Just down the road from Horsey Windpump is the small village of West Somerton. The village sits just on the edge of the Norfolk Broads and is surrounded by farmland and water meadows.

Typically, most of the boats you see on this stretch of the broads are much smaller due to the low bridge at Potter Heigham preventing the larger boats navigate to this area. As such, this particular area is quiet throughout the year and combined with the many walking routes around the farmland, makes for a worthwhile visit.

It is a nice alternative, or addition, to a visit at Horsey Windpump which can get quite busy in the height of summer.

Photography Tips

This particular shot is literally just next to the road and you pass it as you head to Horsey Windpump from Martham. Considering how close the popular Horsey Windpump is to this location, it’s easy to drive past without giving much attention to it (as I did many times).

I always thought it was a pleasant view but the lure of getting a shot of the windpump was much greater. One morning as I was heading to the windpump I made a last minute decision to go to this location instead (the clouds above the windpump weren’t looking promising) and I’m glad I did. All in all, a good lesson is having a backup location or composition in mind just in case the conditions don’t work in your favour.

Spring is good time to visit here when the daffodils are out and, if they are positioned favourably, will be able to add a nice element to your photo. I would say it is a good all season location, although the path can get muddy in the depths of winter if you plan on including this in your composition.