Martham between church, Broads and riverside landscapes

Martham combines historic village details with the open landscape of the Norfolk Broads. Those looking for a holiday apartment or other accommodation can bring together culture, water and walking routes in a variety of daily itineraries. The village is home to a medieval church, Georgian houses and a large village green; nearby, Martham Broad, the River Thurne and several paths offering different landscape impressions await visitors.

Discover the church and village character

A prominent cultural landmark is Martham St Mary the Virgin. The medieval church has a 98-foot-high tower and a peal of six bells. The present church building was constructed between approximately 1377 and 1450. Particularly impressive is the hammerbeam roof with 11 pairs of carved angels. The church is usually open to the public on weekdays from sunrise to sunset.

The churchyard also tells the story of the village. Around 1920, Martham’s war memorial was erected there in memory of 41 local men who died during the conflict. The vicarage, including the garden walls to the south, dates from the early 16th century and was altered in the 19th century.

In the centre of Martham there is a large village green. Georgian houses shape the character of the area. Three short walks with interactive maps focus on the centre; they include a route around the Village Green as well as paths along Black Street and White Street. This allows you to explore the village’s history at your own pace and choose a shorter cultural outing depending on your plans for the day.

Martham Broad and the River Thurne

Martham lies partly within the Broads National Park. The upper reaches of the River Thurne form one of the village’s boundaries. Nearby is Martham Broad, a National Nature Reserve on the River Thurne in the Broads National Park. Access on foot is restricted there and is via a public footpath along the edge of the reserve. In summer, swallowtail butterflies can be seen at Martham Broad. The northern and southern Broads near Martham have some of the clearest waters in the entire Broads system.

For days on the water, Martham has a canoe hire centre that enables exploration of the River Thurne. Martham Ferry Day Boat Hire is also a boat rental service at Martham Ferry Boat Yard on the Riverside in Martham. Such options appeal to visitors who want to shape their stay not only around sightseeing but also around a water-based activity. The accommodation location that suits you will depend above all on whether you want to place culture, walks or water experiences at the heart of your trip planning.

Walking routes, fishing and summer events

There are several clearly described options for a walk. The Martham Low Road Walk circular route is 2.5 miles long and starts on Repps Road in Martham. Footpath No25 is 2,516 metres long. The route is level, although its northern end has uneven, bumpy sections. It also offers wide views of the Norfolk sky and views across the river. Take the respective route length and the described surface into account when planning your day.

Martham Pits consist of several interconnected small fishing broads east of the River Thurne. A day ticket is required for fishing; it is available at both Co-ops in the village of Martham. Summer events in Martham include a Beer Festival, a Scarecrow Festival and a Carnival. First provides regular bus services to Martham, offering another option when planning your journey.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

A holiday apartment in Martham may be a suitable option to consider if you are looking at the village as a base for a mix of church art, village history, nature observation and waterside paths. Families and other groups can plan different days, including a walk through the centre, a visit to St Mary the Virgin, a route such as the Martham Low Road Walk or Footpath No25, and an experience on the River Thurne. The verified local facts provide specific points of reference when choosing the focus of your trip, without making assumptions about particular accommodation facilities or availability.

Find more places for your travel planning at South Creake, Fakenham, Overstrand, Thorpe Market, Broome, Wheatacre, Great Witchingham and Bacton.

To the overarching travel overview: Norfolk.