Horsey Windpump: Historic Norfolk Broads Icon
Explore Norfolk’s largest restored windpump with panoramic views, wildlife gardens, and rich heritage in the heart of the Broads.
Horsey Windpump, a beautifully restored Grade II* listed windpump in the Norfolk Broads near Great Yarmouth, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s heritage. Climb 61 steps to panoramic views over Horsey Mere and surrounding wetlands, explore the wildlife sensory garden and orchard, and enjoy the onsite tea room. The windpump operates seasonally with guided access to the balcony and is a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
A brief summary to National Trust - Horsey Windpump
- Great Yarmouth, NR29 4EE, GB
- +441263740241
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- 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 steep, narrow stairs to the windpump balcony.
- Visit on Sundays, Mondays, or Tuesdays for balcony access and spectacular views, weather permitting.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching around Horsey Mere and the surrounding wetlands.
- National Trust members enjoy free parking; non-members should budget for parking fees.
- Dogs on leads are welcome on the grounds but not inside the windpump; assistance dogs have full access.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving to Horsey Windpump typically takes 25 to 35 minutes from Great Yarmouth via the A149 and B1159 roads. Parking is available at Horsey Beach car park with fees around £3 for two hours, £4 for four hours, or £6 for all day. National Trust members park free. The terrain near the windpump is flat but parking can fill during peak seasons.
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Bus
Local bus services run from Great Yarmouth to nearby villages like Martham, from where a taxi or a 3-mile walk is needed to reach Horsey Windpump. Bus frequency is limited, so check current timetables. Walking routes are scenic but may involve uneven terrain.
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Walking
For those staying locally, walking to Horsey Windpump is possible via marked trails across flat marshland and water meadows. Expect a 30 to 60-minute walk depending on starting point. Wear sturdy footwear as paths can be muddy or sandy, especially after rain.
National Trust - Horsey Windpump location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about National Trust - Horsey Windpump
A Storied Landmark of Norfolk’s Marshes
Horsey Windpump stands as a proud sentinel over the expansive Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes famed for their natural beauty and wildlife. Originally constructed to drain the surrounding marshland, this windpump has endured floods, storms, and a lightning strike in 1943 that left it silent for over 75 years. The National Trust’s extensive restoration has revived the windpump’s sails and winding cap, restoring it to working order and preserving its historical significance as the youngest and largest windpump in the Broads.Climbing to Spectacular Views
Visitors can ascend 61 steep steps to the windpump’s balcony, open on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays during the main season, weather permitting. From this vantage point, sweeping panoramas unfold across Horsey Mere and the surrounding wetlands, a haven for diverse birdlife and rare species like the swallowtail butterfly. The climb is rewarding but requires sensible footwear and awareness of personal limits, as the interior stairways are narrow and steep.Wildlife Gardens and Seasonal Highlights
Adjacent to the windpump, the wildlife sensory garden and orchard provide a colorful and tranquil space designed to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Seasonal bursts of color include purple loosestrife and yellow alchemilla in summer, with hellebores and vibrant cornus stems brightening the winter months. The orchard features eight varieties of local apples, contributing to the site’s peaceful and natural ambiance.Visitor Amenities and Onsite Experience
The site includes a tea room offering hot and cold drinks, light snacks, and locally baked cakes, with outdoor seating to enjoy views of the windpump’s turning sails. A second-hand bookshop adds a charming touch for visitors seeking a quiet moment. Facilities include accessible toilets and parking, with free parking for National Trust members. Dogs on leads are welcome on the grounds, though not inside the windpump itself, except for assistance dogs.Connection to the Broads and Conservation
Horsey Windpump is more than a historic structure; it is part of a vital wetland ecosystem. The surrounding grazing marshes and waterways support internationally important wildlife, including over-wintering wildfowl and rare butterflies. Conservation efforts, such as rotational cutting of reed beds, help maintain this delicate habitat. The windpump’s restoration and public access foster awareness of the ongoing relationship between human activity and nature in the Broads.Seasonal Access and Visitor Information
Open from late March to late October, the windpump welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 to 16:00, with the balcony open on select days. In November and December, access is limited to weekends and Sundays respectively. The last entry is 15 minutes before closing. Visitors are advised to check current opening times and weather conditions before visiting. The site is ideal for those interested in history, nature, and tranquil landscapes.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
