Attractions and Places To See around Martham - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Martham include a variety of natural features, historical sites, and coastal areas within the eastern Norfolk Broads. This rural village is situated near the River Thurne and Martham Broad, a National Nature Reserve known for its diverse wildlife. Martham also offers access to several nearby beaches and historical landmarks, providing options for outdoor exploration and cultural interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Martham
- The most popular attractions is Horsey Windpump, a historical site that has been brought back to life with a winding cap and turning sails. This restored windpump offers panoramic views of the Norfolk countryside and Horsey Mere.
- Another must-see spot is Horsey Beach Seal Colony, a beach known for its wildlife. It is particularly known for its seal colony, especially between November and February when hundreds of grey seals breed here.
- Visitors also love Sea Palling Beach, a Blue Flag beach. This beach offers opportunities for relaxation and swimming in waters calmed by man-made coastal defence reefs.
- Martham is known for its historical sites, natural reserves, and coastal beaches. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from medieval churches to diverse wildlife habitats.
- The attractions around Martham are appreciated by the komoot community. There are more than 40 photos and over 110 upvotes for the highlights in this guide.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Horsey Beach Seal Colony
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Horsey Windpump
Highlight • Historical Site
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Sea Palling Beach
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St Mary's Church, Fishley
Highlight • Religious Site
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Turf Fen Drainage Mill
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Tips from the Community
National Trust-run windmill in the middle of the wide, flat broads landscape. Cafe and toilets for a refreshment stop as well.
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Great view from the top of the ramp over the sea embankment, and plenty of refreshment options just below it.
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There is a car park here, which is managed by the National Trust. There are lovely hiking trails all around through the Broads and to the North Sea coast. You can see several colonies of seals on the coast.
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The National Trust maintains a car park right next to the mill. You can also get tickets to the mill there. It's worth a visit, as you'll not only learn details about the mill, but also gain an insight into the miller's life.
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Good family beach. Clean toilets. Lifeguard. Windsurfers further along to the right. Parking £1.50 per hour August 2023.
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Things to know: First of all, it is a delightful walk. If you begin at Ludham Bridge, there are plenty of places to park along the road. They are free parking pull-outs, so you're not exposed to parking on a narrow street. There is a bakery and public toilets. Although the walk parallels the river, you're not really next to it, except for a couple of spots. Nonetheless it's still very picturesque. Most of the path was easy to navigate accept for one short stretch where the tall grass had obscured the trail. It was very short, and if you look to your left, you'll see the posts of a short bridge, so just aim for that. At about the halfway point is How Hill Estate. It's rather a dramatic building with a thatched roof. Unusual for a building that size. I think you can get a room there if you're not from the area. There's a large lawn there, a place to watch the boats and, most importantly, public toilets and take-away café. It can be busy on the weekends so pick your day. Although we were there on a Sunday in July and it wasn't bad. Then it's back the way you came. FYI The Dog pub is just a short, safe, walk up the road from the start/end of the walk, in case you're interested.
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Only reachable by boat across the River Ant, Turf Fen Drainage Mill is an attractive 19th-century windmill. It was built to drain the marsh behind it so that livestock could graze on the land. It has been restored by the Norfolk Windmills Trust, after falling out of use in 1920.
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The helpers and conservationists give valuable tips on where the groups can best be seen at the moment and they protect these dear animals and discourage some unreasonable tourists from getting too close to the seals. At the end of October I was able to see a few dozen young seal families. Good close-ups were possible with a 5x zoom lens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and wildlife can I see around Martham?
Martham is rich in natural beauty. You can explore Martham Broad, a National Nature Reserve known for diverse wildlife including swallowtail butterflies, otters, and various bird species like bittern and marsh harrier. The River Thurne flows along the village, connecting to the wider Norfolk Broads. For marine wildlife, visit Horsey Beach Seal Colony, especially between November and February to see hundreds of grey seals.
Where can I spot seals near Martham?
The primary location for seal spotting is Horsey Beach Seal Colony, particularly between November and February when grey seals breed there. Winterton-on-Sea is another nearby beach known for its rolling dunes and good opportunities to see grey seals.
What historical sites can I visit in and around Martham?
Martham and its surroundings offer several historical sites. The magnificent St Mary the Virgin Church in Martham dates back to the 14th century. A short distance away, you can visit Horsey Windpump, a restored windpump offering panoramic views. Other notable historical churches include St Mary's Church, Fishley, and the atmospheric Ruins of St Mary's Church, East Somerton.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Martham?
Yes, Martham offers several family-friendly options. Children will enjoy seeing the seals at Horsey Beach Seal Colony. Sea Palling Beach is a Blue Flag beach perfect for relaxation and swimming in calm waters. The restored Horsey Windpump also has a tea room and offers an educational experience. For those willing to travel a bit further, nearby attractions include SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth and Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Martham is ideal for outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking along the numerous footpaths within the Norfolk Broads National Park. Cycling is also popular, with various routes available. For specific cycling routes, you can explore options like those found in the Cycling around Martham guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Martham guide. Mountain biking trails are also available, detailed in the MTB Trails around Martham guide.
Are there good walking trails near Martham?
Yes, Martham is situated within the Norfolk Broads, offering numerous footpaths for ramblers and nature enthusiasts. You can find many walking opportunities along the River Thurne and around Martham Broad. For specific routes, look for guides on komoot that feature circular walks starting from Martham or explore the wider Norfolk Broads network.
What is the best time to visit Martham for wildlife viewing?
The best time to visit Martham for wildlife viewing depends on what you wish to see. For the grey seal colony at Horsey Beach, the peak breeding season is between November and February. Spring and summer are excellent for birdwatching and spotting swallowtail butterflies around Martham Broad.
Are there dog-friendly places to visit around Martham?
Many of the natural areas around Martham are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially in nature reserves and near wildlife. For instance, dogs are welcome on Horsey Beach but must be kept on a lead, particularly during seal breeding season. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
Where can I find amenities like shops or pubs in Martham?
Martham village provides a range of amenities for visitors. You'll find local shops, pubs, small supermarkets, a butcher, and various other services like a Chinese takeaway, florist, and bicycle repair. The village green is a central hub, and there are several pubs for refreshments.
What is Martham Broad and can I navigate it by boat?
Martham Broad is a significant natural highlight, a 140-acre (57-hectare) National Nature Reserve managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. It is renowned for its diverse wildlife and crystal-clear waters. However, the Broad itself is not navigable by boat to protect its delicate ecosystem.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Martham?
Visitors particularly enjoy the unique wildlife experiences, such as seeing the seal colony at Horsey Beach. The historical significance of sites like Horsey Windpump and the tranquility of the beaches like Sea Palling Beach are also highly appreciated. The blend of natural beauty, historical interest, and opportunities for outdoor exploration makes the area appealing.
Are there any unique cultural events in Martham?
Martham Village Green serves as a central hub for community events. Popular annual events include the spring Scarecrow Festival and a summer carnival, which offer a glimpse into the local culture and community spirit.
Most popular attractions around Martham
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