6 minute read
Road trip: The Wash Way
Wash The
Hunstanton to Banham
This month we venture to the county just across from our publishing offices here at Motor Caravanner. With charming countryside, a visit to some Norfolk towns, and a drive through Thetford Forest, this route will showcase everything there is to love about the East of England.Way
Hunstanton
Distance: 69 miles
Driving time:
1 hr 51 mins
Recommended travel time:
1 Day
Known for: As one of the Great British Drives, the Wash Way is the perfect route to explore everything that Norfolk has to offer. At this time of year roads will be quieter, meaning you can explore at your leisure.
The route
The route will begin in the seaside town of Hunstanton, famous for its sheer striped cliffs and beautiful coastal location. Even at the beginning of your drive, you may be tempted to stop off and admire the picturesque fields of Norfolk Lavender (if visiting in the warmer months), which is just 2.5 miles away from your start point.
From Hunstanton, there’s a pleasant drive southward towards Sandringham. The drive itself is fairly straightforward, with no dangerous areas or hairpin bends to watch out for. Instead, you can enjoy a relaxing drive through the Norfolk countryside, with green fields stretching along both sides of the road.
Just under 9 miles into your journey, you’ll find the road taking you past Sandringham Estate. Widely recognised as one of the Queen’s much-loved homes, Sandringham is the favoured residence of the Queen during the Christmas period. You can take a look around Sandringham Gardens, or even pre-book a visit to Sandringham House itself. There is also a 600-acre Royal Park with both woodland and parkland trails if you’re feeling up for a leisurely stroll.
Just a couple of minutes from Sandringham Estate, you may also want to stop off for a walk at Dersingham Bog, a beautiful woodland area and a registered Site of Special Scientific Interest. The site itself is just under 400 acres, so it’s perfect whether you want a long woodland hike or just a small stroll to stretch your legs. There are a couple of parking options to choose from: Scissors Car Park, or the slightly further Wolferton Car Park.
Your route will continue towards the town of King’s Lynn, famous for its maritime heritage and
Sandringham House
Oxburgh Hall
trading history. This is also home to St George’s Guildhall, the oldest theatre in Britain and registered as a Grade I listed building. The site, which has been used as a theatre since 1442, is now owned by the National Trust and will be open to the public again once it’s safe to do so. King’s Lynn is a good stop if you’re feeling peckish, with some fantastic seafood restaurants which will truly let you appreciate the town’s coastal location. It’s also a good place to fuel up if needed.
From King’s Lynn, continue your drive southward on the A10, then take the A134 towards Oxborough. The roads on this route are well-kept and easy to drive, with lovely scenic views of countryside fields and quaint country houses on either side. After just over 17 miles, you’ll reach Oxburgh Hall, a stunning 15th century country
King's Lynn house surrounded by a tranquil moat and exquisite gardens. The site contains plenty of parking, as well as a café and gift shop. It’s also owned by the National Trust, so you may need to book your visit in advance.
From Oxborough, prepare to move away from A-roads and enjoy some countryside driving through the northern part of Thetford Forest. Don’t worry, the road towards Brandon is generally wellkept, but it can be slightly narrow in places which is something to keep in mind. If you want to park up and explore Thetford Forest on foot, you could try a visit to High Lodge, located in the heart of the forest. Whether you’d like to take a relaxing forest walk or to try out a tree-top adventure course, this is a popular adventure attraction for those visiting Norfolk, with a host of fun activities to suit everybody.
Your route will continue through Thetford Forest, before taking you eastward towards the village of Banham. If you’ve got an hour or two to spare at the end of your drive, you could spend some time at Banham Zoo, a popular attraction and a great way to end your Norfolk journey.
Please note parts of this journey may not be suitable for motorhomes, please check route before departing. This article was kindly supplied by Heritage Car Insurance, www heritagecarinsurance.co.uk
Thetford Forest
Banham Zoo
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When did you last check your motorhome weight? Ministry figures suggest up to 80% of motorhomes may be operating overloaded! Drive an overloaded motorhome and you not only risk a fine, you also risk your insurance and the safety of you and your passengers!
When looking to buy your next motorhome, insist on an accurate, up-to-date weight ticket! The brochure may state a MIRO or payload allowance, but these figures can be out by as much as 5% (average 125kg). This is more likely to be against you than in your favour, so it is always recommended that you visit a weighbridge to check your vehicle’s weight.
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Reaching 70? Need to consider downrating?
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