Potter Heigham attractions and things to do
St Nicholas's Church
Named after the patron saint of fishermen and children, this well-preserved Grade A listed building has parts dating from various different centuries. The earliest feature that we can still see today is the 12th century round tower, followed by the 14th century extension.
Inside the church there is a hammerbeam roof, and while the 15th century brick font may be fairly modern in comparison with other parts of the structure it is famed as being almost unique in its design. Other points of interest are the 14th century wall paintings and the thatched roof.
Medieval Bridge
Passing under this 14th century bridge marks a fine beginning to many Norfolk Broads boating holidays. You have to be careful though, as it is famously low. The maximum clearance height is just 7 feet and you will probably need the help of local bridge pilots to get you through this early test of your boat-handling skills. If you are using a hire boat then it is obligatory to use these pilots. If you are using your own boat then it is worth hiring their services. Just before you get to the bridge you will see a white buildings with flags, this is where you will find the local pilots. You may find that crowds of people are drawn to the area to watch the pilots show off their steering skills.
Legend has is that the bridge once had the carved head of a dragon on it, together with the words "when dragon drinks Heigham sinks", inferring that any increase in the level of the River to the point of the dragon's mouth would signify the flooding of the village.
On the River
Once you have left the village of Potter Heigham behind you then you have a variety of different options for continuing your journey. If you are going upstream then one option is to leave the River Thurne and sail onto Candle Dyke, which in turn leads you to Heigham Sound and onto White Slea Mere then Hickling Broad. This is a National Nature Reserve with plenty of moorings. Although it is fairly shallow water around here you will find clearly marked navigation channels.
From Heigham Sound you also have the option of taking Meadow Dyke north onto Horsey Were, which is another National Trust Reserve. Further on you reach Waxham New Cut and then Lound Bridge.
If you stay on the River Thurne then you can navigate all the way to West Somerton staithes, near the River's source, passing Nature Reserves on the way.
