It was during the 1930s that the village of Horning inspired Arthur Ransome the author of 'Swallows and Amazons' to base some of his later books on the area. The writer was on holiday in the Norfolk Broads and was so taken with the locality that he decided to base his stories using the village and waterways as the books backdrop. The books are a delightful childrens romp involving boats, bird watching and lot of skulduggery. All of which can be enjoyed in this area to this day, though perhaps not the skulduggery. Many of the landmarks that Arthur Ransome photographed for his books are still recognisable, so little has changed. 

The village is in the heart of the broads national park and hugs the banks of the river Bure for just over a mile. Cottages and modern houses line the bank of this trim little village with waterways running up into the gardens which are linked by picturesque little bridges. Which probably explains why Arthur Mee described the village of Horning as Venice in Broadland. 

The village is very popular during high season and ducks, cruisers, brightly painted leisure crafts and boats from the nearby yacht club jostle with each other in the water. A paddle steamer departs from the quay adjacent to the Swan Inn during the summer months, adding to the villages picturesque quality.

In front of the village green is a small staithe with limited mooring. The village has a good range of shops, including a mini-market and post office, there is also a Leisure Centre and of course lots of  places to stay and places to eat. 

Fishermen come to display their patience on the banks of the river and for those of you wishing to take to the waters, day boats are available for hire in the village.  

On the opposite bank are Cockshoot Dyke and Cockshot Broad with their broad walk nature trail, well worth a visit.

There are a number of regattas and boating events throughout the year including the Three Rivers Race, the Yare Navigation Race and Horning Week.

Horning is located nine miles from the historic city of Norwich with all its shops and theatres and just under three miles from the busier broadland village of Wroxham.  A trip to the coast and sandy beaches is around thirty minutes drive away.  Or visit the beautiful Broadland village of Ranworth famous for its church and its position on the broad. Ranworth's church tower knicknamed the cathedral of the broads can be climbed and it is possible to see five Norfolk broads, the National Trust Horsey Mill, the sea at Great Yarmouth and on a clear day the spire of Norwich Cathedral. 
 
Arthur Ransome'sbook the Coot Club first published in 1934 was based in Horning. One of the illustration done by Arthur Ransome can be seen to contain the Ship Inn in the background.