay outside of the navigation posts to keep clear of the flint wall remains. To reach facilities at South Walsham please moor at Fleet Dyke.

Another ten minute walk past the attraction brings you to South Walsham village centre which is worth visiting for its two medieval churches which share the same churchyard. St Mary’s dates from the late 13th century and is still used for worship today. St Lawrence’s was built in the following century but in 1827 was badly damaged by fire. It has since been restored as a centre for training and the arts. Don’t miss the atmospheric Sacristans gardens in the ruins of St Lawrence’s former nave and tower.

If you fancy a walk there is a six mile circular route from South Walsham Broad to Upton. This passes along Fleet Dyke and the River Bure taking in Upton Broad and Marshes Nature Reserve (see Upton).

Kingfisher tea room at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden Open to non garden visitors. Serves snacks, light lunches, sandwiches and homemade cakes. Dogs in the outside seating area only. 01603 270449

The Ship Traditional village pub and restaurant with outside seating. Located in South Walsham village, 1.5 miles from South Walsham Broad. Closed Mondays. 01603 270049 www.shipsouthwalsham.co.uk