Best of Norfolk 2017 by Tilston Phillips

the best of

NORFOLK

YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

bestnorfolk.com

JANUARY – DECEMBER 2017

£5.00

W W W. S H O P ATA N N A . C O M Mar ke t Pl ace , B ur nham Market, Norfolk, PE31 8HE 1 Pound House , Hi gh Street, H olt, Norfolk, NR25 6BW

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collen & clare C O A S TA L C H I C

Foreword At a time when the spread of consumerism has rendered many places all too similar, any visitor may notice that Norfolk still retains a distinctive way of doing things. Norfolk has an individual character and a natural untidiness that I love. It has always had a wild, rustic feel that goes against the neatly trimmed hedges of suburbia. Its geographical isolation and lack of motor-ways adds to its charm. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, which may explain why we’re happy to embrace a double-edged concept of ‘Normal for Norfolk’ in the first place. “Normal for Norfolk” or NFN used to be written on doctors’ notes to insinuate inbreeding, which is why people sometimes get upset about it. But it couldn’t be further from the truth so many people have moved here that it’s actually quite hard to breed with someone from pure Norfolk stock these days. Residents of the county now use it as a term of endearment to affectionately describe their own quirks. A rich seam of comedy runs through the county’s veins. It is home to comics Charlie Higson, Stephen Fry, Arthur Smith, Adam Buxton and of course Steve Coogan’s tactless and inept Radio Norwich presenter - Alan Partridge. There appear to be many benefits to being beyond London’s urban grasp. We have about six months extra life-span compared with the rest of England and most importantly, we are also happier than the average English person. In the words of Sidney Grapes, “Yew can always tell a Norfolk man, but yew can’t tell him much!” Desmond MacCarthy, Wiveton Hall January 2017

Say it like a local Many towns and villages throughout Norfolk have names that only local knowledge will enable you to pronounce correctly. Here’s our insider’s guide to some of the most unforeseeable articulation. DEOPHAM Just ignore the ‘o’ in “Deepum”

POSTWICK “Possick” has a silent “w”

FULMODESTON REEPHAM This North Norfolk village is in fact One letter magically becomes another pronounced “Full-mes-ton” in “Reefum” HADDISCOE TACOLNESTON Don’t mention the “i” in “Hadsco” No need for attention to detail HAPPISBURGH when reading “Tacklestone” out loud Common sense will never shed light on WYMONDHAM “Hazebro” Better not to question how this INGOLDISTHORPE can be said “Windum” The pot of gold is nowhere to be found in “Inglesthorpe” the best of NORFOLK 3

County of

Norfolk

North Norfolk p8 North Norfolk is a special destination, whatever the season. Enjoy miles of unspoilt coastline, internationally-important nature reserves and amazing wildlife. It’s ideal for walking or riding, with a host of beautiful views. Feast on some of the many local delicacies and picnic on one of north Norfolk’s enchanting beaches. In summer, there are many fetes and carnivals to enjoy, or simply relax Hunstanton Hunstanton and enjoy the tranquility of this enchanting county.

Holkham BayHolkham Bay Brancaster Bay Brancaster Bay

Brancaster Brancaster

Burnham Market Holme nextHolme the Sea nextBurnham the Sea Market

A149

Docking Stanhoe

Sedgeford Sedgeford

Flitcham

The unassuming beauty of West Norfolk may be overlooked by visitors drawn to the county’s more celebrated regions, but West Norfolk has much to offer, including the breathtaking Sandringham Estate, the country retreat of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Late spring and early summer are perfect for visiting the 100acre Norfolk Lavender Farm at Heacham, or Hunstanton - known as “Sunny Hunny” with its famous striped cliffs, sandy beaches, rock pools and boat trips to watch seals at play.

KING'S KING'S A148 A148 LYNN LYNNA149

Terrington Terrington St Clement St Clement Clenchwarton Clenchwarton A17

Bawsey

A17

West WinchWest Winch A47

A47

Terrington St John St John Terrington

Flitcham A148

Hillington Hillington

Thursford Thursford West Barsham West Barsham SculthorpeSculthorpe

M a rM s ha lr as nh dl a Fn ed n F e n Emneth

Outwell Upwell

Outwell

Upwell A1122

A1122

Fordham Fordham Hilgay

Welney

A47

A1122

Necton af

Whinburgh Whinburgh

Shipdham Shipdham Reymer A1075

A1075

A1065

Little Little Watton HilboroughHilboroughCressingham Cressingham

Watton

Hingha Scoulton Scoulton

Bodney

Northacre Northacre

Bodney

A134

Great Ellingham Great Ellingham

Brookville Brookville Methwold Methwold Cranwich Cranwich

Welney

A47

Necton

Swaffham Swaffham am

Hilgay

Southery Southery A10

A1065

Wereham

A134

A1101

Swanton Swanton Beetley Morley Morley

Litcham Beetley

Whittington Whittington Stoke FerryStoke Ferry

Lakes End Lakes End A1101

Stradsett Stradsett

Downham Downham Market Market Wereham

Nordelph Three HolesThree Nordelph Holes

A47

A1122 A10

A10

Ickburgh Ickburgh

Breckles

MundfordMundford

A10

Feltwell

Twyford

North Fox Elmham

DerehamDereham Wendling Wendling Little Fransham Little Fransham Podmore Podmore

Marham

A134

Brisley North Elmham

N ON RO FR OF LO

Castle AcreCastle Acre

Pentney

ShouldhamShouldham South Runcton South Runcton Thorpe Thorpe

Emneth

Brisley Stanfield Stanfield

Litcham

NarboroughNarborough

A134

A1065

Guis

Billingford Billingford

East Winch East Winch

Marham

Twyford

South Raynham South Raynham

A1065

AshwickenAshwicken Bawsey Gayton Gayton

Tottenhill Tottenhill Watlington Watlington

Bris

A1067

Guist

Harpley East Raynham East Raynham West Raynham West Raynham

WeasenhamWeasenham All Saints All Saints

A149

Middleton Middleton Pentney

Bri

Kettlestone Kettlestone A148

A148

A1067

Harpley A148

Grimston Grimston

A10

Sha

Stanhoe

Coxford Hempton Coxford Hempton Fakenham Fakenham West Rudham West Rudham Toftrees Toftrees East Rudham East Rudham

Sandringham Sandringham

West Norfolk p104

Letherin

South Creake South Creake

Snettisham Snettisham Bircham Newton Bircham Newton Bircham Tofts Bircham Tofts Ingoldisthorpe Ingoldisthorpe Great Great Bircham Bircham DersinghamDersingham

North North Wootton Wootton

Morston

StiffkeyBlakene

Stiffkey

North Creake North Creake Docking

Heacham Heacham

The The WashWash

Burnham Burnham Wells-next-Wells-nextHolkham Holkham Norton Norton A149 A149 the-sea the-sea Morston

Thetford Thetford Forest Forest Park Park A1065

Hockwold HockwoldWeeting cum Wiltoncum Wilton

Weeting

A1065

A1075

Breckles

A1075

Great Hockham Great Hockham Puddled Stonebridge Stonebridge

B r eB cr ke lc ak nl da n d

A11

A134

Larling

A134

Bridgham Bridgham

The Brecks p88 Central Norfolk is renowned for its unique, charming market towns, such as Swaffham, with its fine Georgian architecture. Located in the Brecks, an area rich in natural beauty, Swaffham hosts a thriving Saturday market and farmers’ markets, on the third Sunday of the month. Pick up some locally-made cider in autumn, or some sumptuous heritage apples. Stretching across mid-Norfolk is Thetford Forest. With its winding, natural trails, you could have stepped back in time 2,000 years!

THETFORD THETFORD A1066

East Harling

A11

Larling

East Harlin

So Lop

A1066

Garboldisham Garboldisham

The Broads p72

Cley next the Sea

Sheringham

Weybourne

A149

Blakeney

Beeston Regis A148

Holt

Letheringsett

Cromer

Bodham

Sharrington

Roughton

Mundesley

North Sea

Thorpe Market

Thornage Briningham

Edgefield

Briston

A149

North Walsham

Felmingham

Aylsham

Walcott

Swafield

Saxthorpe

Cawston

Bacton

Knapton

A140

Westwick

st Marsham

Dilham

Stalham A149

Smallburgh

Scottow

Norwich p97

Reepham

Foxley

Catfield

A1151

Coltishall

A140

Horstead

Lenwade

n y

It has often been said that there’s no place more peaceful than the Norfolk Broads. This beautiful corner of Norfolk is truly unspoilt, with both the Broads and the coast to explore. Obscured by reeds the height of a house, a mirror-smooth waterway shimmers under the canopy of an expansive sky, the silence broken only by the fluttering of birds’ wings. Otters dip and slide when startled by a passing Broads’ cruiser or dinghy, which appear to skim through a landscape unchanged for generations.

Newton St Faith

Morton

L K

A1067

Crostwick

Horsford

Hoveton Wroxham

Rackheath

Rollesby Ormesby St Michael A149

South Walsham

Billockby

A47

Mattishall

A1042

A1074

Beighton

A47

GREAT YARMOUTH

Cringleford A47

Hethersett Kimberley Crownthorpe

Cantley

Arminghall

Ketteringham

Hackford

Belton

A146

Wymondham

Poringland Swainsthorpe

Mulbarton

A11

Silfield

Tacolneston

A12

Thurton A143

Brooke

Wreningham

Loddon

A140

Saxlingham Thorpe

Hapton

Kirstead Green

Hales Raveningham

Hempnall

Attleborough Puddledock

Caister-on-Sea

The Broads

Brundall

A147

A1064

Acle

A47

NORWICH

Colney

Barford

Reymerston

Hingham

North Burlingham

A47

Hemsby

Bastwick

A1062

Norfolk Salhouse Broads

A1151

Taverham Drayton

Martham

Horning

Long Stratton

Old Buckenham

Woodton

Hedenham Ditchingham

Hargate

Haddiscoe

Stockton Ellingham

Hopton on Sea

Norwich is famous for its two spectacular cathedrals, the Norman castle and the city hall clock tower, creating a breath-taking skyline for this relatively small city. Norwich Cathedral is magnificent, whatever the season. Stroll through the stunning, 44-acres Cathedral Close to reach two delightful pubs, the Red Lion and the Adam and Eve, both well-placed on the riverside. The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is stunning with its Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Norwich also offers a myriad of fascinating, historic attractions.

Gillingham

Earsham

Winfarthing

A143

Shelfanger A140

South Lopham A1066

Roydon

Diss

Thelveton

Harleston Needham

Redenhall

Waveney Valley p84 On the Norfolk-Suffolk border, the Waveney Valley is an unspoilt haven of idyllic villages and market towns. It is home to the world-famous Latitude Festival, an annual music festival in Henham Park, and the Out There festival in Great Yarmouth. The nearby town of Bungay, nestling on the River Waveney and surrounded by willow-strewn meadows, is perfect walking terrain, boasting a Roman well, the remains of a Norman castle, a Benedictine priory and the ancient Buttercross, home to the Thursday market.

Foreword, Desmond MacCarthy 3 County of Norfolk map 4 North Norfolk 8 Best of the region | North Norfolk 10 Best of Old Hunstanton 12 Best of Thornham 14 Found at Drove Orchards 16 5 of Pickle and Pip’s dog friendly places 21 Best of the Brancasters 22 Found at Delegate Market 24 Best of Burnham Market 26 The Creake Abbey experience 30 Best of Holkham 32 Best of Wells-next-the-Sea 35 Best of Walsingham 40 Found at Stiffkey 41 Cley-next-the Sea 43 The Morston experience 44 Found at Blakeney 46 Best of Holt 52 Found at Hoppers Yard 60 Best of Sheringham 66 Best of Cromer 70 The Broads 72 Best of Region The Broads 74 The Waveney Valley 84 The Brecks 88 Best of Swaffham 91 Best of Reepham 94 Norwich 97 The Wymondham experience 103 West Norfolk 104 The Great Massingham experience 108 Hunstanton 109 Wild Norfolk 112 Watching Wild Norfolk! 118 Getting on the Water 120 7 best Norfolk beaches 122 Culture 124 Norfolk arts 126 Stately homes & gardens 128 Angel roofs of Norfolk 130 Fine Art: Ones to Watch 132 Norfolk makers 138 Antique auctions & fairs 139 The best of Norfolk food 142 Norfolk’s top eats 144 Best of eating out 147 Best of Fresh Local Produce 156 Holiday Accommodation 158 List of Advertisers 175 6 the best of NORFOLK

the best of

NORFOLK Whatever the weather, whatever the time of year, it’s always a good time to visit Norfolk. Whether you’re a local resident, or a first-time visitor, you’ll never be short of things to do!

With the Best of Norfolk in your hand, the county’s leading annual visitor guide, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to what’s on and where to go. Even if you’ve lived here all your life, you may still be surprised at some of the hidden treasures on your own doorstep. It’s time to put down your smartphone, forget the stresses of modern-day life and re-connect with your surroundings. Norfolk offers visitors and locals alike the chance to enjoy all of the wonderful attractions on offer in this beautiful part of the country. Norfolk is a fabulously picturesque location, with its huge open skies, breathtaking coastal marshes and beaches, contrasting wonderfully with a gently undulating inland landscape, making it ideal for exploring. Perfect if you enjoy outdoor pursuits, such as cycling or coastal walks. Choose from plenty of footpaths, through terrain as diverse as riverside paths, open meadows, forest trails and cliff-top paths. Check out our ‘Wild’ section for lots more outdoor ideas.

There are also numerous country pubs for refreshments en route! Norfolk prides itself on serving good food, prepared with locally-produced ingredients. In fact, there are many farm shops, delis and independent butchers and fishmongers, providing award-winning food to suit all tastes. If your passion is retail therapy rather than relaxation, there are plenty of excellent places to shop. In addition to Norwich, Norfolk has an array of charming market towns, with Aylsham, Holt and Burnham Market being famous for their independent shops. With a perfect mix of bespoke boutiques and cafés, all pride themselves on excellent customer service. Check out the Best of Norfolk to discover what’s on offer. Whether you’re looking for a special item of local craftsmanship, interested in the arts, looking for award-winning fish and chips, planning on visiting a lively market selling local produce, or you’re simply seeking a crackling fire and locally-brewed pint, Norfolk has it all.

A lot of visitors to Norfolk enjoy the experience so much, they want to come and live here! We’re very proud that Norfolk offers a happier, healthier way of life, with its great outdoors - and it’s also bursting at the seams with history and culture. Whatever your passion, we hope you enjoy discovering it as much as we do.

Jonathan Tilston Publisher

Follow us on twitter: @BestNorfolk Facebook: The best of Norfolk Blog: bestnorfolk.com Instagram: bestnorfolk1 the best of NORFOLK 7

North Norfolk

Best of the region North Norfolk 10 Best of Old Hunstanton 12 Best of Thornham 14 Found at Drove Orchards 16 Pickle & Pipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dog friendly Norfolk 21

The Brancasters 22

Best of Wells-next-the-Sea 35

Found at Dalegate Market 24

Best of Walsingham 40

The Best of Burnham Market 28

Found at Stiffkey 41

The Creake Abbey Experience 30 Best of Holkham 32

Cley-next-the-Sea 42 The Morston Experience 44

Found at Blakeney 46 Best of Holt 52 Found at Hoppers Yard 60 Best of Sheringham 66 Best of Cromer 68

best of the region NORTH NORFOLK Thornham

In this food-loving stretch of Norfolk, every taste is tailored for, from delicious ice cream in Sheringham, to meltingly good fish & chips in Cromer, to the famous Cromer crabs available at seaside sellers. And no matter where you venture in north Norfolk, keep your eyes peeled for birds – it’s one of the world’s foremost natural habitats and renown for rare species. CHRIS MANN, HEAD CHEF AT TITCHWELL MANOR Chris heads up the kitchen at Titchwell Manor, having risen through the ranks since joining the team in 2008. He’s a true Norfolk boy, happy now to be back in his home county after time working in Michelin-starred restaurants in London. Chris has further honed his skills since joining the Titchwell Manor team, he and Eric Snaith building a strong professional partnership over the years, and sharing the same taste in food, and adventurous style of cooking. Like Eric, Chris is determined always to offer customers the best possible dining experience, and ensure that Titchwell Manor retains its reputation as one of the region’s top dining destinations. He is no stranger to accolades either, having been named Norfolk Chef of the Year in the 2015 Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Food & Drink Awards. titchwellmanor.com

NO1 CROMER From renowned chef, Galton Blackiston, locally sourced produce is at the heart of the menu and the ethos of this excellent Fish and Chip Restaurant. No. 1 offers affordable family eating with fantastic sea views to boot. Open all year round. no1cromer.com

10 the best of NORFOLK

COLIN AT RED DOT GALLERY Charismatic and eclectic Colin Rawlings is the proprietor of The Red Dot Gallery, which is tucked away on Fish Hill in Holt. Colin’s great skill is his aesthetic eye. Visit and be entertained, not just by Colin’s enthusiastic ‘joie de vivre’ but his extensive knowledge of contemporary artists and their work. Don’t miss. thereddotgallery.com

RSPB TITCHWELL MARSH NATURE RESERVE

DRIFTWOOD GLASS STUDIO Have fun making your own piece of fused glass with the help of Rose and Keiran. These classes are designed for children, who can make an original coaster, wall hanging or bowl using a selection of colours and textures of glass. Suitable for ages from 5 and up, please call for details. driftwoodglass.co.uk

Its not surprisingly, one of the RSPB’s most popular reserves from sandy beaches to lagoons and reedbeds. It’s open every day with friendly staff and volunteers around to help nature lovers explore the thousands of migrating birds that pass through Titchwell in spring and autumn. Many spend winter here, giving you an unrivalled opportunity to see many species of ducks, waders, seabirds and geese. rspb.org.uk

01263 710042

Did you know? Brancaster mussels are roughly double the size of their European counterparts.

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN Photographer, Martin Billings curates shops in Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham as well as being instrumental in the promotion of the area through brilliant initiatives such as North Norfolk Restaurant Week, The North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival and his ever popular North Norfolk Guide. He and Sarah, his wife, cleverly stock items that capture the spirit and energy of Norfolk in BTOI and sister store Nomad and The Bowerbird. bringingtheoutsidein.co.uk the best of NORFOLK 11

best of OLD HUNSTANTON A picturesque seaside village with heaps of history and character

HUNSTANTON PARK WALK This fantastic walk combines a stretch of the North Norfolk Coastal Path with a trail through Ringstead Downs, one of Norfolk’s rare areas of downland. Order a packed lunch at The Lodge reception as the route will take approximately 3.5 hours at a good pace. Access through private Hunstanton Park is permitted on Thursdays only, when you can enjoy views of moated Hunstanton Hall, once the home of the Le Strange family. Download the map from: thelodgehunstanton.co.uk

The beach here is one of the finest in Norfolk, and is a popular haunt for kite surfers.

The Lifeboat station welcomes visitors every Sunday morning

THE STRANDLINE This little gift shop and florist is crammed with creativity. Owner Alison makes souvenirs herself from bits of driftwood, shells and other coastal items. PE36 6JN LE STRANGE OLD BARNS ANTIQUES AND CRAFTS CENTRE Encounter craftspeople at work, alongside original paintings and a selection of small antiques at realistic prices. www.lestrangeoldbarns.com

HUNSTANTON GOLD CLUB Rated as one of Britain & Ireland’s ‘Top 100’ courses, golfers have walked the stunning landscape of dunes and links grasses for over a century. Overlooking The Wash, Hunstanton is the only golf course on the east coast of England where the sun sets over the sea, providing striking views in both summer and winter. Green fees from £50, hunstantongolfclub.com 12 the best of NORFOLK

THE NEPTUNE INN This gourmet bolthole with six cosy bedrooms is set in a charming 18th century former coaching inn. The restaurant has been awarded three AA rosettes and has retained a Michelin star since 2009.

#thecoaststartshere

01485 532896

info@thelodgehunstanton.co.uk www.thelodgehunstanton.co.uk

best of the THORNHAM Set on the marshes and with a smuggling past, Thornham is a favourite with walkers and bird watchers THORNHAM DELI Vibrant, buzzy and stylish – whether it is a professionally prepared Italian coffee made by their barista; a temptingly delicious cake or pastry from the deli counter or a tasty meal from the innovative menu, Thornham Deli is the place to go for locallyproduced, high quality food and drink. Winners of the EDP Best Independent Food and Drink Retailer 2016,

Thornham has some of the best birdwatching in North Norfolk, with a wide variety of species to see throughout the year. There are two RSPB sites just a stone’s throw from Thornham – the wide, sandy beach at Holme-next-the-Sea and marshy Titchwell. PE31 8BB

Thornham Deli combines old-fashioned qualities of a warm welcome, great service and a friendly atmosphere with modern style and panache. This is no ordinary deli: alongside great food and drink, visitors can browse home and kitchenware in the lifestyle shop, pick up unique pieces of furniture, gather ideas for the garden or find gifts such as candles, throws, scarves and much more.

A perfect dog walk - explore the marshes starting at the harbour and drop into the famous Lifeboat Inn, dating back to the 15th century, this traditional coastal inn retains the character and rustic charm of its heritage – but with the added sophistication and comforts of contemporary living. PE36 6LT

For retail it has to be Drove Orchards, who have a varied selection of independent retailers as well as a farm shop and pick-your-own. PE36 6LS 14 the best of NORFOLK

The village of Thornham is fast becoming a key visitor destination along the North Norfolk coast and the dedicated team including Janie, Gemma and Denise are proud to be at the heart of it all. As they say… “Thornham Deli, so much more than a deli…” thornhamdeli.co.uk PE36 6LX | 01485 512194

All Saints Church is worth a visit too if you have time as the rood screen is one of the few examples showing old testament prophets rather than the twelve apostles. PE36 6LX

The Chequers Inn in Thornham The Chequers Inn in Thornham A delightful inn on the North Norfolk coast Dating back to the 16th century, this pretty village inn on the North Norfolk coast is a welcoming sight for visitors wanting somewhere enticing to stay, relax and enjoy a great meal in comfort. Combining rustic charm and contemporary style, The Chequers Inn has a compelling atmosphere making it popular with both locals and visitors from further afield. Inside you will find a traditional bar with a warm country feel, a vast open fire and low beamed ceiling. Enjoy a pint of real ale and a pub meal by the crackling fire, or try the a la carte menu with daily changing specials in the contemporary dining room. If you are looking for a unique setting for a group gathering, celebration or party their charming courtyard with two cedar wood pavilions offers one of the best al fresco dining experiences on the Norfolk coast.

There are also 11 stylish bedrooms, recently refurbished with a coastal theme. The luxurious rooms and ensuite bathrooms offer contemporary 21st century comfort and style to relish in. All the bedrooms are stylishly appointed with designer furniture and have smart TVs, coffee and tea making facilities and fluffy bathrobes, some come with double ended baths or comfy seating areas. All the bedrooms at The Chequers Inn have lavish en-suite bathrooms with ESPA complimentary toiletries.

Dogs are welcome to stay in a number of dog-friendly rooms at The Chequers. The team at the inn knows just how much dogs and their owners love walking on the beaches, marshes and exploring the beautiful countryside around Thornham. No one will frown over at muddy paws when visiting The Chequers Inn, you can dine with your dog in the cosy bar, snug or outside in the sunny courtyard.

The Chequers Inn is perfectly placed for exploring the subtle beauty of the North Norfolk coast. The stunning beaches of Brancaster and Holkham are close by, as are the nature reserves at RSPB Titchwell and Holme or visit numerous historic houses, including the royal estate at Sandringham. Try the art galleries and delicatessens of Burnham Market or the craft shops and local food stores of Wells-next-the-Sea. High Street, Thornham, Norfolk PE36 6LY www.chequersinnthornham.com info@chequersinnthornham.com 01485 512229

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found at

DROVE ORCHARDS On the outskirts of Thornham, on the way to Holme, is another of those ‘hidden’ Norfolk gems. There is plenty of parking, with retail shops including Danish men and womenswear at Nelle DK, homeware and interiors from Joyful Living and childrenswear and gifts from Bells and Whistles. It’s also home to Gurneys Fish Box and two excellent eateries: Shuck’s and Eric’s Fish and Chips and a play area for children. They have a friendly welcome for dogs, too.

Drove Orchards Thornham, Norfolk PE36 6LS 01485 525652 droveorchards.com

SHUCK’S For a unique dining experience visit this family-run restaurant open all year round. Award-winning local Chef patron Philip Milner is passionate about using the quality produce on his doorstep at Drove’s kitchen gardens and beyond. Relax and unwind in the yurt by the log burner on those chilly days and in the summer enjoy al fresco dining by the orchards. Children have their own menu and fun corner plus a fabulous outdoor play area. Dogs are welcome too with their own treat menu coming soon. Live music will be a regular feature following a PRS music makeover award. Expansion plans for early 2017 include a rustic pizza and chicken takeaway with bottle shop. 01485 525889 shucksattheyurt.co.uk

NELLE DK A Danish boutique specialising in Danish Scandinavian designers, Nelle DK stocks many renowned brands, such as Ilse Jacobsen, Becksondergaard, Rabens Saloner and Gestuz. Growing up in Denmark and later working in a designer store in Italy, and with Danish designer brands in London and Sheffield, the proprietor promises a personal service, getting to know clients’ needs. If you’re looking for a special occasion outfit, everyday chic, or topping up your seasonal wardrobe, customers of all ages are warmly welcomed and will leave knowing they look their best! 01485 525164 nelle-dk.co.uk 16 the best of NORFOLK

GURNEYS FISH BOX Gurneys was set up by Mike Gurney some 40 years ago, when he learned how to grow oysters in the creeks and how to smoke fish. His first shop, in Brancaster, was the first fishmongers on the coast road. In 1992, Gurneys began selling high-quality, locallyproduced shellfish, smoked fish and wet fish on Burnham Market. Today, Gurneys is a thriving fishmongers, run by Mike, Ned Catt, Matt Falvey and Alistair Steele. They also make fish products, including pâtés, pies, soups and curries, from original recipes. 01328 738967 (Burnham Market shop) gurneysfishshop.co.uk

BELLS AND WHISTLES A well-established children’s boutique, Bells and Whistles is situated at Drove Orchards in Thornham, a great location on Norfolk’s “hop on and hop off” coastline route. It offers a unique range of clothing for babies and children up to 10 years old. Proprietor Georgie Newling says her inspiration comes from her surroundings - the beaches, the sea breeze, the wildlife and the great expanse of Norfolk’s open skies. She always aims to bring practicality, comfort, fun and vibrancy to her shop. 01485 525676 bellsandwhistleskids.co.uk ERIC’S FISH & CHIPS Eric’s Fish & Chips harks back to the traditional great British chippy but with a few modern twists. They serve the finest line-caught cod and the freshest crab sourced just down the road. The black garlic aioli is inventive and delicious. Other dishes include mackerel with beetroot and sorrel, halloumi and spinach arancini, or black pudding fritters. Everything possible is made from scratch including the chunky tartare sauce and popular curry sauce. 01485 512886 ericsfishandchips.com JOYFUL LIVING More of an interiors boutique than a regular shop, Joyful Living has oldfashioned values, where Jo, who has had years of experience in commercial interior sales and styling offers you inspiration and ideas for your interiors. The unique items she commissions feature neutral textures, rather than bold patterns, for calm, easy-going living. Many regulars appreciate the happy, quirky, beautiful brand, a mix of old and new, more beautiful and functional than fashion-led. 01485 525714 joyfulliving.co.uk the best of NORFOLK 17

Brancaster, renowned for A boutique hotel overlooking its exceptional cuisine.

the North Norfolk coast near Brancaster, renowned for its exceptional cuisine.

Boutique Titchwell Manor has stunning views across open marshes to the sea. Family owned by Margaret and Ian Snaith, the former Victorian farmhouse has been transformed into an elegant hotel retaining the original high ceilings and open ﬁres. The hotel was named Eastern Daily Press (EDP) Best Independent Hotel of the Year 2012.

or in the striking and informal Eating Rooms, complete with sea view terrace and bar for alfresco drinking and dining in warmer weather.

Titchwell Manor Hotel & Restaurants

The stunning, standalone Pottin overlooking the garden provides a spacious bedroom complete wi roll-top bath and log-burner, as w a generous walk-in shower and p decking where guests can enjoy a alfresco breakfast or a sundowne

An à la carte menu is on offer for lunch and dinner, while a four or eight-course Conversation Menu with optional matched wines is also available every Dogs are welcome in select groun evening in the Conservatory. The latter floor bedrooms, the Eating Room showcases Eric’s renowned signature area, terrace and lounges. Titchw Dining is ahotel gourmet experience where experimental style. Manor holds a civil wedding Dogs are welcome in also select ground A boutique overlooking the North Norfolk coast floor bedrooms, the Eating Rooms you can savour the wonderful flavours licence and excels in creating bes near Brancaster, renowned for its cuisine. area, terrace and lounges. Boutique Titchwell Manor and informal or inexceptional the striking The stunning, standalone Pottingwanting Shed to Sunday lunch is servedEating betweenbar 12pm weddings for couples of North Norfolk’s finesthas local produce. Titchwell Manor alsothe holds a civil of a formal avoid constraints 2.30pm, Beautifully dishes are created while the hotel’s stunning viewspresented across open marshes Rooms,and complete with sea view terracefamous overlooking the garden provides wedding licence and excels in creating wedding package. by Head Chef Eric Snaith, winner of Afternoon Tea is served in the Eating to the sea. Family owned by and bar for alfresco drinking and dining a spacious bedroom complete with bespoke weddings for couples wanting Boutique Titchwell Manor has lunch and dinner, while a four or three AA Rosettes, EDP Best Restaurant Rooms and lounge from 12 noon until to avoid the constraints of a formal Margaret and Ian Snaith, the former in warmer weather. log-burner, as well asMars roll-top bath stunning views across open Conversation Menu Theand nearby RSPB Titchwell and Pub Dining 2013, EDP Norfolk eight-course 5pm daily. wedding package. marshes to the sea. Family with optional matched wines is also Victorian farmhouse hasowned been a generousnature walk-in showerisand private reserve a haven for wild Food and Drink Chef of the Year 2012 by Margaret and Ian Snaith, the available every evening showcasing year round, while for golfers ther Accommodation is in 27 individually and a Master Chef of Great Britain. transformed an elegant hotel theirAnrenowned à la carte menu is on offer for lunch The nearby deckingRSPB whereTitchwell guests can enjoy an Marsh former Victorianinto farmhouse has been signature two championship links courses designed, en-suite bedrooms – from nature reserve is a haven for wildlife all transformed intooriginal an elegant hotel retaining the high ceilings experimental and dinner,style. while a four or eight-course alfresco breakfast or a sundowner. easyfor reach and there watersports enthu Youthe can choosehigh to dine in either the fine Victorian manor house rooms, year to round, while golfers are retaining original ceilings and open fires. The hotel was named Conversation Menu with optional championship links sailing coursesand within can enjoy windsurfin dining, contemporary suites around thetwo herb and open fires.candlelit Conservatory Sunday lunch is served between easy Dogs reachare and watersports enthusiasts Eastern Daily Press (EDP) Best matched wines is also available every fabrics welcome in select ground Brancaster Staithe harbour. each using luxurious overlooking the walled garden, 12pm and garden, 5pm, while the hotel’s sailing and windsurfing from and finishes. Dining is a gourmet experience Afternoon Tea is servedThe in latter can enjoy Independent Hotel of the Year 2012. famous evening in the Conservatory. floor bedrooms, the Eating Rooms bar where you can savour the wonderful flavours of North Norfolk’s finest Dining is a gourmet experience local produce. Three AA Rosette where Titchwell Manor’s kitchen is runflavours you can savour the wonderful by Chris Mann, the 2015 winner of of North Norfolk’s finest local produce. Norfolk Food and Drink Awards Head Chef of the Year, the hotel Beautifully presented dishes are created also features in The Good Hotel by Head Chef Eric Snaith, winner of Guide 2017.

three AA Rosettes, EDP Best Restaurant

You can choose dineEDP in either the and Pub Diningto2013, Norfolk fine dining, candlelit Conservatory Food and Drink Chef of the Year 2012 overlooking the walled garden, or andstriking a Masterand Chefinformal of GreatEating Britain. in the Rooms, complete with sea view terrace and bar for alfresco drinking You can choose to dine in either the ﬁne and dining in warmer weather. Andining, à la carte menuConservatory is on offer for candlelit

overlooking the walled garden,

18 the best of NORFOLK

The Eating Rooms and lounge from showcases Eric’s renowned signature 12 noon until 5pm daily.

experimental style.

Accommodation is in 27 bedrooms offering a range of individually Sundayen-suite lunch is accommodation served between 12pm designed, – from manor andVictorian 2.30pm, while thehouse hotel’s famous bedrooms to contemporary suites Afternoon Tea is served in the Eating around the herb garden, each using Roomsfabrics and lounge from 12 noon luxurious and finishes. The until stunning, standalone Potting Shed 5pm daily. overlooking the garden provides a spacious bedroom complete with Accommodation is in 27 individually roll-top bath and log-burner, as well as adesigned, generousen-suite walk-inbedrooms shower and – from private decking where guests can Victorian manor house rooms, enjoy an alfresco breakfast or to a sundowner. contemporary suites around the herb

garden, each using luxurious fabrics and ﬁnishes.

Brancaster Staithe harbour.

area, terrace and lounges. Titchwell Manor also holds a civil wedding Titchwell Manor Hotel & Restaur Titchwell, Brancaster licence and excels innear creating bespoke PE31wanting 8BB to weddingsNorfolk for couples Telephone: 01485 210221; avoid theEmail: constraints of a formal info@titchwellmanor.com wedding www.titchwellmanor.com package.

Titchwell Manor Hotel & Restaurants The nearby RSPB Titchwell Marsh Titchwell, near Brancaster, nature Norfolk PE31reserve 8BB is a haven for wildlife all Telephone: 01485 210221 year round, while for golfers there are Email: info@titchwellmanor.com two championship links courses within titchwellmanor.com easy@TitchwellManor reach and watersports enthusiasts Twitter: can enjoy sailing and windsurﬁng from Facebook: TitchwellManor

Brancaster Staithe harbour.

The Orange Tree

It is run by Mark and Jo Goode. Together they have created a real gem. The Orange Tree is known first and foremost for it’s award-winning food. Using local produce, Martin Pick, Executive Chef, creates outstanding, mouth-watering dishes. The restaurant menu is original and unique, leaving customers spoilt for choice. If simpler fare is what you are after then you will find it on the bar menu - with curries, Norfolk Red Poll burgers and even a national award-winning chicken pie. Not to be missed is the signature ‘Fairground’ dessert; this has to be seen to be believed! Children are welcome at The Orange Tree, with their own three course menu, outside play area and colouring

and board games for rainy days. Believe it or not The Orange Tree even has it’s own doggie menu, so your furry friends do not need to sit in the car!

The Orange Tree has ten ensuite bedrooms, six of which sit around a pretty courtyard. One of which is a family room, where the children sleep in their own ‘den’. The Old Bakery has recently been added to the portfolio.

“

Nestled in the heart of Thornham, arguably Norfolk’s most stunning coastal village, sits The Orange Tree.

Norfolk’s Dining Pub of the Year, 2013 – 2017 The Good Pub Guide

This is a charming, period property, 50 metres away, and offers four more ensuite bedrooms all restored with great care to offer contemporary comfort and style.

The Orange Tree, High Street, Thornham, PE36 6LY Telephone - 01485 512213 theorangetreethornham.co.uk email@theorangetreethornham.co.uk the best of NORFOLK 19

Big skies, salt marsh, good food & drink

email info@briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk call 01485 210742 or visit briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk hotel | restaurant | bar | venue

Main Road, Titchwell, Norfolk PE31 8BB

FIVE OF PICKLE & PIP’S DOG FRIENDLY PLACES

For many of us, the past year has been time for a reality check, and I’m no exception. My pup is now fully grown and is starting to get her own ideas about who is boss. While establishing who is top bitch, we have also had the chance to review the best of this dog-friendly county. The Orange Tree, Thornham A travelling pooch like me really appreciates a dining pub where I can put my paws up. All the ground floor rooms are dog friendly, and water bowls are never far away to quench one’s thirst. The Scoobie Snacks menu is delicious - everything from probiotic salmon to juicy Pigs Ears washed down with gravy. theorangetreethornham.co.uk

Norfolk’s beaches Holkham is the ideal place for a brisk chase across massive stretches of sand followed by a refreshing dip in the sea. The Beach Cafe at Wells-next-the-Sea remains my favourite for it’s excellent self-service ‘Wash ‘n’ Wag’ dog wash it’s fun, free and perfect for a quick freshen up. holkham.co.uk

Rough & Tumble Drying Coats Getting muddy and wet on a nice country walk makes me feel on top of the world, but can’t help feeling a little cold and deflated afterwards. Luckily Ruff and Tumble make some cosy towelling coats that leave me dry as a bone in no time. They are designed in Brancaster and are very popular among Norfolk’s most stylish hounds Pip still needs to grow into hers! ruffandtumbledogcoats.com

Briarfields Hotel

The Barking Bugle My top read at the moment is The Barking Bugle, an online Norfolkbased newspaper for dogs written by dogs, headed up by Frodo Cavalier and his team of doggy repawters. It helps me to answer some essential questions such as: is it safe for us to eat snow? And where can I get my supply of dog-friendly aloe vera products? The website also has a great doggy tourist guide to Norfolk that is perfect for any visiting pooch. thebarkingbugle.co.uk

The happening place to be seen for a weekend away is Briarfields Hotel, a recent winner of the Good Hotel Guide Editor’s Choice 2017 awards for Dog-Friendly Hotels. Excellent for bouncing across the salt marshes and sea followed by a long drink in the bar. bedogfriendlyawards.com

Best in Show Just a quick mention for my favourite dog shows where you’ll be mingling with the Norfolk’s classiest canine socialites. 22 - 23 April: 13 May: 8 - 9 July: 5 August: 27 - 28 August:

The East Anglian Game and Country Fair Euston Estate Hunstanton Fun Dog Show Festival of Dogs Thetford Fun Dog show Brancaster Norfolk dog show the best of NORFOLK 21

best of the BRANCASTERS For shipwrecks, mussels and an outstanding coastline

THE SHIP HOTEL

BRANCASTER MUSSELS

The Ship Hotel has been lovingly restored to its former glory, with an added luxury feel. Situated at the end of Beach Road, it has a warm and inviting bar area complete with roaring wood-burner. The restaurant specializes in preparing fresh, locally caught seafood, while the hotel features nine beautifully designed, fully equipped en-suite bedrooms.

The famous Brancaster mussels are available locally between September and April, and the delicious oysters cultivated near Scolt Head Island are available throughout the year.

shiphotelnorfolk.co.uk Brancaster Beach has easy parking though watch out the beach road can flood during high tide! Brancaster Golf Course Royal West Norfolk has one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenging links courses and provides the opportunity to improve your technique with tuition. rwngc.org

There is a long history of fishing and shellfish at Brancaster Staithe Quay.

Other local hostelries include, the Brancaster White Horse and the family orientated Jolly Sailorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - famous for its pizzas. Discover a shipwreck on the beach. The wreck SS Vina can be seen from the harbour and was accidentally sunk in 1944. Look out for the Norfolk Superhero event on 17th June norfolksuperhero.co.uk Branta Cruises depart from Brancaster Staithe harbour to Scott Head Island.

The Hero The Hero has been completely renovated by the Anchor team, and now has a new restaurant and bar with a cosy ‘shoes off’ feel. LOCATION Just one mile from Burnham Market and three from Wells, you can enjoy the coastal path and Coast Hopper service to get between The Hero and The Anchor. FOOD A mix of seafood and pub classics is on offer from an exciting team inspired by all cultures. In summer, fresh Norfolk produce is cooked on a Big Green Egg bbq and during winter you’ll find warming curries and more. Local ales and affordable wines are available at the bar, as well as the popular and extensive gin menu.

Wells Road, Burnham Overy Staithe, Kings Lynn PE31 8JE 01328 738334 theheroburnhamovery.co.uk

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found at

DALEGATE MARKET

Located halfway between Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea, The Dalegate Market is an independent retail site in Burnham Deepdale that is well worth a visit.

The centre is a major hub of the North Norfolk Coast, offering a place to relax, shop, and eat that is popular with locals and visitors alike. Packed with independent shops and complete with its own Visitor Information Centre, it welcomes Pop Up Shops throughout the year and hosts the Deepdale Christmas Market. dalegatemarket.co.uk

DEEPDALE CAFÉ There’s great food and drink from the family-run Deepdale Café, which offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea to peckish shoppers. Eat in or grab a takeaway if you’re heading off to explore the nearby beaches or countryside. deepdale-cafe.co.uk 01485 210200

DEEPDALE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE The Visitor Information Centre is the place to come for friendly, helpful information on everything the beautiful North Norfolk Coast has to offer. Whether you are staying at Deepdale Backpackers hostel or campsite - which offers a variety of self catering rooms or the the campsite that has 75 pitches suitable for tents, campervans and small motor homes; or just passing through. The centre hires out high quality Raleigh bikes for both adults and children as well as extras such as child seats. stay@deepdalebackpackers.co.uk 01485 210256

GONE CRABBING Full of fun and bursting with colour, Gone Crabbing offers a range of clothing and gifts inspired by all that is great about the Great British Seaside. Cheeky characters such as Colin the Crab, Steve the Seagull and Mike the Mussel feature on quality t-shirts, hoodies and giftware. The extensive range of beach toys includes Aerobie and Waboba balls, and the crabbing kits are perfect for summer. gonecrabbing.co.uk 01485 211111 24 the best of NORFOLK

THE HARE AND THE HEN This gallery has an unusual collection of handmade pottery as well as a great selection of cards. Owner Philippa Lee works on earthenware pots in the studio, incorporating lively designs of animals, birds, beach huts and more. She takes commissions for bespoke tiled panels and pots.

ONE STOP NATURE SHOP Nature enthusiasts need look no further than this shop run by passionate wildlife experts. They stock all sorts of accessories to help you enjoy Norfolk’s coastal scenery and wildlife, from binoculars and microscopes to books and bird food. The place for friendly and knowledgeable advice, seven days a week. onestopnature.co.uk 01485 211223

philippaleepottery.co.uk 01485 211245

RELISH This eclectic shop is full of jewellery, accessories and gifts a bit different to those found on the average high street. The ever changing stock swings with the seasons from summer hats and shades, via some occasionally eccentric purses and bags, to winter woolies and gloves. There’s also a varied selection of costume and silver jewellery sourced from around the globe. relishonline.com 01485 211211

NORFOLK HIDEAWAYS Showcasing over 300 coastal and country self-catering properties full of Norfolk charm, Norfolk Hideaways is one of the county’s largest boutique holiday cottage agencies. With numerous romantic bolt holes, rural retreats, coastal escapes and with half of its portfolio welcoming dogs too, it’s easy to get away and find your perfect Norfolk hideaway. norfolkhideaways.co.uk 01485 211022

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best of BURNHAM MARKET A real holiday destination that boxes above its weight, Burnham Market, nicknamed Chelsea on the Sea because of its top end feel, is one of Norfolk’s loveliest villages. Its Georgian buildings surround a huge green with mature trees, and in some years, a stream called the Goose Beck flowingthrough the middle. Following a workout in the airconditioned gym, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a spa treatment, or take a moment to un-wind in the heated Spa Garden.

Did you know? Samphire picking takes place at Burnham Overy Staithe when it is in season from June to September. Also known as ‘sea asparagus’, this delicious fleshy plant perfectly complements any fish.

PE31 8HD thehoste.com

GURNEYS THE HOSTE The Hoste hotel in North Norfolk is the place to indulge yourself, whether in the historic restaurant overlooking The Green or settled by the roaring log fire in the traditional bar. Guests can enjoy the ultimate movie experience in the luxury 20-seater cinema, which shows three films daily. What better way to appreciate a classic picture than with a personal waiter on hand? For full-on physical relaxation, don’t miss The Beauty Spa situated adjacent to the main hotel.

26 the best of NORFOLK

Gurneys is a rare breed indeed, the type of top quality fishmonger that is now scarcely seen on our High Streets. They sell the best in locally produced smoked fish, shellfish and wet fish mainly landed locally - the oysters and mussels are particularly good. They also have a kitchen where they make up a selection of fish products including fish soup, fishcakes, kiln roast simon and dill pate. PE31 8HF gurneysfishshop.co.uk Gurneys Fishbox at Drove Orchards in Thornham PE36 6LS

Local knowledge

DEEPDALE CAFÉ Famed as the best place for breakfast along the coast road, the cafe is located at Dalegate Market in Burnham Deepdale and open throughout the year, offering lunches, great coffee, cake and afternoon teas.

The Burnham villages have links to a high profile historical figure – Lord Nelson. Born in Burnham Thorpe, his father Edmund was rector of both St Marys and All Saints’ church during the late 18thcentury.

Well behaved dogs on short leads, walkers, cyclists and visitors are all welcome, and you’ll find dog-friendly areas in both indoor and outdoor seating areas. PE31 8FB deepdale-cafe.co.uk

CREAKE ABBEY Set among the ruins of an Augustinian abbey founded in 1206, Creake Abbey is now home to a café and food hall, shops, studios and an award winning farmers’ market. The Farmers Market is the 1st Saturday of each month (excluding January) and boasts more than 50 stalls of local produce held in two old Norfolk barns. Outside by the picturesque pond you can expect music and cookery theatre demonstrations at varying times throughout the year. The market opens 9.30am- 1pm. The shops at Creake Abbey are open from 10am to 4pm (to 5pm from Easter to October) NR21 9LF creakeabbey.co.uk

BURNHAM GRAPEVINE Regarded as one of Norfolk’s principal galleries, the Grapevine Gallery is about to enter its tenth year in Burnham Market in North Norfolk. Founded some fifteen years ago, and owned and directed by Alison and Peter Low – both architects by background - Grapevine’s reputation has been built on the quality of the work shown and its distinctive character. Showing an eclectic mix of contemporary paintings, prints, ceramics and sculpture, the gallery has

always aimed to be both welcoming and interesting. The heart of gallery is a personal selection of the best of the region’s art, including artists such as Gerard Stamp, Michael Chapman and Neal French - a significant part of the portfolio is work from artists and potters across the country. Open throughout the year, featured exhibitions are held at intervals; at other times you may expect to see a changing selection of work from our artists with further pieces available to view on request.

Grapevine Contemporary Arts burnhamgrapevine.co.uk 01328 730125 the best of NORFOLK 27

W W W. S H O P ATA N N A . C O M W W W. S H O P ATA N N A . C O M

THE ETHOS THE ETHOS The ANNA ethos is a happy, carefree

approach to fashion, this is the feeling we The ANNA ethos is a happy, carefree promote in store, online and to our clients. approach to fashion, this is the feeling we We at ANNA are firm believers that you promote in store, online and to our clients. should dress for yourself and have fun We at ANNA are firm believers that you with fashion, prizing personal style should dress for yourself and have fun over fast trends. with fashion, prizing personal style over fast trends.

THE BRANDS THE BRANDS Anna stocks a wealth of design talent

featuring national and international labels. Anna stocks a wealth of design talent The collection includes super brands such featuring national and international labels. as DVF, Anya Hindmarch and Joseph and The collection includes super brands such Anna is constantly scouring the globe to as DVF, Anya Hindmarch and Joseph and source new and innovative labels presenting Anna is constantly scouring the globe to the clients with a fresh and fashion forward source new and innovative labels presenting collection ever y time . the clients with a fresh and fashion forward collection ever y time .

www.shopata nn a. c o m www.shopata nn a. c o m

/anna_shopatanna

/shopatanna

/anna_shopatanna

/shopatanna

LONDON . NORFOLK . SUFFOLK . ESSEX

THE WEBSITE Browse through our collections and shop at your leisure, or request to tr y on items in store. You can expect the same ANNA personal touch with exemplar y customer ser vice whether you visit the store or shop online.

THE EXPERIENCE At ANNA our ultimate aim is to provide our clients with personal one-on-one style advice whether your shopping in store or online. With the knowledge of the stock our in store advisors can help you find something for a special occasion or just help you pick out a few pieces to refresh your wardrobe.

Market Place, Burnham Market, Norfolk, PE31 8HE | 1 Pound House, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6BW

The

CREAKE ABBEY Experience

Creake Abbey North Creake Fakenham Norfolk NR21 9LF creakeabbey.co.uk

Nestled in rolling hills just three miles south of bustling Burnham Market on the north Norfolk coast, Creake Abbey is a year-round rural retail destination. The ruins of the once magnificent Augustinian priory lie a short walk from the courtyard shops, boutiques, hair salon and framer which also boast a sunny, modern Café and Food Hall with views over the monastic water meadows teaming with wildlife.

UTOPIA: THE UNEXPECTED GALLERY An original concept in decorative interiors in Norfolk. An artist gallery where poetic juxtapositions of unusual objects: antiques, flora and the found, form unique statement lights and contemporary limited edition lampshades harmonised with original art and fine art prints. The atmospheric gallery transports clients into an inspirational dreamy world that exudes a faded grandeur with a hint of the surreal. Discover aged artefacts lovingly transformed into lighting, each endowed with a palpable sense of time and history, amongst antiques capturing the lost splendour of the banqueting table. Fresh, contemporary lampshades, inspired by the wonder of flora, birds and literature, form ethereal layered designs in muted tones. Sculpture and giclee prints of Jac Scott’s drawings complete the Unexpected Gallery. utopiatheunexpectedgallery.co.uk 01328 730827

SIX APPLEYARD Six Appleyard Aveda Hair Salon nestled within the beautiful and ancient River Burn at Creake Abbey. They are Aveda colour specialists, incorporating all their hair and skincare range within the salon. Owner Sam Ashby has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry. They also carry Czech and Speake bath and body products, alongside Herve Gambe candles and perfumes. sixappleyardcreake.co.uk 01328 730912

30 the best of NORFOLK

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM COUNTRY Since opening in 2011 the store has grown to become one of Norfolk’s leading suppliers of high-quality country clothing, footwear and lifestyle products. Every product has been hand-selected by owners Trish and Chris Betts to offer the very best from leading brands such as Barbour, Dubarry, Musto and Schoffel. You are assured of a warm welcome and helpful advice at Christopher William Country. christopherwilliamcountry.co.uk 01328 738983 FINELINE FRAMES Wayne Dodds is a self-styled bespoke picture framer and gallery owner of Fineline Frames. He has been framing in Norfolk for more than 12 years and there is not much he hasn’t – or wouldn’t – frame. He explains that getting the right framing on any picture is crucial to how you will feel about it every time you see it on your wall. Wayne has a huge range to cover the requirements of any type of artwork and to fit in with people’s specific interior needs – coupled with a very friendly service. finelineframes.co.uk 01328 258964

HOME BY ANNIE LAMBERT If you love searching for antique and vintage objects of interest, personally sourced from home and abroad, Home by Annie Lambert is the place for you. Here you will discover a veritable hoard of the lovely, eclectic and unique. Pop in for a singular adventure and an ever-changing display of truly wonderful things. 07796 656384.

THE CREAKE ABBEY CAFÉ & FOOD HALL Harrods Food Hall meets local deli! The Food Hall offers a fine butchery, stunning cheeses, fresh meals to take home, staples, wine and local beer. The Café, also open 7 days a week, offers locals and visitors breakfast, lunch, tea and some evening dining. Modern food with great local ingredients in a stunning setting. creakeabbey.co.uk 01328 730399

best of Holkham A stunning beach forms the backdrop for Holkham’s grand and stately Hall

BIKE AND BOAT HIRE There is a cycle and boat hire centre open during the high season, and Holkham Park has a variety of different routes which take you past landmarks of interest. A great place for a picnic. For opening times and prices visit holkham.co.uk or call 01328 713 071

On your bike: Brown, blue and white arrows indicate cycle routes. By foot: Yellow markers will guide you along the lake, or follow red ones for a farm walk.

marsh. It also offers the chance to spot brilliant wildlife. It is home to a herd of fallow deer as well as a wintering population of pink-footed geese. Open 365 days a year, Holkham’s stunning beach is the main draw for many visitors. It can be accessed via Lady Anne’s Drive in Holkham village, which is just off the A149 and opposite The Victoria Inn. Behind the shoreline lies a semi-circular basin, which fills at very high tide to form a spectacular shallow lagoon. Wonderfully unspoilt, it stretches for miles and is just the place for bracing walks. FORAGE

NATURE RESERVE The Nature Reserve here covers 9158 acres, stretching from Wells-next-theSea to Burnham Overy, and includes a variety of sites from salt marsh, sand dunes and pine woodland to grazing 32 the best of NORFOLK

Finding razor clams at low tide is a great way for all the family to have fun for free. All you need is table salt and lots of patience. You might even gather enough for dinner!

THE HALL 18th century Holkham Hall is still the family home of the Earls of Leicester of Holkham. It is open to the public on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays but closed in winter. RETAIL When you’re ready to step off the sand, check out the independent shops of Holkham village such as Adnams Wine Cellar & Kitchen Store and independent retailers Bringing the Outside In, Nomad and the Bowerbird and Everything Outdoors. Stop off at The Victoria a dog friendly, traditional inn with a welcoming fire on chilly days.

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN & NOMAD AND THE BOWERBIRD Martin and Sarah Billing are a husband and wife team that have transformed Holkham’s old village shop into a stop worth making. In 2006, Martin opened the doors to Bringing the Outside In and over the years that followed the space evolved into a shopping experience unlike most on the coast. Outside, a curious collection of finds draws your eye. Once inside, you’ll see that Martin has curated an ever changing collection of artefacts, each piece carefully selected to capture the spirit of the rugged North Norfolk Coast. Next door you’ll find Nomad and the Bowerbird, a sister store to BTOI. Vintage Americana gems nestle beside clothing from Spanish brand Nice

Things and homegrown Louche of London. Bowerbirds are renowned for their nest building skills and exquisite eye for detail, when it comes to collecting and arranging their finds, this Bowerbird is no different. Main Rd, Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AD bringingtheoutsidein.co.uk 01328 713093

EVENTS Pedal Norfolk is a fun bike festival for the whole family (from 4+ years) May 27 - 29 Exhibition - What the Butler saw from 1st April Outdoor Theatre in August • Alice in Wonderland • Emperor’s New Clothes • Billionaire Boy • Wind in the Willows • A Comedy of Errors Easter Fun 14 - 17 April Holkham Country Fair 22 & 23 July

North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival 2nd - 3rd September

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Fashion | Homeware | Unusual Things… NOMAD AND THE BOWERBIRD WELLS With a love for things welltravelled and an eye for the inspiring, Sarah has curated a collection of clothing, homeware and curiosities from around the globe. With husband Martin, of Bringing The Outside In at her side, Sarah has hand picked an assemblage of products from trips to America and Europe. Launched from the Nest at Holkham back in 2012, Nomad and the Bowerbird spread its wings further to open a larger second store on Staithe Street in 2015. You can’t walk down the street without their colourful window catching your eye.

This season, Sarah has sourced scarves and accessories from Italy, homeware from The Netherlands, Spain and Denmark, and CLUSE watches direct from Amsterdam. You will also find the welcome addition of Sixton, a new clothing brand which take a vintage influence from the 40’s through to the 70’s to create timeless pieces. Sarah has always had a love for clothing with textures, prints and patterns in timeless designs all of which shines through in her choice of collections from Spanish band Nice Things and homegrown London brand Louche. While styling advice has always been on hand, Sarah has built on her fashion

background to launch a dedicated style and colour consultation service, Sarah Billing, Confidence in Colour. From a dedicated studio above the store Sarah can help you discover what shades work best for you and what styles best flatter your shape.

19 Staithe Street, Wells next the Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AG 01328 712282 nomadandthebowerbird.co.uk

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN - WELLS The unique shopping experience of BTOI has been brought to a new space. In Wells-next-the-Sea, towards the top of Staithe Street and next to its sister store Nomad & the Bowerbird. The North Norfolk coast was at the heart of the store when Martin first opened his doors in Holkham in 2006 and things are no different 10 years on. Although stock is sourced from far and wide, Martin artfully manages to select pieces that echo the tones, texture and style of our rugged coastline. Whether it be tableware that mirrors the small

pools of water left by the retreating tide or candles with the rich woody notes of your afternoon walk. Each piece is thoughtfully selected to bring a flavour of the outdoors in to your home, with homeware and lighting, stationary, photography and books, tactile cushions and rugs. You will also find a capsule collection, from London menswear brand Hymn, known for their summer prints with a hit of tongue-in-cheek humour, and their heavy shirting and rugged knits in winter.

34 the best of NORFOLK

17 Staithe Street, Wells next the Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AG 01328 712282 bringingtheoutsidein.co.uk

best of

Wells-next-the-Sea Offering everything from crabbing to sailing, Wells is a winner with all ages.

Situated at the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty, Wells- nextthe-Sea is a typical seaside town with the pretty addition of pine forests.

In the town, Buttlands forms a focal point with its lined lime trees overlooking Georgian houses. You will also find The Crown and the Globe Inn here.

The diversity of habitats to be found at Wells attracts a rich variety of bird life, and its proximity to Titchwell and Cley make it a haven for bird-watchers.

Wells is a well-known spot for crabbing, a simple pleasure that is sure to get the kids to put down their smart phones and muck in.

Take time to have a drink or a bite on the Albatross, a traditional sailing barge, where you can even book your own B&B cabin for an authentic seaborne experience!

What better way to celebrate the English coast than hiring a beach hut. Check online for availability and prices, which range from ÂŁ13 to ÂŁ31.

albatrosswells.co.uk

pinewoods.co.uk

Wells Harbour Railway

Wells harb our railwa y is a convenie nt way to reach the beach fro m the tow n.

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TOP BUTCHER

GO GILLYING

Arthur Howell is a real institution in Wells, where you can pick up award winning meat and also fresh fish. Foodies should know that no picnic is complete without a prior visit to the Alexandra Howell Delicatessen, who were recently voted Retailer of the Year.

Crabbing (or gillying) is a charming and traditional way for people of all ages to connect with the English seaside. All you need is some basic kit, a high tide and somewhere you can perch from, fairly high up from the water.

arthurhowell.com NR 23 1AF GREAT WALK Wandering along the sands from Wells will lead you all the way to Holkham. After a long day exploring the shore, an express dog wash facility is available at the Beach Café. ‘Wash and Wag’ will have your mutt fresh in no time.

Most souvenir shops sell readyto-use crabbing kits and local seafood shops will be able to provide you with bait at a very small cost. This is normally offcuts of fish, such as squid, which is known to be very tempting to crabs. Avoid the use of hooks as they are not permitted and will endanger local wildlife.

SEA FISHING Try your hand at sea fishing, with full or half day trips available from Wells Quay all year round. norfolkseafishing.co.uk

FISH AND CHIPS Don’t miss French’s award-winning crispy battered fish and chips.

There are two popular crabbing techniques. The traditional method involves using a long line with bait tied onto it while the other (which some see as cheating), involves using a netted platform on a line to bring up the crabs. Keep a bucket filled with seawater to home your crabs. Once you’ve finished, count your crustaceans then be sure to walk back down to the beach and put them gently back into the sea. This way, you can have fun watching them scurry back into the ocean and avoid hurting them by dropping them from a great height.

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The Crown If North Norfolk is the jewel in East Anglia’s glittering crown, The Crown Hotel in picturesque Wells-next-theSea is the dazzling carat in its very centre. The wildlife-rich Saltmarsh Coast is a land of big blue skies, vast sandy beaches, enormous fields of golden barley, photogenic villages and quaint seaside resorts. And if you’re looking to experience the natural wonders offered by the northern extremity of one of England’s most unspoilt counties, you need cast your eyes no farther than The Crown Hotel. A former coaching inn, the hotel is tucked away on the edge of a tranquil, tree-lined green in the bustling fishing port. But once inside The Crown, the hubbub of the quayside, with its throng of day-trippers enjoying fish and chips, ‘gillying’ for crabs and playing on the amusement arcades, seems an eternity away. Refurbished to enhance its existing historic features, but still retaining a warm and welcoming ambience, the hotel has 20 luxury en-suite bedrooms, six of which are family suites. Each is uniquely and individually decorated to create a warm and welcoming homefrom-home atmosphere.

There are four family suites with separate children’s rooms and babymonitoring facilities. In some rooms you can even have your dog to stay. Guests can select from a sumptuous and varied menu that makes superb use of the finest and freshest seasonal produce courtesy of New Zealand born proprietor Chris Coubrough and his team. Diners can choose to eat in the front restaurant, the spacious gun room or one of two cosy lounge rooms, adjoining the bar. The stone-floored gun room can cater for up to 100 people and is the perfect setting for celebratory and formal events, from weddings, anniversaries and birthday parties to corporate functions. The Crown’s front restaurant is also available for hire as a private room and can cater for up to 35 people – ideal for small wedding parties or family lunches and dinners. It is also possible to hire the hotel in its entirety for your exclusive use, subject to availability.

the night before, the pinewoods, sand dunes and brightly coloured beach huts of Wells are just a brisk walk away.

Enjoy North Norfolk in style. The Crown Hotel in beautiful Wellsnext-the-Sea is the perfect place to eat, sleep, stay or just relax.

A programme of special functions is held throughout the year, so whether you’re visiting in the height of summer or the deepest depths of winter there’s likely to be something special going on. Wine evenings, French and jazz evenings, Fizz’n’Chip Fridays, Chinesethemed evenings and Ladies That Lunch events are just a few examples of what The Crown can offer. The hotel’s Christmas and New Year packages, when Chris and his team lay on a unique festive experience packed with personal touches that will leave even the most pampered guest feeling thoroughly spoiled, have become the stuff of legend. An oasis of calm it may be but, when you need to walk off the effects of

The Crown Hotel 01328 710 209 crownhotel@flyingkiwiinns.co.uk www.crownhotelnorfolk.co.uk the best of NORFOLK 37

Wells-next-the-Sea CHRIS COUBROUGH’S THE CHAMPION’S CHAMPION…

One of my heroes, the recently retired New Zealand rugby captain Richie McCaw, has a famous saying – “Champions do more”. In his eyes it simply isn’t enough for the All Blacks to be the best international rugby side on the planet. They have to keep pushing the boundaries and playing better and better. I mention Richie’s inspirational saying for a reason, because it strikes me that we, the businessmen and women of Wells-next-the-Sea, could do worse than adopt his relentlessly driven attitude. Why, you might ask? After all, this charming little seaside town of ours draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, many of whom love the place so much they return again and again. Fair point. As I’ve alluded to before in this very publication, we

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are blessed here in Wells to live on one of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in the country. But here’s the thing: if we want Wells to realise its full potential we must all keep striving to make our tourism offer the best it can possibly be. That’s why I recently spent more than six months and £400,000 transforming The Crown’s former staff living quarters into five new luxury rooms and providing a dedicated car park for the exclusive use of my residents. I’m really proud of the new accommodation, which takes the number of rooms at The Crown from 12 to 17. Four of the new rooms feature free-standing copper baths which have become a real hit with my guests and have created a

bit of a buzz in regional tourism circles. The baths in the two downstairs rooms are outside on their own enclosed terraces which can’t be over-looked, and one of the baths in the upstairs rooms sits outside on its own enclosed balcony. I’ve always strived to offer my guests something different, but I’m not aware of anywhere else in the entire region where you can have a bath ‘alfresco’ in complete privacy! Not long after the rooms came into service I was working in reception when a lady guest came over to settle her bill before checking out. I asked her if she’d enjoyed her stay and she replied: “You know, I couldn’t possibly have enjoyed it any more than I did. It has been marvellous.” When I enquired as to what had made her visit so special she told me that the evening before she

I was about to congratulate her on her good fortune when she added excitedly: “I decided to have a glass of wine to celebrate while I was soaking myself in one of your wonderful copper baths. And do you know what? Just as I took my first sip I looked up at the sky and a shooting star shot past!” At that moment it looked as if she was getting a bit teary, but she took a deep breath to compose herself and then said: “It was magical, absolutely magical. A moment I’ll never forget.” I was genuinely touched. It’s little things like that which make me realise all the hard work my staff and I put in even more worthwhile.

As well as making The Crown an even more desirable place to stay I’m convinced the new rooms are doing their bit to help attract new visitors to this special corner of north Norfolk. And it’s not just me – everywhere you look improvements are being made all around town. New businesses are springing up and established ones are being modernised and refurbished. We’ve got the redevelopment of the Wells Maltings to look forward to and the town’s social calendar seems to get bigger and better with every passing year. We’re blessed to live and work in a town like Wells. Wells is brilliant. It really is. And we should all be thankful of that. But as Richie says: “Champions do more”. We can’t rest on our laurels…

“

The new rooms feature freestanding copper baths which have become a real hit with my guests.

“

had received a call from her daughter in the United States informing her she was to become a grand-mother for the third time.

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best of

WALSINGHAM A place of faith and pilgrimage since 1061

Walsingham is actually two villages about a mile apart – Little Walsingham, where the main attractions are located, and Great Walsingham which, in true Norfolk style, is much smaller. Don’t miss the snowdrops at Walsingham Abbey in February,

The Shrine is popular, especially at Easter when it attracts some 100,000 pilgrims.

Browse Holt Antique Furniture in Little Walsingham for original pieces holtantiquefurniture.com

A guided tour of Walsingham Abbey will give you an insight into a place of pilgrimage. For further information or bookings telephone: 01328 820250.

Stop for a bite at The Norfolk Riddle norfolkriddle.co.uk

Linking Little Walsingham to the coastal town of Wells-next-the-Sea, four miles away, is the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway – the longest 10¼’’ narrow-gauge steam railway in the world, offering a scenic journey over five bridges and through lovely countryside. wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk 40 the best of NORFOLK

Walsingham Farms Shop was set up to celebrate the experience of Norfolk food, in reaction against ‘soulless’ trips to supermarket chains. Here you can watch sausages or game pies being made using seasonal, locally sourced produce, or sit down to a meal in the restaurant.

Found at

STIFFKEY Recorded in The Domesday book, the village is probably most famous for it’s former vicar, the Reverend Harold Davidson who after a notorious court case in 1932, was convicted on charges of immorality and defrocked. Davidson strongly protested his innocence and to raise funds for his reinstatement campaign he exhibited himself in a barrel on the Blackpool seafront. He performed in other sideshows of a similar nature and died after being attacked by a lion in whose

cage he was appearing in a Skegness seaside show. These days Stiffkey is home to the two notable businesses below, both well worth stopping, shopping and staying for as you discover the delights of the coast road.

THE STIFFKEY RED LION The Stiffkey Red Lion has all the appeal of an old English coastal inn, with 12 bedrooms that provide the comforts of a modern hotel. Its uncluttered charm appeals to walkers, birdwatchers and those seeking rest, good food and drink after watching wildlife at the nearby saltmarsh and beaches. A warm welcome awaits you as you sample excellent local beers, including Nelson’s Revenge from the Woodforde stable, wines selected from our list by Corney & Barrow and mouthwatering food from local sources at prices to please. Simply sit and relax amid charming old pews and enjoy the glowing fire in the bar, which helps create a great welcome. 01328 830552 44 Wells Rd, Stiffkey Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AJ stiffkey.com

STIFFKEY STORES Established for eleven years, Andy and Alice have turned this general store into a popular destination, where fresh cakes and patisseries are baked daily in-store, served with delicious coffee. Browse the shelves to find a varied array of local produce, cards, books, children’s goods, plants and flowers. With the sunny courtyard and cosy beach huts, the experience can be enjoyed whatever the season. The store is open every day, all year round. 01328 830489 stiffkeystores.com

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Cley-next-the Sea Wander through the reed beds of the Cley Marshes, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

HISTORY Cley was once one of the busiest ports in England. The many Flemish gables in the town are a lovely reminder of commerce with the Low Countries. Since the port silted up in the late 19th century, tourism has thrived in the area from the Victorian era to today.

St Margaret’s church is a fine example of 13th-century architecture with craved gargoyles, medieval glass windows and graffiti. BIRDING Norfolk Wildlife Trust visitors’ centre and cafe has great views over the salt marshes and tidal creeks. There is also a noticeboard alerting birdwatchers to recently spotted species. With the telescopes pointing out towards the shingle bank and sea, this is a good starting point for acquainting yourself with the local bird life.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE Cley – pronounced to rhyme with pie – is a pretty village protected by an immense shingle bank, not far from Holt. Don’t leave without visiting one of the county’s most iconic landmarks, the Cley windmill.

FOODIE HEAVEN Food plays a big part in village life with Cley Smoke House and Picnic Fayre, a well-established deli with everything from spice pastes to local fruit.

“One of the most memorable and enchanting places to stay in Britain” Fiona Duncan in The Telegraph

Hotel

Dinner

Weddings

House parties

Cley Windmill, Cley-next-the-Sea, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7RP Telephone: 01263 740209 www.cleywindmill.co.uk

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the Morston experience The hamlet of Morston, on the A149 Norfolk coast road, has a surprisingly large variety of visitor attractions, considering its diminutive size. Popular for sailing and boating, it faces the largest sheltered harbour on the North Norfolk coast, with a host of birdlife and large colonies of grey and common seals at Blakeney Point. Ideal for long walks and breath-taking views, Morston also boasts the renowned, Michelinstarred Morston Hall and the award-winning Anchor Inn. SEE Temples Seal Trips offer a unique and rare opportunity to visit wildlife in its natural surroundings. The knowledgeable crew introduces visitors to the common and grey seals

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basking on the end of Blakeney Point. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the common seal pups from June to August and the grey seal pups in winter. Tickets are available from The Anchor Inn. sealtrips.co.uk

STAY The famous Morston Hall offers superbly-appointed rooms and Michelin-starred food. They have also this year been awarded a 4th AA rosette for culinary excellence. With 17th century origins, the intimate, historic country house ranks in the top ten of the UK’s best gourmet hotels. Enjoy a delectable traditional English afternoon tea by the log fire in winter, or in the walled garden in the summer. It’s recommended that you book in advance. morstonhall.com

#MORSTONHALL

EXPERIENCE

LUNCH A great location for lunch or dinner, The Anchor offers some of the tastiest mussels on the coast. A perfect pitstop for walkers along the coastal path, it has hosted boat parties and racing awards for the Oyster Regatta, as well as charity events and National Trust lunches. The Anchor also sells tickets for Temples Seal Trips.

Norfolk Etc is one of the finest sailing and power-boating centres you can find. A family run, high quality watersports provider, it operates in the tidal wildlife haven of Blakeney Harbour. Offering a personal, professional and friendly service, the team have created a business that complements the area’s natural features, while catering for a wide variety of sailing desires. The knowledgeable and friendly staff organise Royal Yachting Association (RYA) sailing and powerboat courses, seal watching trips, stand up paddleboarding and bespoke trips for celebrations, such as birthdays, reunions.

morstonanchor.co.uk

01263 740704 norfolketc.co.uk

RETAIL Bluejacket Workshop is home to traditional and contemporary furniture maker Nick Hamond and his father Ned Hamond, crafting elegant copper sconces and chandeliers. Built fifteen years ago, it carries on the tradition of bespoke carpentry established by Nick’s grandfather, Philip Hamond, at the turn of the the last century. Stiffkey Road, Morston NR25 7BJ 01263 740144 bluejacketworkshop.co.uk

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found at

BLAKENEY Blakeney was once a busy medieval commercial port until the estuary began to silt up to form the tranquil nature reserve that we know today. Many people visit Blakeney just to sit on the quay and watch the boats. However there’s more to the village than meets the eye. In a side street off the quay look our for a 14th century Guildhall which has an early example of a brick built vaulted ceiling. The beautifully restored, village church is large and spacious with many interesting features. Park up for free by The Village Hall and you can take a circular walk around the village, along the Quay, up the High Street and down the aptly named ‘Little Lane’ before ending up on the Pastures, a green open space – a perfect place to enjoy a picnic or fly a kite!

CRAB

THE HANDCRAFTED COMPANY

This bright, vibrant and colourful shop, on Westgate Street, stocks a comprehensive range of leisurewear and accessories for men, women and children, including Crew Clothing, Mousqueton and Gone Crabbing. There’s also a fun selection of toys and gifts and, of course, all the equipment you could possibly need for some serious crabbing!

The Handcrafted Company is a real find. Located on the High Street, everything in this characterful shop is handmade and supports over 50 British artisans. Stocking only the best contemporary craft and design, the Handcrafted Company offers unique gifts and beautiful items for your home, such as ceramics, textiles, glass and jewellery.

Pr Owoud n to Ar o t S ffe ch r t em he e

Find us at the end of The Quay. Westgate Street, Blakeney, Norfolk. NR25 7NQ

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THE FLINT GALLERY AND QUAY ART Blakeney is an established destination for Britain’s leading artists to exhibit their work. The two galleries in Blakeney, at either end of the quay, have an excellent reputation for exhibiting original paintings, printing techniques, sculpture, ceramics and glass.

The spacious and welcoming gallery shows the work of up to 40 creators at any one time, with prices ranging from £100 to £5,000. Quay Art is a print-makers’ gallery, specialising in lino-cuts, etchings and collagraphs. With a range of affordable ceramics, jewellery and original watercolour and acrylic paintings created by local artists, prices start at just £10 and go up to around £500.

Established in 2008, the Flint Gallery’s contemporary fine art includes oil paintings, watercolours, bronze sculptures, ceramics and glassware.

theflintgallery.co.uk

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PICTURES • SCULPTURE • POTTERY • JEWELLERY

4 The Granary, High Street, Blakeney, Norfolk. NR25 7AL Tel: 01263 740013

4 The Granary, High Street, Blakeney, Norfolk. NR25 7AL the best of NORFOLK Tel:01263 740013

BLAKENEY BOLT HOLES Established over fifteen years ago by husband and wife team Edward & Frenesi Ewing, Blakeney Bolt Holes has always focused on providing luxurious and romantic self-catering properties for couples. They now live in Blakeney with their dog Pickle (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Princess Pickleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to her friends) so along with tips for guests on where to go and restaurants to try they also include dog friendly information! To discuss your next Blakeney break contact Ed or Fren on 01263 800326 blakeneyboltholes.co.uk THE BLAKENEY COTTAGE COMPANY With hundreds of holiday cottages in stunning locations, from romantic retreats for two to luxury houses sleeping up to 14 people, Blakeney Holiday Cottages are available for weekend getaways, midweek breaks or full week holidays. The proprietors hand pick every property for the best selection of perfect hideaways. Pop into their offices next to the quay for a friendly chat or read more about them on page 165. blakeneycottagecompany.co.uk

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THE ANCHOR SHOP A short walk up the High Street from the quay sits the Anchor Shop offering a tempting mix of accessories, gifts, greeting cards and beautiful things for the coastal home. They also stock a practical and stylish range of high performance waterproof jackets and lovely soft cotton jumpers in bespoke colours chosen to reflect the North Norfolk landscape. This year theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re expanding the clothing ranges with summer linens and their own fabulously luxurious cashmere. Open daily. anchorblakeney.co.uk 01263 740360 BLAKENEY DELICATESSEN Awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2015-16, Blakeney Delicatessen is a family owned fine food and wine shop on the High Street, offering local goods, deli foods from around the world and a selection of wines. Handmade foods are prepared there daily, alongside fresh local produce, including sausage rolls, tarts, breads, pates, soups and original dishes. Menus change regularly. blakeneydeli.co.uk. Follow them on twitter @BlakeneyDeli

Coastal living and beautiful things for you and your home. Open daily.

35 High Street, Blakeney, NR25 7NA anchorblakeney.co.uk 01263 740360

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An education as unique as your child. At Gresham’s, there’s no limit to what your child can discover and achieve. With an idyllic 200-acre countryside setting just four miles from the north Norfolk coast, and an ‘Excellent’ inspection rating, we really do offer a first class education with a difference. Discover more at one of our Open Days or visit www.greshams.com

A 3–18 co-educational independent day and boarding school

GRESHAM’S SCHOOL Established in 1555 after former Lord Mayor of London, Sir John Gresham left a bequest to the Fishmongers’ Company to found a free school for just forty pupils, our school continues to go from strength to strength. As a co-educational day and boarding school, children join our vibrant nursery aged three and can remain part of the Gresham’s family through to Sixth Form where they can make a choice to study A levels or the widely respected IB Diploma. Attracting pupils from across the UK, Gresham’s offers a varied and welcoming environment set in 200 acres of countryside. The school has a strong commitment to providing first-class facilities for its pupils, and has recently committed to an ambitious and exciting scheme to build a new Music School and Sixth Form Centre and significant improvements to four boarding houses. The two-storey music centre development, costing £5m, includes classrooms, music practice rooms, a recording studio, a 140 seat auditorium that will be used as a Sixth Form lecture theatre as well as performing space, cafeteria and social spaces for pupils. Four boarding houses at the Prep and Senior School will be the subject of much improvement with permanent extensions that will provide a comfortable and enjoyable home from home environment for boarders. Pupils joining Gresham’s immediately become part of a unique community where parents can be assured that they will become immersed in a fulfilling and hugely varied school life. With high standards of teaching and the provision of our Academic Enrichment Programme, pupils develop strengths, talents and interests, all of which are recognised, nurtured and celebrated.

At Gresham’s, pupils contribute to excellence in a vast range of activities and disciplines including drama, sports, art, music, Duke of Edinburgh, leadership and design.Our positive environment boosts confidence, happiness, self-esteem and wellbeing allowing our pupils to develop into well-rounded, self-assured adults able to manage the demands of modern life. Leaving Gresham’s at 18 years old, our pupils go on with the skills, knowledge and most importantly the confidence, strength and desire to make their mark. owering our pupils to make choices that suit them and supporting them as they prepare to take the next step in life leaves them with not just a wealth of career options and opportunities but with memories of their years at Gresham’s that they will cherish for a lifetime. Many progress to the universities of their choice including prestigious institutions such as Yale, Oxford, Cambridge, Exeter, Durham, UCL and Edinburgh. Equally, our pride in our Old Greshamians is as strong as their fondness for their time at school where they discovered the freedom and room to grow in to successful adults. Old Greshamians have been inspiring others for generations from composer Benjamin Britten and poet W.H. Auden to the founder of the Dyson Company, Sir James Dyson and physiologist and biophysicist Sir Alan Lloyd Hodgkin. More recently, Old Greshamians making their mark and creating headlines include international rugby players Tom and Ben Youngs, BAFTA award winning actress Olivia Colman, television and radio presenter Paddy O’Connell and Classical Brit Award winning singer Humphrey Berney.

Gresham’s School, enviably located between the unique coast and countryside of north Norfolk, offers an education that combines great tradition with innovation and imagination. GRESHAM’S ONLINE AND ON FILM To learn more about life at Gresham’s see our website at www.greshams.com, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook. Watch our pupils talk about why they love being at Gresham’s at www.greshams.com/filmclips Visitors to Gresham’s are most welcome. Contact the Admissions team on 01263 714614 to arrange a tour of the school. Open Days are held in the Autumn and Spring Terms, or pupils can join one of our taster days to sample life at the school. Our next Open Days will take place on: Nursery & Pre-Prep School Monday 2 May 2016 Prep School Saturday 14 May 2016 Senior School Saturday 30 April 2016 SCHOLARSHIPS The school offers scholarships to exceptional children who show outstanding potential academically and/or in the fields of Art, Drama, Music and Sport. Scholarships are available to children wishing to apply for a place in Year 7, Year 9 or Sixth Form.

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best of HOLT This town owes its distinctive architecture to the Great Fire of Holt, which tore through the majority of its medieval foundations in the space of just three hours in 1708. Fortunately this was followed by the large scale Georgian reconstruction which makes the labyrinth of streets so attractive to visitors today. The town has come a long way from its entry in the Domesday Book, at which time it boasted 90 adult males, 60 pigs, 1 carthorse, 5 mills and a market. MORSTON TOWN & COUNTRY ANTIQUES Holt has several antiques shops in the town that are well worth exploring donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss Richard Scott Antiques on the High Street. As you wander round do pop in you might just stumble on a treasured find.

ART GALLERIES Another draw to the town are the variety of art galleries, ranging from the Red Dot Gallery with its eclectic collection of contemporary work to Bircham Gallery, Jeremy Barlow Fine Art and Adrian Hill, a gallery held in great local affection.

Are stockists of beautiful and stylish wax, tweed and fur clothing with sumptuous accessories and footwear. They hold extensive ranges of modern tailoring that retain a strong commitment to classic British heritage. Stockists of a large range of popular British and European labels such as Aigle, Barbour, Belstaff, Matchless, Bonart of Onley, Cirrus, Chrysalis, Dents, Dubarry of Ireland, John Smedley, Ilse Jacobsen, Really Wild, Stetson and Stones. Above all, Morston Town & Country offer you understated luxury. NR25 6HT morstontownandcountry.co.uk

BACK TO THE GARDEN Just outside Holt in Letheringsett not only has an extensive range of local produce but if the weather is warm we highly recommend the cafe at the back of the barn set in a flower garden, it is very calming and a great place to kick back. NR25 7JJ back-to-the-garden.co.uk

Another draw to the town is Bakers & Larners the biggest department store outside Norwich. bakersandlarners.co.uk

DRIFTWOOD GLASS STUDIO

BIRCHAM GALLERY Established in 1988, Bircham Gallery is situated on the Market Place in the delightful Georgian town of Holt. Owned by Christopher and Deborah Harrison, the gallery has developed an enviable reputation for exhibiting the best of modern and contemporary British art from East Anglia and beyond.

Driftwood Glass Studio, situated in the cosy Feathers Yard near Holt town centre, is home to two young entrepreneurs, Rose and Keiran, who specialise in the on-site design, manufacture and sale of a variety of original glass products and original artwork.

This is fully complemented by Keiran’s selection of his original artwork featuring local scenes. Whether you are seeking an original souvenir, such as a Fused Glass coaster or are looking to commission a larger bespoke piece of Stained Glass to grace your home, Rose and Keiran will be happy to advise you, so do visit or call. The Studio offers you the opportunity to have a go at making either fused or stained glass under the guidance of both Rose and Keiran. Regular courses are offered to both children and adults, though sampler sessions may be possible on spec. driftwoodglass.co.uk

THE NORFOLK COTTAGE COMPANY If you have a property to let in the region then The Norfolk Cottage Company like to do things differently. They are small enough to give individuals attention, but large enough to ensure a great level of bookings by quietly focusing on the details. Little touches that make your property stand out – and they have the experience to get these right time after time. A skilled photography and media team capture the unique characteristics of your property forming the basis of the presentations within their brochures and websites. Why not visit their office in Holt? thenorfolkcottagecompany.com

“

Our focus is divided between encouraging talent among the current generation of emerging artists and showing the work of established artists, with equal commitment to both

Artists illustrated:

“

Rose studied Glass and Ceramics, specialising in Architectural Glass at the National Glass Centre, whilst Keiran studied Photography and Digital imaging. Together their knowledge of glass and design allows them to create beautiful bespoke pieces of fused and stained glass inspired by the North Norfolk coastline and countryside, using vibrant colours and textures.

Max Tannahill is an established wood sculptor who carves unique fish and other creatures from the plentiful supply of driftwood gleaned from the shoreline and estuaries nearby. Lynn Muir is a Cornish artist. Her workshop which overlooks the Atlantic is an ideal location for collecting the driftwood with which she makes the painted driftwood figures. She uses saws and sanders to carve the figures. Each piece evolves in the making and sometimes ideas are found in the wood itself. Richard Batterham is one of the most highly respected and admired potters of his generation and has been making pots, on his own, for 55 years. His work has a wonderful, earthy and practical appeal, and should be used and held every day. birchamgallery.co.uk the best of NORFOLK 53

THE

RED DOT GALLERY

ALEX EGAN – Artist Capturing movement in watercolour is no mean feat but one that is Alex’s trademark. Spontaneous paintings of ducks, hares, pheasants and more. Now available as Limited Edition Prints from around £120.00. Another Red Dot exclusive.

WENDY MOULD – Artist Music is the inspiration behind the meticulous and curious paintings by this Norfolk based artist. Considerable research precedes the first brush strokes and thus the compositions are full of direct and oblique reference to the symphony, suite, opera or song in focus. See more of Wendy’s work on our site or visit us.

BARRIE MORRIS – Artist ‘Strangely drawn to Norfolk’ perfectly describes the fascinating work of Barrie Morris who combines the architectural and natural treasures of the county in his mixed media paintings. Selected pieces are also available as limited edition prints. Prints priced at around £225.00, Originals from £800.00

LOUISE BROWN – Ceramics Canine creations in clay – Louise adds to the already endearing character of favourite dogs. If your pooch or hound is not in stock, it could be soon....commissions are welcomed. Every sculpture is unique. Measuring around 30 – 40 cm in height, priced at around £400.00 each.

LUCY BOYDELL – Artist Lively upscale images of British Wildlife, Farm Livestock and of course Dogs! Lucy’s lovely monotone works are available as Limited Editions of just 15 or so – exclusive to The Red Dot Gallery. Framed editions from around £450.00.

KRISTEL BOLLEN – Glass Kristel Bollen specialises in the re-creation of period glass alongside developing her own contemporary pieces. Based in The Netherlands, Kristel has developed an extensive range of beautiful and collectable pieces which can be both used and admired in equal measures. Prices from £40.00 £200.00

HEIRLOOM CUSHIONS Beautifully made and distinctive designs – these cushions are fashioned in 100% merino looped wool with cotton velvet backs. Complete with feather liner. A range of canine designs always in stock. £60.00 each.

THE

RED DOT GALLERY

Morocco meets North Norfolk

BERBER was conceived by owner John Pryor in 2007 on a trip to Morocco after being inspired by local artisans and their colourful work.

Handwoven Moroccan rugs are still a major feature in the business and consist of wonderful kilims, three technique (story rugs), sabras and several from the design of the beni ouarain tribe. These are all available in various sizes. Berber, although still predominantly stocking Moroccan pieces, have now expanded its range and John along with his business partner Cookie, now source contemporary design from artisans worldwide. The artisan theme is continued throughout the

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new collection with other items being brought in made by wonderful artists in their own right - Mexican durrie armchairs to Chilean wine glasses and glass candlesticks to pots made in Brazil. They also stock upcycled and recycled products wherever possible including stools and tables.

“

Morocco meets North Norfolk when their lamps for example, are made by Mohamed and his family outside Marrakech, shipped, wired in Holt and finally topped with an exclusive fabulous handmade lampshade made locally - a wonderful visual experience. They look forward to welcoming you.

Berber has always been about colour and texture hence the slogan Living Life in Colour – come and see for yourselves.

“

Since that time Berber has been operating in various forms but is now well established in Hoppers Yard, Holt.

Berber 1b Hoppers Yard Bull Street Holt NR25 6LN Open Monday to Saturday 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm 07754240015 berberinteriors.com info@berberinteriors.com

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found at

HOPPERS YARD Escape the stresses of everyday life and be enchanted by the ‘must visit’ destination in Holt. You can browse in its exciting mix of shops the take tea in the Folly Tearoom or its garden where vintage romance will surround you.

FOLLY TEAROOM The Folly Tearoom is an enchanting place where the magic of a time gone by combines with quirky vintage décor, this and it’s beautiful garden, combine to ensure the perfect atmosphere to relax in. Traditional afternoon tea is served with over 40 different unique teas. A very warm welcome awaits you whatever the time of day. Everything is homemade created and served with love from breakfast to early evening bites. Open Winter 9-5 Monday to Saturday-Summer 9-6. follytearoom.co.uk 01263 713569

TEA CADDY The Tea Caddy is the must go destination for tea lovers. It offers you the chance to taste and buy forty different teas and fruit infusions uniquely blended with love and attention to detail by Judith herself. Tea as it should be. The teas are wrapped and weighed while you wait. You will find tea caddies, strainers, tea cosies, teapots and individual gifts galore. Visit us and enjoy the total Tea Caddy Experience.

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BERBER BERBER, established in North Norfolk for many years, has recently opened a vibrant new shop within Hoppers Yard. ‘Living Life In Colour’ is their slogan and the shop certainly lives up to that! Fabulous fabrics, brilliant silver mirrors, stunning lamps, lampshades, and a beautiful collection of genuine Moroccan rugs. There is inspiration to be found for everyone whether you are furnishing your home or just looking for a gift. Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm berberinteriors.com 07754240015

THE SUGARED ROSE CAKE COMPANY If you’re looking for stunning bespoke cakes that are all individually made, fresh to order, visit the Sugared Rose Cake Company. Also focusing on sugarcraft work, including hand-made sugar flowers, this specialist shop sells pretty gifts associated with baking. The owner, Alyson Bash is on hand to offer advice and help to customers with any icing and cake-decorating problems. This is a unique service which isn’t available at the average supermarket! facebook.com/thesugaredrosecakecompany 01263 860566

TATTY TIDES Throughout their Five years of trading and a founder member of Hopper’s Yard, Tatty Tides remains passionate about bringing stylish homewares and gifts to their growing customer base. With a constant focus on bringing something new to their everchanging space they hope to inspire those looking to recreate a country or coastal style within their own home. The family run business is driven by mother Kathryn and daughter Rosie’s love of interiors and creative spirit, having come from different artistic backgrounds in printed textile design and photography. tattytides.co.uk 01263 711505 the best of NORFOLK 61

OUR PHILOSOPHY Fashion is about confidence, comfort and style and as an independent retailer, we reflect what our ladies are looking to find in themselves. To embrace their own individuality as a whole and not to be directed by ‘High Street trends’. Our pieces are timeless and designs that have been beautifully created with the same love and passion we all hold here at Nicholsons.

OUR TEAM We all have a passion for helping our ladies to embrace their uniqueness and we pride ourselves on the level of personal service we give. Jane understands the cut and the styles to suit all body shapes and is available for colour and style advice.

Jane is responsible for all the buying. She is trained in style and colour and buys intuitively so that all the labels and accessories work together, incorporating vibrant colours, beautiful fabrics and unusual designs.

OUR LABELS Masai Out of Xile Sahara Grizas Ralston Oska Two Danes Vetona Backstage.

33 High Street, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6BN 01263 711230 www.nicholsonsuk.com & find us on Open Mon to Sat 10am – 5pm, Bank Holiday opening 10.30am – 4pm

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Seahorse Studio Exquisite glass beads made using ancient techniques on the North Norfolk coast.

Tucked away in the picturesque town of Holt, artisanal jeweller Helen Wright practices an ancient craft. In her quaint pebbled studio, you’ll find her working glass using an ancient lampworking technique that produces one-of-a- kind pieces. “I was fascinated by this method from the first moment I saw it”, Helen admits, and her beautifully adorned studio is evidence that she has remained captivated ever since. Lampworking is also known as flameworking or torchworking, and is a type of glasswork where a torch or lamp is used to melt the glass. The technique was used in ancient Egypt and was revived in 14th century Murano, Italy, using oil-fuelled lamps. But the secrets were closely guarded and it wasn’t until about 30 years ago that some American beadmakers began to recreate the process, developing new tools and techniques along the way. The beads are made by melting glass rods in the torch flame, which reaches about 1000 degrees centigrade, and winding the hot glass round a metal rod called a mandrel. It’s a different technique to blowing glass, and is very archaic. Even the hollow beads Helen makes are made this way.

After being formed, shaped and decorated in the flame, the beads are annealed in a digitally controlled kiln so they cool down at the correct rate to make them robust. They are then carefully cleaned and then used to make unique pieces of jewellery. No two beads are alike – that’s the beauty of hand-made work. Helen has diversified her craft by studying with teachers from Italy, the US, Germany, South Africa, The Netherlands and more. “There is a very international lampworking community and everyone has different techniques”, she says, “there is always more to learn.” At the Seahorse Studio you can buy individual beads, hand-made jewellery and other one-off pieces by artists selected by Helen. She’ll even handcraft jewellery to order according to any exact shade or colour scheme you desire. It’s a great place to find that unique gift or treat yourself to a special keepsake. 1 Albert Street, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6HX 01263 478020 / 07801 225 757 seahorsestudio@icloud.com www.seahorsestudio.co.uk www.facebook.com/seahorsestudioholt

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE

morstontownandcountry.co.uk Morston Town & Country 9 Shirehall Plain, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6HT - 01263 713545 - nikola@morstoncountrysports.co.uk

MORSTON town & country

THE BARBOUR FOR LAND

Morston Country Sports 10-12 Bull Street, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6HP - 01263 713932

THE BARBOUR FOR LAND

best of

Sheringham A traditional fishing resort with a great Victorian past.

MARKET DAYS There is a thriving market in the car park next to the North Norfolk Railway station. It takes place twice a week but is busier on Saturday than it is on Wednesday.

Did you know?

The to w blue-fla n has one of t g beac hes alo he three so is pe ng the rfect fo coast, r a day pristine on the sandy beach.

The Mo Museum on the seafront is also worth a visit, with bright galleries where you can walk amongst an extraordinary historic fleet of lifeboats and fishing boats. You will also find another two lifeboat museums on the eastern side of town. sheringhammuseum.co.uk The Fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage Centre tells the story of the lifeboats provided by the Upcher family of Sheringham Hall for the use of local fishermen. Learn about the bygone era of what was then Lower Sheringham, a small fishing hamlet. sheringhamsociety.com

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Sheringham is easily accessible by train, as there is a railway station linking to Cromer and Norwich via the Norfolk Broads, as well as the more scenic North Norfolk Railway along the fabled Poppy Line to Holt, via Kelling Heath. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the plume of steam rising when it is running. nnrailway.co.uk

1940’S WEEKEND On the 16 -17 September, step back in time to the days of the blitz, rationing and utility clothing. Remember to go in uniform or 1940s civilian dress to add to the atmosphere. nnrailway.co.uk

Crab and Lobster Festival 20 -21 May The Kit Bag at East Runton is not perhaps the type of shop you would expect to find in a little Norfolk Coastal village, but it has been trading since 1987 serving the many holidaymakers and locals alike. Having opened as an army surplus store originally, owners Ray and Margaret added a range of outdoor clothing and equipment for adults and children. Garments from names

such as Regatta, Highlander, Jack Pyke and Tresspass are included in the range. It’s location means it is easily accessible for those travelling along the A149, the main coast road between Cromer and Sheringham… because we all like to take a drive along the coast when we are on holiday, don’t we? Tel 01263 513934 Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter

SHERINGHAM PARK Sheringham Park has several well-marked walks with glimpses of the sea, including one for wheelchair users. The park is at its best in May and June when the spectacular display of purple rhododendrons is in flower. NR26 8TL

HILLTOP OUTDOOR CENTRE Give school holiday boredom the boot with an action-packed family adventure day at Hilltop. An exciting array of adventure activities awaits you, including: High Ropes, The Big Zipper, Super Swing, Climbing Wall, Archery, Tree Top Trail and The AIR JUMP... A thrilling and unique addition to the activities.

Minimum age eight years - Booking Essential! Hilltop also offers Children’s Adventure Birthday Parties throughout the year. Old Wood, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8TS hilltopoutdoorcentre.co.uk 01263 824514

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Blyth & Wright

Traditional Ironmongers since 1897 We are perhaps the largest independent ironmongers in East Anglia, offering traditional services, products and values. handmade iron door and window • loose nails, screws, bolts and washers • a wide range of hand tools chain and rope cut to length • plumbing and electrical fittings and much, much more...

KITCHEN & CHINA CRAFT

We have an extensive range of modern and traditional baking, cake decorating & preserving accessories. Stockists of Kitchen Craft • Great British Bake Off • Kilner and a treasure trove of other cookware. We also stock famous china and crockery brands including: Moorcroft Emma Bridgewater Portmeirion Franz

34/40 Station Road, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RQ Telephone: 01263 823258 www.blythandwright.co.uk

A Real Family Business

A shop for all seasons

At the age of 86, Ron Wright still puts on his shop coat every day to work in the family ironmongers business in Sheringham, North Norfolk.

“

We pride ourselves on our service to customers... Whether you spend 50p or £50 we like to feel you get just as good service.

“

Blyth & Wright

SPRING • Equip your green fingers with gardening gloves, compost, plants, bulbs and seeds • Get round to that long-forgotten DIY job with ladders, tools and decorating equipment • Give the walls a fresh lick of paint after the spring cleaning. • Diversify your baking skills with a huge range of cake making equipment. SUMMER

The store pictured in the 1930s. Back then it was a single shop front, but over the years Ron and Richard Wright astutely bought adjoining shops that came up for sale, developing the business into the hive of rows.

It is a job he first started in the Blyth and Wright business over 70 years ago at the tender age of 13. Back then, in 1944, his father Clarence Granville Wright’s shop was one of three ironmongers in the seaside town. Times might have changed, but the popular department store now employs a staff of 18 and sells everything from kitchen goods to garden furniture and fine china. But the army of loyal customers can still buy a single screw for just five pence. The shop is now managed under the watchful eye of son Chris, 48. It first opened as C A Sadlers in 1897, when Queen Victoria was on the throne. It wasn’t until Mr Wright’s father, Clarence, bought into the business in 1930 that it took its present name. It started as a single shop front but, over the years, Mr Wright and his brother, Richard bought adjoining property, expanding the business into the hive of rows and rooms stocking thousands of products it is today. Despite the shop’s change in size and range, the Wright family has battled to

keep its traditional charm. A washing mangle is tucked in between the woodburning stoves and a collection of ancient screws. But with progress, oldfashioned flat irons were replaced with modern electric ones in the 1920s. And one of the shop’s biggest sellers, dry toilet buckets, were phased out with the advent of flush lavatories. Mr Wright was also a top gunsmith and did a brisk trade selling shotguns to local landowners and farmers. As Ron and his brother Richard, now deceased, grew up they expanded into glass and china. Speaking with the launch of the shop’s new front, Richard said: ‘We pride ourselves on our service to customers. Although this is a large shop, you can still be served by the proprietor. Whether you spend 50p or £50 we like to feel you get just as good service.” To experience a truly unique family business when you are in Sheringham, make sure you pay Chris and his colleagues a visit you’ll understand first hand why they say: “Blyth and Wright – I bet we’ve got it!”

• Manicure your lawn with a new mower or tidy your bushes with hedge cutters and strimmers. • Keep the garden cool and watered with water butts, hoses and sprinklers • Get all the kit for your camping holiday, including furniture and accessories • Make sure you‘re seaside ready with windbreaks and beach games. • Host a barbeque to die for with the latest equipment and garden furniture AUTUMN • You’ll find all you need for jamming, pickling and bottling your favourite preserves. • Prepare your home for the festive season with wonderful Christmas decorations • Browse the unique china shop for one-off presents • Get inspired with novel gift ideas by the range of 1940’s inspired gifts • Buy a gift voucher for a friend who’ll reap the year-round benefit - perfect for those who are difficult to buy for WINTER • Fuel your hearth with coal, logs and kindling • Replace your coal bunkers, coal hods and fireguards • Keep the chill out with wood burners, paraffin heaters and gas fires • Everything you need to make a Christmas puddling including the decorations • Nurture garden wildlife with bird food, feeders and tables as well as homes for bats, hedgehogs and insects.

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best of CROMER A busy town with a historic pier and plenty to explore through its narrow streets.

THE PIER is a great year-round attraction, and whatever the weather Cromer hosts the last ‘end of the pier’ show in Europe every summer. It is a traditional British Summer variety performance now in its 30th year, and should not be missed.

Aside from sampling the famous Cromer crab (best in early summer) and watching the crab boats, be sure to spend time walking the shoreline. Cromer’s safe and sandy beaches have consistently won both the Keep Britain Tidy Seaside Award and the prestigious EU blue flag award for water quality. Patrolled by Lifeguards in summer, the beach is ideal for families of all ages. PIE AND MASH Pop into Shelley’s Pie and Mash shop, which serves a wide variety of Londonstyle pie and liquor, including gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan options. Dog friendly too!

CROMER LIFEBOAT Watch out for the lifeboat launch from the pier every Sunday from 11am.

shelleyspieandmashshop.com

THE GARDEN HOUSE GALLERY AND SHOP A former Fisherman’s cottage, this quaint brick and flint listed building houses six rooms of vibrant artwork and gifts. It has been under the ownership of Kate Gale since 2010, and is situated in Garden Street, a popular thoroughfare to the famous Cromer Pier. Kate says: “Our visitors love exploring the quirky little rooms and are always amazed how the building opens out.

They are enticed in by our regularly changing exhibitions (although I suspect they are actually coming to see Cassedy my gorgeous labradoodle!) We are fortunate to live in an area rich and diverse in its artistic talent and I aim to capture a snapshot of that on our walls.” 31 Garden Street Cromer NR27 9HN

SURF’S UP If you are here in the summer, try surfing or paddle-boarding at Glide Surf school (open April to October). glidesurfschool.co.uk

gardenhousegallery.co.uk

EARTHY BREW Explore Norfolk’s Ice Age coast on guided walks with geologist Martin Warren. New Beery Walks will include tasting of Poppyland Beer. northfolk.org.uk

Virginia Court Hotel One of the best independently owned hotels along the North Norfolk Coast, the award-winning Virginia Court Hotel, offers stylish accommodation within a converted Edwardian Club House and is famous for its friendly welcome and exceptional service. Set back from the centre of Cromer, on a quiet tree-lined avenue, yet just moments away from Cromer’s ‘blue flag’ beach. All bedrooms feature modern en-suites with great power showers, comfortable beds with hypoallergenic four season duvets and pillows.There’s free Wi-Fi and a relaxing lounge with bar.

The hotel serves afternoon tea in it’s spacious and sunny garden, and its restaurant - which is open to nonresidents for evening meals - offers a full a la carte menu serving, when in season, local daily Cromer Crab specials as well as an abundance of Norfolksourced dishes.

Knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help with planning day-trips locally or further afield. With so many of Norfolk’s attractions only a short drive away, Virginia Court is a great place to stay and explore North Norfolk.

9 Cliff Avenue, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 0AN | 01263 512398 | virginiacourt.co.uk

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The Broads

Best of Wroxham 74 Boating on the Broads 76 Found at Wroxham Barns 80 Somerleyton Hall & Gardens 82

DINE The Kings Arms is set in the rural broads village of Fleggburgh, and run by EDP Norfolk Chef of the year Mark Dixon and his award-winning team. Finalist in “Pub of the year” 2015 and winner of a Cask Marque award for is real ales. The pub also has a separate restaurant where, since opening three years ago, it has built up a fantastic reputation for its food. The seasonal menus change weekly and uses Norfolk’s finest produce, with a fresh fish delivery every day from Lowestoft docks. Breads are baked daily and everything is made onsite and all the meat used is aged on the bone. NR29 3AG

Best of the Region THE BROADS Discover hidden backwaters, thatched churches and wildlife treasures in this wetland. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE...

BEWILDERWOOD

Many people associate the Broads with boating, but did you know it has over 190 miles of footpaths through some of the area’s most attractive landscapes. There are five rivers which flow through the Broads – the Bure, the Yare, the Ant, the Thurne and the Waveney. For many years the Broads were thought to be natural features of the landscape, and it was not until the 1960s that they were revealed to be manmade. The Broads were actually formed by the flooding of large-scale medieval peat excavations, resulting in the current reed beds and wet woodland.

Award-winning adventure park Bewilderwood brings an imaginative twist to the Norfolk Broads. Kids will love the Curious Treehouse Adventure where they’ll discover a land of Twiggles, Boggles and all their beautifully unusual friends. Spend the day zooming along the Wobbly Wires, sliding down the Slippery Slopes, climbing through the treetops and jungle bridges, and more. Check the website for upcoming inclusive events for all the family. Take to two wheels Horning Road, Hoveton NR12 8JW

CANOEING The Broads is a great place to go up the creeks with a paddle, and Canadian canoes are suitable for all the family. Hire centres supply buoyancy aids and waterproof rucksacks and staff will advise you on safety and on a suitable route. canoethebroads.co.uk

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bewilderwood.co.uk

01493 368333 kingsarmsfleggburgh.com BIRDWATCHING The nature reserves are a prime area for birdwatching. Berney Marshes, Brundall Church Fen and the boathouse at Ormesby broad are good sites. Look and listen for a flash of iridescent blue and the piping call of a kingfisher, or notice the dark shape of a perched cormorant holding his wings out to dry. You might even be lucky enough to spot a rare bittern. BURE VALLEY STEAM RAILWAY Children will enjoy the Bure Valley Steam Railway. Experience a nostalgic trip by steam on Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway which runs between the historic market town of Aylsham and bustling Wroxham, at the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Aylsham Station NR11 6BW bvrw.co.uk FISHING You can fish all year round on the Broads. With over 300 square kilometres of water, take your pick of angling platforms or even fish from a boat out in the open. For friendly advice and equipment pop into Angling Direct in Hoveton NR12 8UR Be sure to check seasonal and licensing information at norfolkbroads.com

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1,000 Free parking spaces Open 7 days a week Convenient late night opening

Please see our website for full details of our opening times

Stalham Road, WROXHAM NR12 8DB 01603 782131 www.roys.co.uk enquiries@roysonline.co.uk

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Boating on THE BROADS Where the journey is as much fun as the destination.

There is no better way to discover Britain’s Magical Waterland – The Broads National Park - than by boat with Norfolk Broads Direct and their sister company, Broads Tours, who are conveniently located in Wroxham. For the ultimate adventure hire one of Norfolk Broads Direct’s award winning cruisers and enjoy a luxury holiday afloat. If you have less time to spend hire a Broads Tours day boat or join their double decker boat trips to learn more about this unique National Park. NORFOLK BROADS DIRECT – ENJOY A MAGICAL HOLIDAY

BROADS TOURS – IDEAL FOR A DAY TRIP

The best way to get away from it all for a few days on the Broads is to hire a luxury holiday cruiser with Norfolk Broads Direct – who were voted the Best Boatyard in Britain in 2015 and Best Boatyard on the Broads in 2016 by customers of travel operator Hoseasons.

For the perfect introduction to the Broads join a river trip or hire a day boat with Broads Tours.

Norfolk Broads Direct’s fleet of 60 cruisers is one of the most modern on the Broads and has something to suit everyone from a couple to large family. Better still, the boats are a real ‘home from home’, with the same conveniences that you would expect in a holiday cottage but with the freedom to explore. Reassuringly, the Broad’s safe inland waterways mean that no boating experience is required and after a brief lesson you will soon be confident casting off on your own. broads.co.uk 01603 782207.

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The company run a regular timetable of double decker boat trips where you can learn about the Broads from an expert skipper. As well as pointing out the abundant wildlife they will teach

you about the creation of the Broads and you can admire beautiful riverside houses. Alternatively, become your own captain and hire a Day Boat or Luxury Day Cruiser, to explore at your own pace. broadstours.co.uk 01603 782207.

Get involved with us on social media

River trips and self-drive day boats in the Broads National Park

Relax and unwind on one of our river trips. Discover stunning scenery and wildlife around every bend as you listen to the Skipper’s live commentary. Trips available from 1 April to 31 October. Or perhaps you’d prefer to be captain? Hire one of our day boats and explore the Broads your own way.

The best way to discover the Broads National Park

Call us on 01603 782207 and we’ll help you arrange the perfect day out.

Broads Tours The Bridge Wroxham NR12 8RX e: info@broads.co.uk broadstours.co.uk Best of Norfolk broads Ad.indd 1

19/01/2017 12:53

Luxury hire at the hea cruisers and wat rt of the erside holiday beautif homes ul Broads Nationa l Park

Luxury hire cruisers and waterside holiday homes on the magical Broads National Park

2 017

Holiday

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Make Britain’syourself at home magical on waterlan d

For more information and our 2017 holiday brochure please contact us on 01603 782207 or visit our website www.broads.co.uk Best of Norfolk_NBD Ad.indd 1

19/01/2017 12:52

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Ever dreamed of

designing your own jEwellery?

Our in-house jewellery workshop can create your dream jewellery from your own drawings or designs. We can also work with you to redesign an existing piece of jewellery or, if you simply love the piece that you already have, we can renovate or restore it to its sparkling original condition.

Bradley Hatch Jewellers “Committed to Quality and Service” Bradley established his shop in Wroxham offering high quality jewellery and believes passionately that his customers are his most precious commodity and are treated with the utmost care and respect whether making a small or large purchase. The staff at Bradley Hatch Jewellers share this belief and you can be assured of a friendly and professional service. The success of this caring ethos can be seen by the number of customers who are regular visitors to the shop, indeed, regular holiday makers to the area return to visit Bradley Hatch Jewellers each year. From an early age Bradley had a passion for jewellery and watches and had a desire to have his own business. As a young man he accompanied his father, a dealer in antique furniture, to various auctions and sales across the country gaining a love of jewellery and other associated items.

Bradley worked for a time in some local jewellery shops working hard to learn his trade well. This furthered his ambition to set up a business of his own. The opportunity he had been working toward arrived 23 years ago when he was able to acquire his present shop. Hard work, attention to customer care and satisfaction, and the maintaining of a wide range of high quality products have together enabled Bradley to build an excellent reputation. Bradley Hatch Jewellers is a sound business built on the sale of quality jewellery, offering a fine selection of engagement and wedding rings. A bespoke wedding ring service is provided where a selected design can be made specifically for the bride and groom. You will also find wedding jewellery, pearl earrings and necklaces, vintage jewellery and, for those who have already tied the knot, eternity rings. But our selection does not stop there, we have a fine collection of gents’ and ladies’ watches, dress rings, pendants and birthday gifts for him and for her. Bradley regularly visits trade fairs on the lookout for those special and unique items often overlooked by other mainstream jewellers. In our shop you will find a vast selection of these including figurines, silverware, pewterware, picture frames, preowned and vintage jewellery. We also stock gifts for special occasions such as christenings, anniversaries and birthdays. Vintage jewellery and antique silver are amongst our specialties here. We highly value the feeling of holding a piece of history. Vintage items make for beautiful pieces and can offer a break away from the current trends to

put together something new. Instore and online you will find a carefully chosen collection of pre-owned and vintage jewellery of all kinds. A repairs service for all types of jewellery, watches, and clocks is available in store with many repairs being carried out on site in our workshop. Should your request not be possible to be fulfilled by us, we will advise you and can arrange specialist repair for you. Valuations for insurance and probate are also available. Our in-house jewellery workshop can create your dream jewellery from your own drawings or designs. We can also work with you to redesign an existing piece of jewellery or, if you simply love the piece that you already have, we can renovate or restore it to its sparkling original condition. At Bradley Hatch Jewellers you will find yourself in a place where you will feel comfortable to browse at your own pace, talk things through with the friendly and knowledgeable staff with no pressure to buy, all while surrounded by the quaint charm of the village of Wroxham.

Wroxham Barns is THE award-winning “must visit” destination in the Broads with something for everybody…

Wroxham Barns started life in 1982, the brainchild of Ian Russell who bought some derelict farm buildings with the idea of opening a Craft Centre to capitalise on the latest “leisure activity” – SHOPPING! Wroxham Barns started life in 1982, the brainchild of Ian Russell who bought some derelict farm buildings with the idea of opening a Craft Centre to capitalise on the latest “leisure activity” – SHOPPING! The plan was to create somewhere in a rural setting where people could buy original, handmade gifts, see where they were made and chat to the artisans. 34 years later and 350,000 visitors visit Wroxham Barns every year, proving that shopping is still a national pastime. Today, Wroxham Barn boasts nearly 20 studios featuring unique and quirky items where visitors can meet the craftsmen and women working in their studios who are happy to chat and many will take customer commissions. Discover stained glass pieces from tiffany lamps to window panels | handmade fudge and traditional confectionery you’ll remember from childhood | woodcraft gifts, furniture and plaques as well as engraving onto glass, slate, wood and more | needlecrafts for quilting, embroidery, cross-stitch, tapestry and with courses available | stunning original

80 the best of NORFOLK

artwork, prints and photography from East Anglian artists | gemstone and freshwater pearl jewellery | ladies’ fashion and accessories | men’s & women’s country clothing, waterproofs, accessories and gifts for lovers of the great outdoors | “proper” Norfolk cider & apple juice | children’s clothing from carefully selected designers | food and drink with tasty, seasonal products and store cupboard staples to stock the pantry or freezer, including probably the largest range of bottled Norfolk beers | plus the

Gallery Gift Shop and even a complementary health & beauty clinic and a garden centre. The award-winning Restaurant is perfect for ‘foodies’ - serving delicious homemade food, sourcing the best ingredients from trusted suppliers with fresh, seasonal and local produce featuring on the menu. The relaxed Sunday Lunches are a particular favourite and the Restaurant is the proud recipient of a Broads Quality Charter Gold Award. Everything is freshly prepared and food is available all day, from a simple Poached Egg Muffin to a Full English at breakfast time, light snacks throughout the day, a tasty 3-course lunch, seasonal daily ‘specials’ and a tempting array of desserts or try the fabulous afternoon tea with the famous Wroxham Barns scones. There’s also The Pantry Coffee

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Beautiful design-led gift ideas for you and your home. The perfect place to pick up a present including artsy greeting cards & wrap, children’s gifts, soft toys and loveable games.

GALLERY GIFTS

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Shop with outdoor terrace for a snack on the go or to re-fuel with a cuppa and yummy cake.

GALLERY CLOTHING

In addition, with something for all the family - there’s a Junior Farm with a daily programme of activities to join in, “have a go” craft studio, children’s Funfair and Championship Adventure MiniGolf course too.

A shopping experience guaranteed to make you feel special. We offer a friendly and personalised service where you can shop your favourite labels including White Stuff, Seasalt, Adini, Tulchan and Alice Collins.

Open daily 10am – 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) T: 01603 783762 E: info@wroxhambarns.co.uk W: wroxhambarns.co.uk

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FAB RESTAURANT & COFFEE SHOP

CRAFT SHOPS & STUDIOS

NEW E VERYTH O UTDOO ING A rang R qua e of men WROXHAM BARNS, TUNSTEAD ROAD, HOVETON, NORFOLK, NR12 8QU 01603 783762 • www.wroxhambarns.co.uk

lity co ’s and untr wom for lov y clothing b en’s e r “Great s of the rands Outdo ors”.

*There is an admission charge for Junior Farm (see our website for details); Funfair rides and Mini Golf are individually priced.

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Q &

T pi se su pr an to th O st

SOMERLEYTON The Broads most exciting holiday adventure

A beautiful 5,000 acre country estate located on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, and just a stone’s throw from both Norwich and the coast. VISIT... Somerleyton has a brilliant range of activities to offer both the relaxed or adventure hungry visitor. From full-on family days out to unwinding at the ultimate rural retreat, there’s something to suit every taste. The sumptuous Hall and Gardens are open from Easter until the end of September, where you’ll discover treasures such as the walled garden with greenhouses designed by Joseph Paxton the architect of Crystal Palace. The estate is home to Lord and Lady Somerleyton and their young family who are bringing it back to its former glory with new planting and renovation work. Today’s visitors can enjoy one of the finest yew hedge mazes in Britain, dating back to 1846. The estate is a perfect destination for family members of all ages, with a children’s trail, willow play area and educational guided tours also available. The Kitchen Garden Café is the place to unwind and enjoy a revitalising snack, soft drink, tea or cake.

EXPLORE… The range of outdoor activities is greater than ever, now Fritton Lake offers an Outdoor Centre and Woodland Retreat. Activities on the two and a half mile Fritton Lake include stand up paddle boarding, open water swimming, triathlon training, canoes and kayaks. Plus, trail running, cycling, horse riding and more.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, delicious seasonal food is available from both The Dukes Head, a

traditional pub right on the Norfolk Broads, and The Fritton Arms, a unique relaxed boutique destination for dinner, bed and breakfast, showcasing the finest estate produce. STAY A WHILE… Great houses such as Somerleyton were built to impress and entertain, making it a dream venue for a grand wedding, ball or corporate event. The entire hall is available for hire, or two new unique Fritton Lake Retreat developments can be privately enjoyed, or even invested in. Firstly, the remote and luxurious Hill Wood enables you to immerse yourself in the native flora and fauna, while still knowing that Fritton Lake and all its activities are just a buggy ride away. Perfect for owners who appreciate peace and seclusion, it is a low density development of only 35 cabins, set in light matured oak woodland with stunning lake views. Each has its own golf buggy to get around the park. Secondly, the newly developed uber cool ShedRooms are not to be missed. An innovative mix of traditional and modern retreats, with stunning views, all south facing with sun drenched decks. Available in one, two and three bed size, they feature wood burning stoves and the very latest in eco-friendly insulation and underfloor heating. All ShedRooms come with a pair of bikes and the option for a wood-fired hot tub and concierge service from The Fritton Arms to stock fridges with freshly prepared estate produce and ensure all your needs are catered for. STAY FOREVER… Flexible ownership and shared ownership options are available, so you can make the most of a lifestyle purchase on this traditional familyowned country estate.

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The Waveney Valley The river is at the heart of the valley and forms the county boundary between Norfolk and Suffolk DISS Diss is a market town that is great for antique hunting, cosy cafes and the 17 acre ‘world class’ gardens of Bressingham. There is a market every Friday and flea markets and farmers’ markets are held on the second Saturday of every month between 9am and 1pm. twgaze.co.uk One of the deepest natural inland lakes in the country, the Mere has always been a focal point of Diss life. It is bordered on one side by Diss Park, where children can have fun on the play equipment while adults simply chat, or mardle, as it’s known in Norfolk.

BIG DOG FERRY Make the most of nearby River Waveney by booking Canoe Hire in advance, or you could take a relaxing river trip on Big Dog Ferry to the historic Locks Inn, Geldeston. bigdogferry.co.uk 07532 072761 84 the best of NORFOLK

BECCLES LIDO Nothing beats swimming outdoors, so why not visit Beccles Lido, the heated open-air pool in Beccles perfect for a quick swim or a family day out. The pool is equipped with slide, springboard, giant inflatable aquarun, kiddies adventure play area, allweather gym equipment, grassy areas and sunloungers to relax on.

BRESINGHAM STEAM & GARDENS Once you’ve explored the town be sure to visit close-by Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens. With Victorian gallopers ready to greet you, there are many steam engines and two colourful gardens to explore by train.

beccleslido.com

Low Road Bressingham IP22 2AA

01502 713297

bressingham.co.uk

Be sure not to miss the Wingfield Barns, where you can enjoy a variety of events from drama to exhibitions hosted in their beautiful, rural space. Wingfield, Diss IP21 5RA www.wingfieldbarns.com

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Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa Nestled in the heart of Suffolk, Ufford Park Woodbridge has been owned and run by the Aldous family since opening for trade in 1992. Set in 120 acres of historic parkland and located just off the A12, this 90-bedroom hotel, golf and spa is the ideal base for exploring Suffolk’s beautiful countryside. Offering a fantastic array of onsite facilities, the hotel is also ideally located close to Sutton Hoo, Rendlesham Forest, Framlingham and Orford Castle and a short drive away from the coastal towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold.

or restore – couples seeking quality time together, groups wishing to enjoy themselves or purely to treat yourself, this is the place to be. The Thermal Suite is based on the ancient ritual of bathing. The body is treated using a series of heat and cooling experiences. It guides your body through a sensory journey with the ultimate aim of inducing deep relaxation.

Ufford Park golf course is an award winning, ‘Top Winter’ 18 hole, par 71 course and is generally regarded as an enjoyable, yet stern test of golf. It has a unique two-storey floodlit driving range with heated bays ensuring year round use. There is a small fleet of golf buggies available to hire, as well as an AmericanGolf Superstore for a huge range of modern equipment, clothing and accessories. Ufford Park Spa is the ideal destination for anyone looking to relax, revitalise

Our highly trained beauty therapists provide treatments and have access to great range of high quality products, and are therefore able to give you the experience you deserve. Membership and spa gift vouchers are available all year round, so why not treat yourself or someone special. For more information about the range of facilities and treatments, please visit our website www.uffordpark.co.uk/spa With our comfortable and relaxing environment, Ufford Park Woodbridge

Hotel, Golf and Spa has everything you could need. The hotel boasts conference and event facilities, and offers 90 well-appointed en-suite bedrooms, many with balconies overlooking stunning parkland. There is a spacious bar area where residents and non-residents are able to relax throughout the day or in the evening with friends and family over a coffee or drink from the bar. Enjoy a delicious meal in the bar or The Park Restaurant whilst enjoying beautiful views across the golf course. There is a varied menu offering the very best locally produced food. Parking and Wi-Fi is FREE to residents and non-residents. Call 0844 847 9409 for more information or to book. uffordpark.co.uk

2017 Best of Norfolk .qxp_Layout 1 06/02/2017 09:53 Page 1

Relax, Revitalise, Restore

Ufford Park Woodbridge

Whether you are looking for total relaxation, time out and pampering, or to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, Ufford Park is the place to be. Treat yourself, or someone else to a total ‘Relax, Revitalise and Restore’ experience with our half or full day packages. Choose from our extensive range of treatments, from body wraps and massages, to detoxing and facials. All of our treatments are tailored to meet your exact needs.

Spa breaks from only £95.00* per person *Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply.

t 0844 477 1825 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road | Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW

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The Brecks

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Best of the Region

THE BRECKS The Brecks is a beautiful expanse of natural landscape stretching from Bury St Edmunds in the south to Swaffham and Castle Acre in the north. Thetford Forest and Kings Forest collectively form the largest lowland forest in the UK, and have miles of tranquil trackways and paths to explore. As one of the driest parts of Britain the large skies are often blue, and the area is also home to some small yet historic market towns. GO APE

NARBOROUGH HALL

For a true taste of the wilderness Go Ape in Thetford Forest has it all. Whether you fancy exploring the forest of on a segway or finding your inner Tarzan and swing through these ancient woods. Check availability online

This enchanting hall is surrounded by ancient parkland and a watery landscape of lakes, woods and romantic gardens. The peaceful River Nar flows through the grounds, and the orchard and kitchen garden are a thriving organic haven. Described in photographer Clive Nichols’ recent book as “Romantic English gardening at its best”, the grounds overflow with gentle English colour, a lake full of waterlilies and roses that cascade down every facade of the beautiful old Hall.

goape.co.uk 0845 094 8738

PE32 1TE narboroughhallmoss.com

ENGLISH WHISKY A great visit for a rainy day is the English Whiskey company in Roudham. They use Breckland water and Norfolk barley in the production of their malt whisky, which any seasoned drinker will appreciate. They run two different tours of the distillery; a standard tour for £10 and the World Whisky tasting tour a with a chief whisky maker for £30. NR16 2QW englishwhisky.co.uk

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ELVEDEN ESTATE All foodies would enjoy a visit to the Elveden Estate. With an AA Rosette restaurant and a nature trail through the woodland, it’s a smart place for a stopover. Its food hall has more than 50 local artisanal producers of fine food and wine and there is also an inhouse butchery with estate reared beef, wild venison, free range chickens and lamb. IP24 3TQ elvedencourtyard.com

Local Knowledge! Local Brecks food and drink is celebrated by a festival held on the third weekend in September every year as part of the Norfolk Food Festival. You’ll find events throughout the central Norfolk area.

Don’t miss! This living museum is open during the February half term, so make sure you don’t miss it.

BRECKLAND AND THETFORD FOREST The Brecks has one of the most distinctive landscapes in the UK, including an eight mile trail of ‘pingos’, or circular lakes created in the last Ice Age. It also boasts an excellent overall climate with low rainfall and hot summers. Embark on your own outdoor adventure at Thetford Forest, whether you prefer cycling, walking or aerial antics. Walking trails are available to download online, but you are sure to stumble across beautiful spots to have a picnic and watch the wildlife. IP27 0AF

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GRESSENHALL FARM AND WORKHOUSE This excellent museum offers a great family day out with much to explore both inside and out. Discover hundreds of relics of Norfolk’s rural life as well as a dairy where you can learn about the history of milk, butter and cheese production. Alongside these exhibitions of working and domestic life you’ll find a farm full of East Anglian breeds that are maintained by traditional techniques. Cart rides depart from the farm yard most afternoons but are dependent on the weather. This living museum is only open during the February half term, then from 5th March for the 2017 season, so make sure you don’t miss it. NR20 4DR museums.norfolk.gov.uk

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VANESSA & LES SCOTT Local food campaigner Vanessa Scott is the director of Strattons Hotel & CoCoes Deli and a well known face on the Central Norfolk foodie scene. She and her husband Les opened Stratton’s Hotel and Restaurant in in 1990, developing a run-down, private, listed building into an award-winning boutique hotel with a reputation for strong environmental ethics. Hidden away off the Market Place in Swaffham the hotel has rooms that are individual and eclectic in style, with sustainability one of Stratton’s watchwords. SATURDAY MARKET Swaffham has a vibrant Saturday market in the middle of the town that goes back centuries with many different stalls ranging from fish, fruit and veg to everyday wares and old trinkets. With an 8.30 am start, it’s a good idea to get there early to stock up on your local produce. PE37 7QH aroundswaffham.co.uk

OXBURGH HALL NEAR SWAFFHAM Whether you would prefer to relax in the tranquility of the formal gardens or embark on a woodland trail with the family, the beautiful gardens at Oxburgh are the perfect place to enjoy nature at its best.

A patron of the Norfolk Food and Drink Festival, she is a driving force behind the Brecks Food & Drink Festival (held annually in September) which has given a much-needed platform to show what an amazing larder the Brecks has, from the reared and cultivated through to the enormous wild and foraged offering. Make sure you seek out Strattons to stay or pop into CoCoes Deli for fresh, wholesome, nourishing and delicious food. PE37 7NH strattonshotel.com

PE33 9PS nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall

Did you know? Howard Carter was a Swaffham resident and the town’s museum has a Egyptology room dedicated to him and his world-renowned discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen

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Strattons is an award winning boutique hotel, restaurant and cafe deli offering cool contemporary style with originality and strong environmental ethics. 14 individual, sumptuous eclectic bedrooms and suites; maybe a carved fourposter bed; an open fire; a freestanding bath at the foot of the bed with room for two; a Moroccan style tented ceiling; a mermaid mosaic; a cow hide or two; antiques and art; contemporary cool; original period features; a huge private decked balcony or a cinema screen. Recent awards include International Hotel Awards 5* Small Hotel for the UK and EDP Norfolk food and drink ‘best afternoon tea’. RESTAURANT Eat in the chic restaurant, open every evening from 6.30pm serving organic and locally sourced produce in an innovative and exciting modern English style. Everything is made on site and the kitchen has a committed philosophy to use the plentiful and abundant seasonal produce on its own Norfolk doorstep including eggs from the hotels hens and fruit from the orchard. On the menu you might see 24 hour slow cooked Scott’s Field belly pork, cider glazed turnips, Venetian potatoes & baby carrots or baked celeriac with smoked Pinneys’ trout, caper salsa & horseradish cream. Book in for brunch club every bank holiday Monday from 12-2.30pm. AFTERNOON TEA Enjoy traditional afternoon teas alfresco in summer or by the fire in winter, with a themed seasonal changing menu, a great way to celebrate birthdays, christenings,

graduations, weddings or just catch up with friends. Available daily between 12 – 4.30pm from £15.50pp, booking essential. Look out for our special afternoon tea dates at £18pp including Mother’s day, Valentines and New Year.

road and enjoy the breathtaking North Norfolk coastline. Print room one is suitable for families and pets. Self catering guests can still take advantage of the hotel facilities perhaps breakfast in the café deli, dinner or afternoon tea in the hotel.

COCOES CAFÉ DELI Pop in for great coffee, triple alliance teas, organic wine, local beers, homemade cakes and cookies, all day breakfast or a proper lunch, light bites and tasty take out. Take home freshly baked bread, organic and bio-dynamic wines, deli items, eggs, scrummy cakes, homemade chocolates, Norfolk cheeses and freshly prepared dishes from the menu.

LOCATION Swaffham is a thriving and bustling Norfolk market town located in the fascinating and historic Brecks; 370 square miles of forest, heath and farmland. Strattons sits in a quiet, concealed yet central private close in the town, an ideal base from which to explore the Brecks, Norwich, King’s Lynn and the coast – if, that is, you can tear yourself away from the hotel with its luxurious tranquility and delicious food.

SELF CATERING Stay in one of the stylish one bedroom Print room apartments, with kitchen facilities and spacious lounges. A great base to explore the beautiful Brecks countryside or follow the coastal

FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE WWW.STRATTONSHOTEL.COM

best of REEPHAM A tranquil, tucked-away village with market town status.

VISIT CARRICK’S FIVE STAR GUEST HOUSE The award-winning Carrick’s at Castle Farm Guest House is located on the banks of the River Wensum in Swanton Morley. It has been the home of the Carrick family for almost 100 years. Carrick’s is at its heart a family farming enterprise comprising 550 acres of arable and grassland, grazed by forty rare breed White Park cows and their calves together with the de Morley herd of Lincoln Red cattle. Carrick’s, is the perfect base to

explore the county, from the wide open beaches of North Norfolk to the special heathland and forests to the south. Through an agreement with English Nature, they offer guests an insight into the stunning beauty of this very special area. A series of inter-connecting permissive footpaths enable visitors to find peace and quiet rarely experienced today. See page 170 for more information.

WROXHAM BARNS Visitors love bottle-feeding the lambs and they really are adorable. They are orphan lambs who come to Wroxham Barns from local farms when they are really tiny, so visitors often return several times to feed them and to see how they’re getting on. They usually have at least two dozen lambs and they make sure all the younger visitors have a turn at bottle-feeding.

carricksatcastlefarm.co.uk

wroxhambarns.co.uk

HISTORY Reepham may feel like a village but it is very proud of its market town status, granted in 1277. It is famous for being one of only two places in Europe to have three churches in one churchyard: St Mary’s, St Michael’s and All Saints, Hackford, now in ruins. St Mary’s church was mainly built in the 14th century and contains a canopied tomb on the north wall of the sanctuary famous for its exquisite detail.

EXPERIENCE The Georgian country home, Dial House, with dining, B&B and even houses for sale. The slow-cooked Sunday lunch on an Aga is not to be missed.

Marriott’s Way is a 26-mile path that follows disused railway tracks, passing through Whitwell and Reepham railway station so you can enjoy walking or cycling through many picturesque villages on the way towards Norwich or Aylsham. The station also houses a small museum, a tearoom and has cycles to hire. If you are interested in fishing, the Reepham Fishery is just outside the historic town. It is regarded as one of Norfolk’s premier coarse fisheries, having been established for many years on spring-fed lakes. The fishery is renowned for the size and quality of the crucian carp, and has four well-stocked lakes in total. reephamfishery.co.uk

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thedialhouse.org.uk

EXPLORE Foxley Woods, Norfolk’s largest remaining ancient woodland. In spring, the bluebells carpet the woodland floor.

Theres a lot to discover at The Bawdeswell Garden Centre

Restaurant, Food Hall, Bluebell Square Shopping Centre, Treetops Adventure Play Area, Millennium gardens, Oak, Cane and Garden Furniture, Gifts, Clothing and Plants

www.bawdeswellgardencentre.co.uk Tel. 01362 688 387 Reeve’s

The Reeve’s

Larder

Millennium FOOD HALL Garden

Restaurant Shopping Centre

FREE WIFI

Treetops

Adventure PLAY AREA

The Bawdeswell Garden Centre, Norwich Road, Bawdeswell, Dereham Norfolk NR20 4RZ

... where friends meet

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Norwich One of the best medieval cities in Europe The fact that at one time Norwich boasted a pub for every day of the year and a church for every week, gives you some idea of the city’s character. They may not number as many these days, but it still does both rather well, from its two cathedrals to its many thriving yet ancient pubs.

History is richly textured from the city’s great weaving supremacy and churchbuilding resulting from its prosperity, through the great rebellion led by Wymondham farmer Robert Kett, and into the 16th century when ‘strangers’, weavers from the Netherlands, came to Norwich. They also introduced canary-breeding and the emblem is synonymous with Norwich City Football Club. Today Norwich remains one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe but it is also a top-ten shopping destination with plenty to see and do.

“

Cobbled Elm Hill draws visitors

Tour the castle’s museum for a ride in a chariot similar to one used by East Anglia’s own Queen Boadicea and be spooked by the dungeons and centuries-old death-masks from public executions. Relax with a boat ride on the Wensum (around the city or head out to the Broads), or visit one of the 32 medieval churches, some of which have been put to new uses as art galleries and exciting new venues, hosting exhibitions, vintage fairs and even fashion shows. Other attractions include Strangers’ Hall, a magnificent Tudor House; Dragon Hall, a medieval trading complex and the Plantation Garden, a secret late Victorian town garden. The words that greet the visitor to ‘Norwich: A Fine City’, are the perfect embodiment of what the city has to offer, stating the case exactly as it is: a fine history, a fine culture, a fine future and the city thrives today just as it has throughout the centuries.

There are activities, shops, events and facilities for everyone of every age. Although there is no longer a pub for every day of the week, there are plenty of pubs remaining and the city celebrates them every year with a City of Ale festival in June. Visit Norwich’s oldest pub, the tiny Adam and Eve, or one of the newer additions, the real ale specialist and multi-award winner, the Fat Cat. The diversity within this fascinating city is astonishing, and past and present contrive to blend seamlessly in its many streets and lanes. Modern buildings such as the acclaimed Millennium Forum sit cheek by jowl with medieval church towers, while the regenerated market is as flourishing and bustling as ever. Norwich really is a city of yesterday, today and tomorrow. From the earliest Saxon and Norman inhabitants to the young students of today from the

As the sign says, Norwich is truly a fine city and to me one of the best in the world from its rich history, its beauty and the wealth of independent entrepreneurs that make it a fantastic and unique place to explore on days out or to stay for a city break. Richard Bainbridge, Benedicts Restaurant

“

Norwich has a fascinating and sometimes tumultuous history and this is evident everywhere from the fascinating Norman Castle, standing proud over the city, to the perfectlypreserved medieval cobbled street of Elm Hill. The city grew out of various Saxon settlements along the Wensum river and in the Middle Ages was second only to London in its importance as a trading post.

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Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

University of East Anglia, many have chosen to make this place home and it still draws visitors from all over the world. You may have arrived by train into the superbly-restored railway station, so perhaps you will walk along the river or over the bridge into the centre. The Forum is a good place to lay plans for exploring the city, whether you choose a guided tour or to make your own discoveries just by wandering through its lanes and arcades. Although the scale of the place is friendly to the foot, it is worth remembering that, having experienced rapid expansion from the original Saxon settlement, Norwich was once the largest walled town in England, and fragments of the original city wall can still be seen. Shopping in Norwich is varied and excellent, constantly widening in its range, particularly since the Chapelfield development opened with many big-name shops and a good variety of new cafés and restaurants as well as an expansive underground car park.

activity and a continental atmosphere and has been widely used as a film and TV location. Make sure you make time to visit cobbled Elm Hill, one of the prettiest streets in the city, its steep road leading the eye from one enticing shop to the next. Then head back into Tombland and across to the tranquility and beauty of Cathedral Close where many of its buildings are part of King Edward V1 School, whose choristers sing in the cathedral.

From here and various points along the river trips can be taken out to the Norfolk Broads or just around the city. You will also observe how many interesting museums and galleries there are in the city, and its cultural life is abundant all year round.

There is a great diversity of theatres and cinemas, most celebrated of As you explore you will stumble upon which is the Theatre Royal while one historic structure after another: the the Norwich Playhouse and The famously beautiful Pulls Ferry on the Maddermarket are also thriving. In riverside, Cow Tower on another bend May, the Norfolk and Norwich Festival of the river, a defensive tower dating brings performers from all over the from the 13th century, or Bishops Bridge, world and is not to be missed. the oldest in Norwich. The river informs For more information please contact the whole history of the city and there the Tourist Information Centre are some beautiful new developments lining its banks today, while Riverside 01603 213999 tic@visitnorwich.co.uk just across the road from the railway or visit visitnorwich.co.uk

Great pleasure can be derived from walking around the shopping areas of Gentlemen’s Walk, Castle Meadow, Timber Hill, the sensational Art Nouveau Royal Arcade and the historic Norwich Lanes; a vibrant area of the city with a whole array of independent shops. The walk along London Street leads you from Norwich Lanes to Queen Street and on into Tombland in Norwich’s Cathedral Quarter where there are a number of great cafés and restaurants. This beautiful part of the city is full of historic buildings, diverse cultural

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station, is a centre of cinema, bowling, clubs and restaurants.

Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library

“The Cathedral felt like a gateway to the heavens.” #mycathedral

Aila, Age 1 1, Norwich Cathedral Young Explorer.

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Walking

in the Cathedral Quarter Whether you are visiting Norwich for the first time, or a long-standing resident, we hope you enjoy uncovering the unknowns of the Cathedral Quarter

After visiting the Cathedral, which sits at the heart of the quarter, our tip would be to explore this part of the city as you head towards the Norwich Lanes. Like the Lanes, the Cathedral Quarter is full of independent shops, pavement cafés and restaurants, as well as galleries and a diverse mix of cultural activity. You can explore on your own using the map on these pages or alternatively download and be sure not to miss these exciting aspects… MEDIEVAL CHURCHES OF THE CATHEDRAL QUARTER Fifty-seven parish churches are known to have stood within the walls of medieval Norwich. Despite damages and losses, thirty-one of them remain, representing the greatest concentration of urban medieval churches north of the Alps. ELM HILL In medieval times Elm Hill was one of the most important streets in the city, boasting more Tudor houses than in The City of London. From around the early thirteenth century Elm Hill was where the rich made their homes. PUBS OF THE CATHEDRAL QUARTER Possibly the oldest pub in Norwich, The Adam and Eve in Bishopgate and the oldest inn, the Maid’s Head in Tombland, are located in the Cathedral Quarter. Take a walk between the two, which will create a thirst for knowledge and possibly some refreshment! HISTORIC TOMBLAND An exploration around this area helps you appreciate Norwich’s history. From the Angles and the Danes, the arrival of the Normans, the building of Norwich Cathedral and stories of the Maids Head. The place is

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also dotted with characters such as Horatio Nelson, Edith Cavell and Thomas Erpingham, plus events in history including Kett’s Rebellion, Walter Eghe’s escape from the hangman’s noose and the 1272 Tombland Fair, when locals attacked Norwich Cathedral! THE GREAT HOSPITAL & RIVERSIDE Walk along the River Wensum where

you’ll experience St James Mill, the Law Courts (a former Gas Works site), Cow Tower and Bishop Bridge, and one of Norwich’s ‘hidden gems’, the Great Hospital. Whilst at the Great Hospital, which was founded in 1249, you can see the house that Thomas Ivory built for his own use, as well as the historic core of the site containing St Helen’s Church, England’s smallest cloister, the

cathedral.org.uk/cqwalks

refectory, the spectacular ‘Eagle Ward’ and England’s last remaining swan pit.

standard is so high that nearly all within the Quarter can be recommended.

FOOD & DRINK IN THE CATHEDRAL QUARTER

Last year, on the midsummer weekend, Norwich Cathedral celebrated Norwich’s Cathedral Quarter with a series a free walks, telling the story of the city’s oldest quarter through time.

In addition to the walks, make sure to allow time to experience Norwich’s fantastically diverse coffee shop culture… They are too numerous to mention and the

They are currently working with

businesses in the Cathedral Quarter and some of the city’s best tour guides to explore the option of running a weekend of Walking Stories again in 2017-18. They will publish details on their website as soon as plans are announced, so do check back frequently here: cathedral.org.uk/cqwalks

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Gallyons Country Clothing Gallyons Country Clothing are a family business, specialising in luxury high quality outdoor clothing, footwear, accessories and gifts. The Gallyons name is synonymous to East Anglia since 1784. Their two shops are situated in the heart of historic Norwich city centre, our original branch sits in the beautiful cobbled lanes of Bedford Street nestled in the Norwich Lanes area, where a full and varied collection for the great outdoors can be found and their other branch centrally located in Red Lion Street, enhanced by the beautiful stone carvings designed by George Skipper. It houses a fashionable city & country lifestyle look and both shops compliment each other really well.

Waterproof, just about everything to prepare you for the glorious British climate; smart or casual, you can be sure to find something that will appeal to your individual style and express your personality to perfection. They stock: Barbour, Hunter, Dubarry, Schoffel, Musto, Aigle, Le Chameau, Fairfax & Favor, R.M Williams. Alan Paine, Stetson, Harkilla, Tilley. Chrysalis, Seeland, Jack Murphy, Anna Lascata, a fabulous selection of tweeds plus so much more.

Whether you are living the country life or you just like the country look, they offer a range of fabulous collections.

They are passionate about what they do and their aim is to provide a professional, friendly personal service in every way they can.

If your look is classic or contemporary; they have the perfect all weather clothing be it Tweed, Wax, Quilt,

Visit either store and discover for yourself.

The largest selection of the finest outdoor clothing.

Premier Stockists BARBOUR MUSTO HUNTER R.M WILLIAMS DUBARRY SCHOFFEL AIGLE DEERHUNTER LE CHAMEAU STETSON CHRISTYS DRIZA-BONE SEELAND FAIRFAX & FAVOR ANNA LASCATA HARKILLA ALAN PAINE TILLEY CHRYSALIS JACK MURPHY AND MANY MORE FABULOUS SELECTION OF TWEEDS

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Country Clothing

Lifestyle Clothing

7 Bedford Street, Norwich, NR2 1AR Tel 01603 622845 www.gallyonsclothing.co.uk

11 Red Lion Street (opposite Debenhams) Norwich, NR1 3QF Tel 01603 767946

The WYMONDHAM experience Located less than ten miles from Norwich, this bustling market town has witnessed a long and fascinating history. Today, the attractive town centre retains a higgledy streetscape of monastic fragments and Georgian cottages, spiked with a bohemian, eccentric edge and is home to many fascinating buildings, streets and shops such as Middletons. From the magnificent 900 year old

Wymondham Abbey and countless picturesque riverside walks, to The Green Dragon Tavern an impressive 15th century inn, or the Station Bistro a historic railway dining room with with it’s unique train carriage seating and the ever-popular Wymondham Music Festival held this year from 1st-15th July. This historic Norfolk town offers it all; a lively atmosphere, bags of character and plenty to see and do and visit there wouldn’t be complete without sampling lunch or dinner at Kindreds Restaurant that serves delicious modern French cuisine to the highest standards. Finally, say it like a local and don’t forget Wymondham is pronounced “Windum”!

Middletons Quality Footwear & Clothing

KINDREDS RESTAURANT In the centre of the historic town Executive Chef Mark Dixon and his Head Chef Reece Eden (previously at the Ingham Swan) create an ever-changing menu focusing on relaxed French style and contemporary European cuisine. Open Monday - Saturday 12pm-2pm & 6pm-9pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm kindredsrestaurant.com 2 Bridewell St, Wymondham NR18 0AR 01953 601872

21 Middleton Street Wymondham NR18 0AB Tel. 01953 607 518

facebook.com/middletonsclothing

Barbour, Hackett, Replay, Peregrine, Slaith, Bruhl, Olymp, MaGee, Thomas Oliver, White Stuff, Seasalt, Capri,Thought, Gardeur, Adini, Marble, In Town, Goubi, Loake, J-Shoes, Rieker, Caprice, Wortmann & many more. the best of NORFOLK 103

West Norfolk Best of Kings Lynn 105 Found at Great Massingham 108 Best of Hunstanton 109

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KINGS LYNN

A port with plenty, rich in history, myth and legend MARKET BISTRO An award-winning restaurant where the knowledgeable owners make everything from scratch in their tiny ‘galley-like’ kitchen. It has recently been voted as one of the Times Top 25 Family Run Restaurants, and features in the Good Food Guide. PE30 5DQ marketbistro.co.uk Markets are conveniently held on Saturdays at Saturday Marketplace, and on Tuesdays at Tuesday Market Place. ARCHITECTURE King’s Lynn has more listed buildings than York and was one of England’s most important ports from as early as the 12th Century. When visiting, start at the iconic Custom House, home to the Tourist Information Centre where you can discover the story of King’s Lynn’s maritime history and pick up a free copy of the Discover King’s Lynn Heritage Trail. PE30 1HP visitwestnorfolk.com

BEERS AND BEARS OF EUROPE Explore the impressive range of over 2000 beers and spirits at Beers of Europe. They have also opened a major programme of expansion into high end toys next door at The Steiff Shop. Brands include classics such as Swedish Brio, French Baghera and Ravensburg, as well as some 500 Steiff bears and animals. PE33 OBE

TREEHOUSES & GLAMPING Relive childhood adventures in these treehouses, uniquely designed around the trees in West Lexham. The glamping is also ideal for rustic-chic holidays. westlexham.org

GROUNDWORK GALLERY GroundWork Gallery is a new project that brings contemporary art to the historic town of King’s Lynn. Expect to see all forms of outward-looking visual arts: from painting to film to sculpture, all within a space to be inspired by art and environment. 17 Purfleet Street PE30 1ER

best for

THE WASH MONSTER

CHILDREN

These unique seal safaris and coastal trips are run by charismatic Captain Willie. Using two original amphibious vessels, the Wash Monsters depart from the central promenade in Hunstanton, each tour provides an imaginative and fun way of discovering the local wildlife populations and panoramic views as well as learning of historic legends around The Wash.

CHURCH FARM At Church Farm in Stow Bardolph you’ll find all you need for a day of family farm fun. Meet the friendly animals, take a tractor ride or play on the adventure playground complete with trampolines. Don’t forget to pop into the Treehouse, a fabulous indoor play area.

PE36 5BH seatours.co.uk

churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk #WASHMONSTER

FARMER FRED’S PLAYBARN Just behind Norfolk Lavender is East Anglia’s largest children’s indoor play area, with something to suit all ages. For older children, there’s state-of-theart interactive gaming and a 3D spider tower. Younger visitors can enjoy the stimulating 0-2’s area or the specially designed low ropes adventure course perfect for ages 2-4 PE31 7JE 01485 579526

Discover stories of the seafarers, explorers, merchants, mayors, and miscreants. Tour the old gaol cells, try on mayor’s robes, see the magnificent King John Cup and more!

Museum and Old Gaol House

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Open: Daily Tel: 01553 774297 Find us on Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn, PE30 5DQ For more information visit www.kingslynntownhall.com/storiesoflynn

Beer, Bears & More The owners of Beers of Europe have expanded to a different kind of comforting product – antique toys and collectables If you enjoy browsing through products in an impressive and in-depth range, King’s Lynn is a town not to be missed. Just three miles south of the centre, you’ll come across two neighbouring collections that are both almost encyclopaedic in nature: one of beer and the other of bears. Beers of Europe is the country’s biggest beer shop, with over 2000 beers and 2000 spirits and liqueurs, and hundreds of wines, ports and sherries carefully sourced from over 75 different countries. The growing popularity of craft beers and artisanal spirits mean there is always something new to discover here. An established premier shopping destination, it has customers flying in from as far as California to pay a visit despite the full online ordering service. Next door, owners Derek and Carol have extended this family-run business to create The Steiff Shop, inspired by their lifelong passion for toys and

collectables. Applying the same eye for breadth, they stock classic brands such as Steiff and Brio in a depth that is very difficult to find elsewhere. Steiff was the first brand to create stuffed bears with moveable arms and legs in 1902, and have been highly prized by collectors ever since, reaching some of the highest ever prices at auction. The Steiff Shop in King’s Lynn is an enchanting showcase of 500 different bears and animals, as well as special limited editions. Almost the entire collection of these classic German bears with their trademark buttoned ears can be found here, ranging from keyring to jumbo size. Other products include a fabulous selection of timeless Swedish wooden toys from Brio, French-based range of retro-style Baghera metal pedal cars and elaborate Jigsaws from the classic brand Ravensburger.

Derek, Carol and their sons Daniel and Jason are also currently planning The Warehouse, which will be one of the biggest antiques centres in East Anglia, featuring everything from furniture to jewellery, artwork to clothing and books to toys, so look out for more. Norfolk PE33 0BE, 3 miles South of King’s Lynn 01553 812000 beersofeurope.co.uk thesteiffshop.com

The Great Massingham experience One of Norfolk’s most attractive villages, Great Massingham is located only thirteen miles east of King’s Lynn. It has one of the most impressive greens in the country with several large ponds (home to the dabbling ducks!), which were originally fish ponds for an 11th century Augustinian Abbey. Stay at The Dabbling Duck and make sure you don’t miss the stunning nearby attractions. Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, was educated in the village before going on to build the breathtaking 18th century Palladianstyle mansion, Houghton Hall nearby, it offers a wide range of museums, exhibitions and gardens to discover

and is a ‘must-see’ destination for those interested in contemporary art and sculpture. Castle Rising Castle is one of the largest, best preserved and most lavishly decorated keeps in England, surrounded by 20 acres of grounds and a mighty moat and Castle Acre boasts one of the largest and best preserved monastic sites in England dating back to 1090. There are beautiful walks throughout the area, Sandringham (see page 128) is less than eight miles away, the estate stretches to over 8000 hectares and can enjoy long walks and views of the West Norfolk coastline and beyond. and Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve is a peaceful place, with a rich variety of wildlife in its woodland, fen and reed bed habitats. Kit yourself out at Lings Country Goods before you set off and you’ll be sure of a great adventure.

Snettisham Park, a working farm where a trip can involve a deer safari where you will meet their magnificent red deer herd, you can bottle feed lambs, collect fresh farm eggs and ride ponies as well as taking a walk on one of three wonderful trails. If all that sounds to strenuous, why not spoil yourself with a treatment at Congham Hall’s Secret Garden Spa, a truly unique and remarkable setting, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

For children a brilliant option is

Lings Country Goods for all your country pursuits

Lings Country Goods Lings Country Goods for all your country pursuits for all your country pursuits Wide range of top brand country clothing:

BARBOUR DUBARRY MUSTO SCHOFFEL LE CHAMEAU SEELAND, ALAN PAINE AND PAMPEANO

Wide range of top brand country clothing • BARBOUR • DUBARRY • MUSTO • SCHÖFFEL • LE CHAMEAU • CHRYSALIS TOGGI • HUCKLECOTE • DEERHUNTER • SEELAND • HARKILA • ZOO Also stocking guns, ammunition & shooting accessories

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Morton ATV Wide range of top brandall country clothing terrain and utility terrain vehicles Wide range of top brand country clothing Heath Farm, Great Massingham PE32 2HJ

108

• BARBOUR • DUBARRY • MUSTO www.lingscountrygoods.co.uk • BARBOUR • DUBARRY • MUSTO • SCHÖFFEL • LE CHAMEAU • CHRYSALIS www.mortonatv.com | Tel: 01485 520828 • SCHÖFFEL • LE CHAMEAU • CHRYSALIS TOGGI • HUCKLECOTE • DEERHUNTER TOGGI • •HUCKLECOTE • DEERHUNTER the best of NORFOLK SEELAND • HARKILA • ZOO • SEELAND • HARKILA • ZOO

HUNSTANTON

best for

CHILDREN

The nickname of Sunny Hunny sums up this family-friendly West Norfolk seaside town.

Homemade Hunstanton ice-cream is perfect when enjoyed on the patio overlooking the sea. This small family business have been making their own ice-cream on site since 2013 they also serve sundaes, sorbets and Belgian waffles imported from Leiage.

Grab a picnic Norfol at k Deli n

huntstantonicecream.co.uk

orfolkdeli.co .uk 01485 53554 0

Hunstanton is also famous for its climate. It really is sunny as the locals would have it, and it is one of the driest places in the country – facing west so the sunsets are especially beautiful.

Hunstanton is the starting point for the invigorating Norfolk Coastal Path that runs all the way to Cromer, around 40 miles away, and is a stunning place for a family walk. Also nearby is Caley Mill, at Heacham, home of the famous Norfolk lavender, whose fields in season are really impressive. They also sell a wide range of lavender products for the home and body that make great souvenirs. PE31 7JE

Snettisham Park is a very busy working farm consisting of 329 acres, and is a great place to get close to nature. Hand feed a spectacular herd of over 60 hinds and stags on the Deer Safari ride. Witness ewes which lamb inside the barns February to April, and bottle feed the lambs from March. Year-round you can collect and grade freshly laid eggs, groom ponies, feed the goats, and cuddle a guinea pig or rabbit. Bircham Rd, King’s Lynn, PE31 7NG snettishampark.co.uk

The town offers everything you could want for a traditional English family holiday. Children will love a visit to the Sea Life Sanctuary, where they can see otters, seals and sharks among other species. Avoid just turning up, it’s cheaper to buy tickets online. visitsealife.com/hunstanton

If you happen to be in town in August, take them to the annual lawn tennis week that has been running since the 1920s. hunstantonltt.co.uk

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â&#x20AC;Śa holiday by the sea

To book a stay at The Old Lighthouse visit www. norfolkcoastholidaycottages.co.uk or call 01485 532896.

Norfolkcoast holidaycottages Old Hunstanton

Telephone: 01485 532896 www.norfolkcoastholidaycottages.co.uk

The highlight of the

Norfolk coast

An iconic building on the coast, The Old Lighthouse in Hunstanton has undergone a top-to-bottom transformation and is now the perfect spot to enjoy Norfolk’s big skies, day and night.

Watching nature transform the scene in front of your eyes as you look out from The Old Lighthouse is a truly exhilarating way to experience the ever-changing Norfolk skyline. Whether you climb the 62 steps and brave the elements to look out to sea from the gallery, atop the lighthouse tower, or simply watch the scene unfold from a window inside, the building offers a truly unique vista. Following a major refurbishment by Norfolk Coast Holiday Cottages, also behind The Lodge and nearby Briarfields Hotel, Titchwell, The Old Lighthouse now offers a superb self-catering destination for holidaymakers looking to experience nature-in-the-raw.

Norfolk is beautiful year-round, and watching a stormy sky rolling in across The Wash is an amazing sight that makes you feel as if you’re at the heart of the action. Whatever the time of year, whether you are enjoying one of Hunstanton’s famous sunsets and a sundowner in shorts and flip-flops in the large garden, or wrapped up with a hot toddy in cooler seasons, The Old Lighthouse is just footsteps from the sandy beach. There couldn’t be a better spot to say you’ve really seen the best of Norfolk… A beautiful, first floor open plan lounge, dining area and kitchen, offer a panoramic view of the sea and Norfolk’s famous big skies. Cosy up in winter, or throw open the balcony doors when the sun shines, and watch the waves roll by, until day turns to night then grab the telescope and watch the stars shine brightly above.

To book a stay, visit: norfolkcoastholidaycottages.co.uk or call 01485 532896.

Accommodating up to eight guests in four en suite bedrooms, across two floors, The Old Lighthouse is ideal for families and small groups looking for a landmark property with spectacular coastal views. A fully equipped kitchen with a range cooker makes home cooking easy, while The Lodge offers a chef and butler service for an in-house luxury dining experience.

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Wild Norfolk Norfolk remains a wild place at heart and the majority of people who visit Norfolk quote nature, walking and other outdoor activities as one of the main reasons they choose to spend their time in this county. To help you make the most of all there is on offer, our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wild Norfolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; section searches out favourite haunts as well as some less well known wilderness.

SEAL TRIPS AND CRUISES Norfolk mostly has common seals in the summer months, who arrive at Blakeney Point to have their pups. The pups start being born around June, and will continue through until the end of August. The grey seals have their pups in the months of November and December, so Christmas is a good time for viewing if you wrap up warm! They are very inquisitive animals and will often swim around the boats so this is a good time for taking photographs. You can also get the chance to land on Blakeney Point when the tide allows, and walk up to the Old Lifeboat House which is now an information centre run by the National Trust. There are a number of seal trip operators, and we recommend Temples Seals Trips operated by the Temple family for well over 60 years, with skipper Jim starting when he was just nine years old! The whole family help run the business with future generations often on board learning the ropes! If you want to have a more intimate look at Scolt Head Island book a trip with Branta Crusies. Birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers will enjoy pausing to watch the many birds and wildlife that inhabit the landscape. The cruise offers a rarely-seen view of the coastline and natural beauty of the North Norfolk Coast. Upon landing Laura May, we will step on to the island and explore the shoreline before reaching the highest point to enjoy one of Norfolk’s finest views. sealtrips.co.uk brantacruises.co.uk 114 the best of NORFOLK

WE WALKED FOR MILES… AND DID IT BY BUS... AND WITHOUT A RUCKSACK! Did you know that Norfolk has over 1200 miles of major walks, cycle and bridles paths that criss-cross this beautiful county? From the famous Norfolk Coastal Path, part of the National Trails network and soon to be part of the National Coastal Path that will go round the whole of the UK coastline, through to quiet footpaths that explore inland places – the choice is fantastic. To plan the perfect Norfolk walking, whether you want a 30 minute stroll or a week on a long distance path, check out the Norfolk Trails website. Working in perfect harmony with Norfolk walking is the famous Coast Hopper bus service, running all the way from Kings Lynn though to Cromer. Literally hop on and hop off at any point along the route from Hunstanton to Cromer, really handy if you want to do the coastal path or inland from the coast and you don’t want to retrace your steps home or have to do a circular walk to get you back to your car. This is so the most environmentally friendly way

to enjoy Norfolk – protecting our precious countryside for future generations to enjoy! Three day rover tickets are £20 so you can hop on and off as much as you like. Use their very helpful website to plan your journey. Alternatively why not get your bags transported between your accommodation leaving you free to enjoy the beautiful countryside without the hassle of carrying a full rucksack. Hike Help charge £12 per bag up to a maximum of 18kg per transfer. The service is great for walkers, cyclists or even swimmers. Most of the routes throughout Norfolk are covered including the Norfolk Coast Path, Peddars Way, Weavers Way, Angles Way and the Wherrymans Way. hikehelp.co.uk norfolktrails.co.uk stagecoachbus.com

NATURAL SURROUNDINGS – THE CAFÉ IN THE WOODS This is definitely one of North Norfolk’s best kept secrets! Nestled in the woods in the Glaven Valley on the Bayfield Estate just outside Holt, Natural Surroundings has a nature trail with boardwalks and a wonderful café and shop, where you can watch the birds on the feeders as you tuck into some of the fabulous soup, sandwiches and cakes on offer. For the green fingered amongst you, Natural Surroundings is home to The Wild Flower Centre and has a breeding colony of the gorgeous little Harvest mice on show! Owned by internationally renowned authors, naturalists and wildflower experts Simon and Anne Harrap, Natural Surroundings is a real treat. Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays) between October and April. Bayfield Estate, Near Glandford, Holt NR25 7JN, 01263 711091, naturalsurroundings.info

GATEKEEPERS TO THE WILDERNESS… The fine folk who run the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty office have oodles of information to ensure you make the most of your ‘wild’ time when you visit Norfolk. In 1992 they set up The Norfolk Coastal Partnership to promote sustainable tourism in this fragile environment and if you love cycling ,walking, bird watching, horse-riding and the many other outdoor activities available in Norfolk then you should start any visit with a look at their magnificent website before you even get here and soak up some of this information. There are maps and suggested routes taking you off the beaten track plus horse riding paths and lots of other useful stuff. norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk Bayfield Estate, Near Glandford, Holt NR25 7JN, 01263 711091, naturalsurroundings.info

NORWICH – CITY OF HISTORY, OF CULTURE…AND WILDLIFE!

The Peregrines at Norwich Cathedral If you are in Norwich between the end of March and the end of July, head for the spectacular Norwich Cathedral and enjoy a real bit of wild Norfolk right in the heart of the city. Each year a pair of peregrine falcons, the fastest animal on earth when they ‘stoop’ out of the sky after their prey, nest on the spire. A nesting platform, mimicking the cliff ledge which is normally the peregrine’s nesting place of choice, has been provided by National conservation organisation the Hawk and Owl Trust. Two or three chicks have been raised each year for the last few years and a

camera sends live images to a screen set up in the café at the cathedral. Perfect for getting close up views and for trying the coffee, light snacks and cake on offer too! At other times of the year the adult birds are often seen perching on the nest platform and spire. Do take the opportunity to explore the fascinating cathedral too – an incredibly important institution in the history of England as well as the fine city of Norwich. hawkandowl.org cathedral.org.uk

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Visit Titchwell Marsh and don’t just get closer to nature, become part of it.

Titchwell Marsh

Seasonal Highlights avocet

Spring

Autumn

Winter

This is one of the most exciting times of the year. The first spring migrants, such as swallows and sand martins, can be seen over the lagoons with wheatears along the beach. If you are lucky, you may also hear the ‘booming’ of the bittern, which has recently returned to breed at Titchwell and marsh harriers can be seen performing their ‘sky dancing’ display.

Autumn is the time for waders when, with luck, over 20 species could be seen around the reserve.

Winter is the time for wildfowl at Titchwell. Large numbers of ducks and geese winter in North Norfolk and most of these species can be seen on the lagoons. The commonest species are teal, wigeon, mallard, gadwall and shoveler, with smaller numbers of pintails and goldeneyes.

Summer

September is one of the best months to view bearded tits. The young gather in small flocks and can show very well feeding on seeds blown onto the mud near the Island Hide.

Mid-summer is the quietest time for birds but the best for some of the more elusive reserve species. By mid-July, the breeding marsh harriers will have flying young and up to 15 birds have been seen in a day.

Species such as curlew sandpiper, little stint and black-tailed godwit stop on the lagoons to feed on their return migration from their Arctic breeding grounds to their African wintering grounds.

Offshore from the reserve, large ‘rafts’ of common scoters, long tailed ducks and eiders can be seen. In the evenings, thousands of pink-footed geese can be seen flying to their roost sites along the coast. Hen harriers, marsh harriers and occasionally barn owls can be seen over the reedbed at dusk. In the evenings, thousands of pink-footed geese may be seen flying to their roost sites along the coast.

black tailed godwit

pink footed goose

marsh harrier

eider

brent goose

bittern

rspb.org.uk

bearded tit

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For all your birding needs contact Richard at One Stop Nature Shop, the friendliest specialist on the coast visit www.onestopnature.co.uk

MY YEAR WITH HARES MARTIN HAYWARD SMITH For a unique insight into the life cycle of hares in Norfolk and the UK hare-preservation-trust.co.uk norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

BROWN HARES

When to see

The brown hareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive large ears and characteristic black tips, along with their long hind legs, make them easy to recognise and removes the possibility of confusing them with rabbits.

The best time to look for brown hares is dawn or dusk. Late winter and early spring are the best seasons to scan the fields.

Norfolk holds nationally important populations of brown hares and, whilst numbers have declined, it remains a stronghold for this species. They favour areas with a patchwork of grassland and crops.

If you are lucky you might observe some mad March hare behaviour, when up to twenty hares gather together and indulge in madcap chases and furious boxing matches, though this can actually take place any time between December and April. Hare image by Lucy Boydell Red Dot Gallery

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Watching Wild Norfolk!

One of Norfolk’s most appealing assets is its unspoilt countryside and the abundant wildlife you will encounter there. What better way to get the low down on what you can expect to see and one of the best places to visit than from local wildlife expert Richard Campey from the One Stop Nature Shop.

Right from the early days, Richard had a deep love of the natural world, studying Zoology at Cardiff University after leaving school and going on to spend two years as warden on Lundy Island off the coast of north Devon. He then trained as an A-level biology & science teacher and taught at King’s College, Taunton. However, the lure of a career in conservation was too strong and Richard left to work for the RSPB for the following eight years, and presented TSW wildlife programme “Wild about the West”. The next twenty two years were spent with a leading optical retailer, culminating in him opening his own optics and wildlife observation business in 2011, including a shop on the north Norfolk coast at Burnham Deepdale. As Richard says: ‘I have a real passion for watching wildlife and I want to help other people enjoy it too. My formula is simple – I give friendly, unbiased, expert advice, gleaned from a lifetime of studying wildlife and over 30 years in the optics business, to ensure customers choose the right piece of equipment to suit both their needs and budget. This is important to me.’ 118 the best of NORFOLK

For me, the beauty of Norfolk for the birdwatcher, naturalist or walker is the variety of the habitat and the landscape. From vast open salt marshes and mudflats to unspoilt flower meadows, river valleys and ancient woodland, each of these special habitats holds its own niche of diverse wildlife. These very special places drew me to Norfolk 30 years ago and I have never left! As the owner of One Stop Nature Shop on the north Norfolk coast at Burnham Deepdale, right on the edge of one of the most beautiful stretches of salt marsh, reed beds and

water meadows in the UK, I have the pleasure of spending most of my time helping people get closer to nature. THE NORFOLK COASTAL PATH BETWEEN BRANCASTER AND BURNHAM OVERY DUNES This is one of my very favourite places to appreciate wild Norfolk and its wildlife. Big skies, wonderful coastal views, easy walking and lots of birds all year round are to be found along this magnificent stretch of the coast. There’s easy access to the Coast Path at several points around Brancaster/ Burnham Deepdale/Burnham Overy

Staithe and plenty of places to park. Or better still, use the fabulous Coast Hopper bus service to jump on and off at many points along this stretch, walk there and bus it back! Perfect and very environmentally friendly! From massive skeins of pink-footed geese at dawn and dusk in the winter months, exotic migrants such as waxwings and yellow browed warblers, to a plethora of native waders, water birds and raptors including the rare marsh harrier, all are regulars along this stretch. For plant lovers, the unspoilt coastal environment is home to three different types of sea lavender, washing the landscape delicate shades of blue/ pink/purple in the late summer, early autumn.

Pink-footed geese

Barn Owl

For the food lover, a gentle stroll along the coastal path between Brancaster and Burnham Overy in May/June will reveal great swaths of marsh samphire; a delicacy served at most good hostelries in the area. You will also see the famous Brancaster mussel and oyster lays as you walk and local fishermen working them. I may be biased but the shellfish from Brancaster is absolutely world class so if you are visiting in a month with a ‘R’ in it, add a lunch stop to your itinerary and have a steaming bowl of mussels!

BRINGING WILDLIFE CLOSER A pair of binoculars will, without doubt enhance your visit to our beautiful county whether you are watching a ghostly barn owl drifting silently over a meadow or watching some of the 1000s of pink-footed geese that visit us from Scandinavia in the winter. Choosing binoculars is very much a personal decision; it’s all about what feels right for you, what level of nature watching you do and the budget you have available. To start with, let’s demystify the numbers on a pair of binoculars. The ﬁrst number is the magniﬁcation; the second is the diameter of the objective glass and the larger the diameter the more light will enter the binocular. The smaller this number, generally the smaller the binocular which can be good for people wanting particularly lightweight and compact binoculars. How they feel in the hand, ease of use, how they perform with spectacles, weight and size all vary with individual models and the only way to get the right one for you is to try them out and compare different ones. Choosing a pair of binoculars should be a pleasant experience so we have a ‘no rush, no obligation to buy there and then’ policy! Whether you are buying a pair for £45 or £2000, it is important to us that you get the right ones. We pride ourselves in offering you our expert, unbiased advice to achieve this. As well as a wide range of optics to suit all preferences and budget including binoculars, telescopes and tripods, One Stop Nature Shop also stocks: • Wildlife books, identification aids and maps • Nestboxes and nestbox and other wildlife cameras • Microscopes and hand magnifiers • Bird food and feeders • Outdoor clothing and rucksacks • Night vision equipment

Ben Southerland

USEFUL INFORMATION: The One Stop Nature Shop, 9 Dalegate Market, Burnham Deepdale, PE31 8FB 01485 211 223. Open every day except Christmas Day 10am – 5pm. onestopnature.co.uk Coast Hopper Bus stagecoachbus.com/promos-andoffers/east/coasthopper the best of NORFOLK 119

Getting on the water There is one thing you can guarantee to see a lot of when you come to Norfolk and that’s water. Be it the great North Sea, the many rivers running into the sea or the mighty Broads.

Oyster boat in Blakeney Harbour

We thought we would take this opportunity to explore some of the many ways you could spend some time ‘on the water’. If your idea of fun is cruising along watching the watery world go by then there are several companies that can make this happen: NORTH SEA FISHING TRIPS Whether you want to go out with a gang of you for the whole day or have a father and son/mother and daughter moment for three or four hours this is a great way to experience sea fishing. Using a very impressive custom built 12m double hulled catamaran called Katie Louise, the experienced and knowledgeable crew, made up of local people who know the area, will ensure your day goes perfectly. All gear can be provided if required and there’s even a chef on board should you wish to dine

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at sea too. They are based at Thornham with their winter cod fishing trips leaving from Lowestoft. Check out their informative website and with three and a half hours mackerel and bass fishing starting at just £35per person this is a very accessible way to get out on the water. norfolkfishingtrips.co.uk 01485 517610

NORFOLK’S CHALK RIVERS Did you know that there are only 200 chalk rivers in the world, with 160 in Britain and 10% of these are in Norfolk! The result of flowing over a chalk bed means that chalk rivers with their calcium rich, clear waters have their very own particular set of flora and fauna. The Norfolk chalk rivers include the Glaven, Babingley, Stiffkey, Gaywood, Hun, Mun, Ingol, Heacham and Burn. You can explore some of these rivers at certain points, so for more information go to: norfolkriverstrust.org 01263 711299

SURFING Finally, for those of you with an appetite for the slightly more adventurous maybe a surfing session is more up your street – Norfolk can give Cornwall surf a run for its money any day! Deep swells and good waves can be experienced at several sites along the coast including Mundesley and Cromer and at the other end of the coast Hunstanton. There is definitely a surf culture to be experienced in these areas and for more information on lessons for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing and information on surf conditions, check out the following sites: hunstantonwatersports.com and glidesurfschool.co.uk at Cromer.

THE WORLD OF WILDLIFE FROM THE WATER Norfolk is famous far and wide for the richness of its natural habitats and as a result its wildlife with many of these creatures and plants live by, under or often on or over water. Luckily, safe access to this natural wonder is available through the services of several local companies:

norfolketc.co.uk

We can now move from an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to an area that has the important designation of ‘National Park’ – The Broads! From tranquil, slow flowing waterways, explored up close and personal by canoe to motoring in style along the main water ways aboard a ‘gin palace’ the choice is extensive. The CanoeMan offers guided trips, including overnight camping expeditions or just canoe hire and gives access to some of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of the broads. The ‘Paddle Steamer’ trip is highly recommended, with a trip to or back from the canoe hire point by steam train!

01263 740 704

thecanoeman.com

At Blakeney Harbour, private sailing and boat charters are available via Norfolketc from Morston Quay. Using traditional Norfolk Oyster Sail boats, they can accommodate up to five people with pets welcome. Sailing lessons are also available.

01603 783777

The ‘gin palace’ option and other cruisers, including the environmentally friendly electric boats, can be hired by the day or longer from a number of boat companies, mainly based in Wroxham. Check out the Broads Authority’s very good website that has a plethora of information on all things water and boating on the Broads, including hire company details: enjoythebroads.com/boating/boat-hire

7beaches best

NORFOLK

Norfolk has 93 miles of coastline filled with unspoilt beaches that are clean, safe and family-friendly. They’re great to enjoy throughout the seasons, with most welcoming dog walkers all year round. However you choose to spend the day, be sure to stick around for the breathtaking sunsets!

Cromer best for surfing

Brancaster our top beach Backed by gorgeous sand dunes and with a peaceful RSPB bird reserve. An intimate, dog-friendly beach, this stretch of coast offers many great walks, starting with the scenic beach route just off Gypsy Lane Walk. Those willing to brave the waters will have a great time swimming, just be mindful that there is no lifeguard service. A picnic is the best bet here or alternatively a tasty lunch at one of the nearby hotels.

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Wells best for a family day at the beach Privacy and great views from the sand dunes are the two things that set Wells apart. It’s full of cosy, quaint beach huts that are a lovely backdrop for an open air picnic. Remember to bring a bucket of ice to keep your drinks cool as it is a long walk back to get provisions. Dogs are allowed all year round on part of the beach. If you are swimming here please be aware that the tide comes in extremely fast.

Cromer has a long family beach overlooked by a nostalgic Victorian pier. Equipped with its own surf school and an RNLI lifeguard in the summer months, it’s a place where kids can run wild. It is also one of three beaches awarded the Blue Flag in 2016 for water quality.

Gorleston-on-Sea best for younger children On a smaller scale and with a gentle tide, this beach is excellent for little ones. It is a sandy beach with RNLI Lifeguards on patrol during the summer months. At the top of the grassy cliffs you’ll find a play area as well as a flat prom that is great for cycling – both with or without stabilisers.

Caistor on sea

Happisburgh best for walking in the footsteps of early humans Famous for its striking red and white lighthouse and unspoilt bay, Happisburgh was once linked to mainland Europe. Evacuations at the beach have revealed some of the first evidence of hunter gatherers in Britain dating back more than 800,000 years. If you are feeling like a trek yourself, there is a circular seven and a half mile walk from Happisburgh inland across open fields and lanes to the villages of Bridlington and Walcott.

Holkham best for walking the dog

Hunstanton best for rockpooling

This beach is a bit too exposed for a swim, but when the tide is out it stretches for miles, creating a beautiful space to explore. It’s backed by fragrant pine forests and is lovely for a walk, flying a kite, playing boule or cricket, or even a spot of of bare-foot running. Whatever you get up to, you’re are sure to be undisturbed and to enjoy the invigorating and brisk North Sea Wind.

This beach is ideal for exploring after the tide has gone out. Make sure to bring some soft shoes to avoid any scrapes or scratches. The whole family is welcome at Hunstanton, even four-legged members of your clan who’ll have ample space to run and play.

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Culture

Cultural Visits & Literary Festivals 126,127 Stately Homes and Gardens 128,129 Norfolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Angels 130 Ones to Watch - Norfolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Art 132 - 137 Norfolk Makers 138 Antiques, Auctions & Fairs 139

The Thomas Paine Trail

Norwich Cathedral

Although better known state-side than in his native land, Paine was a Thetford born man who went on to be one of the most influential political theorists of the 1776 American Revolution. Thetford now hosts a trail for you to trace his steps around the town. Discover commemorative plaques & statues as well as Thetford Grammar where he went to school. Don’t miss the Ancient House Museum or the memorabilia at the Thomas Paine Hotel.

This awe inspiring cathedral has recently undergone a revamp, and is fast becoming a place to be seen in the city. Regardless of whether you’re religious or not, this is the most complete piece of Norman architecture in England and its vast structure mustn’t be missed. People of all faiths are welcome to enjoy the diverse program of events throughout the year which includes popular art and photography exhibitions. If you pop in you can enjoy a light lunch or coffee and cake in the Refectory cafe, and experience the tranquillity of the Herb and Japanese Gardens.

thomaspaineuk.com

Sainsburys Centre for Visual Arts A cultural visit to Norfolk wouldn’t be complete without popping into the internationally renowned Sainsburys Centre. Not only does is it have collections spanning 5000 years of human creativity, the space is also divided into unique transparent sections. In 2017 you can expect to find a Paul Nash exhibition from 8th April - 20th August and Rana Begum’s first show from 12th May - 1st October. Further details of these exhibitions and more are on the website. scva.ac.uk

cathedral.org.uk

Best Cultural VISITS

The Norfolk School of Painters Seahenge

Medieval Graffiti

In 1998, the shifting sands of Holme beach on the North Norfolk coast revealed something extraordinary. Preserved in the sand were the remains of a unique timber circle dating back 4000 years to the Early Bronze Age. The timbers soon became known as ‘Seahenge’ and are now preserved at Lynn Museum in 48 parts. Experience a life-size replica of the structure in its glory days, then discover the timbers as they were found on the beach.

When visiting Norfolk’s churches keep an eye out for medieval doodles carved into the wall. Stained glass windows and plaques only tell us about the local elite, but look closer and you might see crude carvings that give a fascinating insight to the ordinary people of yesteryear. An exciting study is recording these pre-Reformation graffiti inscriptions in places such as Kelling Church. Be a part of the project at

museums.norfolk.gov.uk

medieval-graffiti.co.uk

During the early nineteenth century, a movement of Norfolk painters known for their rural watercolours made an impact on the art scene. Following the creation of the Norwich Society of Artists, the movement continued for over three generations. Wealthy Norwich families were the patrons of this elite, but at a time when lots of art was overshadowed by the vast output of Turner and Constable, much of this work didn’t reach the heights of fame that it perhaps deserved. Today their work can be seen at the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery museums.norfolk.gov.uk the best of NORFOLK 125

NORFOLK

Arts

Whether you want to lose yourself in a poetry reading, talk to an artist about their work or stop by to watch a street performance, Norfolk is the place to get stuck in with the arts. Here’s a taste of our favourite creative events and festivals for 2017.

CITY OF LITERATURE Year-round, the city of Norwich has an exciting and eloquent range of literary events to attend. UEA host annual literary festivals in Spring and Autumn. The spring season opens on 22nd February with Lionel Shiver and ends with Ali Smith on 3 May FLY Also run by UEA, FLY is the UK’s first literature and creative writing festival for young people, established in 2013 and aimed at readers between 13 and 17 years old. The next festival will take place on 10-14 July 2017.

WRITER’S CENTRE

NORFOLK & NORWICH FESTIVAL

Writer’s Centre led Norwich’s successful bid for UNESCO City of Literature status and continues to promote the importance of literature within the city. It is situated in the Dragon’s Hall, built in 1430, which now hosts an exciting programme of literary events and workshops throughout the year.

The Norfolk & Norwich Festival is one of the oldest city festivals in England, having been held since 1824 and tracing its roots back further to 1772. This year it will take place between 12th - 28th May.

writerscentrenorwich.org.uk

BOOK HIVE Look out for this award-winning book-shop that hosts regular readings and book launches, as well as other non-book related occasions such as cookery classes, coffee tastings plus literary events and talks in the market town of Aylsham, 11 miles north of the city. thebookhive.co.uk

LITERARY FESTIVALS IN NORFOLK KING’S LYNN LITERATURE FESTIVALS

CROMER AND SHERINGHAM ART AND LITERARY FESTIVAL

The King’s Lynn Literature Festivals are held during a single weekend in March (Fiction) and September (Poetry) each year. Contemporary writers of chapter and verse such as Yvvette Edwards, Robert Edric and Jemma Wayne have been confirmed so far for 2017.

This local festival incorporates a diverse range of art forms. You’ll find literature and poetry alongside photography, theatre, painting and more, all with the aim of celebrating the quality of local work. In 2017, the festival will take place in October.

lynnlitfests.com

coastarts.co.uk/coast

HOLT FESTIVAL This will take place during 22nd -30th July and features spoken word performances, alongside music, theatre and fine art. holtfestival.org POETRY NEXT THE SEA Takes place in Wells between May 5th -7th. This festival has an educational edge, aiming to enhance accessibility to literature in local schools. This year will mark the 20th Poetry Festival here. poetrynextthesea.co.uk

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Out There Festival Great Yarmouth

NORFOLK MUSEUMS PASS

Gives the county’s artists an opportunity to open their doors to the public, in order to exhibit, sell and talk about their work. Studios are free to visit as part of this successful scheme, and a helpful geographical guide is published online. 7th May -11th June nnopenstudios THE HOSTRY FESTIVAL Takes place during the Autumn at Norwich Cathedral. Details are TBC but 2017 is sure to bring the best in theatre, music, dance and the visual arts. hostryfestival.org GREAT YARMOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL Is also accompanied by a carnival and parade. It’s a great place to let loose, enjoying creativity at its finest expressed through art and performance. This year 2nd - 11th June

Also be sure to take advantage of discounts on events, talks and tours as well as in the shops and cafés. You’ll get fast track admission at Norwich Castle and will also be able to treat your friends with a Guest Pass as an optional extra. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/Join_ Us/Norfolk_Museums_Pass/index.htm

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We are Museums Pass holders and use all the locations in Norfolk. It is worth the money.

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NORFOLK & NORWICH OPEN STUDIOS

This grants you unlimited admissions to 10 of Norfolk’s top museums from just £30.60 for the year. A Museums Pass is a must for regular visitors as it’s fantastic value and is flexible too.

greatyarmouthartsfestival.co.uk OUT THERE FESTIVAL Great Yarmouth is also home to the Out There Festival during 16th - 17th September which showcases a range of international street arts & circus entertainment. Prepare yourself for the surreal, the vibrant and the unexpected. seachangearts.org.uk the best of NORFOLK 127

Sandringham

STATELY HOMES & GARDENS

From small higgledy-piggledy cottage plots to magnificent green spaces at stately homes, Norfolk has a huge collection of gardens. It is also a historic area replete with grand houses and aristocratic estates. Take the whole family to feast their eyes on the elaborate architecture, smell the aromatic greenery and stretch their legs out in the open. SANDRINGHAM

HOLKHAM HALL

The most famous stately home in Norfolk, Sandringham is the muchloved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen. There are 274 rooms filled with treasures, and over 60 acres of gardens. On a tractor tour or woodland walk through the country park you will even glimpse Park House, the birthplace of Princess Diana.

A classic 18th century Palladian-style mansion nestled in a 3,000 acre deer park on the beautiful north Norfolk coast. Great for roaming the outdoors on bike, boat or by foot, it also has a great play area. Don’t miss the Bygones Museum or the North Norfolk Food Festival on 3 & 4 September.

The most spectacular time to visit Sandringham House is late spring/ early summer when the grounds abound with fantastically coloured rhododendrons and azaleas. Open daily 15 April - 29 October (except 22 - 28 July) PE35 6EN

BLICKLING HALL One of England’s great Jacobean houses, Blickling features the spectacular Long Gallery, fine Mortlake tapestries, and the restored 19thcentury Hungerford Pollen painted ceiling. Great for cycling or fishing, and don’t miss the Heritage Open Days or Proms in August. 128 the best of NORFOLK

Open 6 March - 29 October (1, 2, 3 and 8, 9, 10 December, open until 7pm). NR11 6NF

FELBRIGG GARDENS AND ESTATE Take in the sumptuous Stuart architecture and fascinating history of Felbrigg on the relaxing circular 2.5 mile walk around the estate. Inside you’ll find an impressive Georgian interior, with plenty of activities to keep children engaged. Look out for ‘The Makers’ contemporary art exhibition throughout 2017. Open 27 Feb - 30 Oct 2017 from 11am-5pm. NR11 8PR

Main Season – 1 April to 31 October 2017 Winter Season – 1 November to 17 December 2017 NR23 1AB

OXBURGH HALL This 15 century moated manor house is located on 70 acres of beautiful estate. Panoramic views from the roof look out over the Victorian French parterre, walled orchard, kitchen garden and a Catholic chapel. Guided walks are available to witness snowdrops carpeting the ground at certain times of year. th

Open February - 29th October, with weekend openings up until Christmas PE33 9PS

EAST RUSTON OLD VICARAGE One of the most remarkable gardens created in recent years, Alan Gray and Graham Robeson have assembled an accomplished feast of formal design and decorative exuberance. Sculptures, lavishly planted pots and finely detailed walls and gates also play their decorative part. Please note dogs are not allowed.

on the Somerleyton estate on page 80 to 81 Gardens open from Easter to end of September NR32 5QQ

PRIORY MAZE AND GARDENS

This maze is unlike any other as its design is based on the ruins of the adjacent Beeston Priory. As it’s not symmetrical, there is no middle, but see if you can find the viewing platform for a bird’s eye view of these ten acres of garden. The series of paths mean you have to explore in order to find the exit. Open for 2017 season from Easter NR26 8SF

PENSTHORPE NATURAL PARK

SOMERLEYTON

THE GOODERSTONE WATER GARDENS Located just outside of Swaffham, these water gardens are a peaceful aquatic paradise. The network of waterways and ponds includes thirteen bridges and a natural trout stream. It is the creation of 70-year-old farmer Billy Knights, who built on his damp meadow when it became too wet for his cattle to graze on.

HINDRINGHAM HALL GARDENS

SHERINGHAM PARK

Open throughout the year from dawn to dusk NR26 8TL

Open all year round, with daily boat trips available from April - October NR13 6DZ

Open all year round PE33 9BP

Open 26 March until 28 October. NR12 9HN

One of the finest examples of the work of famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton, Sheringham Park has viewing towers providing amazing views. Enjoy the exhibition, discover some rare and unusual trees on the Tree Trail, and attend The Wild Garden Walk on 9 May when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom.

gardens at Fairhaven were used as a convalescence home and gardens and a training ground for the home guard during World War Two. Thanks to the gradual introduction of shade and water loving plants, the garden was completed 15 years later.

Home to three spectacular gardens, as well as Hootz House indoor play and WildRootz, this is a great family day out. At the Millennium Garden you’ll find an acre of lush floral tapestry, then immerse yourself in the beautiful water-focused Wildlife Habitat Garden, before strolling through the vast wildflower meadow. Open daily except for main Christmas period NR21 0LN

BRESSINGHAM STEAM & GARDENS The appropriately named Bloom family have been gradually expanding these vibrant gardens for over 50 years. Nearly 5,000 different species and varieties have now been collected. Be sure to take a packed lunch to the fragrant picnic area and fit in a ride on The Gallopers.

The most striking feature of these gardens is the moat surrounding the property, which dates from 1100. Along with the stream and adjacent fish ponds, it has been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is one of only a handful of complete moats in Norfolk, and is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays during the summer. Open end of April to September NR21 0QA

HOUGHTON HALL Built in the 1720s for Great Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, Houghton Hall remains one of England’s finest Palladian houses. It is filled with curiosities, from a collection of contemporary sculptures displayed throughout the grounds, to The Soldier Museum, the largest private collection of model soldiers in the world. Opens for season on 30 April PE31 6UE

Open from February half term IP22 2AA Just over the Suffolk border, these 12 acre gardens house a yew hedge maze built in 1846. The Victorian stately mansion, built in Anglo-Italian style with lavish architectural features and magnificent carved stonework is pretty impressive too! See more information

FAIRHAVEN WOODLAND AND WATER GARDEN BROAD Set in the heart of the Norfolk broads, the house and formal the best of NORFOLK 129

St Mary, South Creake

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Though they are both masterpieces of sculpture and engineering, it’s easy for them to go unnoticed.

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St Agnes, Cawston

Over 90% of England’s figurative medieval art was obliterated in the image destruction of the Reformation, yet these ornate angel carvings were simply too difficult for iconoclasts to reach. Due to their relative difficulty to access and photograph, they’ve been largely neglected by historians and remain somewhat of a mystery.

All Saints, Necton

THE ANGEL ROOFS OF EAST ANGLIA The first detailed historical and photographic study of the region’s many medieval angel roofs. Author Michael Rimmer shows the artistry and architecture of these little-studied medieval artworks in more detail and clarity than ever before, and explains how they were made, by whom, and why. 142pp, James Clarke and Co Ltd £20.50

Angel Roofs

OF NORFOLK

If you happen upon any East Anglian church, be sure to look up. Angel roof carvings comprise the largest surviving body of major English medieval wood sculpture, and though they are both masterpieces of sculpture and engineering, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy for them to go unnoticed. St Martin, Fincham

CERAMICS SCULPTURE

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GLASS

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CONTEMPORARY FINE ART

OIL PAINTINGS

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WATERCOLOURS

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MIXED MEDIA

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Proud to offer the Own Art Scheme

The Flint Gallery of contemporary fine art showcases a wide variety of work created by established and emerging artists, all in response to the inspirational combination of countryside and coast. Located at the end of The Quay in the picturesque village of Blakeney on the North Norfolk Coast, the gallery offers a friendly and welcoming environment in which to enjoy the finest contemporary art including paintings, wildlife sculpture, glass and ceramics.

Ones to Watch THE BEST OF NORFOLK’S FINE ART North Norfolk is awash with fine art galleries and we have asked leading gallery owners to select artists that they consider ‘ones to watch’. The majority of these artists are exhibiting in their galleries so why not pop in to get a close-up look. If you are tempted by that special find you can also take advantage of the ‘Own Art Scheme’ where payment can be equally divided and spread over 10 months.

Bircham Gallery Holt Tony Foster lives on the North Norfolk coast and his recent work explores the possibilities of interpreting his feelings for the area without attempting a literal representation. Tony’s usual medium is acrylic paint and collage to build layers of texture and colour. The nature of the medium allows the paintings to develop organically and he enjoys the freedom and opportunities this technique offers. Tony works both on paper and canvas and, more recently, has started working in watercolour. 14 Market Place Holt NR25 6BW birchamgallery.co.uk

Flint Gallery Blakeney One of The Flint Gallery’s most etherial artists, Garry Raymond-Pereira is a Norwich based painter whose land and seascapes are filled with atmosphere and imbued with a sense of power. Educated at Norwich, Loughborough and Lowestoft Colleges of Art and Design, he has exhibited widely across the UK, Europe and the U.S. & Canada. His studio-based paintings are made by layering around one hundred washes of thin oil paint and the incorporation of traditional glazes and varnishes which he makes himself. Currently living in East Anglia, he continues to gain inspiration from the waves and dunes of his native Norfolk coast, as well as visits to Snowdonia and Scotland. The Flint Gallery of Contemporary Art Westgate Street, Blakeney NR25 7NQ theflintgallery.co.uk

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Quay Art Wells-next-the-Sea In the Quay Art galleries situated in both Blakeney and Wells, local artist Laurie Rudling’s wonderful original etchings and collagraphs are exhibited. Laurie trained in painting at Keswick Hall near Norwich, with Art History subsequently at Queens’ College, Cambridge. He has been a full time artist since 1987 prior to which he pursued a teaching career in the Midlands and London. Laurie moved back to his native East Anglia in 2002. Laurie’s intricately drawn, deeply bitten two plate etchings of landscape, and his richly textured collaged plates are inked and then printed on a 24” Bewick etching press in his studio in Norwich. Laurie takes inspiration from direct observation of the world and human influences upon it. 2 Quayside, The Quay, Wells NR23 1AR 01328 710905 4 The Granary, High Street, Blakeney NR25 7AL 01263 740013

Red Dot Gallery Holt Canine cut-outs, oil on panel, by artist Becky Munting – a collection in the making, as each of these charming characters will be framed before gracing the walls of the gallery. It’s an on-going project and if your favourite breed is not yet there, just wait… Becky grew up in East Anglia and says: “I’ve always had a love of its native flora and fauna. I’m lucky to be surrounded by many types of animals and birds, which inspire my work. Although I try to represent the animals in a naturalistic way, I like to add quirky twists and humour.” As well as the canine cuts outs that are painted in oil, handdrawn and hand-cut from wood or board, Becky also works in oils and coloured pencils. She has her work in private collections – nationally and internationally. 7 Fish Hill, Holt NR25 6BD thereddotgallery.com

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You will also find a striking selection of original contemporary coastal watercolours alongside ceramics, glass and sculpture, all inspired by coast and countryside.

4 The Granary High Street Blakeney Norfolk NR25 7AL

2 Quayside The Quay Wells Norfolk NR23 1AR

T: 01263 740013

T: 01328 710905

ETCHINGS • LINOCUTS • COLLAGRAPHS • WOODCUTS • WATERCOLOURS • GLASS • CERAMICS • SCULPTURE

Quay Art is a printmakers gallery showcasing original printmaking techniques including linocuts, etchings, collagraphs and woodcuts.

Burnham Grapevine Burnham Market Gerard Stamp:We have known Gerard Stamp for over 20 years, and for the last 12 have had the privilege of showing his work. He is, self-evidently, a perfectionist - never completely satisfied, always striving for more. Best known for his vast watercolours of cathedral interiors the question is often asked whether he is an architect or particularly religious. In fact he is

neither, but what he does have is a unique ability to capture that sense of peace, tranquillity, time passing – have it what you will – that we all, religious or not, recognise and feel there. As Judi Dench put it, there is a sense of timelessness about his work which draws us in. But above all is the light - playing and glancing off stone and glass, leading us on, and round and up. And now in the last twelve months, he has moved on to work in oil. Initially reworking his distinctive interiors

and now returning to another love, the mysterious light of the Norfolk Saltmarsh, where sea and sky are inextricably entangled. His technique is painstaking and his skill consummate but it is his ability to turn the intangible into the tangible that is fundamental. He is indeed ‘one to watch’. Overy Rd, Burnham Market PE31 8HH burnhamgrapevine.co.uk

Adrian Hill Fine Art Holt Rosa Sepple PRI: In August 2015 Adrian Hill Fine Art took Rosa Sepple PRI to the Mall Galleries in London for a solo exhibition and the launch of her book written by Adrian Hill, entitled “Out of the Blue”. This exhibition, featuring 122 of Rosa’s original paintings, was critically acclaimed, out selling a number of the leading societies and institutes. Now in the Institutes 187th year Rosa Sepple was voted in January 2017 to become the first female President of the RI. With this tremendous achievement and the enormous responsibility that comes with holding such a position Adrian Hill Fine Art are delighted and honoured to be showcasing the original work of one of the UK’s leading watercolour painters. Indeed a further exhibition is to be staged at the Mall Galleries in London in September 2017. Adrian Hill Fine Art, Lees Yard, Holt 01263713883 adrianhillfineart.com

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‘My Guy’ ◦ Mixed Media ◦ 40 x 32 inches ◦ Rosa Sepple PRI Lees Yard can be found through the archway from the Albert Street Car Park or from Bull Street

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NORFOLK

Makers

ROSE WAITS

ALISON BARNES

RACHEL KURDYNOWSKA

I first made a fused glass panel at school and I fell in love with the colours and textures. My interest in glass was cemented by a placement at Caithness Crystal.

I am a designer/maker working from my studio in the heart of Norfolk, creating one-of-a-kind and bespoke jewellery pieces. Each piece is handmade, worked predominantly from silver and gold, with use of precious and semi-precious stones, and more recently Whitby Jet.

I have been making and learning from clay for the past four years. Influenced by my background in Fine Art and draftsmanship, I am interested in creating shapes that are aesthetically pleasing on or off the shelf. I make functional, handthrown forms together with 3D slab alteration, production-ware and oneoff commissions.

I studied at the University of Sunderland as it owns the National Glass Centre, where we were encouraged to experiment using the fantastic facilities. I specialised in Architectural Glass (Stained and Fused Glass), gaining a BA (Hons) in Glass and Ceramics. My first commission was for four stained-glass panels for German churches and I have had further commissions for churches and private residences. I am proud to have set up my own business to showcase different designs and techniques. I use only Bullseye Glass – for its richness in colour and texture. This works beautifully when representing Norfolk’s countryside and coastline. My studio is in Feathers Yard, Holt, and I welcome commissions large and small. driftwoodglass.co.uk 01263 710042

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Inspiration for the jewellery I design and create is widely diverse, with examples inspired by mood, surroundings, events and travel. More often it is the result of subconscious inspiration. An idea will form, flourish and further develop through the creative process without a sketch or design plan, the result of which is an eclectic mix of jewellery pieces. All appropriate items are fully hallmarked, including my maker’s mark at the Goldsmiths’ Company London Assay Office. I am a member of the Guild of Jewellery Designers, and recently gained membership of the Norfolk Craft Guild. prooshanblue.co.uk

The process of making unique everyday objects has developed my enthusiasm for individual design. I enjoy pushing stoneware to its finest limit, while experimenting with “should nots” of the pottery “rule book”. My ceramics usually hold a subtle colour palette with a minimalistic approach. Intuition is a key part of my process, while also being inspired by and encouraging curation within the home. Developments and breakthroughs usually take place in the pottery or my kitchen. My studio & shop is open to the public via appointment. eastonpottery.com

Antique Auctions & Fairs

NORWICH

THE MAIN AUCTIONS HOUSES

PRIVATE DEALERS

Norfolk Showground Antique and Collectors Fair

Townsend Auction Galleries in Beeston hold bi-weekly antiques, collectibles & interiors sales together with regular specialist toy, collectibles, fine art and classic car sales.

Richard Scott Antiques in Holt, is well worth a visit. Richard, a former restorer at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, has run this most diverting business for almost five decades. His early reputation was built on seeing the beauty and charm in broken and damaged ceramics.

The county’s largest event with over 500 inside and outside stands spread over the Norfolk Showground. 16 & 17 April, 15 & 16 July, 28 & 29 October Norwich, NR5 0TT norfolkshowground.rnaa.org.uk Norwich, also has a collection of 30 dealers in a redundant church located in the Norwich lanes area. St Gregory’s antiques & collectibles offer an eclectic mix of stock and are open seven days a week. st-gregorys-antiques.co.uk Pop Up Antique & Collectors Fairs throughout the year at Bircham, Blakeney, Cromer, Dunston Hall, Horsham St. Faiths, Loddon and Holt Antiques & Interiors Vintage Fair. Check the website for dates and opening times antiques-atlas.com

townsend-auctions.co.uk James Beck hold weekly auctions of antique & household furniture, art and collectables in Fakenham. jamesbeckauctions.co.uk Keys Fine Art Auctioneers have a weekly sale in addition to special, books, picture and antique specialist sales based in Aylsham.

richardscottantiques.co.uk Grove Farm antiques can be visited by appointment at Syderstone but you can get a flavour of their stock online too at. grovefarmantiques.co.uk

keysauctions.co.uk

ONLINE SHOPS

The Diss Auction Rooms, weekly sales plus 20 special category Saturday sales, in addition to diverse specialist auctions.

Check out the current stock online at Stalham Antiques Gallery. Alternatively you can pop into the shop to browse.

twgaze.co.uk/auction/ diss-auction-rooms/ Acle Salesrooms hold weekly country and specialist auctions.

Acle Antiques hold dining room, lounge furniture and a large selection of occasional pieces from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods.

horners.co.uk

View online and in Acle.

Landles Auctioneers 1856 in King’s Lynn hold general house clearance, antiques & collectibles auctions landlesauctioneers1856.co.uk

mikehicksantiques.co.uk

acleantiques.co.uk Honeycombe Antiques in Harleston have a wide range of antiques available well worth a rummage online to get a feel for the quality and range of stock. honeycombeantiques.com Arts & Crafts Antiques clean modern website with good visuals of the stock. Or visit the shop at 31-35 Elm Hill Norwich NR3 1HG artsandcraftantiques.co.uk the best of NORFOLK 139

The business has come on leaps and bounds, with new designs and fabulous fabrics being created all the time. Inspired upholsters, machinists and sales staff at Jayrest take pride in every single job that they do, from start to finish.” A huge advantage for customers coming to Jayrest is the fact that the factory is right next door to the showroom. Never again will you have to worry about unpredictable delivery times.

JAYREST INTERIORS

THE BEST OF BRITISH Jayrest Interiors in Hadleigh prides itself on local manufacture, local staff and traditional values. Lynda Keeble talks about her family business that has been trading for nearly fifty years.

From humble beginnings in Ipswich the much-loved family venture has been nurtured into larger premises and now has a factory and adjoining showroom at Lady Lane Industrial Estate in Hadleigh. Lynda puts the ongoing success down to passion and reputation. She says: “Being well-known for quality and value is a huge advantage.

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I try to make the experience in our showroom an enjoyable one where customers feel comfortable.

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Jayrest Interiors in Hadleigh is renowned for quality handmade furniture and upholstery. It is nearly fifty years of successful family business and passion that has built up a local reputation that is second to none. Started by Alan James, it is now his children, Lynda Keeble and Tony James, who run the show, creating quality furniture and fabrics at reasonable prices.

Another asset to the business is that Jayrest takes pride in being one of the few remaining British manufacturers still in existence. Lynda comments: The British furniture trade is still going through a difficult time with many British businesses forced out by cheaper, imported furniture. We are proud that we have found the niche in the market for the people who want the quality and the service that we can offer, as well as keeping the local economy strong and local people in jobs. Also, there are no high street overheads, and our customers are often surprised by the reasonable prices for wonderful products.” It is the bespoke service and attention to detail that really sets Jayrest apart from some other furniture manufacturers and retailers. Lynda explains: “I love what I do. I understand that the whole thing can be daunting for customers and an expensive mistake if they get it wrong. “I try to make the experience in our showroom an enjoyable one where customers feel comfortable. I get great pleasure in seeing a customer who really doesn’t know how to go about refurbishing a room, then giving then a little guidance to help them walk away with something that they are thrilled with.”

The natural choice for affordable quality handmade furniture and upholstery.

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Awaiting image and do we need a contents list?

best of Norfolk Food 142 Eric Snaith, Titchwell Manor 143 Norfolk’s top eats 144 Morston Hall, 25 Years of excellence 146 The best of eating out 147

Titchwell Manor

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ERIC SNAITH, TITCHWELL MANOR My family bought Titchwell Manor in 1988, when I was only eight years old, so although not born in Norfolk, I definitely feel like a ‘Norfolk Boy’! I’m extremely proud of our great county and the standard of food we have here, whether it is from producers, fishermen or in hotels and restaurants. As I’ve grown up in the hotel industry, I’ve seen huge changes and especially in the last five to seven years. Standards seem to rise every year, and in turn the appreciation of great food by the public and chefs has also grown. We should all be proud of our amazing county, and the way the Norfolk people are taking advantage of its wealth of fine produce, whether it’s the excellent fisherman such as Ben and Cyril Southerland, and Simon Letzer, who fish locally to us out of Brancaster, or the amazing game and meat available from stunning country estates like Houghton and Holkham.

Along our stretch of the North Norfolk coast the standard and number of establishments continues to grow. Rather than feel threatened by this, we’ve come to embrace it as without doubt it’s better for everyone to have healthy competition. Competition makes us more dynamic, makes us work hard to stand out in the crowd; you certainly can’t be complacent in North Norfolk – if you do that, you’ll simply fall behind! Over in Norwich, there’s a similar story. It’s fantastic to see the city now thrive with independent bars and restaurants. Not long ago, there were very few interesting places to go and eat, but now my list of must-visits is getting unmanageable! Take Figbar in Norwich, the all-dessert restaurant, bar and coffee-shop: I’m sure a place like this would have struggled a few years ago but as an appreciation of good food increases, so does the ability of a unique place like this to flourish. Personally, I’ve diversified over the past couple of years. In 2015 we opened Eric’s Fish & Chips at Drove Orchards in Thornham. We had a vision of a fish and chip shop which has all the familiar, brilliant things about the nation’s favourite meal, but includes the cooking skills of a modern fine dining kitchen, and a great wine

and beer list. It’s been a huge hit, and adds some variety to the North Norfolk offering: customers enjoy our fresh take on something traditional and familiar, and love the fun, stylish, relaxed environment we’ve created. My role at Titchwell Manor has also evolved over the past three or four years. I have now taken control of the business to enable my parents to enjoy some well-earned time to themselves. This has given me the opportunity also to promote Chris Mann to head chef and Stuart Hall to sous chef, both loyal and talented chefs who have been with me for eight and five years respectively. I feel very happy that we all have the same taste in food and work to the same high standards. I’m still in the kitchen throughout the week, but my new role has given me more opportunity to drive both businesses forward and hopefully to make us be the best we can. I fully expect Norfolk to continue to blossom and look forward to exciting times ahead! Eric Snaith Chef/Owner Titchwell Manor www.titchwellmanor.com

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NORFOLK’S

Top Eats

Whether you’re after a sophisticated afternoon tea or a casual pie and pint, this county caters excellently for peckish customers. Here’s our top picks of the most memorable eating and drinking experiences you’ll find in this corner of the UK. Independent Cafes

Fireside Pints

GOSLING & GOZMAN

GUNTON ARMS

The Sunday Times has included this delectable cafe in their roundup of the UK’s Best 25 coffee places. It’s a stylish spot to stop for a flat white and a pastry. Their eye for detail is unmistakeable: truly impeccable coffee. 16 Charing Cross, Norwich NR2 4AL

This traditional country pub is situated on a 1,000 acre deer park dating back to the 18th century. There is an open fire as you enter the bar and you may witness great big cuts of meat being cooked over a huge log fire in the Elk Room. Cromer Road, Thorpe Market, Norwich NR11 8TZ

STIFFKEY STORES This is a great creative hangout on the north Norfolk coast. They sell Monmouth coffee, which sources and roasts coffee from single farms, estates and cooperatives. The Old Coach House, Wells Road Stiffkey NR23 1QH Monmouth Coffee served at Stiffkey Stores

THE LIFEBOAT THORNHAM Dating back to the 15th century, this traditional coastal inn retains the character and rustic charm of its heritage – but with added sophistication and comfort. All of the benefits of a genuine local pub can be found in the bar where the welcome is warm, the atmosphere relaxed, and plenty of local ales are available. Ship Lane, Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 6LT

THE ROSE & CROWN Everything you would expect from a Norfolk village inn – twisting passages and hidden corners, low ceilings and old beams, pamment floors and log fires. Old Church Road, Snettisham, Norfolk PE31 7LX

Afternoon Tea at Briarfields

Afternoon Tea COCOES CAFE DELI This funky noshery at Strattons Hotel offers an exquisite range of freshly made cakes and biscuits. Enjoy homemade lemon polenta, rosewater and raspberry meringues, sticky ginger or fudgy nut slice. There are always gluten free, vegan or diabetic choices, it’s bike and dog friendly and you can dine alfresco in summer. 4 Ash Cl, Swaffham PE37 7NH

BLAKENEY HOTEL This quayside location is unmissable for its magnificent views across the estuary and salt marshes to Blakeney Point. Sink into delicious finger sandwiches, patisserie and fruit scones in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Served daily from 3.00pm to 5.30pm. The Quay, Blakeney, Nr. Holt NR25 7NE

TITCHWELL MANOR Take your afternoon tea wherever you like in the hotel, next to the lounge fire, in front of the sea view or in the walled garden. Relish the retro ‘Crunchie’ teacakes with beverages from the Rare Tea Company or Moutard Champagne. If you’re gluten free, be sure to advise in advance.

GREY SEAL COFFEE Don’t miss with this North Norfolk small batch artisan coffee roasters. Their coffee is roasted using beans imported from across the world, with a range that change seasonally, incorporating a broad variety of origins and flavours. Manor Farm Barns, Glandford NR25 7JP

Served daily from noon till 5pm. Titchwell, Nr Brancaster PE31 8BB

1 Quayside Wells next-the Sea NR23 1EA 5 Westgate Street Blakeney NR25 7NQ 144 the best of NORFOLK

Mussels from The Anchor, Morston

The White Horse Conservatory Restaurant, Brancaster

Al Fresco Dining WIVETON HALL

THE WHITE HORSE INN

COOKIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CRAB SHOP

Wiveton Hall CafĂŠ, which overlooks the marshes and out to sea, it has a reputation for fine, wholesome food. Situated on a fruit farm, surrounded by strawberry fields and raspberry canes, the food is always seasonal which is reflected in the regularly changing menu.

This eatery is gloriously situated on the marshland coastline of North Norfolk at Brancaster Staithe, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. The landscaped sunken garden, planted with marsh type shrubbery, is perfect for all day al fresco eating. In summer, the big blue skies and spectacular sunsets are not to be missed.

Near Cley, this authentic shop serves a selection of seafood platters, salads and sandwiches in a garden overlooking the salt marshes. Feel free to bring your own beer or wine to accompany your meal.

Wiveton Hall, 1 Marsh Lane, Wiveton, Holt, NR25 7TE

The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham

Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk PE31 8BY

The Green, Salthouse, Holt NR25 7AJ

Morston Hall

25 Years of Excellence

Firstly, it is 25 years since we opened the doors to our first guests at Morston Hall, 25 years of striving to offer the very best in all matters, be it the warmth of our welcome, the comfort of the bedrooms or the joy expressed by our guests as they sample the best of Norfolk produce that my team and I could source and prepare. Secondly, I am very happy to say that it is also the year in which Tracy and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. For 25 years we have lived and worked to the gentle background pulse of the Norfolk seasons, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first net of mussels to be delivered to the kitchen door after the first frost of autumn, the carefully cut and packed local asparagus at the end of May. As I will gleefully say of Norfolk to anyone who will listen ‘there is no finer place’. It is the place that has been formative of my personality and most definitely has had a huge influence on my cooking. From preparing the spoils from shrimping and cockling expeditions during summer holidays spent at Blakeney as a child through to combing the farmers markets and food fairs for the wealth of new generation producers that Norfolk has nurtured. From superb locally grown saffron, herbs, fruit and vegetable to shellfish, fresh fish, meat, poultry and cheese – Norfolk is at the top of its game and is not the culinary backwater that some perceive it to be. I have taken great comfort and pride in being able to pick up the phone

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whenever the need arose to talk to a select team of suppliers who have been by my side for most of these 25 years. John Griffin, of The North Norfolk Fish Company, for example, or ‘John the Fish’ as he is otherwise known (a name he was given, I’m told, to identify him from the numerous other ‘Johns’ locally) has supplied me with the very best wet fish I could have hoped for. Such is his expertise and appreciation of what I want, I receive his recommendations with excited anticipation and my menus often reflect John’s choices. It is good to be able to call a supplier and with those simple words ‘What’s good today?’ know that you will soon be taking delivery of some very exciting food. 25 years has not dimmed my, nor my suppliers’ passion for offering the very best. Morston Hall for us however, is and always has been, about the team. Join my team of trusted suppliers with a most loyal and hardworking team in the kitchen at Morston Hall and then the exceptional front of house and housekeeping teams and you literally do have the ‘dream team’. This is the combination of skills and personalities that have witnessed an incredibly

“

We have just been awarded our fourth AA Red Rosette for the exceptional standard of our cuisine.

“

2017 is a big year for Tracy and I on both a personal and a professional level.

high, yet consistent level of all we have offered over the 25 years. We are very proud that our constant effort over all this time has been recognised by our guests, our peers and the critics equally consistently. Indeed, we have just been awarded our fourth AA Red Rosette for the exceptional standard of our cuisine. Congratulations are due to the whole extended Morston Hall family for achieving this fantastic recognition of a job well done. Working with my wife as a business partner, with Tracy running everything else beyond the kitchen has allowed me to concentrate on the food, affords a unique perspective on running our business. It has also helped that we both benefited from the wisdom, business acumen and attention to detail of arguably the first of the TV chefs, John Tovey, with whom we both worked in the Lake District for over ten years. When all said and done, Tracy has been with me on this incredible journey over the last 25 years, with Morston Hall surpassing our wildest dreams and her influence ensuring that we continually strive to improve in every aspect of our business. I must say, happy anniversary Mrs Blackiston!

Galton Blackiston

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Morston Hall Morston

Celebrating twenty-five years, Mortson Hall is an intimate country house hotel with its origin in the seventeenth century. It is located two miles from Blakeney on the spectacular North Norfolk coast and provides an ideal place for guests to relax and recharge themselves. They are in the top 10 of the UK’s Gourmet Hotels as well as holding a Michelin Star, rated 4 AA rosettes and 4 AA red stars. The resturant is open each evening for dinner and Sunday’s for lunch, offering a daily changing menu usign the finest of what Norfolk produce has to offer.

Without doubt one of Norfolk’s favourite places to dine and stay. morstonhall.com galtonblakiston.com @chefgalton Morston, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7AA 01263 741041 reception@morstonhall.com

Titchwell Manor Hotel near Brancaster

Titchwell Manor, a coastal boutique hotel near Brancaster, is renowned for its superb three AA Rosette cuisine, a smart retreat for those seeking fine dining in stylish surroundings, complete with stunning sea views.

Sunday lunch is served between 12pm and 5pm, while the hotel’s famous Afternoon Tea is served in The Eating Rooms and lounge from 12 noon until 5pm daily.

Head Chef Chris Mann focuses on modern European cuisine taking advantage of the fantastic local fish and seafood as well as fine game and meat from nearby estates.

Open everyday for lunch and dinner with a choice of two restaurants offering outstanding cuisine by award-winning Head Chef Chris Mann.

Guests can choose to dine in either the elegant, candlelit Conservatory overlooking the garden, or in the striking and informal Eating Rooms, complete with sea view terrace and bar. An à la carte menu is on offer for lunch and dinner, while a four or eight-course Conversation Menu with optional matched wines is also available every evening. The latter showcases Chris’s signature experimental style and exquisite presentation.

Lunch: noon - 5pm | Dinner: 6.30 - 9.30pm Sunday Lunch: noon - 5pm | Afternoon tea: noon - 5pm titchwellmanor.com | @titchwellmanor Titchwell Manor Hotel & Restaurants, Titchwell, Near Brancaster, Norfolk, PE31 8BB 01485210231 | info@titchwellmanor.com

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Congham Hall Kings Lynn

Whether you are looking for a relaxing place to stay, a family lunch in pleasant surroundings or somewhere to celebrate in style, then look no further! Congham Hall, set in 30 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the Sandringham Estate, and has been welcoming guests for over 30 years. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day and offers a varied choice of dishes using fresh local produce, as well as vegetables and herbs from our own garden and a choice of excellent cellar wines. On sunny days, there is nothing better than lunch on the terrace followed by a walk around the grounds and herb garden.

Rooms are from £135 including breakfast (dog friendly and family rooms available). Congham Hall boasts of 3 AA red stars and 2 AA rosettes for the restaurant. 01485 600250 conghamhallhotel.co.uk t @congham_hall f Congham Hall Spa Hotel Congham Hall Grimston, King’s Lynn PE32 1AH 01485 600250

strattonshotel.com t @Strattonshotel, @eatatstrattons, @cocoes, @strattonscats f @Strattonshotel

Strattons Swaffham Strattons is an award winning boutique hotel, restaurant and cafe deli offering cool contemporary style with originality and strong environmental ethics. The hotel has 12 bedrooms, 2 self catering apartments, a 40 cover restaurant and an onsite café deli ‘CoCoes’. Restaurant: The chic restaurant is open daily from 6.30pm. Everything is made on site and the kitchen has a committed philosophy to use the plentiful and abundant seasonal produce on its own Norfolk doorstep, including eggs from the hotels hens and fruit from the orchard. On the menu you might see pan-fried mackerel with chermoula dressing and anchovy crumb or slow cooked brisket of beef, kale potato cakes with Binham blue rarebit, smoked beetroot and roasted carrots.

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4 Ash Close, Swaffham PE37 7NH 01760 723845 enquiries@strattonshotel.com Afternoon tea: Strattons is the perfect venue for traditional afternoon tea by the fire in winter or alfresco in summer, with a themed seasonal changing menu, a great way to celebrate or just catch up with friends. Available daily 12 – 4.30pm from £15.50pp, booking essential. Look out for our special afternoon tea dates including Mother’s day, Valentines and New Year. Cafe deli: Cafe deli ‘CoCoes’ is open daily, offering great coffee, triple alliance teas, organic wine, local beers, homemade cakes and cookies, all day breakfast or a proper lunch, light bites and tasty take out. Take home freshly baked bread, organic and bio-dynamic wines, deli items, eggs, scrummy cakes, homemade chocolates, Norfolk cheeses and freshly prepared dishes from the menu.

the best of EATING OUT Briarfields Titchwell

f @Briarfields t @Briarfields Main Street, Titchwell, Hunstanton. PE31 8BB 01485 210742 info@briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk

Whether it’s a light bite, simple supper or celebratory meal with friends and family, at Briarfields we start with good food and create imaginative dishes that are inspired by our coastal location. From Brancaster mussels to venison from the nearby Holkham Estate, we enjoy the simple pleasures of using fantastic local ingredients and fresh, seasonal produce. Start with our home-smoked salmon gravlax, marinated in Norfolk ‘Black Shuck’ gin and served with a pickled fennel salad – a superb dish that showcases Norfolk artisan producers.

Classic dishes are elevated into something spectacular, such as Briarfields’ fish pie with salmon, smoked haddock, crayfish tails and prawns, with a delicious Parmesan mash topping; or for meat-lovers, a stunning braised shin of beef with horseradish mash, roasted carrots and red wine sauce. Enjoy a meal – or perhaps an indulgent Posh Afternoon Tea – in Briarfields’ elegant dining room, overlooking the salt marshes at Titchwell. Cozy by the log-burner in winter or sit out on the decking in warmer weather, relax and enjoy a taste of Norfolk life. briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk

The Chequers Inn Thornham Enjoy a choice of menus from seasonal a la carte to homemade pizzas or Norfolk tapas at The Chequers Inn restaurant. This beautifully renovated former coaching inn on the North Norfolk coast offers a variety of areas to dine, relax and enjoy a laid-back informality. The service is charmingly chummy and atmosphere is calm and relaxed. Peruse Head Chef, Shayne Wood’s, seasonal and irresistible menus. Shayne is passionate about local, high quality produce and seafood, including the famous Brancaster mussels. All the food is home-made on the premises, using ingredients that are sourced and supplied from local producers.

The Chequers menus suit every taste including hearty Sunday lunch, lighter lunchtime snacks and pizzas. There is very popular tapas too – Norfolk style. chequersinnthornham.com f @chequersinnthornham t The _Chequersinn High St, Thornham PE36 6LY | 01485 512229 info@chequersinnthornham.com 4 Ash Close, Swaffham PE37 7NH 01760 723845 | enquiries@strattonshotel.com

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the best of EATING OUT The Dabbling Duck Great Massingham

This lovely nine bedroom pub situated in the extremely pretty village of Great Massingham is an ideal choice for a short break in the heart of the North Norfolk countryside from where Sandringham and Houghton Hall are just a short drive away. The fine pub food and CAMRA recommended bar sit extremely well together in the cosiest of surroundings

The Dabbling Duck is open all day seven days a week for Breakfast 8.00am-10am, Lunch 12noon-2.30pm (Mon-Sat), Dinner 6.30-9.00pm (Mon-Thurs) 6.00pm-9.30pm (Fri & Sat) and Sunday lunch service 12noon -8pm.

Locally-owned, friendly and informal, The Dabbling Duck has gone from strength to strength since the arrival of Mark Dobby in 2013.

f @TheDabblingDuckGM

In the last year three high-spec bedrooms have been built in the picturesque garden. All the rooms are en-suite equipped with either bath or power shower, flat screen TV with wi-fi available.

thedabblingduck.co.uk T@DabblingDuck GM 11 Abbey Rd, Great Massingham PE32 2HN 01485 520827 info@thedabblingduck.co.uk

The Orange Tree Thornham Dining Pub of the Year - The Good Food Guide 2013-17 The Orange Tree is a stylish, contemporary dining pub, nestled in one of North Norfolk’s most beautiful coastal villages. We are a family owned business and strive hard, day and night, to serve award-winning food, from top quality local produce in a laid back, ‘unstuffy’ environment. The OT offers a haven of tranquillity where couples, families and friends are welcomed with open arms. The restaurant is the ‘jewel in our crown’. We are thrilled that the awards just keep on coming for our food. Our kitchen team are constantly striving to devise innovative new dishes, as well as adding new twists to age old pub classics. In particular we are well known for our local seafood dishes – a passion which

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won us the award for ‘Great British Seafood Pub Chef of the Year’ for the Wild Seabass and Norfolk Razor Clams dish. We have six ensuite bedrooms, making us the perfect spot to relax and enjoy our stunning beaches by day and our awardwinning food and wine by night. theorangetreethornham.co.uk f @theorangetreethornham t @OTThornham High St, Thornham PE36 6LY 01485 512213 email@theorangetreethornham.co.uk

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The Crown Hotel Wells-next-the-sea

The Ship Hotel Brancaster

The Ship Hotel is located just a few miles west along the North Norfolk coast in the fishing village of Brancaster. Lovingly and respectfully restored to its former glory, it has at its hub a warm and inviting bar area with a roaring wood-burner to relax in front of on the coldest of days. The Ship’s restaurant caters for up to 100 diners and in summer its attractive garden provides an idyllic setting for alfresco eating. Breakfast, lunch and dinner available 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Both hotels boast hand-drawn beers created by Chris’s wife Jo, whose three Jo C’s Norfolk Ales – Norfolk Kiwi, Bitter Old Bustard and Knot Just Another IPA – are brewed just a few miles away using local spring water and locally-grown Maris Otter barley, regarded by some to be the finest in the world. Main Road, Brancaster, Norfolk, PE31 8AP 01485 210333 shiphotel@flyingkiwiinns.co.uk flyingkiwiinns.co.uk f @FlyingKiwiInns t @flyingkiwiinns

The Crown Hotel in Wells-next-the-Sea was the first acquisition for Flying Kiwi Inns proprietor Chris Coubrough and it has a special place in his heart. New Zealander Chris and his kitchen team insist on sourcing only the freshest natural ingredients from local farmers, fishermen and traders. Diners have a choice of the intimate front restaurant, or the gun room, at the rear of the hotel, or one of two cosy lounges adjoining the bar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner available 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Vegetarian and gluten-free menus are available on request. The Crown’s superb wine list was drawn up by Chris with the expert assistance of Jamie Aram, named Wine Importer of the Year 2011 at the International Wine and Spirit Competition. For those who wish to indulge themselves, afternoon tea is served from 3 until 5pm daily. The Buttlands, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1EX 01328 710209 crownhotel@flyingkiwiinns.co.uk. flyingkiwiinns.co.uk f @FlyingKiwiInns t @flyingkiwiinns

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Benedicts Norwich

Benedicts is a small modern neighbourhood restaurant with classic values, run by husband and wife team Richard and Katja Bainbridge. A true family business in the heart of Norwich. After being head chef for seven years at the Michelin starred Morston Hall and after winning BBC 2’s Great British Menu 2015, Richard who heads up the kitchen, wanted to go back to his roots as a Norwich boy and showcase the best of what this fine county has to offer, which he does with a forever seasonal changing menu in a relaxed environment and with hospitality at its heart. For special occasions, celebrations and business meetings Benedicts has a beautiful private dining room which seats 8-14 guests available at lunch and dinner times.

Set Lunch 2 Courses £16 3 Courses £20 A lá Carte 2 Courses £29 3 Courses £36 Tasting Menu £55 Wine pairings available Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 12:00 - 14:00, 18:00 - 22:00 Twitter: @restbenedicts @chefbainbridge Instagram: @restbenedicts facebook/restbendicts 9 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR24PE | 01603 926080

The Hoste Burnham Market Acclaimed historic hotel, restaurant and traditional bar The Hoste is located in one of Norfolk’s most picturesque and bustling villages, Burnham Market. Stylish and welcoming, the boutique hotel dating back to 1551 offers a choice of 62 bedrooms in 6 properties: The Hoste, Vine House, and Railway House featuring a converted railway carriage or one of three luxury holiday cottages. Recently recognised by The Times as one of the top 25 best food destinations, The Hoste offers two award-winning restaurants serving modern British food, the stylish Garden Room with views of the sheltered garden and the traditional panelled dining room. The experienced team of chefs have a dedication to style and quality which is applied to every

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element of the dining experience. Menus are changed frequently according to seasonal availability, taking advantage of the fantastic local Norfolk produce on offer such as Brancaster Oyster’s, Seared Norfolk Venison and Sharrington Strawberries. The Hoste has evolved from its 16th century roots into a stylish country hotel and now boasts a luxury 20-seater cinema and gym. Still retaining all its historical charm, the relaxed conviviality in the bar with its roaring log fire in the winter is hard to beat. thehoste.com The Green, Burnham Market, King’s Lynn PE31 8HD reception@thehoste.com | 01328 738777

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The Old Ram Coaching Inn Tivetshall St Mary The Old Ram Coaching Inn at Tivetshall St Mary reopened under new ownership in 2016 after acquisition by Victoria and Grahame MacDonald, who also own the multi award-winning Cellar House in Eaton, and have recently re-opened The White Lodge in Attleborough. Dating back to the 17th Century, The Old Ram is situated on the historic Norwich to Ipswich Road (also known as the A140!), making it an ideal base from which to visit both Norfolk and Suffolk. It is perfectly placed for those who want to walk the historic Boudicca Way and explore the Waveney Valley. Along with cosy, characterful rooms and good food, the bar has not been forgotten at The Old Ram. The Inn received the

Cask Marque award in 2016, an accolade for pubs that serve high quality Cask Ale. The Old Ram is open for food seven days a week, including breakfast and Sunday Lunch.

Rece two free give la of Prosec sses co* upon

arrival wh en you mention T Norfolk w he Best of hen your room booking o at the Old r table Ram.

theoldramnorfolk.co.uk The Old Ram Coaching Inn, Ipswich Road, Tivetshall St Mary, Norfolk, NR15 2DE | 01379 676794 *Offer valid on per couple, per booking basis

Kindreds Restaurant Kindreds Restaurant is in the centre of the historic town of Wymondham, The restaurant is 450 years old in parts with stunning low wood beams adding to the beauty of this listed building. Award-winning Executive Chef Mark Dixon and his Head Chef Reece Eden (previously at the Ingham Swan) create an ever-changing menu focusing on relaxed French style and contemporary European cuisine. Offering only fresh produce sourced from daily markets and local suppliers, with dishes such as: Roast Norfolk Wood Pigeon, Quail Scotch Egg, Apple Boudin & Sauté Mushroom and Moules Marinières. There is a daily à la carte menu, seasonal seven course tasting menu with wine flight, as well as, on weekdays, a lunch and dinner ‘du jour’ from two course at £16.95 and three course £19.95. They

also offer a very extensive wine list and cocktail menu. Open Monday - Saturday 12pm-2pm & 6pm-9pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm kindredsrestaurant.com f @kindredsrestaurant t @Kindreds_Dining 2 Bridewell St, Wymondham NR18 0AR 01953 601872

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The Gunton Arms Thorpe Market

A traditional pub with eight bedrooms in an extensive historic park in North Norfolk. Chef Stuart Tattersall (ex head chef at Mark Hix) cooks from local ingredients including venison from the surrounding deer park. Art dealer Ivor Braka bought the Gunton Arms in 2009 and started a major restoration. Robert Kime helped design the bedrooms and interior, Martin Brudnizki the bar and restaurant. Stuart Tattersall and Simone Baker (manager and front of house) both formerly worked at Mark Hix’s restaurants in London. They bring with them the Hix ethos of using local, seasonal produce and a style of cooking which is vigorous and ingredient led. The Gunton Arms has its own venison; seafood, mussels and Cromer crab are caught by local fishermen.

“I wanted it to be popular with everyone,” says Braka, a well-known art dealer, “postmen, woodmen, landed gentry, Londoners, foreigners. I strove for a building that made people want to be there – cosy and warm, with convincing historic character without being a stage set”. “It is just a pub. With a Saatchi’s worth of art… I want to go back to the Gunton Arms. I want to go back soon.” Jay Rayner theguntonarms.co.uk Cromer Road, Thorpe Market, NR11 8TZ 01263 832010 office@theguntonarms.co.uk

The Ingham Swan Ingham The Ingham Swan is a 14th Century thatched former Coaching Inn, now an award-winning Restaurant with Rooms offering fine dining in relaxed surroundings in North Norfolk, close to the Broads and the stunning coastline. Run by Chef Patron Daniel Smith, winner of the EDP Norfolk Food & Drink Awards 2014 Chef of the Year, we have held a Michelin Bib Gourmand for 5 years running and were voted Readers’ Restaurant of the Year 2015 for the East of England in the Waitrose Good Food Guide Awards. They serve good, honest reasonably priced food with a menu dedicated to seasonality in a relaxed setting with personal service, using the freshest ingredients available and embracing the seasons. We offer a range of menus including Du Jour, À La Carte as well as our popular Tasting Menu. 154 the best of NORFOLK

For a destination dining experience, stay in one of four bespoke luxury Bed & Breakfast rooms in the converted Stable House, contemporary and comfortable with those extra special little touches that guests have come to expect and The Ingham Swan breakfast with fresh bread baked daily, our very own muesli and Dingley Dell sausages and bacon. theinghamswan.co.uk t @Inghamswan f @theinghamswan Sea Palling Road, Ingham, Norwich NR12 9AB 01692 581099 info@theinghamswan.co.uk

The Anchor Inn One of The Times’ Top 10 Coastal Pubs, The Anchor is a local hotspot for North Norfolk’s sailing and bird watching communities. For six years, Harry and Ro have been constantly developing the experience and delicious local seafood they offer at The Anchor and now are bringing a similar ethos to the newly opened Hero at Brancaster Staithe. ANCHORS AWAY For functions, a 16ft bespoke wood-fired pizza trailer can be hired, as well as seafood, salads and suckling pig. Why not spice up your wedding or other event by hiring the bar’s cocktail service. The Anchor Inn The Street Morston Norfolk NR25 7AA 01263 741392 morstonanchor.co.uk

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the best of FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE The farm shops in Norfolk are some of the best in the UK thanks to their long agricultural history. Food production remains a critical part of the local economy today and you will often find the best of local produce available at farm shops and deli’s. This locally-based, eco-friendly way to shop enables you to find out where your produce comes from at source. The farm shops are well worth a visit as not only do they offer fresh, healthy produce, but the food is much tastier than the long-hauled supermarket alternative.

Algy’s Farm Shop The home of Bintree Bird Seeds and Algy’s Norfolk Popcorn. Come and visit our new farm shop at Bintree. We now stock a large range of locally grown and produced fine foods; from milk to meat; pies to pickles; chicken to cheese; fish to fruit we have it all!

Why not ‘pop in’ for a really local shopping experience!

We grow our own asparagus, sweetcorn, pumpkins, squashes as well as our famous popcorn and bird seeds.

01362 683893 or 07775 517473

Opening times: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm Sunday 10am-4pm A1067, Bintree, NR20 5NE info@algysfarmshop.co.uk algysfarmshop.co.uk

Humbleyard Vineyard Humbleyard Vineyard, Mulbarton, Norwich, was established in 2010 with nine grape varieties, selected for their compatibility with the Norfolk climate and the desire to make the wines we like – crisp whites, delicate rosés and classic, traditionally made sparkling. The exciting range of award-winning wines and our new High Spirit No.1, triple distilled rosé, are for sale in the shop or online.

Please visit the website for details of vineyard tours and wine tastings from June to September. Opening Times Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm Paddock Farm Shop, Paddock Farm, Mulbarton, Norwich NR14 8JT 01508 571000 info@humbleyardenglishwine.co.uk humbleyardenglishwine.co.uk

Authentic bean to bar chocolate We hand-craft bean-to-bar chocolate in small batches in Suffolk using only three ingredients cocoa beans, sugar and cocoa butter. We use single origin cacao beans that are sourced ethically and retain the

156 the best of NORFOLK

natural goodness of the chocolate by roasting at low temperatures. Follow our journey from bean to bar on Facebook Twitter + Instagram @tosierchocolate

Local Markets

Pick your Own

Fish

Cromer

Drove Orchards

Cookies Crab Shop

Friday 10am - 12 noon

01485 525652 | PE36 6LS

01263 740352 | NR25 7AJ

Hunstanton

Wiverton Hall

Gurneys Burnham Market

Wednesday, Sunday 8am - 3pm

01263 740515 | NR25 7TE

01328 738967 | PE31 8HF

King’s Lynn

Deli’s

Gurneys Fish Box

Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 8am - 3pm

Swaffham Saturday 9am - 4pm

Sheringham Wednesday, Saturday

Norwich Monday - Saturday 8:30am–5:30pm

Farmers Markets

01263 740939 | NR25 7AL 01485 512194 | PE36 6LX

The Norfolk Deli 01485 535540 | PE36 6AA

Les Garrigues, Norwich

4th Saturday of every month 8.30am - noon

NR25 7AP

North Creake

NR23 1AH

Fakenham Market

01485 210 532

The Norfolk Norfolk Fish Company 01263 711913 | NR25 6BN

01603 479461 | NR2 1DN

Picnic Fair

Our top pick

The Fish Shed Brancaster Staithe PE31 8BY

Thornham Deli

Fakenham

1st Saturday of the month

Drove Orchards 01485 525857 PE36 6LS

Blakeney Deli

Wells Deli

Local Knowledge Marsh samphire is 50% cheaper to buy in Norfolk than in London - or if you fancy foraging, it’s free

Thursday Market has everything you would expect from a food market and much more with a flea market and auction held at the James Beck sale-room (which start at 11am) There is plenty of free parking too 9am - 3pm. NR21 9DN

Farm Shops Back to the Garden 01263 715996 | NR25 7JJ

Drove Orchards 01485 525652 | PE36 6LS

Creake Abbey Food Hall 0370 333 1181 | NR21 9LF

Walsingham Farm Shop 01328 821877 | NR22 6BU

Knight’s Hill Farm Shop 01553 674212 | PE30 3HQ

Groveland Farm Shop NR11 8TB | 01263 833777

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Holiday ACCOMMODATION

Whether you are looking for a cosy cottage in the countryside with an open fire, a seaside holiday home or a modern, stylish bed and breakfast – there are lots to choose from in Norfolk. Location is everything and when it comes to spectacular scenery a cottage in Norfolk is hard to beat. The fact that holiday cottages are self-catering is the single biggest advantage for many holidaymakers, giving you the chance to try local produce at your own pace as well as eating out in some of the county’s great restaurants and eateries. Holiday cottages are ideal for groups and large families – family and friends can get together round the dinner table at night, relax in the garden during afternoons or play board games during the evenings. Many holiday cottages admit pets, so there is no need to confine Toto to kennels while the rest of the family enjoys a week or two away. Renting a self-contained holiday cottage means there’s little chance of your dog disturbing other guests and many places have a garden or outside space for pets to enjoy. For those who don’t have children, the extra space that staying in a holiday cottage provides can be a life-saver. Being able to spread out means you can really relax and enjoy your stay. It’s true that there won’t be someone on hand to change your towels or make your bed every day – but why worry? You’re on holiday after all!

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LANGHAM LODGE Langham Lodge is part of Norfolk Country Cottages unique, hand-picked portfolio of more than 450 holiday homes. A stunning property in Langham sleeping ten, it provides luxurious accommodation on the North Norfolk Coast close to delightful Morston and Blakeney. With a snug, games room and large garden, it offers everything you could wish for when holidaying in beautiful Norfolk. norfolkcottages.co.uk | 01263 715779 LANCASTER BARN Lancaster Barn is a magnificent luxurious barn conversion sleeping 12, stylishly furnished with five beautifully presented bedrooms, fabulous living areas with all the latest technology and a natural wooden hot tub. It’s idyllically located close to the coast in grounds of three acres, including fields, a trampoline, a football pitch and a sheltered courtyard garden. sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk | 01328 730880

POWELL’S YARD Immaculately presented throughout, this newly built, detached property provides a light and airy living space for up to 10 guests. Each bedroom has access to a bath or shower room supplied with quality toiletries, slippers and bathrobes. Whether you choose to snuggle up to the woodburner in the sitting room, eat with friends in the large, open plan kitchen or entertain outside on the terraced area in the enclosed garden. The perfect base to relax and unwind and perfectly situated to explore the North Norfolk coastal area, with its local pubs, sandy Brancaster beach, stately homes and nature reserves. kettcountrycottages.co.uk | 01328 856853 SEA VIEW BARN With un-interrupted sea views, five stunning en-suite bedrooms and oodles of chilling space! This beautiful barn comfortably sleeps 10 and with over 6,000 square feet of fabulousness you will just love it! Within easy walking distance of Brancaster beach and two restaurants, including the renowned Titchwell Manor, it’s the perfect home stay for a long weekend, mid week break or a week or two with family or friends. Perfectly located for exploring the whole coast and everything it has to offer, Sea View is a wonderful house to celebrate that special occasion any time of year. norfolkhideaways.co.uk 01485 211022 THE BOATHOUSE Unique and luxurious accommodation in a magical location, The Boathouse in Sennowe Park is a truly special property. Designed by renowned Norfolk architect George Skipper The Boathouse sits in a totally unrivalled position overlooking the beautiful lake and grounds at Sennowe Park, next to Pensthorpe Nature reserve (recent home of BBC’s ‘Springwatch’) and just a 20 minute drive from the North Norfolk coast at Wells-next-the-Sea. There is even a small rowing boat under the property for guests use blakeneycottagecompany.co.uk | 01263 741777

LYNWOOD HOUSE This stunning property is set over four floors with breath-taking views across the marshes and the North Norfolk Coastline. Sleeping up to 8 guests in four fabulous bedrooms, Lynwood House is sure to impress with its modern architecture, contemporary furnishings and sought-after location. barefootretreats.co.uk | 01485 512245

SOWERBYS Holiday Cottages

Local established agency offering over 250 of the finest hand-picked Norfolk Coast holiday cottages I am incredibly proud of the superb and diverse collection of over 250 holiday cottages that we have hand-picked over the last 14 years to add to our portfolio, specialising in much-loved second homes ranging from cosy beamed cottages for 2 to stunning contemporary barn conversions for up to 14 guests, in the best of locations in North Norfolk. My company ethos has always been â&#x20AC;&#x153;quality rather than quantityâ&#x20AC;? to make sure that we only offer places that we would all like to stay in, knowing how precious time away is and understanding that no one wants to pay to stay somewhere less comfortable than their own home. I am fortunate to have an experienced and dedicated team who all live locally close to our offices in the lovely village of Burnham Market and the iconic Granary building in Wells-next-the-Sea. We can offer inside knowledge on the best places to go for shopping, eating, drinking, culture, walking and even keeping your children occupied! We work closely with our homeowners and regularly visit all our cottages to ensure that standards are maintained and that everything is in place to make your stay as relaxing as possible. Having first-hand experience of our cottages means we can offer the best advice and help you choose the perfect place for you. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Market Place, Burnham Market. PE31 8HD.

Email: info@sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk

SOWERBYS Holiday Cottages

Stunning Barn Conversions

Perfect for large groups of family and friends

Beautiful Beach Houses

With direct access onto gorgeous sandy beaches

Wow Collection

A unique collection of properties with the WOW factor

Charming Cottages

Original beamed ceilings and open fireplaces

Perfect For Two

Contemporary Living

Luxurious boutique hotel style bedrooms

Stylish contemporary interiors the best of NORFOLK 161

Tel: 01328 730880

www.sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk

RETREATS Laid-back luxury holiday cottages

Laid-back luxury holiday retreats AT BAREFOOT RETREATS

we are passionate about marketing luxury holiday properties that are individual and unique. From cottage hideaways, beautiful boltholes, coastal gems to rural retreats, their unique features will define our portfolio. AS OUR GUESTS you will have the keys to some of the most beautiful and individual private homes in Norfolk, providing a distinct laid-back luxury holiday experience ensuring you feel at home from the moment you arrive, until you leave. With an in-depth knowledge of our hand-picked portfolio, we will ensure we match you with the right property. You’ll have access to our exclusive concierge service, ideal if you’re organising a special celebration or want to experience something different on your holiday. And once you’ve booked your holiday, you’ll receive a Barefoot guide ensuring you have all the information you could need to enjoy your precious time away. AS A HOME OWNER we will maximise the earning potential of your home by managing all the marketing, PR and guest liaison for you. Unlike other agencies, we are more than a booking agent and as a team we will take all of the hassle away from letting out your holiday home by providing a fullymanaged service. Sharing your holiday home should be as easy and enjoyable as the holidays our guests will enjoy there and we will make it our job to look after your home as if it were our own. We can also assist in finding and creating your unique holiday home and we offer an interior design styling and staging service to increase the appeal of your property. If required, we can source furnishings to create the perfect place for you and your guests to enjoy. WHY BAREFOOT? Our guests don’t pay a booking fee and our home owners don’t pay anything to join us. Surprisingly our commission fee is the same or less than our local and national competitors. We cover the cost of professional photography for home owners and provide a welcome hamper for all our guests and all our houses have Barefoot branded bathrobes, slippers and beautiful linens. If you’re looking for a wonderful holiday experience or are considering marketing your home and are seeking a fresh and innovative approach, please visit our website or pop into our office and join us for a cup of coffee or glass of fizz. We’d love to meet you!

Emma Ta gg

The Tea m

THE TEAM

As a team we have experience of letting our own homes and many years working in the luxury hospitality sector; invaluable when creating a home-from-home boutique hotel experience for our guests. EMMA - Director - brings a wealth of experience from her time spent running one of the county’s foremost independent hotels, The Hoste Arms for over 20 years. Her profile in East Anglian hospitality gives her a unique insight into the luxury market, allowing Barefoot to offer an undeniably high standard of property and customer service. CHRIS - Office Manager. Chris’ deep affection for North Norfolk stems from being born and bred here. Chris has exceptional customer service and sales experience, whether you’re considering letting your property or wanting to book a stay, he has the answers and if he doesn’t, he’ll find them. LYNDSEY - Property Portfolio Manager. Lyndsey oversees the ever-expanding portfolio of properties. With new ones being added, maintaining the current properties and liaising with the homeowners on all necessary matters. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience within the property industry. LISA - Operations Manager. Lisa has exceptional experience within the hospitality sector and customer service. She ensures the smooth running of your stay and that it all follows like clockwork. Every special request doesn’t go unnoticed, whether it’s a special occasion or you simply require a highchair, Lisa will know about it. LUCY - Guest Advisor & Accounts. Lucy has sound knowledge and experience with self-catering holidays and all of the retreats individually. If there is a specific feature you require, she will know the perfect property for your needs. SABRINA - Guest Advisor & Concierge Specialist. Sabrina has exceptional experience within the hospitality sector and a keen passion for concierge. From a private dining evening to a helicopter ride, Sabrina can arrange it all, ensuring your stay is truly a unique experience. ZOE - Guest Advisor & Social Media Executive. Zoe is extremely experienced in customer service and has a strong eye for attention to detail. She is also passionate about Barefoot Retreat’s social media and ensures that it moves with the time and always remains current and exciting.

Barefoot Norfolk Ltd, The Boardwalk, High Street, Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 6LX 01485 512245 • enquiries@barefootretreats.co.uk • www.barefootretreats.co.uk

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the 6LX best of NORFOLK Barefoot Norfolk Ltd, The Boardwalk, High Street, Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 01485 512245 • enquiries@barefootretreats.co.uk • www.barefootretreats.co.uk

163

the blakeney cottage company

A hand-picked selection of the finest self-catering accommodation in North Norfolk For many people visiting Norfolk for the first time it is rather a revelation! Far from being Noel Coward’s ‘very flat, Norfolk’, the gently undulating countryside conceals pretty little villages tucked between ancient woodland and a patchwork of fields. The endless miles of beaches, salt marsh and little estuaries are teeming with wildlife and the great open skies are an artist’s delight. The pace of life is slower and for many holidaying in the area, an amazing sense of peace and calm takes over from the worries of everyday living. Take time to wander from village to village visiting one of many famous stately homes in the area, or to discover the myriad of coastal and countryside footpaths and walks. Try sampling the wonderfully fresh local produce, either in one of the many village pubs and restaurants or from delightful local suppliers of everything from lobsters, crab and shellfish, to fruits, asparagus and local speciality breads and cheeses. Staying in one of the many beautiful self catering properties dotted around North Norfolk, visitors to the area can take full advantage of this laid back life style. The Blakeney Cottage Company has the pick of luxury and unusual holiday homes in the area, from one bedroom romantic retreats to country houses sleeping up to eighteen guests and every size and style in between! With over one hundred handpicked properties in their portfolio of coastal and country special places to stay, guests can enjoy all the delights of this unique corner of England. The Blakeney Cottage Company has quietly gone from strength to strength over the past few years with owners of holiday properties seeking them out to represent and manage their second homes following recommendations from friends and colleagues. The owners of this family run company are justly very proud that their reputation for excellent customer care, both for the owners they represent and guests wishing to stay in and around the

The Boathouse, available for rental from The Blakeney Cottage Company

area, and this reputation has resulted in a portfolio of properties that have come to them purely through word of mouth. Due to the unprecedented demand for their marketing skills they have decided to expand their operation to allow more owners to experience their unique service. As James Player, director of the company explains, ‘We take the time to really find out what aspirations and expectations the owners of properties have. We are happy to offer advice prior to the purchase of second homes and welcome discussing possible renovations required that will maximise the letting potential of any property. If owners want a full make over we work very closely with a talented interior designer who has a great grasp of the letting market, but also we have years of experience ‘in house’ and know exactly what works for guests and owners alike through having very successful letting properties of our own.’ ‘Guests can either pick out their ideal

choice of property from our live, informative website and book online or they can give us a call with their requirements or any queries they may have. Everyone at our main office on Blakeney Quay has intimate knowledge of all the properties on our books and can help guests through every step of choosing, booking and making the most of their holiday in North Norfolk. Guests can have complete confidence that we will give them an honest assessment whether the properties they have been considering will meet all their demands and expectations, whether for a short break, special occasion or family holiday.’ With levels of returning guests being exceptionally high and many of these guests then deciding to purchase and place their new holiday hideaways with The Blakeney Cottage Company, it seems this well established and approachable company most certainly understand exactly what is needed when choosing a great place to either buy, let out or stay in.

The Blakeney Cottage Company The Granary High Street Blakeney North Norfolk NR25 7AL 01263 741777 blakeneycottagecompany.co.uk

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Find your perfect Norfolk Hideaway

Visit www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk or call 01485 211 022

With stunning beaches, wide open skies, sand dunes and wonderful wildlife, Norfolk is an easy choice when it comes to choosing a holiday location here in the UK. To fully immerse yourself in what North Norfolk is all about – see the sights, hear the sounds and fall in love with the laidback local way of life – you’ll need a place to stay. Award winning Norfolk Hideaways have over 300 self-catering properties from cosy cottages crammed full of Norfolk charm to luxury retreats; close to beautiful beaches, in rural hotspots or in the middle of quaint market towns. So whether you’re looking for something romantic, dog-friendly or somewhere for that big family get-together, you’re sure to find the perfect property with us.

Thinking of

letting

your holiday home? If you own a holiday home or are considering buying one, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether coastal or rural, we’re sure to have space for you within our ever-growing portfolio. From providing you with an initial rental forecast, guidance on how to renovate, furnish and present your property to supplying names of trusted suppliers, we’ll make the whole process easy. Being local, we know the best places to buy and types of property to invest in and with no joining fee, no restrictions and a targeted marketing strategy designed to direct as many people as possible to our website to generate you bookings, you’re in safe hands. Email us at enquiries@norfolkhideaways.co.uk

NORFOLK COUNTRY COTTAGES Celebrations all round for the county’s leading, independent holiday cottage agency 2017 is a very special year for Norfolk Country Cottages, as they don party hats and raise a glass to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Established back in 1992 in the small and very pretty market town of Reepham, their journey to today has been full of surprises and delights. Many things have changed, but the important things that make them unique remain the same. The Norfolk Country Cottages portfolio of holiday cottages has grown from two to more than 450, with each still hand-picked by their team and carrying the much-respected VisitEngland grading. The last quarter of a century has also seen their office relocate to The Old Crab Shop in Holt

to house a growing team of dedicated and passionate local experts. The founders, Richard and Lesley, are still directors, as are their two sons and son-in-law - James, Tom and Tom. Together, and with the help of the dedicated team, they ensure their 50,000+ visitors each year enjoy excellent customer service and fabulous holidays to treasure. Norfolk Country Cottages also stands out not only for their local knowledge of the county, which aids visitors no end, but also for their support of worthy local organisations that make Norfolk such a special and unique place to visit. 2017 sees them

sponsoring Norfolk Food and Drink, Norwich Theatre Royal, Sheringham Little Theatre, Holt Festival and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. As director, Tom Ellis, explains, “We are passionate about supporting the tourism offering and setting ourselves apart in being the agency that gives back.” We find ourselves popping a cork or two and toasting such an inspirational and friendly local company. Cheers! If you are interested in holidaying in Norfolk, or have a special property and are interested in adding it to the Norfolk Country Cottages portfolio, simply call 01263 715779. They look forward to hearing from you.

A redefinition of ‘all-inclusive’ holidays Included in your Norfolk stay... Stylish accommodation • Exceptional customer service • Impressive heritage Wide, open skies • Crystal-clear stargazing • Rich wildlife • Wonderful walking Wild swimming • Cool cycling • Expansive, sandy beaches • Peace of mind Plethora of foodie havens • Boutique shopping haunts • Sanctuary for the soul

norfolkcottages.co.uk 01263 715779

holidays@norfolkcottages.co.uk the best of NORFOLK 169

THE At Carrick’s Guest House, Castle Farm our visitors experience luxurious 5-star accommodation in our family home on a busy working farm. All rooms have been decorated and furnished to reflect the elegance of a bygone age whilst providing all modern facilities visitors expect. The 550 acre farm includes 300 acres of low-lying water meadows which are grazed in the summer months by our rare breed herds of White Park and Lincoln Red cattle. For the more energetic, the farm boasts five miles of permissive footpaths one of which forms part of the Wensum Way which connects the Nar Valley Way to Marriot’s Way, enabling walkers to walk from King’s Lynn to Yarmouth mostly on permissive and County footpaths. The walk along the banks of the River Wensum, which forms the farm’s northern boundary is spectacular at any time of the year when a wide variety of deer, waterfowl and songbirds may be seen. The wide, impounded stretches of the river are also ideal for canoeists, anglers and artists.

Carrick ESTATE Over the years we have undertaken a number of diversification projects, converting traditional farm buildings which are no longer suitable for modern agriculture to alternative uses. This includes the provision of a village store, post office, butchers shop and delicatessen. Park Farm Campsite. Hidden away in lush meadows surrounding Park Farm, our campsite offers a safe and peaceful base from which to explore our wonderful county of Norfolk. So whether you are just looking for a quiet place to ‘chill out’ or you seek more strenuous activity, you will find it all here at Castle Farm. Carrick’s at Castle Farm Castle Farm, Swanton Morley, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4JT. 01362 368302 enquiries@carricksatcastlefarm.co.uk carricksatcastlefarm.co.uk

“We stayed in the newly converted barn which is a huge studio apartment with kitchen, wood burning stove, huge bed, luxury bathroom and loads of privacy. There are loads of little touches which make this a 5 star place to stay.”

Carrick’s at Castle Farm Castle Farm, Swanton Morley, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4JT. Tel: 01362 368302 www.carricksatcastlefarm.co.uk

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PICTURE PERFECT NORFOLK

YOUR HOLIDAY STARTS WITH KETT over 190 properties across north Norfolk

Kett Country Cottages specialises in holiday lettings across north

Norfolk and is passionate not only about the properties we let but about the beautiful coast and countryside Norfolk has to oﬀer. Combine style Dog friendly and comfort with scenery and local Over half our properties accept pets knowledge for a holiday worth returning for. We pride ourselves on personal service, trusted by both owners and y as garden “Very dog friendl ul walks.” secure and beautif holidaymakers alike.

SELF-CATERING COTTAGES There’s a holiday waiting for you

Kett provides some of the most picturesque coastal cottages north Norfolk has to oﬀer. With a diverse holiday home oﬀering, Kett can match your perfect getaway suited to your needs.

Home from Home

If you’re looking for management of your Norfolk holiday home, our dedicated Property Services Team are on hand to help maintain the property, assist with smooth change overs and hassle-free lettings.

Booking just got easier

Relax

Our staﬀ are local people and know the area well. All our properties are equipped with a local guide alongside the Kett website for information on things to do and village traits. We are here to help every step of the way, let us take you on a journey...

kettcountrycottages.co.uk info@kettcountrycottages.co.uk 01328 856853

Whether bo oking or letting, we ’ve got in hand with it all our full-manag ement service.

“Your professionalism and ease of contact has been excel lent”

STAY

MANAGED

ENJOY

Extensive choice, with highest standards in beautiful coastal settings

Personal service makes running your second home a pleasure

Local advise and knowledge PLUS Kett Rewards discount card

the best of NORFOLK 171

Exper ience the lifestyle

A home & l i fes t yl e s hop, open in Bu r n h am M a r k e t Barefoot Living, Church House, Overy Road, Bur nham Market, Kings Lynn, PE31 8HH 01328 738 100 www.barefoot-living.co.uk

ESTATES PA S S I O N AT E ABOUT P RO P E RT Y

MAKING DREAMS A REALITY

I N D E P E N D E N T, PERSONAL & BESPOKE

A Nor th Norfolk Estate Agency Barefoot Estates, High Street, Thornham, Norfolk PE36 6LX 01485 512638 • sales@barefootestates.co.uk • www.barefootestates.co.uk If you have already instructed an agent on a sole agency basis, please check the terms and conditions in order to avoid the potential liability of having to pay two fees.

172 the best of NORFOLK

A bespoke holiday property maintenance and cleaning company like no other... Local and with an in-depth understanding of holiday cottage letting, we can look after your holiday cottage, no matter how big or small. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cleaning, linen hire, general maintenance or the full works, you will be guaranteed of attention to detail and people who take pride in their work. Likewise, your visitors will be greeted with a spick and span property in which to while away their holiday.

01328 888091

info@norfolkcottagecare.co.uk

www.norfolkcottagecare.co.uk

YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

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YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

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EAT DRINK SLEEP

JANUARY – DECEMBER 2017

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Part of Flying Kiwi Inns BOUTIQUE HOTELS ON THE NORTH NORFOLK COAST

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YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

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The Hero

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YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

The Best of Norfolk is an annual guide personalised for the leading hotels, accommodation providers and retailers across Norfolk.

Positive Versions:

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Each venue receives their own edition available to guests and clients. bestnorfolk.com

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174 the best of NORFOLK

It is distributed to numerous boutique hotels, B&Bs, holiday lets and available to buy via amazon.co.uk

LIST OF ADVERTISERS Attractions

Humbleyard Vineyard

Beccles Lido

Big Dog Ferry

Bressingham Steam Museum & Gardens

Broads Tours

Creake Abbey

156

The Lodge

Gurneys Fish Box

The Ingham Swan

154

Stiffkey Stores

The Gunton Arms

154

The Sugared Rose

Morston Hall

Cake Company

The Ship

Thornham Deli

Strattons Hotel

156

Titchwell Manor

Tosier Chocolate

146,147 151 92, 148 18, 143, 147

Virginia Court

Deepdale Visitor Information Centre

The Arts & Galleries

Adrian Hill

Norwich Cathedral

Bircham Gallery

53, 132

Norfolk Broads Direct

Bradley Hatch

Burnham Grapevine

27, 136

Somerleyton Hall & Gardens

Relish

Driftwood Glass Studio

Seahorse Studio

Snettisham Park

109

Flint Gallery

Stories of Lynn

106

Garden House Gallery

Temples Seal Trips

Wroxham Barns

Chauffeur Anglian Chauffeur Service

176

Quay Art

136, 137

53 46, 132, 133 70 47, 134, 135

Red Dot Gallery

Bells & Whistles

Bewilderwood

Church Farm

106

Farmer Fred’s

106

Hilltop Outdoor Centre

Collectables Bears of Europe

107

Department Stores 54

Jarrolds

Roys

Fashion 28

Collen & Clare

Gallyons Country Clothing

102

Morston Town & Country

Middletons Clothing

103

Bawdeswell Garden Centre

Christopher William Country

Holiday Accommodation

Lings Country Goods

Blakeney Boltholes Blakeney Cottage Company Carricks at Castle Farm Kett Country Cottages

162 48 164 94, 170 171

Norfolk Coast Holiday Cottages 110 Norfolk Country Cottages

168

Norfolk Cottage Company

53, 172

Norfolk Cottage Care Norfolk Hideaways

173 25, 166 160

Homes & Interiors Anchor Shop Berber Interiors Blue Jacket Workshop

Anna

Outdoors

Gone Crabbing

Sowerbys Holiday Cottages

Bakers & Larners

Blyth & Wright BTOI

49 58, 61

45 67

Pets Ruff and Tumble

Property Bedfords

The Anchor Inn

155

Dabbling Duck

150

The Hero

Home by Annie Lambert

31 140

Abels

Eric’s Fish & Chips

The Hare and the Hen

Kindreds

107

Briarfields Chequers Inn

Benedicts

20, 149

Schools

15, 149

Gresham’s

Congham Hall

148

Creake Abbey Cafe and Food Hall 31

Cley Windmill

Deepdale Cafe

The Crown

37, 151

Dial House

The Hoste

152

Folly Tea Rooms and The Tea Caddy

24 60

152 17 153

Shucks

156

Algy’s Farm Shop

Restaurants

Hotels

41 153

Removals

Tatty Tides

49, 156

19, 150

Blakeney Delicatessen

Orange Tree

Beers of Europe

Pubs & Inns

Nicholsons UK Ltd

Food, Drink and Cafés

IBC

Hopkins Homes

Nelly DK

33, 34

117

The Old Ram Coaching Inn

25, 118

The Kit Bag

45 33, 34

108

Norfolk Etc

Stiffkey Red Lion

Fine Line Frames Jayrest Interiors

One Stop Nature Shop

Joyful Living

Nomad & the Bowerbird

Utopia: the Unexpected Gallery 30

Barefoot Retreats

Children

55, 134

Jewellery

Spa & Beauty Six Appleyard

Ufford Park Hotel Golf & Spa

the best of NORFOLK 175

Tour Norfolk’s best attractions with bespoke chauffeured trips of Norfolk’s top sites Take trips, have picnics, take afternoon tea, dine out in the evenings or go to the theatre.

Anglian Chauffeur Service provides a First Class driving service throughout East Anglia and beyond. Within our discrete Jaguar XJ L you’ll enjoy luxurious comfort whilst the fully livered chauffeur conveys you to your destination. Remain connected whilst on the move with our in car 4G Wi-Fi with radio, CD or DVD player is available for the duration of your journey and controlled remotely from the rear seats.

On longer journeys complimentary refreshments: Evian Water and Fox’s Glacier Mints are provided and for your convenience. For corporate clients business trays assist with work on the move and power sockets are available in the rear with charging cables for all major tablet and phones available from your chauffeur. We offer a bespoke service with Chauffeur Experience Packages for special occasions, such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries or as an unique gift. Anglian Chauffeur Service provides a Wedding Car Service - your wedding photographer is guaranteed to achieve great images of your arrival at your venue.

Anglian Chauffeur Service | Changing the perception of the private hire profession through professionalism, safety and work ethic.

Call 07500 787477 info@anglianchauffeurservice.co.uk

Known for selling some of the finest houses in East Anglia since 1966. In East Anglia, we’re renowned for our gentler pace of life. In this quiet and unspoiled part of the world you’ll find businesses, like Bedfords, that take a genuine pride in their local knowledge. Whatever kind of property you want to buy or sell in Norfolk or Suffolk – fisherman’s cottage, merchant’s townhouse, rectory or country house – at Bedfords you’ll find the best East Anglia has to offer. For profressional advice on the marketing of your property, or if you are looking for the perfect home, call us:

BURNHAM MARKET 01328 730 500

Oﬃces also at Aldeburgh, Bury St Edmunds & Woodbridge