Bakers Cottage Ludham - Norfolk Broads

"Wonderful cottage - has everything you need, great hosts and the cottage is spotlessly clean. We really liked the thoughtful extra touches, including the chocolates! Location is very convenient for the local shop, pub and butchers. Lots of good walks from the front door." Denise, October 2020

Built in the 1700s, and nestling in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Bakers Cottage is less than ten miles from the coast and is an ideal base for walking, boating, cycling, birdwatching, fishing and of course relaxing!

Small but perfectly formed, the cottage boasts original features such as beams made from local driftwood (apparently salvaged from Great Yarmouth beach), and a quaint cast iron fireplace which, due to the thatched roof, is no longer in use but still makes an attractive focal point in the living room.

On-road unrestricted parking is available immediately outside the cottage.

You enter directly into an attractive lounge-diner with a terracotta tiled floor and rug, a 42" screen TV with freeview, DVD player (please bring your own DVDs), a super comfy leather sofa, floor lamp and a drop leaf dining table and chairs for two.

Through the lounge-diner is a fully equipped kitchen with all the usual crockery, cutlery and pans, microwave, cooker and automatic washing machine, leading to the backdoor and garden beyond and the staircase up to the double bedroom and en suite shower room.

The bedroom floor is wood and has a rug, a wide picture window that looks out onto the village green and the village sign, original art on the walls, a black-out roller blind, double bed, a wall mounted TV, bedside cupboard, a dressing table with mirror and stool, a full length mirror, a wall hook and hanger, and an antique bedroom chair. The en suite contains two mirrors, wash basin, electric shower and of course the toilet.

Outside enjoy a small but perfectly formed fully decked south facing garden where you will find a bistro table and two chairs with removable cushions.

Ludham is an attractive, quintessentially English village in the heart of the Norfolk Broads with a family run carvery pub, a shop (with a delicatessen and a Post Office), butchers and doctors surgery very nearby. The River Thurne and Womack Staithe are also just a short walk away.

The village stands in an area of Norfolk known as The Norfolk Broads. It is surrounded on three sides by the rivers Ant, Bure and Thurne and it has its own small broad, Womack Water. Wind mills and pumps are abundant!

The village staithe is a great spot to start a tour of Ludham. You could have a picnic here or just relax and watch the boats moor up. There are moorings for private boats and several public 24-hour moorings (stern on). At the staithe you will also find a boatyard and small gift shop.

Moving on into the village itself, there is the 14th century church of Saint Catherine. Inside is a generous amount of woodwork especially in the roof, an interesting font near the doorway and a magnificent tapestry of the parish of Ludham. It also has a fine clock tower.

Outside again and situated on the far side of the dramatic 'S' bend in the main road, you will find what must surely be one of the prettiest cafés in Norfolk - the Alfresco Tea Rooms. Meanwhile, on the near side of the 'S' bend is the village pub, The Kings Arms...

ALFRESCO TEA ROOMS, Ludham:

A two minute walk from Bakers Cottage and open from April to October 10am to 5pm seven days a week, Alfresco is a traditional tea rooms located in a Grade 2 listed cottage on Norwich Road opposite Saint Catherine’s Church. Recently re-thatched, a delightful café offering teas, coffees and light lunches served on fine china and table cloths. Homemade cakes, scones and soups produced daily using locally sourced produce and sandwiches made with freshly baked bread and quality fillings. Regular specials on the boards and fully licensed. Special dietary requirements catered for but you are advised to call ahead...

THE KINGS ARMS, Ludham:

A family and carvery pub, the Kings Arms is just a very short walk away from Bakers Cottage and if you want to partake in an alcoholic beverage or two, is clearly your best option! The restaurant serves good food all year round whilst food and bar snacks are available in the main bar area (where you will find Sky TV screens showing top sporting events), plus there is a large patio and beer garden for those who prefer to sit outside.

Back to our tour of Ludham... the remainder of the village consists of a mix of old and new properties, including more than its fair share of chocolate box cottages, many (like Bakers Cottage) thatched with traditional Norfolk reed.

Returning past the staithe along Horsefen Road, you come to Hunter's Yard which operates traditional Norfolk sailing yachts - gaff rigged, no engines and no electricity - just oil lamps! If you would like to experience authentic 1930s Broads sailing then chartering one of their yachts is a must. Hunter's Yard recently undertook a project to build a new yacht using the original 1930s plans. The yacht has now been finished and launched. Adjacent to Hunter's Yard is the Norfolk Wherry Trust, which operates the Wherry Albion.

About a mile out of Ludham along the road towards Horning you come to Ludham Bridge which takes the road over the River Ant. It's a popular spot for mooring, taking refreshment (there is a shop, a restaurant and a café) and watching boats navigate the low bridge...

There is so much to do and see in the local area that you won't have time to get bored!