Upwell offers several points of interest for a stay: its waterside landscape, historic buildings and footpaths with different routes. If you are looking for accommodation in Upwell, you can first decide whether Well Creek, building history or walks should be the focus of your trip.
Well Creek and Waterways
The old watercourse, now called Well Creek, shapes the layout of the village: Upwell extends along both sides of the creek. Well Creek is also an important inland waterway connection between the River Nene and the River Great Ouse. Marmont Priory Lock provides access to Upwell’s waterway from the River Nene. The village’s position on both sides of the creek and its connection between the two rivers are therefore distinct aspects of the waterside landscape. In spring, the banks of Well Creek in Upwell are full of daffodils, adding a seasonal highlight.
Church and Building History
The Church of St Peters in Upwell stands on the Wisbech Canal, a navigable arm of the River Nene, and has carved wooden angels dating from the 13th century. Its location by the canal and its medieval carvings offer two distinct points of interest: the church’s relationship with the waterside landscape and a historic detail of its interior.
Welle Manor Hall is a manor house whose origins date to the mid-14th century and which is Grade II* listed. Upwell Hall has a brick-built orangery at its northern end. The Upwell War Memorial was erected around 1922, is Grade II listed and features an elegant classical design. The buildings offer different points of focus in terms of their history: the manor house’s early origins, a specific architectural feature at Upwell Hall, and the date and design of the memorial. The two dates serve different purposes: the mid-14th century marks the origins of the manor house, while the approximate year 1922 marks the erection of the memorial.
The buildings offer different ways of looking at them: Welle Manor Hall brings together its history and listed status, while Upwell Hall draws attention to a single architectural feature. The memorial and church add to the picture with their classical design and carved wooden angels, respectively.
Footpaths in Upwell
Two footpaths in Upwell can be distinguished by their routes: FP1 runs from School Road to Baptist Road; a sign on the wall points walkers to the entrance. FP2 also runs to Baptist Road, via Broad Drove from Green Road. Both therefore have the same destination on Baptist Road but start on different roads; conditions on FP2 may change, so it is worth checking before setting out.
The Blunt Family Trust Nature Walk, by contrast, was intended as a nature trail for village residents. It was designed to give families the chance to walk, relax and have picnics. While FP1 and FP2 differ in their starting and ending points, the Nature Walk is defined by its intended use for recreation by village residents and families.
Discover more destinations: Edgefield, Great Massingham, Weybourne, Lessingham, North Elmham, Outwell, Hunstanton, Yaxham.
For the broader travel overview: Norfolk.
