Known as the “Gateway to the Broads”, Acle is an excellent stopping off point en-route to Great Yarmouth. There are plenty of moorings with places to eat and drink at Acle Bridge and its worth walking a mile into the main market village of Acle for its shopping, flourishing atmosphere and rich history. Acle Bridge is reputed to be haunted by Josiah Burge, who was murdered here by a man seeking revenge for the death of his sister, but these days provides the perfect place to moor on long banks with sweeping views of wild marshes! Moor on the left hand bank (if you are heading downstream) where there are free 24hr Broads Authority moorings (note that there is a mooring fee on the right hand bank) just before the bridge. There is a popular little café here plus public toilets and bins. Alternatively head under the bridge where the Bridge Inn provides a welcoming place to moor. In the beer garden there is a children’s play area, fishing bait machine and information boards highlighting local walks and history.
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The best way to take in the open views of wild marshes is to stretch your legs and make the most of a wonderful network of footpaths both above and below the bridge, including the Weaver’s Way long distance footpath. The circular walk along the River Bure to Upton and across the fields to Acle village is a favourite with locals.
Full of historic charm and a good place to stock up on supplies, a visit to the bustling market village of Acle is well worth the mile-long walk along a pleasant roadside footpath. It boasts some very attractive 17th and 18th century buildings and Acle’s star attraction – St Edmund’s Church, which dates back to the 13th century and wows visitors with its turreted round tower and thatched nave. There is no shortage of amenities including a butchers, post office with cashpoint, hardware store, newsagent, restaurants, takeways, cafés and pubs, plus a library, chemist, doctor’s surgery, opticians, vets and train station. There is a large supermarket on the far side of the village plus an M&S food store and cashpoint at the garage, which is next to the main A47 roundabout. A small market is held every Thursday morning, with a lively auction of household furniture and decorative items.
