A walk from Saint James’ Church Yarmouth to All Saints Church Freshwater (buildings, birds and bullrushes).
The first mention of Yarmouth was in AD 991 under the name of Eremue, meaning muddy estuary. Yarmouth was sacked twice by the French in 1377 and again in 1544 resulting in Henry the VIII building Yarmouth Castle to provide protection. Yarmouth first sent a representative to Parliament in 1295 and from 1584 to 1832, actually returned two members of Parliament.
From the Harbour head down Quay Street with the ferry, Yarmouth Castle and the George Hotel on your left into the Square and you will see Saint James’ Church on your right.
Building started on the church in 1614, and was consecrated in 1626.
With the church on your left head down Saint James’ Street and across the main road into Mill Road leaving Yarmouth Primary School on your right.
At the end of Mill Road turn left into Station Road and then right, still in Station Road. Just ahead of you you will see ‘Off the Rails’ formally Yarmouth station built in the early 1880s and the first train running on 20th July 1889. The old station is worth a stop for a nice coffee or something to eat. With a tempting menu, the old station has been sympathetically renovated retaining much of its original signage and charm.
From the station step down onto the old railway line and turn right to head south along the River Yar.
You are now on the old Yarmouth to Freshwater railway line closed in September 1953. As part of Lord Beecham’s cutbacks.
As you approach the river, you can see the mill on your right built in 1793 Yarmouth Mill is a rare tidal mill. Every high tide, the marshes on your left would flood forming a tidal millpond, which would then be used to power the mill wheel as the tide receded.
Now head South for about two miles with the River Yar on your right. Amongst the birds that you can see along the way or Curlews, Oystercatchers, Egrets and Godwits. About a mile down the old railway line look out for the beautiful Kings Manor majestically positioned on the other side
of the river, right on the bend at the top of Kings reach.
After about 30 minutes, you will arrive at the old signalman’s cottage on the causeway at the top of the river. Turn right on the road and head over the bridge (known as the causeway) looking out for the numerous swans and ducks in the river on your right.
Ahead of you, you will see all Saints Church in Freshwater which is one of the oldest churches on the island and was listed in the Doomsday Book in 1086.
This beautiful church, which is well worth a look inside, holds court at the top of the river and completes your journey from church to church.
Why not pop next door to the Red Lion for a well earned drink or to sample the excellent menu.
