Potter Heigham is renowned for its day boat hire, offering visitors a variety of attractions including shopping, pubs, an ice cream parlour, a beloved burger van, fish and chip shop, and scenic waterside walks. Situated along the picturesque River Thurne, this village boasts a captivating history tracing back to the Middle Ages.

Embarking on a leisurely cruise from our boatyard, Potter Heigham is approximately 20 minutes motor. A convenient 24-hour free moorings await, located beyond the first bridge on the river's left-hand side.

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The bridge at Potter Heigham adds an element of excitement and adventure to your trip. Its ancient structure has a limited distance between the top of your boat and the bridge's underside, this goes up and down depending on recent rainfall and water levels. In certain conditions, enlisting a pilot becomes essential to expertly navigate beneath the bridge, ensuring a safe and seamless passage.

History

Potter Heigham Bridge is a mediaeval bridge, believed to date from 1385, famous for being one of the more challenging to navigate on the Broads. There is a bridge pilot service to safely take boats through this bridge.

An old legend relates to the Potter Heigham bridge. The story is told that in 1742 Evelyn Carew was carried away on her wedding day in a phantom coach driven by skeletons. When the coach reached the bridge it burst into flames. Both Evelyn and her mother Lady Carew were lost. Will you see the ghosts that haunt the bridge?

The name "Potter Heigham" is thought to come from the Old English words "Potter" meaning a maker of pots and "Heigham" meaning a piece of high ground. This indicates that the area was once a thriving centre for pottery production as it is located on a high spot above the river. Potter Heigham has a historic church, St. Nicholas, which dates back to the 14th century. The church is a beautiful and well-preserved example of medieval architecture. It is home to several interesting monuments, including a stone effigy of a knight and a brass memorial to a local landowner.

The River Thurne also played a key role in the Battle of Potter Heigham, which took place during the English Civil War in 1643. This battle saw the Parliamentary forces defeat the Royalists and was an important turning point in the war.

Today, Potter Heigham is a thriving community and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, shopping and walking. it is a quintessential, must-visit for anyone exploring the Norfolk Broads.

We hope that you enjoy visiting Potter Heigham on your day boat.

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