Horning
In and around the area
Horning is a pretty and popular village located between Wroxham and Ludham along the banks of the River Bure. Dating back to 1020, the name is said to be derived from the “folk who live on the high ground between the rivers”. Arthur Ransome’s books “Coot Club” and “The Big Six” were based on his time spent in Horning, where part of the stories take place.
The village follows the course of the river, and there are plenty of places to stop and watch the waterside activity on the busy river.
Horning Sailing Club, on the north bend of the river, hosts regular races and regattas; one of the most famous being the Three Rivers Race, which usually takes place the first weekend in June. Sailing boats have to sail the rivers Ant, Bure and Thurne, and return back to Horning within 24 hours.
Places to eat
There are lots of pubs, restaurants and tea rooms along the river; the village has three pubs: the Swan Inn, nearest to Horning Sailing Club, dates back originally to 1696, and alongside the pub the village green alongside is a great place to stop, relax and watch the boats go by.
Lower Street follows the river through the village, and halfway along the village is the New Inn, and at the southern end of the river, at Ferry Marina is the Ferry Inn, built around 1840 on the site of a monk’s mead house belonging to the old abbey. A ferry boat has traversed the river from here for over a thousand years. A foot ferry (limited hours) takes passengers across the river between the Ferry Inn and Woodbastwick Staithe opposite, also up to the village and also to Cockshoot Dyke and St Benet’s Church.
Things to do
From alongside the Swan Inn you can catch the Southern Comfort Paddle Steamer for a trip along the river.
A couple of miles outside the village is the treetop adventure park, BeWILDerwood, home to Crocklebogs, Twiggles and Boggles, with zip slides, treehouses and lots of fun for the whole family.
From BeWILDerwood you can hire a bicycle to explore the area, follow the Three Rivers Way to Wroxham, and there are also lots of walks in the area.
A short distance from Horning in nearby Neatishead is the RAF Defence Radar Museum, located at the former RAF radar and control base. Visit the museum tells about the history of radar covering World War 2 up to the Cold War. Occasionally the underground cold war bunkers are also opened up to the public.
Continuing out of the village is the impressive church of St Benedict, dating to around 1220. To the side of the church a path leads to the small church staithe offering picturesque riverside views.
If you want to get out on the water, you can hire a day boat, or a canoe from Herbert Woods, taking advantage of our 25% off discount for Broads Escapes customers. Enjoy the relaxing pace and enjoy the wealth of wildlife in the area.
Whilst relaxing in your cottage, you can also fish during the fishing season.
Travel tips
It’s easy to get around Horning, and most of the shops and amenities in the village are within walking distance. A trip to the coast is only a short drive away.
Eating and Drinking
The Ferry Inn
Family friendly pub with games room
Ferry Road, Horning NR12 8PS
Tel: 01692 630259
The New Inn
Traditional family pub with large riverside terrace
54 Lower Street, Horning NR12 8PF
Tel: 01692 631223
The Swan Inn
Rustic inn and beer garden with traditional pub food
10 Lower Street, Horning NR12 8AA
Tel: 01692 630316
Bure River Cottage
Riverside seafood restaurant
27 Lower Street, Horning NR12 8AA
Tel: 01692 631421
Staithe ‘N’ Willow Restaurant
400 year old cottage serving light lunches, cakes, tea and British dinner menu
16 Lower Street, Horning NR12 8AA
Tel: 01692 630915
Golden City Chinese Take Away
48 Lower Street, Horning NR12 8AA
Tel: 01692 630091
The Galley Café, deli and souvenir shop
43 Lower Street, Horning NR12 8AA
Tel: 01692 630088
Country Treats Café
12-14 Lower Street, Horning NR12 8AA
Tel: 01692 631400
Shopping
Farm Fresh Meats Butchers
Lower Street, Horning NR12 8AA
Tel: 01692 631193
Tidings Newsagent and convenience store
29 Lower Street, Horning NR12 8AA
Horning Post Office
39 Lower Street, Horning NR12 8AA
Tel: 01692 630225
General
Bass-online Fishing supplies
School Road, Horning NR12 8PX
Tel: 01692 630971
Lavender and Lace Gift Shop
Staithe Close, Horning NR12 8AG
Tel: 01692 630806
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