At the northern end of the Norfolk Broads network, these two villages are only a few miles from the sea.
An Introduction to Stalham and Sutton
Stalham and Sutton are good centre's for exploring North Norfolk, with Stalham only being 4 miles from the nearest sandy beach. They also lie at the northern end of the Norfolk Broads, with both villages connected to the River Ant. The river flows downstream to Barton Broad, How Hill and Ludham Bridge, through some of the most beautiful Norfolk Broads scenery. Not surprisingly, Stalham is one the major starting points of Norfolk Broads boating holidays, with Richardsons being based here. The staithe at Stalham also hosts The Museum of the Broads, showing the human effect upon the Broadland environment.
Stalham itself, is a typical North Norfolk town, with a High Street containing a range of shops and other facilities, plus a nearby Tesco superstore and petrol station. A small market operates on Tuesdays and the town hall hosts various regular sales, including a farmers market on alternative Saturdays.
SuttonStaithe lies at the eastern end of Sutton Broad and has good moorings and a hotel/pub. The village itself, on the opposite side of the busy A149 road, has a shop with post office and garden centre and a pottery (Sutton Pottery). Sutton Mill is located about a mile from the staithe and is a nine storey corn-mill, currently not open to the public.
We start our tour, where most visitors start their Norfolk Broads Boating Holiday, at Stalham Staithe, where boatyards such as Richardsons and Moonfleet Marine, hire out cruisers to holidaymakers.
Cruisers ready for hire at Richardsons Boatyard in Stalham
Norfolk Broads Cruisers at Richardsons
Moonfleet Marine
Swan Quay, one of the arrival points at Richardsons
Filling up with fuel for a weeks boat hire
Cleaning the cruisers on turn around day, ready for the next hirer
BOATING HOLIDAYS FROM STALHAM
Stalham is a good starting point for a Norfolk Broads boating holiday with two boatyards based here, offering a fine choice of comfortable self-drive cruisers, with a good choice of layouts and all well equipped to a high standard you just need to choose the one that's right for you.
Opposite Stalham Staithe on the opposite side of the main A149 road is a Tesco store. For many holidaymakers, this is an ideal place to stock up on essential holiday supplies and this store can get quite busy on summer holiday changeover days! The store has a separate petrol station.
Stalham Tesco
We now progress into the main part of Stalham Village. The High Street runs down the length of the village and has a great collection of take-away's, pub and various other shops. Mid-way along is the parish church of St Mary, which is set in its own grounds. Inside, the church is quiet and peaceful with some fine stained glass windows.
Stalham High Street
Stalham Florists
Bramley Cove along the High Street
Stalham Sign
Churchyard and entrance to Stalham church
Inside Stalham church
Stained glass window in Stalham church
Sutton Guided Tour
A little further down the A149 road is pretty Sutton Staithe and a much quieter place to moor than Stalham. There is a grassy area and an information board on the staithe. The staithe at Sutton (and Stalham) is accessible by water from a channel off the River Ant. Most of the channel is heavily wooded, but opens up as you get onto lovely Sutton Broad. Coming back to Sutton Staithe, there is the Sutton Staithe Hotel situated right next to the moorings. The Hotel is also a pub and restaurant, with a cosy atmosphere and a large dining/function room. Next to the hotel is the Harmony health and beauty salon, a great place for a massage or have your nails done!
The channel from the River Ant to Sutton and Stalham
Yacht crossing Sutton Broad
Boats moored at Sutton Staithe
Sutton Staithe
The entrance to the Sutton Staithe Hotel and Pub
The residential village of Sutton is over the other side of the main A149 road. It has some lovely cottages grouped around a village pond. Nearby Sutton Mill is a 9 storey corn mill. It is well worth the walk from the staithe, if only to appreciate just how big this mill is - the tallest surviving windmill in the UK. It was built in 1789 after an earlier mill had burnt down. The mill suffered a serious fire in 1861 and was then hit by lightning in 1875. Its final end came in 1940 when it was again struck by lightning, causing a fire. The mill, which by this time had given up grinding corn and was exclusively producing animal feed, ceased to work from that time.
Sutton village sign
Village pond at Sutton, Norfolk
Views of Sutton Mill
Sutton Windmill, the tallest windmill in the UK
SUTTON POTTERY
Sutton Pottery is a small studio workshop, established by Malcolm Flatman in 1977. The working workshop can be found just outside the village of Sutton and is an easy walk from the Staithe. Alternatively, there is a small car park at the workshop. Malcolm uses the Potter’s Wheel and the fire of a gas kiln to create a large range of “reduction” stoneware entirely by hand.
He has developed an assortment of practical, repeatable, replaceable and affordable tableware and kitchenware in a wide variety of glaze colours which he blends himself in the interests of consistency. Malcolm also produces a multitude of more decorative pieces, including house name plates and other commissions, and some distinctive lamps. He also enjoys the challenge of making orders to customers’ own ideas. The pottery carries the distinctive “windmill” symbol.
With many boating holidays starting from Stalham, the Tesco supermarket gives an opportunity to stock up on essential supplies. But before you leave Stalham, try and make time to visit the Museum of the Broads. Sutton Staithe is a beautiful place to moor up and explore.
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