Description: Review of Womack Staithe, near Ludham, Norfolk.
We spent a week long holiday in Norfolk during September 2012 and found this pleasant little place quite by chance.
I had got slightly lost (!) when driving back to our accommodation after a morning out. Tempers were getting a little frayed to say the least when we spotted a tourist board signpost for Womack Staithe and decided to investigate. A narrow lane off of the A1062 Yarmouth Road, called Horsefen Road, led to the Staithe which is right on the edge of Womack Water. Womack Water is a fairly large ‘broad’ off of the River Thurne.
A large gravel car park led towards the river where there were several hire boats moored up. We parked up to explore the Staithe. For those who may not know, ‘Staithe’ is an old English word for a landing stage or wharf equipped to load and unload goods, people and in this area, probably reeds used for roof thatching.
The grassed river banks were dotted with benches and we chose one under a tree to have a sit down and chill out a little after our slightly annoying drive! No sooner had we sat down when a group of inquisitive ducks came along. They were very tame and obviously used to being fed by visitors. I felt rather sorry that I had nothing to offer them and they soon gave us up as a bad job and moved on to another occupied bench in the hope of lunch!
We took a walk around the area and were both impressed at the tranquillity and glorious river views this peaceful little Staithe offered. It is by no means large or ‘touristy’, just a pretty riverside picnic area with public toilets, boat moorings, a boat marina which offers holiday boat hire and boat repairs, a tea rooms and a small gift shop selling basic groceries, ice creams and other holiday requisites. There is a large information board giving details of local businesses and amenities in the area.
Boat moorings are charged by the night, the fees are a very reasonable £3 per boat per night. All mooring fees go towards the upkeep of the Staithe. When we arrived at about 12 noon, there were only a few spaces left, so I assume it is a very popular spot for boaters on the Norfolk Broads. This is possibly as this is the main visitor mooring for those wishing to visit Ludham village, added to which there is fresh water available on the river bank and of course the small shop would be an attraction too.
Parking your car is free and although not a huge car park, it is well laid out with plenty of space to manoeuvre. There was a box for visitors to leave a donation if they so wished and again these donations go towards the upkeep of the facility.
I felt it was one of those places that are nice to visit for an hour or so and if I found myself in the area again, I’d certainly consider it as a picnic spot.
All in all, I thought this was a very pretty little spot; it is not really worth making a special trip to see, but one to bear in mind for a brief visit is you are in the location.
I would recommend this Staithe to others for a little glimpse of rural Norfolk.
Thank you for reading.
brittle1906 November 2012
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