Martham can be explored through two distinct sides: its historic centre and the Broads landscape. The village lies partly within the Broads National Park; the upper reaches of the River Thurne form one of Martham’s boundaries. Nearby is Martham Broad, a National Nature Reserve on the River Thurne in the Broads National Park. Access on foot is restricted when visiting and is via a public footpath along the edge of the reserve. The northern and southern Broads near Martham have some of the clearest waters in the entire Broads system. Swallowtail butterflies can be seen at Martham Broad in summer.

Village centre, church and places of remembrance

At the centre of Martham is a large village green, with Georgian houses nearby. Martham St Mary the Virgin, a medieval church, tells an important part of the village’s history. The present building was constructed between about 1377 and 1450. Its tower is 98 feet high, and the peal comprises six bells. The architecture also includes a hammerbeam roof with eleven pairs of carved angels.

Martham’s war memorial was erected around 1920 in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin. It commemorates 41 local men who died during the conflict. The rectory, including the garden walls to the south, dates from the early 16th century and was altered in the 19th century. Together, the church, memorial and rectory offer different ways to explore the village’s architectural history and remembrance.

Compare walks and routes

Walking options in the centre include a route around the Village Green and paths along Black Street and White Street. A guide presents three short walks in the village centre with interactive maps. For a longer circuit, try the Martham Low Road Walk: the circular route is 2.5 miles long and starts on Repps Road in Martham.

At 2,516 metres, Footpath No25 is shorter than the Low Road Walk. It is a level walking route, but has uneven, bumpy sections at its northern end. Surface conditions may vary with the seasons. Comparing the route lengths can help you choose a walk; the description of No25 also draws attention to its changing surface. This gives you a designated circular route and a shorter footpath with specific information about its surface.

Waterways and practical planning

Martham Pits consists of several interconnected small fishing broads east of the River Thurne. A day ticket is required for fishing and is available from both Co-Ops in Martham village. As ticket arrangements may change, check locally before your visit.

Martham has a canoe hire centre offering the chance to explore the River Thurne; check the operator and availability before travelling. Martham Ferry Day Boat Hire is a boat hire service at Martham Ferry Boat Yard on Riverside in Martham. You should also check availability before travelling. Canoeing, day boating, fishing and walking offer different ways to plan your stay. The route details provide specific distances, while access to Martham Broad and fishing ticket requirements are important planning considerations.

Discover more destinations: Hockwold Cum Wilton, Spooner Row, Great Yarmouth, Lamas, Thorpe Market, North Wootton, Hopton, Edingthorpe.

For the wider travel guide: Norfolk.