Visit the beautiful Somerton on The Norfolk Broads
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Just inland, nestling in beautiful countryside north of Great Yarmouth, the delightful twin villages of East and West Somerton are a highlight of the Upper Thurne region of the Broads, and also make a great place to stop off for a picnic and some unique sightseeing. One of the Broads’ most truly idyllic spots, the village of West Somerton in particular is a wonderful example of an unspoilt Norfolk village.
St. Mary’s Church in West Somerton is home to the tomb of Robert Hales, the Norfolk Giant, who reached a height of 7 feet 8 inches. Hales was born in 1820, and went on to become a London celebrity, and to meet Queen Victoria. His huge tomb is a real must see for anyone who stops in the village, as is the church itself, which is one of Norfolk’s 124 surviving round tower churches.
The village is a great example of a small, unspoilt Norfolk hamlet, and also offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a delightful walk to the coast, where kids can play in the sandy dunes before you return to your vessel.
In its position at the north western corner of the Broads network, Somerton is a great place to stop for a lunchtime picnic for anyone who’s set off from Oulton Broad. If you’re planning on staying the night at Thurne or Horning, you’ll have plenty of time for a wander around Somerton.
Image courtesy of Dick Penn