Setting & Character
Potter Heigham’s Old Bridge dates from the 14th century and gives only 1.94 m at average high water. For most boats it is the end of the line. The village is a busy boating centre with free Broads Authority banks on both sides of the river below the bridges, and the place to watch the Three Rivers Race boats ‘shoot the bridge’ in June.
Bridges & Air Draught
Two bridges: the New (road) Bridge gives 2.32 m and the Old Bridge 1.94 m at average high water. Read the gauge boards — they show the real clearance on the day. If you are in doubt, book the Phoenix Fleet pilot on 01692 670460 (£10 one way, £15 return). Boats going with the current have priority. Through the bridge lie Hickling Broad, Heigham Sound and Horsey Mere.
Figures are Broads Authority clearances at average high water — read the gauge boards on the day.
Choosing a Berth
Repps Bank — free Broads Authority 24-hour mooring, 149 m, just downstream of the bridges.
Martham Bank — free BA 24-hour mooring, 146 m, on the opposite bank.
Bridge Green and the Staithe — BA short-stay moorings and demasting points for sailing boats.
Herbert Woods yard — Hire Boat Federation overnight mooring subject to availability, 01692 670711.
Fuel & Facilities
Lathams discount store (with food, a garden centre and a fishing shop), a bakery, fish and chips, ice cream and gift shops by the bridge. Fuel and pump-out at the boatyards — confirm.
Pubs & Food
Contacts from Norfolk Broads Direct and venue pages — call ahead, hours change by season.
- BridgeStones of Potter — restaurant, tea room and ice cream by the bridge, 01692 671923.
- Falgate Inn — traditional pub on Ludham Road, half a mile from the bridge, 01692 670003.
- Harry’s Fish Bar — near the bridge, 01692 670415.
- Flour and Bean — bakery and café next to Lathams, 01692 670275.
Things to See
Ashore and on the water.
- The Old Bridge itself — watch boats go through on the pilot.
- Three Rivers Race — first Saturday in June, when boats ‘shoot the bridge’.
- Weavers’ Way upstream towards Hickling; Ludham and Potter Heigham Marshes nature reserve.
- St Nicholas Church, about 1.5 miles away, with a round tower and hammerbeam roof.
Tides
The Broads are tidal as far up as Norwich, Wroxham and Stalham. Use the Broads Authority tide table for Gorleston (Yarmouth Bar) and add the inland difference.
At Potter Heigham, high water is about 4 h 00 min after Gorleston (Broads Authority average figures).
This guide does not copy tide heights. Not for navigation.
Old Sea Dogs View
Potter Heigham is one stop on the Norfolk Broads hub — use the map there to plan the next leg.
Skipper's Notes
Quick notes before arrival.
- 1.94 m at average high water — less on a big tide. Read the gauge, not the chart.
- Pilot: Phoenix Fleet 01692 670460.
- Stock up at Lathams before heading for Hickling.
Information checked against official sources
The practical information in this Guide was checked against the sources below on 30 October 2026. Operational details change — confirm with the Broads Authority, yacht station, yard or pub before arrival.
- Broads Authority — Moorings
- Broads Authority — Bridge heights and openings
- Broads Authority — Tide information
- Phoenix Fleet (Potter Heigham bridge pilot)
- Herbert Woods
- Norfolk Broads Direct — Potter Heigham
Frequently asked questions
How low is Potter Heigham bridge?
The Old Bridge gives 1.94 m at average high water and the New (road) Bridge 2.32 m (Broads Authority). Always read the gauge boards on the day.
Is there a pilot for Potter Heigham bridge?
Yes — Phoenix Fleet, 01692 670460: £10 one way or £15 return.
Where can I moor at Potter Heigham?
Free Broads Authority 24-hour moorings on Repps Bank (149 m) and Martham Bank (146 m), short-stay at Bridge Green and the Staithe, and Herbert Woods yard (01692 670711).
