Local Information
A perfect base for your Norfolk getaway
The local area
Panoramic river views
Bridge Cottage has panoramic river views and is based in Reedham, a quiet, picturesque village nestled within the beautiful Norfolk Broads. A perfect base for any getaway, the cottage is only 12 miles (19 km) from the vibrant city of Norwich, 7.5 miles (12.1 km) south-west of the fantastic beachfront town of Great Yarmouth and the same distance north-west of the Suffolk town of Lowestoft.
Bridge Cottage is situated on the banks of the River Yare, making it an ideal place to relax and watch the boats sail past your window while enjoying your morning coffee. There are several boat hire companies and boatyards nearby offering a range of craft for holidaymakers, should you fancy having a go yourself. Canoeing, sailing, rowing or simply taking a guided boat trip, it’s all here for you to enjoy. Reedham offers free 24-hour mooring, which is ideal should you want to drift home for your dinner, ready to set sail with the sunrise.
Lovely pubs, fantastic cycle paths and the broads
If you fancy a stroll from your front door, you are a minute from The Ship Inn, which has a range of local ales and beers, as well as an impressive beer garden beside the river. Also, wander along the river front and you will reach the newly refurbished Lord Nelson pub and for a longer stroll (30 minutes) you will discover The Ferry Inn, all serving a great choice of food. There is also a fabulous Fish & Chip shop in Reedham, as well as a fully-stocked village shop for all your supplies.
The Norfolk Trails network brings together more than 1,200 miles of footpaths throughout our beautiful county here in Norfolk. As well as straightforward family friendly paths we have plenty of trails to suit more serious ramblers, varying from 1 mile (1.6 km) through to 10 miles (16 km) in length.
The Norfolk Broad is Britain’s largest protected wetland and third largest inland waterway, with the status of a national park and home to some of the rarest plants and animals in the UK. Made up of 43 separate Broads and six rivers they are connected by over 200km of lock-free navigable waterways.
There are many boat yards with various shapes and sizes available to suit your specific requirements. At the height of summer it is best to book before you come.
Buccaneer Boats offer day boats, canoe hire and holiday houseboats
Don’t forget to pack your bicycles too, as there are plenty of fantastic cycle paths to enjoy in the Norfolk Broads, and there is a bike track for every level and every age to be discovered. Check out ‘The Broads by bike‘ website for all of the routes.
Getting around
A stunning 30 minute walk from Bridge cottage, through the village and along the River Yare will lead you to the quaint chain ferry, which is still in operation, and takes a maximum of two cars across the river. It is the only road crossing point on the River Yare between Norwich and Great Yarmouth and creates a shortcut of more than 30 miles between the two sides of the River Waveney.
Reedham railway station, which serves the village, has connections to Norwich, Lowestoft, and Great Yarmouth (via Berney Arms upon request). The railway line between Norwich and Lowestoft crosses the river on the Reedham Swing Bridge too.
The remote settlement of Berney Arms is well worth a visit too, it only comprises of a railway station, a windmill, and a farmhouse and is not accessible by public road. It can only be reached by train, boat or on foot, and can be found on the Weavers’ Way and Wherryman’s Way footpaths.
Enjoy the wildlife
The Norfolk broads are an absolute haven for birdwatchers. On your doorstep in Reedham are more than 900 acres of open marshland literally teeming with bird and animal life. Nearby RSPB Reserve Berney Marshes and Breydon Water are free to visit, and in winter you can watch waders feeding on the mud flats and marshes, and a great many species breed on the marshes in spring too.
There are footpaths from Great Yarmouth on the north and south embankments of Breydon Water. The northern path continues to the Berney Marshes, which is a walk of 4 miles, or walk from Wickhampton.
In winter, the RSPB organises boat trips to see the birds on Breydon Water and the mud flats. Telephone the Strumpshaw Visitor Centre for details: 01603 715191.
Award winning coastline
Bridge Cottage is a quaint hideaway that can be enjoyed anytime of the year. Being situated a short drive from Norfolk’s award winning coastline, there are an array of beaches just minutes away where you can go for a swim or simply take a gentle stroll in the sand. For the more sports minded there is plenty of room to launch a kite, go windsurfing or if speed is your thing, then Jet skis are available to rent. There is a beach to suit every taste: from quiet and untouched to family friendly, and all are dog friendly too.
Fun for all the family
Adjacent to the Church in Reedham is Pettitts Adventure Park, a charming and fun day out with animals, rides and entertainment for the family – especially little ones. The fantastic attractions of Pleasurewood Hills, and Africa Alive in Lowestoft and the fantastic Bewilderwood in Hoveton are also within easy reach for a family with a car. The seaside resort of Great Yarmouth has plenty of amusements for kids including the SeaLife Centre, Crazy Golf and the famous Pleasure Beach.
A perfect getaway
Bridge Cottage is the perfect place for a summer retreat to host a barbeque with friends, with a secluded patio for you to sit back and relax. Make sure you take a visit to our local and multi-award winning microbrewery, Humpty Dumpty to stock up on cask and bottled real ales. If your stay falls on the 22nd-24th of July, you will be lucky enough to enjoy three days of great beer and superb live music.
Reedham’s renowned and fantastic annual music festival, the Ferry Fest , takes place between the 9th-11th September too, which is an event not to be missed.
There is also a farmers market for you to sample fresh local produce from all over Norfolk on the second Saturday of every month in the village of Acle, situated 6.7 miles away.
Bridge cottage is perfect for a winter getaway too, if you fancy celebrating Christmas somewhere new.
