REEDHAM Reedham is a magnet for tourists exploring the lower reaches of the River Yare. The village has a stunning river frontage and is famous for having one of the last remaining railway swing bridges and chain ferries in the country. You can visit Pettitts Animal Adventure Park and Humpty Dumpty brewery as well as walking along the Wherryman’s Way to a restored mill. The centre for boating activity in Reedham is Riverside. The long waterside street has free Broads Authority Moorings at Reedham Quay and is perfect for a stroll with plenty of places to sit by the river and admire the view. There are pubs and a little Post Office with a vintage tea room. A general store plus a fish and chip shop (open Thursday – Saturday) are a short walk away and the village also has a railway station. Reedham is famous for having one of the last operating railway swing bridges in the country. The bridge, which can be seen from Riverside, featured in Michael Portillo’s Great British Railways BBC TV programme in 2012. The original Victorian swing bridge was commissioned in the 1840s to enable cargo carrying wherry boats to continue along the river without having to lower their sails. The current bridge dates from 1902 and is still operated from an Edwardian signal box 1,300 times in a typical year to allow today’s sailing boats to pass through.
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At the opposite end of the village is Norfolk’s only operating chain ferry where there is a popular pub with a riverside beer garden. It’s a great place to watch cars being carried across the Yare on the little ferry, the only vehicular crossing between Norwich and Great Yarmouth, saving drivers a journey of more than 30 miles. For a great family day out head to Pettitts Animal Adventure Park which is located close to the church of St John the Baptist on the edge of the village. Pettitts has plenty of rides for young children, exotic and domestic animals, a petting zone and cafe. 01493 700094 www.pettittsadventurepark.co.uk Humpty Dumpty Real Ale brewery is next door to Pettits and you can buy its ales direct from source at the brewery shop. 01493 701818 www.humptydumptybrewery.com
