Ludham

Visit the beautiful little village of Ludham by leaving the River Thurne and following Womack Dyke for just under a mile to Womack Water.  On the way you will pass traditional Hunter’s Yard, the Norfolk Wherry Trust and the Ludham and Potter Heigham Marshes National Nature Reserve.  At the end is a pretty staithe with moorings and shops.

The main village of Ludham with its magnificent church, thatched houses, pub, shops and tea rooms is a short walk away.

Womack Water

The best way to visit Ludham is to moor at Womack Water’s charming staithe on the edge of the tiny broad.  It has a little green that’s ideal for a picnic as well as some unusual shops. These include The Little Shop on Womack Staithe (which sells unique gifts and T Shirts, essential items and hot drinks) and The Hoodie Hut that makes personalised embroidered clothes while you wait.

Located along Womack dyke is Hunter’s Yard, with its fleet of traditional mahogany 1930’s yachts, and the Norfolk Wherry Trust – home to the iconic black sailed Wherry Albion.   Built in 1898, the Albion is one of only two trading wherries remaining from 300 vessels that once carried cargo on the Broads.  Try to spot her sailing or better still look round the Albion on an open day (wherryalbion.com).

Take a walk around the Ludham and Potter Heigham Marshes National Nature Reserve, which is accessed next to Hunter’s Yard. The grazing marsh has one of the most important dyke systems for rare wetland plants and animals on the Broads, including Norfolk Hawker Dragonflies.

Ludham Village

The picturesque village of Ludham, which was once a film location for the 1954 movie Conflict of Wings, is a five minute walk from Womack Staithe along Horsefen Road.

Boasting chocolate box thatched houses, Ludham is dominated by the very large 14^th Century St Catherine’s Church.  The size of the church is testament to the past wealth of the village and inside you can admire an expansive hammerbeam roof.  There is also an intricate rood screen and breathtaking crucifixion painting in the chancel arch that narrowly survived the Reformation.

Ludham has a surprising number of facilities for a small village including a pub, tea room and Throwers traditional village store, which contains a post office and excellent delicatessen. There is also a florist and gift shop plus a butcher’s, doctor’s surgery, hairdresser’s and garage.

Mooring

Womack Staithe
This mooring is managed by the village.  Free until 5pm but a fee applies overnight. Toilets and bins nearby.

Womack Island
A sheltered spot on Womack Water with room for just three boats.

Womack Dyke
Located close to Hunter’s Yard and a short walk from Womack Staithe.

Eating Out

The Kings Arms
Pub and restaurant in the centre of Ludham, serving an extensive menu.  Large patio and children’s play area. Real ales, sky sports, live music and pub games. 01692 678386.

Alfresco tea room
A traditional tea room in a Grade 11 listed thatched cottage opposite St Catherine’s Church.  It has a courtyard garden and serves light lunches and cakes. 01692 678384.