Explore along the River Chet to discover a hidden gem of the Southern Broads. Whether you want to shop, enjoy mouth watering cafes and restaurants or simply soak up the sights, including the magnificent Holy Trinity church, Loddon will leave you spoilt for choice. A visit to Hardley Flood bird reserve is highly recommended. The best way to visit Loddon by boat is to moor in its attractive staithe, which has a lovely 18th century water mill. From the staithe you can follow Loddon’s long shopping street into the centre of town which, amongst many other historic buildings, boasts the jewel in Loddon’s crown - the Holy Trinity Church. Dating back to 1490 this large church has an ancient poor box; a medieval baptismal font set high on three steps and a painted rood screen depicting William of Norwich, a boy martyr who is reputed to have been crucified in the 12th century. Loddon is also a great place to shop and some of these include a Cooperative Food supermarket (with a cashpoint), several convenience stores, two butchers, a Boots pharmacy, charity shop, DIY and garden store as well as The Emporium, which sells locally made gifts, jewellery, cards and more. Other useful amenities include a Library, Post Office, hairdressers, an opticians, doctors and dental surgery.
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If all that shopping works up an appetite there are fabulous cafes as well as great pubs and restaurants. For food on the go there are two fish and chip shops, a Chinese takeaway, and a kebab and pizza place. For nature lovers follow the Wherryman’s Way long distance footpath via Chedgrave and the north bank of the Chet to Hardley Flood bird reserve. This Site of Special Scientific Interest was formed when agricultural land was flooded in the 1940s and its shallow lagoons and reed bed support lots of rare wildlife including nationally important populations of Shoveller, Pochard and Gadwall.
