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Several church towers in Norfolk are open to visitors and the effort of the climb is well rewarded by stunning views over the wide East Anglian landscape. You can take your time to pick out other church towers, local landmarks and ships on the horizon, just don’t forget your binoculars!
For example; the 132 feet tower of Holy Trinity and All Saint’s Church at Winterton-on-Sea was used as a landmark by sailors. From the top, Happisburgh lighthouse can be seen to the north on a clear day.
Meanwhile, St Mary’s Church at Happisburgh stands on a high point with sweeping views over the sea to the east. Climb the 133 steps and enjoy the spectacular views of the coast and surrounding countryside. On a clear day you can see 30 churches, 2 lighthouses, 7 water towers, 5 corn mills, 5 drainage mills, 3 wind farms, Trimingham golf club (RAF radar installation), Bacton gas terminal and the Cathedral spire in Norwich (approx. 16.5 miles away)!
In Ranworth, St Helen’s Church is known as the Cathedral of the Broads. Visitors may climb the tower for a spectacular view over the Broads. On a clear day the lighthouse at Happisburgh can be spotted. The tower is almost 100 feet tall and accessed by a narrow winding stone staircase. Two ladders lead past the bells and up to the trap door.
At Blakeney, St Nicholas Church this mighty Perpendicular church is very large for its small village and the two towers dominate the surrounding area. The west tower stands at 104 feet high. The church is featured in Simon Jenkins’ 1000 Best Churches and in the Daily Telegraph 100 favourite churches.
In Cromer, St Peter and St Paul is a vast church at the heart of this seaside town. At 160 feet, its tower is the tallest in Norfolk and walking the narrow streets, you constantly glimpse it between the houses and over the rooftops. Before the installation of a lighthouse on the cliff at Foulness in 1669, a light was shone from the top of the church tower to act as a guide to shipping, according to Trinity House.
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