Somerleyton
Somerleyton is a village perched on a hill above the River Waveney. It is dominated by Somerleyton House, a grade two listed stately home built in the 17th century. It has a population of around 400 inhabitants and takes around 35 minutes to drive the 20 miles from central Norwich.
Things to see and do:
You are on the doorstop of one of the best preserved stately homes in the country. Somerleyton Hall is open to the public. The grounds house the pleasure gardens and a Yew hedge maze which is 800 yards from the centre to the exit. Interestingly, Somerleyton has a monument dedicated to the inventor of the hovercraft, who lived in the village. The "Hovercraft Column" is situated on the village green commemorating this man of vision. The river Waveney is on the edge of the village but you would need to travel to nearby Oulton Broad to either board a sightseeing launch or to hire a self-drive boat. Oulton Broad is a delight in itself. It's a large expanse of water, where all manner of sports take place, not least, weekly speedboat racing in the summer season. The east coast resorts of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth are less than 20 minutes drive away so you have the choice of the "in your face" seaside experience of Great Yarmouth or the more laid back vibe of Lowestoft to choose from. Beccles is a market town situated around a 20 minute drive away. It is known for it's Edwardian buildings and independent shops and stores and is a good half-day visit. More information HERE.
Local pubs, restaurants:
The Dukes Head is a bit of a gastropub situated on Slugs Lane in the village. The next nearest would be in the nearby village of St Olaves, a five minute drive away. Here you will find the Bell Inn, reputed to be the oldest on the Norfolk Broads, and the Priory Farm Restaurant. Both are well thought of by locals and visitors, offering a good standard food menu.
Cafes and takeaways:
The nearest cafes and takeaways would be in nearby Oulton Broad. Here you will find the Number 142 Cafe and Bar is on Bridge Street, and The Quays Coffee Bar next to the Yacht Station. There is no shortage of takeaways here, including fish and chip shops, Kebab, Chinese and Indian establishments.
Other Shops:
There are no general stores in the village. Again, the nearest centre would be in nearby Oulton Broad, which is just an eight minute drive away. Here you will find A Co-op supermarket, off Westwood Avenue, many small convenience stores, a hair dresser, a GP surgery and nearby pharmacy and a branch of the NatWest bank.
Things to see and do:
You are on the doorstop of one of the best preserved stately homes in the country. Somerleyton Hall is open to the public. The grounds house the pleasure gardens and a Yew hedge maze which is 800 yards from the centre to the exit. Interestingly, Somerleyton has a monument dedicated to the inventor of the hovercraft, who lived in the village. The "Hovercraft Column" is situated on the village green commemorating this man of vision. The river Waveney is on the edge of the village but you would need to travel to nearby Oulton Broad to either board a sightseeing launch or to hire a self-drive boat. Oulton Broad is a delight in itself. It's a large expanse of water, where all manner of sports take place, not least, weekly speedboat racing in the summer season. The east coast resorts of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth are less than 20 minutes drive away so you have the choice of the "in your face" seaside experience of Great Yarmouth or the more laid back vibe of Lowestoft to choose from. Beccles is a market town situated around a 20 minute drive away. It is known for it's Edwardian buildings and independent shops and stores and is a good half-day visit. More information HERE.
Local pubs, restaurants:
The Dukes Head is a bit of a gastropub situated on Slugs Lane in the village. The next nearest would be in the nearby village of St Olaves, a five minute drive away. Here you will find the Bell Inn, reputed to be the oldest on the Norfolk Broads, and the Priory Farm Restaurant. Both are well thought of by locals and visitors, offering a good standard food menu.
Cafes and takeaways:
The nearest cafes and takeaways would be in nearby Oulton Broad. Here you will find the Number 142 Cafe and Bar is on Bridge Street, and The Quays Coffee Bar next to the Yacht Station. There is no shortage of takeaways here, including fish and chip shops, Kebab, Chinese and Indian establishments.
Other Shops:
There are no general stores in the village. Again, the nearest centre would be in nearby Oulton Broad, which is just an eight minute drive away. Here you will find A Co-op supermarket, off Westwood Avenue, many small convenience stores, a hair dresser, a GP surgery and nearby pharmacy and a branch of the NatWest bank.
