Horsey Windpump
Horsey Windpump
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Horsey Windpump is an iconic building with a fascinating past and the perfect gateway to experience the connection between man and nature. Standing sentinel over the mere and surrounding Broadland landscape, a climb to the top is rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside an opportunity not to be missed. Having been closed for extensive repairs and restoration since 2015, we are proud to be able to reopen this historic building again in 2019. Having been stood still and silent for over 75 years since 1943 when she was struck by lightning, she has been brought back to life and is now complete with a winding cap and turning sails bringing a whole new visitor experience to this wonderful Grade II* Listed Building. On site is also a tea room selling light refreshments, drinks, ice creams and a range of gifts and souvenirs.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
160 reviews
Excellent
91
Very good
52
Average
14
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Sharon S
Christchurch, UK108 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We almost didn't get to see this as sign at entrance said car park was full but we drove in any way and loads of spaces! Pleased we did as had a lovely afternoon. National trust property but no need to book. Only a very few let in at a time due to covid rules. Informative talk on entering and interesting video showing the dreadful floods of 1938 (I think). 64 steps to the top and steep so be aware. Fabulous views from the top. We watched the swallows ducking and diving into the building even straight through the door! Pleasant little cafe (only out door seats). We then did a lovely circuit walk, about 3 miles which Inc a convenient pub stop and would recommend visiting the church in the village, with its circular and octagonal tower and thatched roof. Only discovered later we could have so easily walked to horsey gap beach and seen the seals. No mention of this on the information panels.
Written June 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tad666
Essex, England363 contributions
Apr 2022
The Horsey Wind Pump has been out of bounds for quite sometime due to repairs to the Bonnet and Sails, great work thanks to the NT. The sails were actually working on the 6/4/22 and they are putting it on their website. well worth a visit.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adam H
Hertfordshire, UK10 contributions
Jun 2021
As with all NT/ EH places, it's best to visit if you're a member. In this case, we're EH members and so paid about £16 for three of us (2 adults, one child) to visit the windpump.
We were treated to about 20 minutes of explanation in a small group (all very COVID friendly) before we climbed up and had a chance to see the machinery and the views.
It was very interesting and pitched well for anyone except maybe the very young or very technically minded (but they had technical knowledge if you asked later!)
It was interesting getting a description of the area before the pumps drained the marshes and also imagining several hundred of these things in action across the county at one point.
I'd consider it an important part of any visit to Norfolk if you want to understand the area's history and what has made it what we see today.
A visit lasts less than an hour so again, if you're not a member of the NT, you're paying a fair bit per hour - and also again for the parking, but if you don't mind paying money towards a good cause, then you'll be fine.
If you've more time (and good legs) then you can walk from the windpump to Horsey Gap and watch the seals. It's around a 3.5/4 mile round trip.
We were treated to about 20 minutes of explanation in a small group (all very COVID friendly) before we climbed up and had a chance to see the machinery and the views.
It was very interesting and pitched well for anyone except maybe the very young or very technically minded (but they had technical knowledge if you asked later!)
It was interesting getting a description of the area before the pumps drained the marshes and also imagining several hundred of these things in action across the county at one point.
I'd consider it an important part of any visit to Norfolk if you want to understand the area's history and what has made it what we see today.
A visit lasts less than an hour so again, if you're not a member of the NT, you're paying a fair bit per hour - and also again for the parking, but if you don't mind paying money towards a good cause, then you'll be fine.
If you've more time (and good legs) then you can walk from the windpump to Horsey Gap and watch the seals. It's around a 3.5/4 mile round trip.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alscot
Farnham, UK114 contributions
Jun 2022
I'm beginning to wonder about the National Trust. On this occasion we queued for a long time to be served at the cafe because only one poor lady was serving. Round the corner of the tea shed there were four NT staff discussing a window replacement and studiously avoiding anyone who wanted to ask a question. I felt very worry for the lady on her own trying to do a good job.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Timtom124
Manchester, UK311 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
The score of three reflects how it was at the time, I would imagine without COVID restrictions the place would be a 5 easily.
As National trust members parking was free not sure how much it is if your not.
Toilets were closed which wasn’t ideal
Cafe was closed
Windmill was closed
So really it was a walk around water which took about 1/2 hour.
Not really worth a visit in my opinion and not sure why the cafe was closed for takeaways on a Saturday in July.
As National trust members parking was free not sure how much it is if your not.
Toilets were closed which wasn’t ideal
Cafe was closed
Windmill was closed
So really it was a walk around water which took about 1/2 hour.
Not really worth a visit in my opinion and not sure why the cafe was closed for takeaways on a Saturday in July.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ibrahim G
Huddersfield, UK71 contributions
Aug 2022
This is an interesting structure to look around. The person inside the structure was very knowledgeable and informative information was given in his short talk. The steps as you could imagine are steep so you do have to be agile to climb up it was just a shame the viewing area is closed at the moment
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MC John W
Eastbourne, UK161 contributions
Sep 2021
Being National Trust members we had to visit here before going to Horsey Gap to visit the seals and photograph them. We were very lucky as after we got parked the car park full sign was displayed as this car park is not very large.
We walked on both sides of this broads moorings for visiting Norfolk Broads boating people moving around on holiday and also local boat owners.
We were given mid day tickets to visit the Windpump but noticed that most others visiting this attraction were more interested in queuing to buy food and drinks than visiting the Windpump so we asked if we could come in early and were delighted to be told we could. We totally enjoyed our visit inside and also finding that masks were requested to be worn inside. After climbing the many steep steps inside the reward was well worth the climb up as the views from the balcony was breath taking as can be seen on my photos.
So if you want to see a fully restored wind powered wind water pump this is well worth the visit as a paying customer or a national trust member like us.
John & Sue Eastbourne UK
We walked on both sides of this broads moorings for visiting Norfolk Broads boating people moving around on holiday and also local boat owners.
We were given mid day tickets to visit the Windpump but noticed that most others visiting this attraction were more interested in queuing to buy food and drinks than visiting the Windpump so we asked if we could come in early and were delighted to be told we could. We totally enjoyed our visit inside and also finding that masks were requested to be worn inside. After climbing the many steep steps inside the reward was well worth the climb up as the views from the balcony was breath taking as can be seen on my photos.
So if you want to see a fully restored wind powered wind water pump this is well worth the visit as a paying customer or a national trust member like us.
John & Sue Eastbourne UK
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael S
3 contributions
May 2021
The windpump was open but fussy COVID measures make visiting difficult. Only small numbers allowed in at a time in allocated time slots. The windpump is small with very steep stairs inside. If you have small kids or struggle to do stairs it may not be for you.
Cafe outside is ok but quite pricey. There are a few picnic tables if you are a customer.
It's a good location for doing one of the many walks including to the beach. As a National Trust member it made sense to visit.
Cafe outside is ok but quite pricey. There are a few picnic tables if you are a customer.
It's a good location for doing one of the many walks including to the beach. As a National Trust member it made sense to visit.
Written June 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andythebaggie
Birmingham, UK2,280 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Really enjoyed our visit to this NT venue. Usual facilities around the site, after purchasing tickets we were allocated a spot about 30 minutes away. So time for a pleasing walk out to the observation point, where there is a sweeping view of the broads. Allowed in the waterpump in small groups there are 4 floors accessed via steep wooden steps. Good information is displayed which helps bring it to life. Some friendly birdies nesting in the cap were enjoying luncheon too!
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jayne195811
Hertfordshire185 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
The car park was small but as we were early there was no problem parking. If you want to walk to the beach to see the seals pay the maximum price of £5 for parking. There’s a toilet next to the car park and a lovely tea room. There were plenty of boats going along the river. The walk to the beach isn’t very well sign posted and it’s about 2 miles each way but worth the walk.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Horsey Windpump - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Horsey Windpump
- Horsey Windpump is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near Horsey Windpump:
- (3.20 mi) Dairy Barns Bed & Breakfast
- (0.93 mi) The Old Chapel Guest House
- (6.74 mi) Oak Tree Cottages
- (6.76 mi) The White House Bed & Breakfast
- (9.42 mi) The White Lodge
- Restaurants near Horsey Windpump:
- (0.44 mi) Nelson Head
- (0.91 mi) Poppylands
- (3.28 mi) Bridge Stones of Potter
- (5.51 mi) Cafe Charlotte
- (5.18 mi) The Kings Arms Fleggburgh
- Attractions near Horsey Windpump:
- (0.10 mi) Ross' Wildlife Boat Trips
- (0.07 mi) Whispering Reeds
- (1.24 mi) Horsey Beach
- (1.88 mi) Martham Ferry Day Boat Hire
- (0.45 mi) Nelson Head