THURNE With its white windmill acting as a beacon for boaters, the village of Thurne is a popular place to moor with a pub, gift shop, historic church and riverside walks. Thurne is located just upstream from the mouth of its namesake, the River Thurne, and finding the village couldn’t be easier thanks to its famous landmark - Thurne Dyke Mill. The windpump was built in 1820 and has been lovingly restored over many years. Its sail turns on visitor open days, which are held most Sunday’s in August and September. www.windenergymuseum.wordpress.com. The best place to moor is Thurne Dyke which leads to the centre of the village and is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the wonderful vista. In the village there is a pub, gift shop, private staithe, toilets and a village playing field. The Weavers Way long distance footpath passes through the centre of Thurne and by following it towards Potter Heigham you can enjoy a delightful riverside walk with expansive marshland views.
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It’s also worth visiting the beautiful thatched church of St Edmund. The tower and chancel date back to the 13th century and there is a hole through the west facing wall. Originally thought to have been used to allow lepers to enter the church, some historians suggest that it was used as a signalling system to nearby St Benet’s Abbey (see St Benet’s Abbey). Thurne is home to the East Anglian Cruising Club, who can often be seen racing their historic yachts on the river and host the Thurne Mouth Open Regatta. Held on the late May Bank Holiday weekend the regatta is a real spectacle attracting dozens of sailing boats from around the Broads.
