サマートンの湖・トップ6

Great little viewing area with a couple of benches and a great view over the Mere.

A gorgeous reserve in the heart of the Broads, Upton Broad and Marshes hosts several distinctive habitats. Its mix of alder carr woodland, fen, reedbed and grazing marsh makes it a haven for some of the region's most coveted wildlife, including the swallowtail butterfly. You might also see water voles, otters and a huge range of dragonflies, with over 20 recorded species.

In the winter months this area can become quite water logged. Remember to close any gates behind you to ensure the Konik Ponies don't escape when they are in the reserve.

The Norfolk Broads National Park has over 125 miles (201 km) of waterways that wind through countryside, charming villages and sea views. This corner of Norfolk even has more miles of waterway than Venice and Amsterdam! Its marshlands, reeds and woodland provide the perfect backdrop for cycling. The river Bure, Thurne, Ant, Yare, Chet, Waveney and Wensum all flow through the area.

Managed by Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Martham Broad is a magnificent place to visit. The nature reserve is home to breeding birds including bittern, bearded tit, common tern, Cetti’s warbler and marsh harrier. Stately common cranes use the reserve and the site is excellent for swallowtails and many other invertebrates. Otters and Chinese water deer are relatively easily observed here, too.

Horsey Mere is regarded as one of the most beautiful of the northern broads. Close to the Norfolk coast, Horsey's reed beds and grazing marshes offer a habitat of international importance for birds, including wigeon, teal, shoveller, pochard, gadwall, goldeneye, tufted duck, bitterns, stonechats, yellow wagtails, and grasshopper warblers. You might even spot two rare warblers here; Cetti's and Savi's. According to folklore, on 13th June every year the screams of drowned children can be heard from the mere.

Heigham Sound is a clear lake that's popular with sailors and boaters. It's home to an abundance of rare birds and insects at all times of year, too. At this spot, between meadows and Heigham Sound, with boats floating on the water and the sound of birdsong flowing through the air, you can experience a slice of Norfolk’s rural idyll.

Barns, fields and windmills all around!