Clippesby: Church and Norfolk Broads

Clippesby combines historic architecture with nature and activities around the Norfolk Broads. The village offers easy access to the Norfolk Broads National Park; the “Broads in a Day” cycle route also starts at the reception of Clippesby Hall. The details below will help you weigh these highlights when planning a stay.

St Peter’s Church: Round tower and building history

St Peter’s Church is an 11th-century round-tower church. The remains of a Saxon window survive on its north side. There is also a Norman doorway, whose stone frame is carved with a zigzag pattern. Several distinct architectural features come together in this building: the round-tower form, the window remains and the doorway with its striking stonework. If you are interested in church architecture, you can look at these elements individually while also appreciating the different historical styles.

In 1875, an octagonal bell stage was added to the remaining stump of the round Saxon tower. The octagonal addition and the older round tower stump are therefore two distinct parts of the building’s history. The date marks the addition of the bell stage, not the age of the entire church. Together with the window remains and doorway, the tower offers another way to trace the building’s development.

Churchyard with trees and spring blossoms

The churchyard of St Peter’s has been carefully maintained for centuries and is a peaceful, nature-rich space. Magnificent lime trees stand on its western side, providing a habitat for owls and bats. In early spring, snowdrops, primroses and other wildflowers cover the ground. If you would like to plan your trip around the blossoms, early spring is the appropriate seasonal guide. The lime trees and their habitat for owls and bats offer a different natural highlight from the seasonal blossoms and the church’s architecture.

Explore the Broads by bike and on foot

The “Broads in a Day” cycle route starts at the reception of Clippesby Hall and is designed as a 35-mile route around the Norfolk Broads. It includes an off-road path along the route of a former railway line. Pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders can use this path. The former railway track and its traffic-free use distinguish this section from a ride on ordinary roads; it is also part of the named route. As route details may be revised and conditions on the path can vary, check the current route and path conditions before setting out.

Clippesby Hall’s cycle hire centre also supports exploration of the quiet roads and Norfolk Broads countryside, offering bikes and circular routes. Cycle hire is available seasonally. Visitors can also explore the Broads on foot from Clippesby Hall. This means there are several options: a named cycle route, bikes and circular routes, and exploring on foot. If you are planning to hire a bike, check availability for your dates.

Two seasonal details should be considered when choosing your dates: wildflowers cover the churchyard in early spring, while cycle hire is available seasonally. If either is a deciding factor for you, take the relevant period into account or check cycle hire availability.

Discover more destinations: Outwell, Elsing, Corpusty, Great Bircham, Lamas, North Tuddenham, Watton, Mundesley.

For the broader travel overview: Norfolk.