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The small market town of Loddon lies on the River Chet, a 4-mile-long river feeding into the River Yare on the southern Broads, and is well worth a visit if you are holidaying on the rivers south of Yarmouth. The junction of the Chet and Yare can be found on the left-hand bank a short distance upstream from Reedham Ferry. The Chet is fairly narrow at its junction with the Yare so care needs to be taken here to avoid the posts which guide you away from the shelving bank. Further in it widens a little and should cause no problems when passing oncoming craft. Moorings are available at two locations in the town, the first of which you will come across just as the river reaches its outskirts. These moorings are on a grassed meadow and are very attractive. However, the town centre itself is a mile or so walk away and if you are wanting to use its services you would be better off mooring at the basin at the head of the river. You will pass numerous boatyards on your right but do not be tempted to moor as the walk to the centre from here is significantly longer. Continue until you come across the basin where you need to moor stern-on. The rise and fall here is 2ft 6 inches so allow enough rope when mooring. Although addressed collectively as Loddon, the town is actually Loddon and Chedgrave. The walk up the hill to your left from the moorings takes you to Loddon. Interestingly, if you had walked in the opposite direction from the mooring basin, you would have been in Chedgrave.
Local Attractions: The fine Holy Trinity Church was built in the 15th century and can be found at the centre of the town just off High Street and past the Co-op Supermarket as you walk up from the moorings. Loddon High Street has many shops and a supermarket and with its fine Georgian and Victorian buildings still intact, it makes for an interesting walk. Around 1 mile downstream from the moorings is Hardley Flood. This area of shallow lagoons and reed beds formed in the 1940s is a pleasant walk mostly alongside the river. This is an excellent spot from which to view the wading birds, but, additionally, Marsh Harriers, Owls, Woodpeckers, and the like can also be seen on occasion. A Loddon Farmers market is held every other Saturday. For more information click HERE
Eating and Drinking: Turn left at the moorings for The Kings Head - Restaurant and bar food with regular live music at weekends, The Swan Inn - restaurant and bar food, The Raj Indian Restaurant, and The Terrace Bistro and Cafe. Turning right towards Chedgrave will bring you to The White Horse which offers restaurant and bar food and regular evening entertainment. It's a 5 minute walk away.
Other Services: Newsagent, general stores, and gift shop - opposite the moorings. Co-op Stores - a medium sized supermarket. Butchers in the village centre. Fish and chips and a Chinese takeaway opposite the Co-op Stores. Doctor's surgery. Boots Chemist on the high street. Public toilets and waste disposal available at the staithe.
TIP: We can recommend Limms fish and chip shop which is situated up the hill to your left from the moorings. An untried Chinese takeaway is located next door to it..~
For more information and mooring locations consult our Loddon map
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