Discover Loddon on the River Chet

Loddon lies on the banks of the River Chet in the southern Broads. Its waterside setting, historic buildings and several named routes give the town a variety of facets. If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Loddon, these themes can help you narrow down the purpose of your trip: perhaps a circular walk between Loddon and Chedgrave, nature-watching by the river or a look at the town’s history.

Routes from Loddon and Chedgrave

The Chet River Circular is a circular route between Loddon and Chedgrave, starting at Loddon Staithe. A national Sustrans route can also be joined there, heading north towards Langley Green and beyond. The Wherryman’s Way can be walked from Loddon via the bridge to Chedgrave. These routes differ in their courses and directions: one is a circular route, the Sustrans route heads north, and the Wherryman’s Way connects Loddon with Chedgrave on foot.

Another short circular walk starts at Church Plain and goes around Loddon Marshes. Together, these routes offer various starting points for exploring on foot. When planning, the main considerations are the starting points and the routes described; no walking times or difficulty ratings are provided.

The River Chet and nature-watching

The relatively quiet waterways of the River Chet offer opportunities to spot kingfishers, dragonflies and marsh harriers. The river is therefore not just part of the landscape, but also a specific point of interest for travellers interested in wildlife and nature. Loddon Marina & Campsite is at the end of the River Chet, in the heart of the village. Its name and location add to the picture of a place whose identity is closely connected with the waterway.

The town’s architecture and history

Loddon’s Georgian and Victorian architecture recalls a trading era when elegant wherries brought goods into the town. This historical theme can be seen in the buildings and the town’s development. The Church of Holy Trinity is a large late-medieval Perpendicular church dating from the late 15th century. It was built of flint with stone architectural details. Its construction date and materials provide a different historical note from the Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Loddon Watermill is also part of the townscape: the white weatherboarded watermill dates from the 18th century and stands beside the bridge connecting Loddon with Chedgrave. The Loddon WW2 Heritage Trail also features a Type-22 pillbox, built to defend the bridge between the two towns. The mill and pillbox represent different chapters in the town’s history; a walk through Loddon can therefore also take in its building styles and historic uses.

Markets, experiences and activities

Loddon Country Market takes place every Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:30 at The Hollies on the High Street. This regular time slot may be a factor when planning a stay. At Stubbs Green in Loddon, Stubbs Farm Alpacas offers experiences with alpacas that can be booked in advance. For tennis and squash, a 2023 visitor guide lists bookable courts managed by Loddon Tennis Club.

Near Loddon, but not in the town itself, an award-winning winery offers tours about the production of English wine. This provides an excursion idea alongside the local routes, buildings and activities, while remaining outside the town centre. Visiting the market, booking an alpaca experience in advance and exploring routes with different starting points each offer a different practical reason to plan your stay.

Find a hotel to suit your stay

When looking for a hotel in Loddon, first consider which of these aspects matters most to you: a route by the River Chet, the architecture and history, or a particular event such as the Tuesday morning market. This can help you tailor your search to the purpose of your trip and include the activities described in your plans for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Burgh Castle, Heydon, North Burlingham, Blakeney, Overstrand, Runcton Holme, Corpusty, Hainford

For the wider travel overview: Norfolk.