Reedham
In and around the area
The picturesque village of Reedham is located on the northern bank of the River Yare, which flows out to Great Yarmouth. Reedham was once a coastal village before the marshes were drained, and evidence of Roman occupation can be found in the local church of St John the Baptist.
The village was also a thriving boatbuilding centre, and it is reported that King Edmund of East Anglia once lived here.
There are two crossing points across the river at either end of the village. Reedham train station links Norwich with Lowestoft, and the Wherry Line crosses over the famous Reedham Swing Bridge, at the eastern end of the village. The train journey is very picturesque, if you get the chance to make the journey.
From the Swing Bridge, close by the is the Ship Inn, one of three pubs in Reedham, and the quay follows the river for about a quarter of a mile.
During the 19th century Reedham Quay was a thriving industry of boatyards; a number of wherries, the famous Norfolk trading boats were built here, including the fastest boat, Fawn, and the largest, Wonder. On the quay today a statue of a boatwright commemorates the once thriving trade that took place here.
The second river crossing can be found at the western end of the village by the Reedham Ferry Inn, where the vehicle chain ferry crosses the river. There has been a ferry at Reedham since the 17th century, when horse drawn vehicles would cross the river. The current ferry was built in 1984, and is the only vehicle chain ferry on the Norfolk Broads.
The ferry can take 3 cars at a time, but the crossing only takes a few minutes and cuts out a significant detour through Great Yarmouth. Once across the river, it’s a picturesque drive through the marshes on the southern banks. The Ferry Inn provides traditional pub food, and you can enjoy watching the boats and ferry crossing while you enjoy a meal or drink.
Places to eat
Further into the village the parish church of St John the Baptist dates from the 15th century, and part of its walls contain Roman bricks.
Places to eat
In the centre of the village, opposite Reedham Quay, is a shop, tea room and the Lord Nelson pub, alongside pretty cottages overlooking the river. Further out of the village, up the hill (who said Norfolk was flat?) there is a grocery shop and fish and chip shop,
Things to Do
Take a wander down the quayside and watch the boats go by, or enjoy a spot of fishing along the river.
Just outside the village is the popular Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, where children can feed the animals, have fun in the play areas and enjoy live shows.
Next door to Pettitts is the Humpty Dumpty Brewery, a micro brewery, where you can purchase the local brew, along with local cider, wine, and other local produce.
Norwich is about half an hour’s drive from Reedham, and there is a direct train service to the city from the village station, which is only a short walk, less than a mile, to the riverside.
Eating and Drinking
Reedham Ferry Inn
Family friendly pub with traditional pub menu
Ferry Road, Reedham NR13 3HA
Tel: 01493 700429
Reedham Fish and Chip Shop
23A The Hills, Reedham NR13 3TN
Tel: 07920 099224
The Ship
Family friendly riverside pub offering traditional pub food
19 Riverside, Reedham NR13 3TQ
Tel: 01493 700287
Reedham Post Office and Tea Room
A family run Tea Room located on the quayside, also selling local produce and crafts.
40 Riverside, Reedham NR13 3TE
Tel: 01493 700648
Moulton Nurseries and Garden Centre
Local garden centre with gift shop and café
Acle Road, Moulton St Mary, NR13 3AP
Tel: 01493 750458
The Lord Nelson
Located in the centre of the village on the waterfront, serving traditional pub food.
38 Riverside, Reedham NR13 3TE
Tel: 01493 700367
The Cock Tavern, Cantley
Located a few miles away from Reedham, offering food themed nights and traditional pub food.
Manor Road, Cantley NR13 3JG
Tel: 01493 700895
The Rampant Horse, Freethorpe
A few miles out of Reedham, serving traditional pub food
2 Chapelfield, Freethorpe, NR13 3LY
Tel: 01493 700103
Things to Do
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park
The popular attraction hosts animals which the children can feed, as well as rides and play areas and live shows.
Church Road, Reedham NR13 3UA
Humpty Dumpty Brewery
A local micro brewery producing a selection of local beers, brewery shop on site selling local beer, cider, gin and local produce.
Church Road, Reedham NR13 3TZ
Tel: 01493 701818
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