Burgh Castle

Visit one of the best preserved Roman Forts in England at Burgh Castle. Located on the mouth of the River Waveney the fort has sweeping views over Breydon Water, an estuary that is rich in wildlife where you can enjoy a stunning walk. The village of Burgh Castle has pubs and a post office plus a fascinating Saxon round towered church.

Moor on the river bank just upstream from Burgh Castle Marina and Holiday Village (where there is a pub and post office stores) and then walk along the Angles Way long distance footpath for half a mile to reach the fort which stands imposingly above the marshes.

Three of the fort’s four massive stone walls survive, almost to their original height, making it one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Britain. From the top of the fort there is a fabulous panoramic view over Breydon Water and the iconic Berney Arms Windmill which is over 70ft tall.

The Roman fort was built in AD 300 as an important coastal defence on the edge of what was a huge estuary covering much of modern day Broadland. It was abandoned 100 years later as the Roman Empire declined but became an Anglo Saxon settlement, possibly with a monastery. After 1066, a Norman castle was built on the mound, although little remains from this period.

The village of Burgh Castle is located close to the fort, where there is a pub and the fascinating Saxon round towered church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Roman tiles were used in the church’s construction and inside the church there is a display of artefacts found at the fort ranging from fragments of Roman pottery to stone tools.

Breydon Water, at the foot of Burgh Castle, is a bird watcher’s paradise. The RSPB estimate that the estuary is home to 64,000 overwintering wildfowl. In the summer months, you can spot lapwings, avocets, redshanks and birds of prey. You can also walk along the banks of the estuary for 3.5 miles to Great Yarmouth via the Angles Way footpath.

Visit Berney Arms Windmill

Rising 70ft above the marshes, the iconic Berney Arms Windmill is one of the tallest mills on the Broads and offers a beautiful view across the water from Burgh Castle. Visiting the Scheduled Ancient Monument by boat is an even better experience. Motor to the free Broads Authority moorings on the River Yare, just upstream from Breydon Water (being careful of the strong tide).
The remote mill operated from 1870 to 1948 and has been fully restored. It has no road access and feels wonderfully cut off from the rest of the world. Viewing the inside of the mill is by pre-booked tour only (01493 700645).

Moorings at Burgh Castle:

Burgh Castle – Riverbank side on moorings just upstream from Burgh Castle Marina. Electric hook up available.

The Fisherman’s Inn – Mooring for pub patrons.
Please beware of the strong tide when mooring.

Places to eat at Burgh Castle:

The Queen’s Head – Pub and restaurant in Burgh Castle village serving traditional home cooked food and Sunday carveries. There is a beer garden and children’s play area. They have a special menu for dogs and “doggy drinks” including “Pawseco”! 01493 780363.

The Fisherman’s Inn
Riverside freehouse, cafe and restaurant in Burgh Castle Marina and Holiday Park. Has a stunning view across Breydon Water and free mooring for pub patrons. 01493 780729.