Attractions and Places To See around Rockland Saint Mary - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Rockland Saint Mary, a village in South Norfolk, England, offers a blend of historical sites and natural beauty. Located approximately 6 miles southeast of Norwich, the village is connected to the Norfolk Broads and the Yare Valley. The area provides opportunities to explore historical landmarks and natural landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around Rockland Saint Mary
- The most popular attractions is Reedham Ferry, a bridge that is a chain-pulled ferry crossing the River Yare. It operates continuously on demand during specified hours.
- Another must-see spot is St Mary's Church, Fishley, a religious building with a 12th-century round tower. The church stands in isolation overlooking marshes to the north-east.
- Visitors also love Norwich Cathedral, a historical site dating back to 1096. It features the second largest cloisters in England.
- Rockland Saint Mary is known for historical sites, religious buildings, and unique river crossings. The area offers a variety of attractions to explore, from ancient churches to broadland landscapes.
- The attractions around Rockland Saint Mary are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 140 upvotes and 60 photos shared.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Reedham Ferry
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St Mary's Church, Fishley
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Norwich Castle
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In addition to visiting a museum, you can also take part in guided tours that show you the most beautiful and exciting corners of the fortress, including the roof, from which you have a breathtaking all-round view of Norwich.
Norwich Castle is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. You can find more information on admission prices, guided tours and exhibitions here: museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norwich-castle
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St Peter's Church, Brooke
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Venta Icenorum Roman Town and Fortifications
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Today the site is one of three major British/Roman towns which has not been built on. Roman embankments and fortifications can be seen today.
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Popular around Rockland Saint Mary
Windmills, wildlife and waterways – best walks in the Broads National Park
Hiking around Rockland Saint Mary
Cycling around Rockland Saint Mary
Road Cycling Routes around Rockland Saint Mary
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Gravel biking around Rockland Saint Mary
Other adventures around Rockland Saint Mary
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Known by the Romans as "the market of the Iceni" (Venta Icenorum) this was one of the strongholds of the Iceni Tribe. It was the centre of the revolt led by Queen Boudicca against the Roman invasion in AD 60/61. Today the site is one of three major British/Roman towns which has not been built on. Roman embankments and fortifications can be seen today.
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Impressive fortress that still dominates the centre of Norwich. Now a museum.
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Pub by the ferry with nice outside space. Lunches good but check opening times I think it's closed Monday and Tuesday
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Norwich Castle is undergoing major works to restore the floors to their original level of the 12th century so future visitors can truly appreciate what life in the castle was like when it was built. It is still possible to appreciate the royal Norman fortress from the outside.
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Norwich Castle comprises the castle, a museum and art gallery. The castle site is at least 900 years old but may currently be closed due to redevelopment. The large gallery complex converted from the city’s Victorian prison remains open during the works. It houses collections in archaeology, natural history, regimental history, and fine, decorative and contemporary art. Construction work has begun on the Norwich Castle: Royal Palace Reborn project to transform the medieval castle. Because of the building work and health and safety measures to protect visitors and staff, some areas of the castle site are not open.
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It'll cost ya a whole pound for you and your bike cheap at half the price. You can pay by card if you don't have the reddies to hand.
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Standing in isolation, overlooking marshes to the north-east, with a few pine trees round it, the setting of St Mary’s is memorable. There is no village with the name Fishley, only Fishley Hall is close by. The west part of the nave and the lower part of the tower were built in flint at the same time in the 11th century, but the top section of brick with the stone belfry openings was probably rebuilt in the 16th or 17th century. Lower down the earlier openings in the tower have also been infilled with brick. These 14th century bricks might have been re-used from the earlier Hall, to the north-east of the Church. Many of the windows in the church were changed in the 19th century, as well as the tower roof from a cone shaped one to have a parapet, the south porch was added then, and the steeply-pitched slate roof, which also covers the aisle (called a cat-slide-roof!). The porch iron gates were placed here in 2009, with A M, for Ave Maria. More: https://www.roundtowerchurches.net/norfolk/norfolk-c-g/fishley-2/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What family-friendly attractions can we visit near Rockland Saint Mary?
Families can enjoy several attractions, including the Reedham Ferry, a unique chain-pulled ferry crossing the River Yare. Norwich Castle and Norwich Cathedral also offer family-friendly experiences, with the castle housing a museum and art gallery, and the cathedral providing an impressive historical site to explore.
What historical sites are prominent in and around Rockland Saint Mary?
The area is rich in history. You can visit Norwich Cathedral, dating back to 1096, and the impressive Norwich Castle, a Norman fortress now a museum. Within Rockland St Mary, the 14th-century St. Mary's Church and the historic Rockland Staithe, once a vital river transport point, offer glimpses into the past. Further afield, you can find Burgh Castle Roman Fort and Caister Roman Fort.
What natural features and broadland landscapes can I explore?
Rockland St Mary is nestled within the Yare Valley and is closely connected to the Norfolk Broads. You can explore Rockland Broad, formed from medieval peat excavations, which is linked to the River Yare. The wider Broads National Park, about 7.6 miles away, offers extensive natural scenery, perfect for enjoying the unique wetland environment.
Are there any unique or unusual attractions in the area?
A truly unique experience is the Reedham Ferry, a chain-pulled ferry that continuously crosses the River Yare on demand during specified hours. It's a functional and historic river crossing that offers a different perspective of the landscape.
What outdoor activities are available near these attractions?
The area around Rockland Saint Mary is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous road cycling routes, running trails, and hiking paths. For detailed routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Rockland Saint Mary, Running Trails around Rockland Saint Mary, and Hiking around Rockland Saint Mary guides.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, there are hiking trails for various abilities. For easy walks, consider the 'Strumpshaw Fen loop' or the 'Rockland Staithe – Rockland Broad loop'. Moderate options include the 'Rockland Ramble' and the 'Rockland St Mary Circular Trail'. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around Rockland Saint Mary guide.
Can I find cycling routes in the area?
Absolutely. The Yare Valley is known for its pleasant cycling routes. You can find easy to moderate road cycling routes, such as the 'Venta Icenorum Roman Town loop' or the 'Brooke Village Ponds – Rockland Staithe loop'. For more options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Rockland Saint Mary guide.
Are there any churches with unique architectural features worth visiting?
Yes, several churches in the vicinity boast unique features. St Mary's Church, Fishley, stands in isolation with a notable 12th-century round tower. St Peter's Church, Brooke, also features a distinctive round tower with a 12-sided parapet. Rockland St Mary's own St. Mary's Church dates back to the 14th century with a slender tower.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Rockland Saint Mary?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Reedham Ferry is often highlighted for its unique crossing experience and the pub nearby. The historical depth of sites like Norwich Cathedral and Norwich Castle, along with the tranquil settings of churches like St Mary's Church, Fishley, are also highly valued.
Are there any notable viewpoints or scenic spots in the area?
While specific viewpoints are not detailed, the area offers scenic beauty, particularly around Rockland Broad and the Yare Valley. The views from the roof of Norwich Castle provide a breathtaking all-round panorama of Norwich. The setting of St Mary's Church, Fishley, overlooking marshes, is also considered memorable.
What is Rockland Staithe and its significance?
Rockland Staithe, located at the east end of Rockland St Mary village, was historically a crucial point for transporting goods by river. Today, it serves as a mooring for pleasure craft and provides access to Rockland Broad, connecting it to the River Yare via the Short Dyke and Fleet Dyke. It's a great spot to observe the broadland environment.
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