Acle

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.

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.

St Edmunds Church by Jeremy Halls

MOORING

Acle Bridge Alongside moorings for approximately 16 boats. Bridgecraft boatyard Please see NBD skipper’s manual for more information. Pump out, water, refuse disposal available. 01493 750378. Upstream of Acle Bridge Ample side on mooring on a long grassy bank. Acle Bridge Inn Moorings by the pub, free of charge until 6pm, after then charge applies. Mooring fee redeemable against food.

Eating Out

Dunes Rive Café Cute little café and shop near the bridge. Serves hot and cold drinks, homemade sandwiches, cakes and more plus provisions for boaters to stock up on. Dogs welcome outside only

The Bridge Inn Family friendly riverside pub with a large beer garden and moorings. Serves traditional fayre. 01493 750288 www.aclebridge.co.uk

The Hermitage Restaurant Steakhouse and BBQ. Located on the main road one mile from Acle Bridge. Follow the footpath from Acle Bridge towards Acle. 01493 750335 www.hermitagesteakhouseandbbq.co.uk

Pedros Tapas themed restaurant and bar with a twist. Dogs welcome in the bar area only. 01493 750972 www.pedrosrestaurants.co.uk/acle