5 medieval churches to visit in the Broads

Churches in the Broads have been featured among the best churches in national parks across the country.

These are some of the best medieval churches in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads that you should visit.

St Michael the Archangel church in Beccles (Image: Google)

St Michael the Archangel

Where: The Walk, Beccles NR34 9HE

When: 9am-3pm

Built in 1350 by the Abbott of Bury St Edmunds, this is the church that Lord Horatio Nelson's parents were married in. It was built on the grounds of a Saxon church in the fishing port, and now contains oak choir stalls and a Norwich mayor's tomb.

St Catherines church in Ludham (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2009)

St Catherine

Where: Norwich Rd, Ludham, Great Yarmouth NR29 5QA

When: Open from 8.30am every day

Built during the 1300s, this church has a hammer-beam roof, a decorated octagonal font, and the rare royal arms of Elizabeth I. This church replaced an older one to reflect the wealth of the population.

St Michael of All Angels church in Barton turf (Image: Google)

St Michael and All Angels

Where: Church Road, Barton Turf, Wroxham NR12 8YU

When: 9am-5pm

This 14th-century church contains a rood screen with the nine orders of angels and a climbable tower. There are also six bells, the oldest of which is from Potter Heigham and was made in 1535.

St Helen church in Ranworth (Image: Google)

St Helen

Where: Woodbastwick Rd, Ranworth, Norwich NR13 6HS

When: 9.30am-5.30pm

Known as the 'Cathedral of the Broads', this church overlooks Bure Valley. The church was completed in 1453 and has three treasures: the painted rood screen, the cantor's desk, and the Antiphoner.

St Mary the Virgin church in Blundeston (Image: Google)

St Mary the Virgin

Where: Church Rd, Blundeston NR32 5AJ

When: Open every day

The Norman church was replaced in the 10th century and now includes a rood screen, memorials, and early English glass. This was where Charles Dickens set the opening chapters of David Copperfield.