Narborough: Nature, Fishing and History

Narborough combines the landscape of the River Nar with distinctive traces of industrial history, a church with a long tradition, and a remarkable variety of nature experiences. When looking for a holiday rental or holiday cottage in Narborough, it is therefore worth deciding first what you want to focus on: should your stay centre on fly fishing, historic buildings, a long-distance trail, or observing nature?

Fishing and paths along the River Nar

Narborough Fisheries comprises five fishing lakes through which water from the chalk stream River Nar flows. Meadow Lake is Narborough Fisheries’ main trout lake and is reserved exclusively for fly fishing. Tickets are available for both taking the catch home and catch-and-release fishing. Millers Lake, by contrast, is a carp lake containing particularly large specimens. It holds more than 45 fish weighing up to 40 pounds. These different fishing options give your travel planning a clear direction if you are interested in accommodation in Narborough and want to spend your days by the water.

The River Nar flows through Narborough and onwards to the River Great Ouse. Those planning longer walks will find a notable route through the landscape in the Nar Valley Way: the long-distance trail is 34 miles long and leads from the historic harbour of King’s Lynn to the Museum of Rural Life in Gressenhall. Its route uses public rights of way, paths and minor roads. In Narborough, the public footpath on the opposite bank of the Narborough Bone Mill is also part of the Nar Valley Way.

Industrial history and village culture

The remains of Narborough Bone Mill illustrate the site’s former use. They include a 4.9-metre-diameter water wheel, the foundations of the main mill building, underground sluices and two pairs of millstones. Narborough Bone Mill is the only bone mill site in Norfolk where substantial structural remains have survived. The remains of Narborough Bone Mill can be seen from the public footpath on the opposite bank. Another historic trace is Narborough Mill, built around 1780.

All Saints also tells several chapters of the village’s history. Parts of the masonry are of Norman origin; at the same time, the church is largely a 15th-century rebuilding of an older church and was extensively restored in the 19th century. A pond around the church invites you to take a peaceful walk, during which deer may be seen. Narborough Museum is run by the local community and presents the village’s agricultural heritage. Narborough Hall stands in an 18th-century parkland beside the River Nar. The country house dates from the late 16th century and was extended and renovated in the 18th century.

A natural setting for curious explorers

The disused Narborough Railway Line is now a railway embankment with internationally important limestone grassland. Thirty butterfly species have been recorded along the Narborough Railway Line. The Narborough Railway Embankment is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A single footpath runs along the disused railway line. The Narborough Railway Line is also one of the few places in Norfolk where the Grizzled Skipper occurs. For your day planning, this provides an interesting addition to the fishing waters and historic destinations, without having to limit yourself to just one type of travel experience.

Those mainly interested in fishing will include Meadow Lake and Millers Lake in their plans; those interested in history can consider Bone Mill, All Saints, Narborough Mill, Narborough Hall and the museum. For walks and nature observation, the Nar Valley Way and the Narborough Railway Line offer distinct themes of their own.

Discover more places

For comparison with other destinations, you can consider ClippesbyClippesby, East RuntonEast Runton, Great SnoringGreat Snoring, FoulshamFoulsham, SedgefordSedgeford, ScratbyScratby, HoltHolt and CromerCromer.

For the overview of the wider region: Norfolk.