Stalham

At the northern end of the Norfolk Broads is Stalham, a small market town by the River Ant. Only four miles from a sandy beach, Stalham has shops and places to eat, and the staithe is a busy centre where you can rent boats for breaks and day trips.

The pretty traditional market town of Stalham is an ideal base to get a taste of historical life on the Broads National Park. The Museum of the Broads waterside museum of Broadland life charts the history of the Broads, its people, boats and wildlife, and can be found on the historic and picturesque Stalham Staithe. You can also take a trip on Marsh Harrier, the museum's Edwardian style electric launch or enjoy a trip on the unique Victorian steam boat, Falcon.

About ten minutes away from Stalham Staithe, there is Stalham High Street which has many Georgian buildings to see, as well as an inn dating back to 1380. Also on the high street is Stalham Firehouse Museum. The firehouse opened in 1833 and is thought to be one of the oldest organised fire brigades in Britain. Inside, there is a wide range of artefacts including a horse drawn pump engine and you can have a go at trying on the helmets and ringing the fire bells! 

There are some lovely walking trails around Stalham including a circular route which is a 5.5 mile walk featuring a mix of country lanes, footpaths, tracks and roads. The route takes you through the village of Ingham where you have the opportunity to take a breather in the pub or have a look around the village church. You can find more routes here.

The 15th-century parish church of St Mary's is worth a visit. The odd shape of the tower is the result of the belfry collapsing and it was never replaced. Look for the 1718 tomb of Catherine Catfield as well as a memorial brass to William Riche (d.1624). On the south wall are five painted panels with the figures of St Andrew, St Edward, St Thomas of Canterbury, St Edmund and St Roche.