The civil parish has an area of 2.69 km2 (1.04 sq mi) and in the 2001 census had a population of 116 in 54 households and at the 2011 Census, including Ashby with Oby, had a population of 212 in 94 households.[3] For the purposes of local government, the parish falls within the district of Great Yarmouth.[4]
The village lies at the end of Thurne Dyke, a popular mooring, not least because of Thurne windpump, which became known locally as Morse's Mill, Bob Morse,[5] who purchased it to prevent it from being sold for scrap. It is a popular object for photography, after being painted white. There is a second windpump across the river, the St Benet's Level windpump.
Thurne is also home to the well-respected sailing club Theta,[6] which has been accommodated here for over half a century and is now part of the village's character. Free moorings are available for three boats at Thurne mouth. From there, it is a short walk to the village, with a large pub, the Lion Inn, and a small shop.
