MARTHAM

Martham, a large village with a population of over 3000, is conveniently located mid-way between the Norfolk Broads and the North Sea. The centre of Martham has plenty of attractive properties, a village green (and pond), a post office, a couple of pubs, a supermarket and a variety of other shops. The village also has a large historic church. A short walk from the village is the River Thurne and Martham riverbank, which has a row of riverside bungalows. The river here is much quieter than other areas of the Broads as boats need to navigate below Potter Heigham bridge to get here. Nearby West Somerton is a lovely quiet backwater, ideal for fishing, walking, messing about in boats or just lazing around. There is a windfarm near the village and a lovely ancient church.

View a detailed Norfolk Broads tourist information map

Martham Guided Tour

We start our tour of Martham by the village pond, which is surrounded by grass and loads of ducks!

The pond is adjacent to the village green and there are some lovely cottages surrounding the green.

Among the shops in Martham are a flower shop and a thatched chip-shop! (I wonder if this is the only thatched chip-shop in Norfolk?)

A short walk from the village centre is the lovely church of St Mary, which stands on a gentle rise, surrounded by trees. The tower, complete with clock, can be seen for miles! The church has great detail in the flint stonework, especially the "checker board" under the main window.

Inside, the church is well looked after and has some interesting stained glass. The east window of the chancel is by Hardman of Birmingham and was put in when the chancel was rebuilt in 1856-7 as a memorial to the Revd. Jonathan Dawson.  The windows in the east end of the north and south aisles are medieval stained glass.

At the end of the dyke you will find a run down boat yard and one of the few remaining vehicle ferries on the Norfolk Broads. The ferry is hand operated and takes farm vehicles over the water.

Just behind the boatyard is a path that leads along Martham Riverbank, which gives access to the row of riverside bungalows, and it also makes a lovely walk.

Mid-way along the path is Martham Mill, the remnants of an old windmill, now a private residence. The path also gives views of the church tower back towards Martham.

Eventually we come to the boat sheds of Martham Boats. As well as the usual boat storage, they provide fuel and have a small shop. Martham Boats hire out traditional timber Broads cruisers and yachts, including half-deckers, see their website at www.marthamboats.com for more information.

West Somerton Guided Tour

The ancient parish church of St. Marys at West Somerton is one of the best in Norfolk, partly due to its location, perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside and views to the coast at Winterton. People have worshipped here for over 900 years and the building contains craftsmanship from various dates and periods.

West Somerton is a lovely small village, with a village green and a dyke leading to the main river.The green has some lovely cottages grouped around it and a footpath leads along the bank of the dyke, giving access to the boats moored further up and is a great quiet spot for a little fishing or to launch a canoe.

Nearby, is one of the first windfarms in the UK at Blood Hill, mid way between West Somerton and Winterton on Sea. The site currently has 10 wind turbines, generating approximately 2.25 megawatts of electricity, enough for around 1,400 homes. Debate rages regarding their appearance, we ask you to judge for yourself!

Set just yards from the green and duckpond in a pretty Broadland village, and 2 miles from Winterton's glorious sand duned beach, this lovingly restored cottage offers a delightful haven in which to relax and unwind. Shop and pub serving food 500 yards.

Set just 20 yards from the green and duckpond, this majestic thatched property with its private hot tub boasts large rooms and spacious accommodation – ideal for families sharing or get togethers, whatever the season.

See more cottages on the Norfolk Broads

Martham and West Somerton summary of what to SEE and DO