Horsey Mere

Open water, reedbeds and wetland landscapes

Horsey Mere lies near the village of Horsey, within The Broads National Park in eastern Norfolk. Surrounded by reedbeds, grazing marshes, drainage channels and low-lying farmland, the broad forms part of an extensive wetland landscape between the Norfolk Broads and the Norfolk Coast.

The mere is an important habitat for wetland wildlife, with reedbeds and surrounding marshes supporting birds such as marsh harriers, bitterns and other species associated with freshwater environments. Its shallow waters, sheltered margins and neighbouring grazing marshes create a varied landscape that changes throughout the seasons.

Walking routes around Horsey provide opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside, waterways and marshland. Horsey Windpump, a historic drainage mill beside the mere, is one of the area's best-known landmarks and offers a distinctive introduction to the landscape and its history of water management.

To the east, the coastal landscape around Horsey Gap provides a contrast to the freshwater wetlands, with sand dunes and beaches facing the North Sea. The area is particularly known for its grey seals, which gather along the coast during the winter breeding season. Visitors can combine inland walks around the mere with exploring the nearby coastline, while respecting seasonal wildlife restrictions.

Horsey Mere is closely connected to the wider wetland network of The Broads National Park, including Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve to the west. Together, these landscapes support important wildlife habitats and offer opportunities to experience the quieter waterways, reedbeds and open countryside of eastern Norfolk.

For visitors exploring Horsey Mere and the surrounding northern Broads, Dairy Barns near Hickling provides a countryside base for discovering the wetlands, villages and coastal landscapes of eastern Norfolk. Horsey Windpump, Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve and the beaches around Sea Palling are within reach, making the accommodation well placed for walking, wildlife watching and exploring the area.

Overview

Type: Broad / Wetland
County: Norfolk
Region: East of England
National Park: The Broads National Park
Landscape: Open water, reedbeds, grazing marshes, drainage channels and freshwater wetlands
Key Trails: Local waterside and countryside walking routes
Best For: Wetland wildlife, birdwatching, waterside walking, reedbeds and open landscapes