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‘The Historic Georgian Town of Holt’, it says at you
reach the edge of the town. It’s a beautiful but slightly
twee town with many good food and antique shops and a couple of
decent pubs to boot. A SHORT GOOD WALK THROUGH THE RAYNHAMS Either walk from Yew Tree (5 miles all in), or drive and park on
the grass verge by St Mary’s Church. Walk past the Church,
past the bottom of the drive of haunted Raynham Hall, through the
stables and working farm and across the fields. Turn left at the
end of the field and walk down the path of wild rhubarb and then
across the field until you get back to the road. Then walk back
through the village and to your car. Only about a mile and a half
in total. HOLKHAM HALL AND BEACH Holkham Hall (pictured above) has set itself up well for visitors; there are excellent landscaped gardens and a lake where you can feed bread to the geese and ducks, or take a boat trip. Visit the museum, gift shop and old nursery before you stop off at The Victoria (see Dining Out, below) for lunch. The beach is half a mile away, and was used as a setting in the
film 'Shakespeare in Love'. You can park on Lady Margaret’s
drive by the Victoria and then walk through the pine woods to a
huge expanse of sand that stretches for miles on either side. BURNHAM MARKET ‘Burnham Markup’, the locals call it. A perfect example
of an English village (and birthplace of Nelson, so it happens)
it is undeniably beautiful and very well stocked with excellent
shops selling food, books, paintings and antiques. There’s
also a great fish restaurant. Close to Holkham, so easily combined
on a day out. WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA Can’t quite decide whether it’s Burnham Markup or Blackpool. It’s a beautiful harbour town with a great restaurant (The Crown, see Dining Out, below) and lots of interesting shops. The quayside is a mass of arcades, fish and chip shops and Kiss Me Quick hats. Walking along the beach from here, that extends to Holkham and
beyond, you’ll pass the dozens of brightly painted beach huts
that adorn the sea front. Sandringham House has been the country retreat for four generations
of British monarchs. The Country Park estate is free to visit, so
go and see how the other half live when they go to Norfolk for their
holidays. CASTLE ACRE Another beautiful village with the ruins of a National Trust owned
Augustinian Priory and Castle. SWAFFHAM AND ITS MARKET A pleasant town with a great market on Saturdays. There’s
also a large supermarket, Woolies etc and a few decent places to
grab a meal. FAKENHAM AND ITS CINEMA Recently voted the most boring town in Britain, which is a bit
harsh but understandable, it has at least got a decent cinema with
three screens and a good pick 'n' mix selection. SEAL TRIP You can take a boat trip from the quay at Morston to see the seal
colonies on the sand islands off the coast. Normally available all
year round. Some of the fisherman will leave bags of mussels on
tables outside their houses for three quid, so if you’re a
seafood fan pick up a bag and clean and steam them when you’re
back at the cottage. THE POPPY LINE, STEAM RAILWAY Between Sheringham and Holt you can ride on a proper old fashioned
train with proper old fashioned carriages and proper old fashioned
stations. One for nostalgics, the kids and Agatha Christie fans. NORFOLK TOURISM Norfolk Tourism provide a wealth of information on the many attractions
that the area has to offer. Visit one of their tourist information
centres, or have a look at their website. EATING OUT Most villages have pubs that serve decent food. Swaffham has a good range of eateries and an excellent curry house, but if you fancy something a bit more special, there are a number of restaurants within half an hour's drive of Wellingham. The four below come fully recommended. Advance booking essential, especially in peak season. The Victoria at Holkham is a firm favourite. An old coach house and part of Holkham Hall, just at the top of Lady Margaret’s Drive, the lane down to Holkham Beach where you can walk off your meal afterwards. Beautifully decorated with Indian antiques, an absolutely fantastic menu and great for either lunch, dinner or just drinks in the bar. During summer they do a fantastic value barbecue for lunch in the courtyard. The Crown is a decent gastro-pub, not too expensive, with a great menu and wine list and overlooks a beautiful Georgian square in Wells. Morston Hall in Morston is Michelin Starred and has prices to match. A real treat, though. Dinner and Sunday lunch only. Fishes in Burnham Market serves top quality local seafood. Pricey, but excellent. |
