Beautiful Burgh Castle
16th January 2021
In: Landscapes, Blog
(Edit - at the time of writing we are in another national lockdown, so travelling to this location is now prohibited)

I love where I live. Inside a very short distance we are blessed with beautiful scenery, whether it be the coast and the amazing beaches on the east coast of Norfolk and Suffolk, and in the other direction the unique man-made landscape of the Broads National Park. Now, I’m sure you will have seen numerous stunning images of the more famous landmarks of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, and everyone will have a favourite. As a photographer, I am usually spoiled for choice for locations to shoot and photograph.

Sunset Looking Over Breydon Water Dec 2020
That was until the COVID pandemic struck early last year. Since then there have been a number of restrictions/lockdowns limiting movement around the country and county. My typical landscape season is between October and April, when (I think) conditions are best and sunrises and sunsets are much more sociable. Unfortunately my season seems to tie-in with the severest restrictions, meaning my bucket list is temporarily unavailable. However, I do have one gem within a few minutes of where I live and has been my photographic saviour on many occasions - Burgh Castle.

A Sunset View from the fort overlooking the rivers Yare and Waveney and Halvergate Marshes - September 2011
Burgh Castle (locals pronounce it Burra) is a small village which is best known for the nearby ruins of a Roman Fort. This historical site boasts the most amazing views of the rivers Waveney and Yare where they merge to join Breydon Water, Berney Arms Mill and the beyond over Halvergate Marshes. It is a popular spot for locals as there are short circular walks in the area to enjoy.

Spring Sunset April 2013
For me, the views and scenes you can experience, particularly at sunset, can be breathtaking. Although I have taken images from up on the site of the fort before now, my favourite spot is down on Church Farm Marshes just off the path that connects Burgh Castle with Great Yarmouth alongside Breydon Water.
At low tide, or when the tide is turning, the water becomes still and calm, and if the timing is right, will reflect the sunset like a mirror. Much like Gorleston Beach, which I talk about in a recent post Lost in the Process, this place exudes peace and calm, and is an amazing place to visit whether on a photo shoot or not.

My most recent image of the approaching sunset at low tide. December 2020
During December, with tides nor suiting a beach shoot, I re-visited my favourite spot to see if I could capture something special. I was not disappointed. Two visits out of three produced some superb sunset scenes….not a bad hit rate at all.

Moody Skies over Breydon Water at sunset - March 2014
Hopefully you can see the range of scenes at this fantastic location, from brooding moody skies through to bright colourful skies, you never know what you will witness when you visit. Definitely give this place a look if you have the chance.
MJP LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

I love where I live. Inside a very short distance we are blessed with beautiful scenery, whether it be the coast and the amazing beaches on the east coast of Norfolk and Suffolk, and in the other direction the unique man-made landscape of the Broads National Park. Now, I’m sure you will have seen numerous stunning images of the more famous landmarks of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, and everyone will have a favourite. As a photographer, I am usually spoiled for choice for locations to shoot and photograph.

Sunset Looking Over Breydon Water Dec 2020
That was until the COVID pandemic struck early last year. Since then there have been a number of restrictions/lockdowns limiting movement around the country and county. My typical landscape season is between October and April, when (I think) conditions are best and sunrises and sunsets are much more sociable. Unfortunately my season seems to tie-in with the severest restrictions, meaning my bucket list is temporarily unavailable. However, I do have one gem within a few minutes of where I live and has been my photographic saviour on many occasions - Burgh Castle.

A Sunset View from the fort overlooking the rivers Yare and Waveney and Halvergate Marshes - September 2011
Burgh Castle (locals pronounce it Burra) is a small village which is best known for the nearby ruins of a Roman Fort. This historical site boasts the most amazing views of the rivers Waveney and Yare where they merge to join Breydon Water, Berney Arms Mill and the beyond over Halvergate Marshes. It is a popular spot for locals as there are short circular walks in the area to enjoy.

Spring Sunset April 2013
For me, the views and scenes you can experience, particularly at sunset, can be breathtaking. Although I have taken images from up on the site of the fort before now, my favourite spot is down on Church Farm Marshes just off the path that connects Burgh Castle with Great Yarmouth alongside Breydon Water.
At low tide, or when the tide is turning, the water becomes still and calm, and if the timing is right, will reflect the sunset like a mirror. Much like Gorleston Beach, which I talk about in a recent post Lost in the Process, this place exudes peace and calm, and is an amazing place to visit whether on a photo shoot or not.

My most recent image of the approaching sunset at low tide. December 2020
During December, with tides nor suiting a beach shoot, I re-visited my favourite spot to see if I could capture something special. I was not disappointed. Two visits out of three produced some superb sunset scenes….not a bad hit rate at all.

Moody Skies over Breydon Water at sunset - March 2014
Hopefully you can see the range of scenes at this fantastic location, from brooding moody skies through to bright colourful skies, you never know what you will witness when you visit. Definitely give this place a look if you have the chance.

