Potter Heigham

Potter Heigham is one of the major boating centre's on the Norfolk Broads, with many boating holidays or day trips starting from here. The famous medieval bridge gives access to the Upper Thurne, Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere. The banks of the River Thurne at Potter Heigham are lined with waterside bungalows, which can only be accessed by foot or boat. There is the famous Lathams discount store located here, as well as a pub, chip-shop and newsagent. The main village itself is actually located the other side of the major A149 road and is mainly residential and quite separate from the boating centre, but does contain the lovely village church.

	The riverside path is a good place to walk your dog.
	Kids can enjoy feeding the ducks at the riverside. There is an ice-cream shop in the centre of the village (seasonal). Lathams have some discount toys for sale in their store.

View a detailed tourist information map of the Norfolk Broads

We start our tour of Potter Heigham at the famous medieval bridge over the river Thurne. The bridge dates back to 1385 and is a low-arched structure with a clearance of only 7 feet at its highest, a notorious test for novice boaters! A bridge pilot helps boat skippers safely through the bridge in summer. A modern road bridge carries the A149 over the River Thurne.

From the middle of the bridge you get good views down the River Thurne. This helps you to understand the importance of the river to the village. As the hiring of boats to tourists became popular in the early 20th century, Potter Heigham became one of the main centres and it still is one of the major starting points of boating holidays on the Broads.

One of the most famous names in the Norfolk Broads hire boat industry is Herbert Woods, and his name can still be seen all over the local buildings. Among Herbert Woods’ many achievements was the building of Broads Haven in Potter Heigham which was the first yacht marina on the Broads. The large 2-acre basin was dug out by hand and completed in 1931. Broads Haven was home to Herbert Woods hire fleet with its famous “Lady” fleet of yachts and “Light” fleet of motor cruisers. Herbert Woods also designed many types of private boats including his personal racing yacht Ladybird, the Norfolk dinghy and the 22ft Norfolk Punt Limelight. The fact that many of these boats are still sailing today speaks volumes for the craftsmanship of the boat builders at this Potter Heigham yard.

Moving into the riverside part of the village, you will find a handful of facilities, including .. Lathams! ... a famous Norfolk discount store. No visit to Potter is complete without a visit to Lathams ... they stock discount items from clothes, toys, household items and even a garden centre. There is a large car-park (opposite Lathams) offering free parking for a couple of hours.

BRIDGE STONES OF POTTER

Bridge Stones of Potter is one of our favourite cafe/restaurants. It is located in the centre of the riverside village, near to the medieval bridge. It serves a wide menu catering for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. You can just pop in for a quick tea/coffee and cake or enjoy a full meal.

The Weavers Way passes through Potter and is a good place for a riverside walk. Along the path you will find a row of timber bungalows. These bungalows are fairly unique in that they are about the only place on the Norfolk Broads where the Broads Authority have allowed buildings directly on the riverbank. They are only accessible by the footpath behind, or by boat.

Heading out of Potter Heigham towards Ludham, you will find the village post office and pub. The Falgate pub offers a local country pub atmosphere, and is well worth the short walk from the river.

Over the main road, you will find the residential part of the village. Hidden beyond some houses is the lovely village church of St Nicholas. The earliest surviving feature is the round tower, which dates back to the 12th century and has a 14th century octagonal extension, one of the best preserved in the country. Inside, you will find a stunning hammerbeam roof (Gothic open timber), an almost unique 15th century brick font and a scheme of wall paintings dating back to the 14th century.

Potter Heigham summary of what to SEE and DO

Norfolk Broads

Acle

Catfield

Great Yarmouth

Hickling

Martham

Stalham

Thurne

Winterton on Sea

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