West Somerton in Norfolk is a great destination at any time of the year. Miles of unspoilt coastline, internationally important nature reserves and amazing wildlife, hundreds of picturesque villages, historic market towns, fantastic seaside resorts, The Broads – Britain’s magical waterland, and Norwich, a fantastic heritage, entertainment and shopping city, are just some of the delights on offer nearby.
1-40 miles: Wildlife Tours/Fieldtrips & Wildlife Photography
In association with Perry Fairman Ecological Experiences we are pleased to be able to provide Wildlife Tours, Fieldtrips and Wildlife Photography days out, to enhance your enjoyment of the area during your stay.
Some sites of interest are within a ‘stones throw’ of Three Acres including Breydon Water and Strumpshaw Fen, while the more famous reserves at Cley, Titchwell and Minsmere in Suffolk are not a million miles away!
1.4 miles: Winterton-on-Sea
An ancient fishing village with a 300 year old Public House, a Post Office (which is also a Newsagent and grocery shop), a Fish & Chip shop and a Beach Café which serves teas, coffees, snacks & meals, (recently famed for the RAF Sea King helicopter landing on the beach so the crew could buy ice creams). Winterton boasts a beautiful sandy and unspoiled beach and a dunes nature reserve within an “Area of outstanding Natural Beauty” (SSSI and SAC), home to colonies of Terns, the rare Natterjack Toad, Grey Seals, and the occasional Adder.
1.4 miles: West Somerton Staithe and Martham Broad Nature Reserve
One of the best sites in Broadland to see the swallowtail butterfly, as well as an array of birds. It lies within the internationally important Upper Thurne Broads and Marshes wetland and is made up of two shallow Broads, fen, reedbed and reedswamp. Rare breeding birds such as bittern, bearded tit, marsh harrier and significant numbers of wintering wildfowl can be seen here. The entrance to the nature reserve is via the parking area at West Somerton Staithe.
2.1 miles: Horsey Windmill
A five storey windpump on the Norfolk Broads, built in 1912 to pump water out from the surrounding land so that it could be used for agriculture. The National trust took ownership of Horsey Windpump in 1948 and restored it. It is now open to visitors on certain days in season. Set within the Broads National Park, the Horsey estate is an internationally important site for wildlife and offers a great spot for birdwatching and wintering wildfowl.
4.6 miles: Waxham Great Barn
The thatched barn is the longest in the county. It houses a lively exhibition featuring Elizabethan agriculture, the Woodhouses who built the barn, smuggling and shipwrecks along the coast and the resident owls and bats. The cafe is situated in one of the wings and serves high quality homemade food and light lunches. There is a picnic area and ample free parking. Special events are run throughout the year.
6.2 miles: Caister Castle and Motor Museum
Commissioned in 1432 by Sir John Fastolf, the 90 foot tower remains intact and visitors can climb to the top for a magnificent view of the castle ruins and the surrounding area. The Castle is currently home to the largest private collection of motor vehicles in Britain which includes many fine and rare veteran, vintage, classic, sports and touring automobiles and motorcycles.
6.9 miles: Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
A progressive zoo with birds, big cats, primates, red pandas, reptiles, otters and rodents. Thrigby Hall is a strong supporter of The World Zoo Conservation Strategy of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
7.6 miles: Hickling Broad Nature Reserve
Situated in the upper stretches of the River Thurne, Hickling Broad is the largest expanse of open water in the Broads. It is a National Nature Reserve, and its wide skies and open landscape offer the perfect place for a walk at any time of year. It is a haven for rare plants and animals, particularly bittern and the swallowtail butterfly.
10 miles: Great Yarmouth
A thriving port and the third largest seaside resort in the UK attracting thousands of tourists every year. There are long sandy beaches lined by colourful gardens and family attractions. Beyond the bright lights of the holiday resort, lies a charming market town steeped in history, with many Museums where you can learn about the town’s fishing industry, Admiral Lord Nelson and the times he lived in, visit the Anna Sewell House or the Tollhouse, exhibiting one of the oldest prison in England. Great Yarmouth Racecourse is an important horse racing venue, attracting the best horses and trainers. There is also a fantastic Maritime Festival in September.
10.7 miles: Horning
A picturesque waterside Broadland village, situated on the northern bank of the River Bure and with many waterside properties (best viewed from a boat). There are waterside pubs, shops, restaurant, tea-rooms, boat trips and other attractions to enjoy.
11.2 miles: BeWILDerwood
The Curious Treehouse Adventure. A huge award winning forest of family fun and outdoor adventure. Treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges, Crocklebogs, Twiggles and Boggles, storytelling, boat trips, marsh walks and really yummy food.
14.1 miles: Wroxham
The capital of the Norfolk Broads. Boats of all kinds are for hire and there are also an abundance of hotels, pubs, restaurants, shops and a large department store. Most of the shopping is dominated around the Roys brand, claiming to be the worlds largest village store! Wroxham contains many visitor attractions including a riverside park, the Bure Valley steam railway and Hoveton Hall gardens and Wroxham Barns craft centre. The village certainly is a busy spot in high season, but is open all year round and is well worth a visit at any time of the year. A little way out of the village centre is Wroxham Broad, home to the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club.
20 miles: Norwich
A city steeped in atmosphere and peppered with unique architectural treasures. It’s an ideal place to visit if you are looking for Arts and Culture, Shopping, Eating out and Nightlife.
24.7 miles: Blickling Hall
A treasure trove of romantic buildings, beautiful gardens and landscaped park. See the stunning parterre created by socialite Norah Lindsay in the 1930s, or find peace and solitude in the orangery garden or woodland wildernesses.
36.1 miles: Holt
A pretty Georgian market town, brimming over with many interesting antique, arts and crafts and gift shops. There are also plenty of lovely places to eat and with the North Norfolk coast within easy reach you can walk off some of those extra calories while breathing the refreshing sea air.
50.6 miles: Holkham Hall and Estate
A 25,000-acre agricultural estate, where the owner, Viscount Coke and his family share the house and its treasures, the Deer Park and Holkham Beach, with their visitors.