Standing proud on the edge of the Norfolk Broads, Thurne Windmill is one of the most recognisable landmarks along the Weavers’ Way – a long-distance walking trail linking Cromer on the Norfolk Coast Path to Great Yarmouth. For anyone on a walking holiday or seeking outdoor adventures in Norfolk, this white-painted windmill, with its striking sails and colourful wheel, is more than just a photogenic stop – it’s a window into the region’s watery heritage.
The Weavers’ Way winds its way through quiet countryside, reed-fringed rivers, and timeless Broadland villages, but the approach to Thurne feels different. From the raised riverbank path, the mill rises suddenly above the marshes, its sails catching the wind with slow, deliberate grace. Built in 1820, it was one of many drainage mills used to pump water from the low-lying land into the River Thurne, enabling farming in this flat, fertile corner of Norfolk. Today, lovingly restored and maintained by volunteers, the windmill remains a working reminder of human ingenuity and the enduring relationship between people and the landscape.
For walkers, reaching Thurne can be part of a longer trail or a peaceful short loop. From here, heading west along the Weavers’ Way takes you towards Hickling Broad, home to one of Norfolk’s most important nature reserves, where marsh harriers soar and bitterns boom in spring. Heading east leads you through tranquil meadows and along quiet waterways towards the seaside bustle of Great Yarmouth, where the Weavers’ Way meets the Norfolk Coast Path and opens up further walking opportunities along golden beaches and rolling dunes.
One of the charms of walking in this part of Norfolk is the changing light. In summer, the long days bring big skies reflected in the still waters of the Broads, while autumn paints the reedbeds gold. Winter walks here can be crisp and quiet, the windmill’s white sails bright against low, slate-grey skies. Spring brings a flurry of life to the marshes, with the air alive with birdsong and the scent of wildflowers. Each season casts its own spell, making Thurne a place worth revisiting year-round.
For those on a walking holiday, the nearby village of Thurne makes a welcome stopping point. There’s a riverside pub, a scattering of moorings, and footpaths in every direction. The waterside beside the mill is often dotted with traditional sailing boats and modern cruisers alike, giving the scene a timeless feel. It’s a place to linger — to watch the sails turn, to breathe in the quiet, and to feel connected to a landscape that has changed little in centuries.
If you have the time, a popular day walk is to start in Thurne, follow the Weavers’ Way west to Potter Heigham, cross the old stone bridge, and loop back along the river via Repps. This circular route offers a perfect taste of Broadland walking: wide skies, wildlife-rich paths, and historic landmarks. For a longer adventure, continue east towards Great Yarmouth, connecting with the Norfolk Coast Path for a truly varied walking experience from inland waterways to open sea views.
Whether you’re tackling the Weavers’ Way in its entirety or dipping into it for a shorter stroll, Thurne Windmill is one of those special places that stays with you. It’s both a marker on the map and a living part of the Broads’ story — a reminder that walking holidays and outdoor adventures are as much about the moments in between destinations as the places themselves.
To learn more about the route and how it links to other walking trails and destinations, visit our Weavers’ Way trail page for ideas on how to make Thurne part of your next outdoor adventure in Norfolk.
