Indispensable information
for the first time boat hirer
and the regular Broads sailor
for the first time boat hirer
and the regular Broads sailor
Norfolk Broads Towns and Villages - Somerleyton Map
Just before you reach the rail swing bridge on your left-hand bank (if travelling from St Olaves) are the free 24-hour moorings for the village of Somerleyton. Approach the moorings with care if a strong tide is running. You should come in against the prevailing tide so that the current has the effect of slowing your boat down as you approach the moorings. This way you will have more control of your craft when coming alongside.
Things to do: Somerleyton has an interesting history for a small village. It is dominated by Somerleyton Hall, a stately home that was built in 1240 and is open to the public. The grounds house the pleasure gardens and a Yew hedge maze which is 800 yards from the centre to the exit. Most visitors to the Broads are unaware that Sir Christopher Cockerell, the inventor of the hovercraft, used the premises of Ripplecraft, a hire-craft operator on the river to develop and test his groundbreaking machine. The “Hovercraft Column” situated on the village green is dedicated to Cockerell. Another interesting piece of Somerleyton’s history is that a brickworks once produced bricks for London’s Liverpool Street Station. Its remains can be seen on the track which leads to Somerleyton rail station.
Eating and Drinking: The Dukes Head is situated up the hill from the moorings. You need to turn left once you reach the top of Staithe Lane. The Dukes Head is regarded as a high-end eatery. It has a wide varied menu and food is served until 9 pm each day. The public house also operates a fish and chips takeaway service. You need to call 01502 730281 for details.
Other Services: The village centre houses a Post Office which incorporates a village store.
TIP: The tide runs fast here so ensure you have sufficient headroom as you approach the swing bridge as turning to avoid it would not be easy if you are moving with a fast tide.
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Things to do: Somerleyton has an interesting history for a small village. It is dominated by Somerleyton Hall, a stately home that was built in 1240 and is open to the public. The grounds house the pleasure gardens and a Yew hedge maze which is 800 yards from the centre to the exit. Most visitors to the Broads are unaware that Sir Christopher Cockerell, the inventor of the hovercraft, used the premises of Ripplecraft, a hire-craft operator on the river to develop and test his groundbreaking machine. The “Hovercraft Column” situated on the village green is dedicated to Cockerell. Another interesting piece of Somerleyton’s history is that a brickworks once produced bricks for London’s Liverpool Street Station. Its remains can be seen on the track which leads to Somerleyton rail station.
Eating and Drinking: The Dukes Head is situated up the hill from the moorings. You need to turn left once you reach the top of Staithe Lane. The Dukes Head is regarded as a high-end eatery. It has a wide varied menu and food is served until 9 pm each day. The public house also operates a fish and chips takeaway service. You need to call 01502 730281 for details.
Other Services: The village centre houses a Post Office which incorporates a village store.
TIP: The tide runs fast here so ensure you have sufficient headroom as you approach the swing bridge as turning to avoid it would not be easy if you are moving with a fast tide.
Click for printer friendly map
