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Horsey Windpump: Restored Norfolk Broads Icon and Wildlife Haven

Explore Norfolk’s largest restored windpump with panoramic Broads views, vibrant wildlife gardens, and rich cultural heritage.

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Horsey Windpump, managed by the National Trust, is a beautifully restored Grade II* listed windpump located near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. Once silent for over 75 years after a lightning strike, it now features turning sails and a winding cap, offering visitors panoramic views of Horsey Mere and the Norfolk Broads. The site includes a wildlife-friendly sensory garden and orchard, a tea room, and access to scenic walks and birdwatching opportunities.

A brief summary to National Trust - Horsey Windpump

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear for climbing the 61 steep steps to the windpump balcony.
  • Check the National Trust website for current opening times and sail operation schedules.
  • Dogs on leads are welcome on the grounds but are not allowed inside the windpump.
  • Visit the sensory wildlife garden in summer for the best chance to see swallowtail butterflies.
  • National Trust members enjoy free parking; non-members pay a modest fee for car park use.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Great Yarmouth takes about 25-35 minutes via the A149 and B1159 roads. Parking is available at Horsey Beach car park with a fee of £3-£6 depending on duration; National Trust members park free.

  • Public Transport

    From Great Yarmouth railway station, local bus services run infrequently to nearby villages; expect a 1-1.5 hour journey including walking. Check current bus timetables as services are limited.

  • Walking

    Several circular walking routes start near the windpump, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting. Terrain is mostly flat but can be muddy; suitable footwear recommended. Walking durations vary from 1 to 3 hours.

National Trust - Horsey Windpump location weather suitability

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A Living Landmark of Norfolk's Marshland Heritage

Horsey Windpump stands as the youngest and largest windpump in the Norfolk Broads, embodying centuries of marshland water management. Originally built to drain the low-lying grazing marshes, it has endured floods, storms, and a lightning strike in 1943 that left it silent for over seven decades. Thanks to extensive restoration by the National Trust, the windpump now operates with its winding cap and sails turning once more, bringing history vividly to life for visitors.

Climbing to Spectacular Views

Visitors can ascend 61 steps to the windpump’s balcony, open Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays (weather permitting), to enjoy sweeping panoramas over Horsey Mere and the surrounding Broads landscape. The climb involves steep sections, so sensible footwear and awareness of personal limits are advised. Those unable or unwilling to climb can explore the ground floor where knowledgeable hosts explain the windpump’s machinery and history.

Wildlife and Gardens: A Sensory Experience

The site features a wildlife sensory garden and orchard designed to attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Bursting with color in summer, the garden showcases plants like purple loosestrife, alchemilla, and lychnis coronaria, while winter brings hellebores and colorful stems. The area is an important habitat for rare species such as the swallowtail butterfly, which can often be spotted feeding on flowers during warm months.

Visitor Amenities and Surroundings

Horsey Windpump offers a tea room with outdoor and indoor seating serving hot and cold drinks, pastries, and cakes baked on site. Nearby, a second-hand bookshop and gift shop provide souvenirs and reading material. The surrounding landscape invites exploration through several circular walks and birdwatching spots, including views of swans, dragonflies, and birds of prey. Dogs on leads are welcome on the grounds, though not inside the windpump itself.

Access and Seasonal Considerations

The windpump is open daily from late March to late October, with reduced opening in November and December. The last entry is 15 minutes before closing. The car park operates dawn to dusk year-round, with charges applying except for National Trust members. The site is accessible by car, with the nearest railway station in Great Yarmouth about 11 miles away. Public transport options are limited.

Preserving a Unique Norfolk Treasure

Horsey Windpump is a testament to Norfolk’s cultural heritage and ongoing conservation efforts. Its restoration not only preserves an engineering marvel but also supports local wildlife habitats. Visitors experience a blend of history, nature, and stunning scenery, making it a memorable destination in the Broads.

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