Norfolk Guide 2010

2010/11

Your guide to all things Norfolk

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Welcome to the norfolk

Guide, your brand new

guide to all things Norfolk.

Use this guide to take your

first steps towards a relax-

ing and rewarding break in

one of the most fascinating

and beautiful counties in

England.

4 NORWICH

12 DISS &

HARLESTON

14 THE BROADS

16 HUNSTANTON

18 HOLT

20 DOWNHAM

MARKET

22 CLEY, BLAKENEY &

BRANCASTER

24 WALSINGHAM,

FAKENHAM,

WYMONDHAM &

SANDRINGHAM

30 SHERINGHAM,

MUNDESLEY &

NORTH WALSHAM

32 CROMER

34 BURNHAM

MARKET, SWAFFHAM

& DEREHAM

36 KING’S LYNN

38 GREAT

YARMOUTH

40 ROUND-UP

50 INFORMATION

Welcome

Norfolk Guide is published by Thompson Media Partners Ltd, Unit 4, Avenue Business Park, Elsworth,

Cambridge CB23 4EY. Tel. 01954 267696. If you would like to advertise in the next edition or require more

information, please contact Charlie Roadley-Battin on 01449 767862. © Thompson Media Partners Ltd.

Photo: www.tournorfolk.co.uk

Holkham Bay

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Thanks to its medieval origins as Britain’s sec-

ond city, Norwich has an historic fabric that

stands comparison with the finest heritage

cities in the UK. Over 1,500 historic buildings

lie within the city walls and the city’s compact

scale means you can easily explore on foot.

As well as two magnificent cathedrals and

an imposing Norman castle, you’ll find more

medieval churches than any other city north

of the Alps within the city’s pretty medieval

streets such as the wonderfully preserved Elm

Hill with its cobbles and half-timbered houses.

Dragon Hall, with its superb dragon crown-

post roof, is the only medieval trading hall

known to survive in Western Europe and a

unique historical treasure. Tucked away but

well worth seeking out, The Plantation Garden

is a wonderfully restored late Victorian town

garden with a gothic fountain, rustic bridge,

an Italianate terrace and hundreds of

architectural details fashionable in the mid-

19th century.

Many of the city’s heritage sites can be

explored through guided walks and tours, visi-

tor attractions, exhibitions, music and perform-

ances, cafés, restaurants and gift shops.

Dragon Hall, 115-123 King Street (01603

663922) The Plantation Garden, 4 Earlham

Road (01603 621868)

�NorwichA visit to Norwich will bring you to the very heart of East Anglia, one of the finest heritage cities in the land where you’ll discover over 1,000 years of history, a buzzing cultural scene and UK top 10 shopping.

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Norwich Castle& Gallery

The most complete medieval city in Britain

All photos www.tournorfolk.co.uk except Dragon Hall, Plantation Garden & Gentleman’s Walk, www.visitnorwich.co.uk

River Wensum Dragon Hall Plantation Garden Norwich River Bus Gentleman’s Walk Whitlingham Country Park

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NorwichCathedral

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Shortlisted for the prestigious title of UK City ofCulture 2013, Norwich offers a vibrant culturalscene with a wealth of fantastic cultural experi-ences whether you enjoy the performing andvisual arts or you're inspired by fine buildings andamazing history.

The iconic Norwich Castle Museum & ArtGallery stands proud over the city and offers bothpermanent and visiting exhibitions whilstlunchtime concerts can be enjoyed in thedelightful music room at the Assembly House.

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts offers out-standing collections of contemporary and worldart and Europe's largest permanent digital screengallery, Fusion, can be found in the city's land-mark Forum building. Norwich has a remarkablechoice of theatre including Norwich TheatreRoyal, one of the most successful touring theatres

in the country and whose programme includes

top West End shows, operas and ballets and the

Norwich Puppet Theatre, one of only two

puppet theatres in the UK. Add to this already

heady mix an incredibly diverse range of cinema,

literature, music and festivals and you have one

amazing city.

Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Castle

Meadow (01603 493625) The Assembly House,

Theatre Street (01603 626402) The Sainsbury

Centre, University of East Anglia (01603

593199) Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street

(01603 630000) Norwich Puppet Theatre,

St James, Whitefriars (01603 629921)

Maddermarket Theatre, St John’s Alley

(01603 620917)

�NorwichA City of Culture

The Sainsbury Centrefor Visual Arts

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Tombland Norwich Market Theatre RoyalPhotos: www.tournorfolk.co.uk

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�Norwich

Open air theatres, festivals, guided walks, band-

stand concerts and more. Every year the city has

a great programme of entertainment, from free

activities in parks and open spaces to outdoor

theatre.

With interactive workshops, music, performances,

sporting activities, arts and crafts, there really is

something for everyone.

There are weekend bandstand concerts

throughout the summer in many of the Norwich

parks offering wonderful live music and the

opportunity to take along your homemade

picnic.

Don’t forget to visit The Forum where you will

find the Millennium Library with story-telling and

other fun activities plus an amphitheatre where

on a busy lunchtime you can sit and watch street

entertainers and performers - Covent Garden

style.

When the weather is kind and you want to

explore ‘hidden Norwich’ why not plan some time

to visit the Bishop’s Garden at Norwich Cathedral,

or try a children’s stained glass window workshop

at the beautiful church of St Peter Hungate in

Princess Street.

The Norfolk & Norwich Festival takes place

every year in May and features a fantastic line-up

of music, arts, theatre and entetrianment

throughout the city for two weeks.

Never a Dull Moment

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Elm Hill Jarrolds department store Norwich Train StationPhotos: www.tournorfolk.co.uk

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It's not hard to see why Norwich ranks so high for

shopping. With its large pedestrian areas and

bustling lanes, its quirky independent shops, six

day open-air market and spacious modern shop-

ping malls, Norwich is truly a unique destination

for shoppers.

Norwich has all the UK's leading department

stores including John Lewis, Marks and Spencer,

House of Fraser, Bhs and Debenhams. The Mall

Norwich and Chapelfield shopping centres have

over 150 stores between them whilst dozens of

independent shops, many within the historic

Norwich Lanes area, bring an extra dimension to

any trip. The pretty streets and narrow alleys of

the Lanes embrace all aspects of contemporary

lifestyle shopping and also offer plenty of inde-

pendent cafés and restaurants where you can

grab a coffee or smoothie or relax with a leisurely

lunch before hitting the shops again. The heart of

the Lanes is just a few minutes' walk from the

city's colourful market which is open Monday-

Saturday. The city has had its own award-winning

family-run independent department store,

Jarrold, since 1823 whilst the art nouveau Royal

Arcade is home to the one and only Colman's

Mustard Shop and Museum.

Colman's Mustard Shop and Museum, Royal

Arcade (01603 627889)

www.visitnorwich.co.uk

�NorwichOne of the UK's top 10 places to shop

Norwich Lanes

Castle Mall Royal Arcade ChapelfieldPhotos: www.tournorfolk.co.uk

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Diss is a successful, picturesque market town with parkland, play areas, live entertainment facilities, and the

recent winner of the 'Best Kept Market Town in Norfolk'. Fine examples of period architecture can be enjoyed

including timber-framed buildings and Georgian and Edwardian facades. Norfolk House Yard is an attractive

courtyard with individual specialist shops and coffee shops. The Mere, a six acre lake, is said to be the second

deepest in the country. In the severe winters of the 19th century skating carnivals were often held on the

Mere and even a cricket match in 1827. Nearby Bressingham is a must to visit with its amazing Steam

museum, with over five miles of narrow-gauge steam lines and four journeys to choose from, 20 acres of

gardens - renowned worldwide for their horticultural excellence - and its Dad’s Army exhibition, which

comprises a recreation of Walmington on Sea the fictional home to Captain Mainwaring and his men.

�Diss

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Harleston is a treasured market town nestling in the Waveney Valley, which has a wealth of fine Georgian

houses, individual shops and a summer arts festival. The attractive Italianate clock tower overlooking the

market place has recently been restored and there is a wealth of interesting architecture and speciality shops,

for example a shop which stocks in excess of 40 different varieties of cheese, and a nationally acclaimed

butcher. The Waveney Valley is perfect for discovery on foot or cycle with its numerous way-marked routes

and quiet country lanes including much of the ‘Angles Way’. Wednesday is market day in Harleston.

�Harleston

Diss Mere

Diss town Clock tower in Harleston Diss Mere

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�The Broads

The Norfolk Broads is Britain's largest protected

wetland with status equivalent to a National

Park. The beautiful, wild expanse of 200km of

lock-free navigable rivers, shallow lakes, wood-

land, fens and grazing marshes, is home to

some of the rarest plants and wildlife in the UK

from the Swallowtail butterfly to the reclusive

bittern.

Without doubt, the best way to enjoy the

Broads is by boat. You can hire sailing boats,

motor cruisers (by the house or day), canoes,

electric boats, and even charter one of the few

remaining Norfolk Wherry yachts, complete

with crew. And with all that water, it's a haven

for anglers.

It is also the perfect location for cycling and

walking, with wide skies, quiet lanes and scenic

views. Why not hire a bike and explore one of

the many charming Broads towns and villages

with their historic churches, mills and wind-

pumps.

The northern section of the Broads, with the

bustling village of Wroxham at their heart, the

starting point for many Broads holidays and

river trips, is formed around the rivers Bure,

Thurne and Ant.

Hickling is the largest of the Broads, with 500

acres of open water and Norfolk Wildlife Trust's

extensive nature reserve. Enjoy a guided trip on

Barton Broad about 'Ra', Britain's first passen-

ger-carrying solar boat, or take the board-walk

to the water's edge.

At How Hill Nature Reserve you will find Toad

Hole Cottage, a tiny, former eel-catcher's cot-

tage, where the silent Electric Eel will take you

on a wildlife water trail through the reeds and

marshes.

Photos www.tournorfolk.co.uk

One of the most popular inland waterways in Europe, the Norfolk Broads National Park is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break

How Hill

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River Thurne Salhouse Broad Loddon Staithe Broads Tours Swan Inn, Horning

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Climb the winding, spiral stone staircase of

Ranworth church for magnificent views of the

Broads and discover the floating conservation

centre moored on Ranworth Broad - great for

birdwatching.

The southern area of the Broads, around the

rivers Yare, Chet and Waveney, is quieter than

the northern Broads, but you will find many

attractive riverside pubs in places like

Bramerton, Surlingham and Loddon, while

Brundall boasts a busy marina and Richard

Hughes' celebrated Lavender House restaurant.

The historic ferry at Reedham offers one of the

only river crossing in the southern Broads and

you can take in the delightful scenery and

wildlife on board Liana, an Edwardian-style

electric launch, from Beccles.

Broads Tours scheduled river cruises from

Wroxham or Potter Heigham 01603 782207;

Electric Eel wildlife water trail at How Hill

01692 678763; Helen of Ranworth electric

reed lighter 01603 270453; Liana electric

boat trip from Beccles Quay 01502 713196;

Ra solar boat trip on Barton Broad 01603

782281. Canoe and cycle hire Barnes

Brinkcraft 01603 782625; Broadland Cycle

Hire 07887 480331; TheCanoeMan.com

07810 838052; Waveney River Centre 01502

677343; Whitlingham Country Park 01603

617332. Day cruisers Barnes Brinkcraft

01603 782625; Ferry Marina 01692 631111;

Norfolk Broads Direct 01603 782207


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Wroxham Bridge

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�HunstantonHunstanton, or ‘Sunny Hunny’ as it is affection-

ately known, is the ideal location for a seaside

holiday with all the trimmings. Famous for its

striped cliffs, acres of sand and clear, shallow

water, Hunstanton also offers lots of fun attrac-

tions for all ages. The town was purpose built as

a seaside resort in 1846 by local landowner

Henry Styleman le Strange and gained popular-

ity as early as the 1860s.

Today, Hunstanton retains its Victorian charac-

ter and remains a popular holiday location for

all ages but particularly families. The town pos-

sibly takes its name from the River Hunn, which

begins in the grounds of Old Hunstanton Park

and Old Moated Hall, the Ancestral home of the

Le Strange Family.

Hunstanton is known as Sunny Hunny for very

good reason. The town faces west across a 20

mile wide stretch of shallow, sheltered water

almost the width of the English Channel, and is

the only west-facing resort on the east coast.

Hunstanton enjoys truly world-class sunsets

and records some of the highest sun-time in

the summer, so it is likely that a holiday in

Hunstanton will be a sunny one.

There are two sides to Hunstanton, the ele-

gant and sedate Victorian resort with its

Esplanade Gardens and the buzzing family

resort with attractions such as the Oasis Leisure

Centre, Crazy Golf and Pitch-and-Putt Course.

You can take a boat trip to see the seals or visit

the Sea Life Sanctuary. In the evening why not

take the family to the Funfair or visit the

Princess Theatre to enjoy a show.

Old Hunstanton, a silver award winner, 2009

Anglia in Bloom, has more of a village feel with

cottages built of Norfolk carrstone and great

pubs and hotels. You can walk from one resort

The Famous Red and White Cliffs of Hunstantonare visited by hundreds each year simply to seethis spectacular natural geological feature. TheRed Rock and White Lower Chalk is rich in fossilsincluding echinoids, fish, shark, bivalves and bra-chiopods, ammonites and more.


The Chapel and Lighthouse St Mary’s, Old Hunstanton The red chalk of Hunstanton Cliffs Funfair North Promenade Gardens

norfolkguide 17

to the other, so you can enjoy the buzz of the

resort in the morning then spend a lazy after-

noon lying amongst the dunes.

Hunstanton's popular land train runs regular-

ly through the summer months carrying visi-

tors from Searles Leisure Resort to the light-

house and back again. On weekends through-

out the season there are always events taking

place on Hunstanton green and bandstand.

In and around Hunstanton High Street you’ll

find shops to suit all needs, from last minute

holiday essentials such as a bucket and spade

to high street fashion for all ages, as well as

gifts for the home and garden, kites, surf

boards, kite-surfing and wind surfing equip-

ment, model toys and homemade sweets.

There are a number of small cafes, tea rooms,

chip shops and restaurants and along the sea

front there are the usual purveyors of fresh sea

food, Hunstanton Rock, ice cream

and donuts.

Hunstanton Land Train (01485 534211)

Princess Theatre, The Green PE36 5AH

(01485 532252) Oasis Sports & Leisure

Centre, Central Promenade PE36 5BD (01485

534227) Searles Lesiure Resort, South Beach

(01485 534211) Sea Tours (01485 534444)

Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary, Southern

Promenade PE36 5BH (01485 533576) Le

Strange Old Barns, Antiques Arts and Crafts

Centre, Old Hunstanton PE36 6JG (01485

533402) Hunstanton markets: Wednesdays

and a larger market on Sunday.

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The pretty market town of Holt is a Georgian

gem of washed stone High Street and flint lined

yards harbouring a range of quality galleries, tea

rooms, pubs, antique shops and specialist food

stores.

Holt is one of the country's best-preserved

Georgian market towns. Destroyed by fire three

centuries ago, the town was rebuilt all at once

and reborn in the smart style that makes it so

popular with visitors seeking the perfect blend of

the homely and the refined.

In winter, the town's continental style of on-

street cafes and dazzling colour cascading from

hanging baskets gives way to a fairy wonderland

of Christmas lights. In all seasons, Holt is an ideal

base to explore the North Norfolk hinterland,

whether to the coast (only three miles away) or

the countryside.

Holt Country Park, just south of the town, is a

100 acre woodland that hosts family events

throughout the year as well as offering way-

marked walks for all abilities, and boasts a presti-

gious Green Flag award.

The Shell Museum, Church House, Glandford

NR25 7JR (01263 740081) Wolterton Hall, nr

Erpingham (01263 584175 / 768444)

Letheringsett Watermill, Riverside Road,

Letheringsett NR25 7YD (01263 713153) Holt

Country Park Baconsthorpe Castle English

Heritage (01223 582700) Mannington Hall,

NR11 7BB (01263 584175) A&J Young Pottery

and Pot Shop, Common Farm, Lower Gresham

NR11 8RE (01263 577548) Picturecraft Gallery,

23 Lees Yard, off Bull Street NR25 6HS (01263

711040) The Appleyard Gallery, 14 Appleyard

NR25 6AR (01263 712315)

�Hol t

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One of Holt’sshopping yards

Holt town Holt Country Park Holt stationPhotos: www.tournorfolk.co.uk

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TourNorfolk is a great website that helps you discover different places inNorfolk. Using photographs, maps and text, the website is arranged as a series ofonline guided tours that show you what places actually look like. In the comfortof your own home, you can click your way around Norfolk and follow the guidedtours that interest you, either by place or by theme, examples being NorfolkCoast, Great Yarmouth, Norwich, Norfolk Beaches or Pet Friendly Norfolk. You can use the tours to discover what to see and do in the area, with links tolocal tourist attractions and holiday accommodation providers.

www.TourNorfolk.co.uk

Dating back to Saxon times, Downham Market is

a gateway to West Norfolk and one of the oldest

market towns in Norfolk. The attractive market

place is immediately identifiable by the splendid-

ly unusual black and white clock. The town

retains a really intimate feel, characterised by

many fine buildings, a bustling market on Friday

and Saturday and a host of local independent

shops, friendly cafés and pubs.

Downham Market is the ideal centre for visiting

and enjoying a variety of attractions and activi-

ties in the surrounding Fens.

Through the pretty village of Denver, you can

visit the wonderfully restored Denver Windmill

with its tearoom serving freshly baked cakes and

bread.

Just down the road from the windmill is the fas-

cinating Denver Sluice complex, instrumental in

the drainage and water management of the Fens.

This is a fascinating place to explore, watch the

boats, have a picnic or pop into the local pub.

Again close to Downham Market the children

will enjoy a visit to Church Farm Rare Breeds

Centre at Stow Bardolph, including an indoor

'treehouse' play area, tractor rides, guided nature

walks, gift shop and tea room.

A few miles south of Downham Market is the

renowned Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centre at

Welney. Discover this special wetland environ-

ment and its wildlife at the easy access visitor

centre. Visit in November for the Festival of the

Swans and throughout winter to marvel at the

thousands of birds who use it as their winter

home.

Also easy to reach are the nearby attractions

Gooderstone Water Gardens and Oxburgh Hall.

Downham Market provides the perfect base for

exploring the Fen Rivers Way long distance trail

along with excellent bird watching, angling, golf

and sailing opportunities nearby.

Denver Windmill and tearoom, Denver (01366

384009) Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre,

Stow Bardolph (01366 382162) Wildfowl and

Wetlands Trust Centre, Hundred Foot Bank,

Welney (01353 860711) Gooderstone Water

Gardens, The Street, Gooderstone (01603

712913) Oxburgh Hall, Oxborough (01366

328258) Downham Market market days:

Friday and Saturday, an additional craft and

collectable market is held on alternate

Saturdays. www.westnorfolk.com

�Downham Market

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Clock tower Denver Windmill Market Day

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�BlakeneyThe village and small port of Blakeney is situated

at the mouth of the River Glaven on the north

Norfolk coast between Wells next the Sea and

Sheringham. Blakeney is an attractive destina-

tion with narrow lanes of flint cottages, tradition-

al pubs serving local real ale, a fine church and

medieval Guildhall and, with the opportunities

for crabbing, fishing, canoeing, birdwatching,

yachting and sailing pleasure craft, is a popular

spot for tourists. Visitors can stay at the 15-acre

caravan site, or at Blakeney's large hotels, The

Manor and The Blakeney.

Blakeney is also the perfect location from

which to explore the great outdoors; the North

Norfolk Coastal Path passes through the village,

and it lies within Norfolk Coast Area of

Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North

Norfolk Heritage Coast.

Blakeney also has the largest coastal nature

reserve in England and Wales, including the

National Trust owned Blakeney Point, a 3.5 mile

long sand and shingle spit, which is home to

colonies of common and grey seals. At high tide

you can take a boat trip from Morston Quay and

get up close to the seals as they bask on the

sand. Blakeney Point also offers a wilderness

walk along dunes where rare turns make their

nests in the safety of the reserve.

Blakeney Point Nature Reserve (01263

740241) Norfolketc, RYA sailing courses and

powerboat courses. Morston Quay (01263

740704) Wiveton Downs & Blakeney Esker

(01603 222770) Temples Seal Trips, The

Street, Morston (01263 740791)

Photos www.tournorfolk.co.uk (Except Seal at Blakeney Point)

�Cley next the seaThe picturesque village of Cley next the Sea lies

just east of Blakeney, on the River Glaven, in the

Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural

Beauty and the North Norfolk Heritage Coast.

Visitors will find brick and flint houses, narrow

lanes and sea paths, art and craft galleries -

including 'Made In Cley' selling pottery, prints,

jewellery and sculptures - specialist food shops -

such as Cley Smokehouse - pubs, a teashop and

a magnificent church, as well as Cley's famous

saltmarshes, one of Britain's premier bird-watch-

ing sites.

Due to land reclamation the village is no

longer 'next the sea'. The River Glaven, once navi-

gable by large ships, began to silt up in the early

17th century. The area that is now the village

green was, during the Middle Ages, a thriving

trading port exporting and importing cloth,

grain, malt, spices and coal.

Cley is also known for its landmark, Cley

Windmill, a fine 18th century mill that now

serves as holiday home and is one of The

Independents' recommended top 50 British

hotels for 2010. Beyond the windmill there are

the paths and creeks of Cley Marshes to explore.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Cley Nature Reserve, on

the edge of the marshes and overlooked by a

glassed visitor centre, has an international repu-

tation and is popular with bird-watchers who

come to see migrant and wading birds.

NWT Cley Marshes Nature Reserve & Visitor

Centre, Coast Road (01263 740008) Made In

Cley art and craft gallery, High Street (01263

740134) Cley Smokehouse, High Street_NR25

7RF (01263 740282)

Blakeney Seal at Blakeney Point North Coast Path at Blakeney Brancaster Cley Windmill

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�Brancaster and Brancaster StaitheThe neighboring villages of Brancaster,

Brancaster Staithe and Burnham Deepdale on

the North Norfolk coast line up along the edge

of Brancaster Bay and the offshore barrier

island, Scolt Head.

Much of the beautiful coastline at Brancaster -

of sandy beaches, stretches of Marram grass,

saltmarsh and sad dunes - is owned by the

National Trust. For great coastal views and

wildlife follow the Norfolk Coast Path. There's

also the 16km Brancaster Circular Walk, which

be split into two equal circuits, one west and

the other east of Brancaster.

The pretty fishing village of Brancaster

Staithe, with sailing boats and seafood for sale,

is a hotspot for those wishing to learn to sail,

windsurf or para surf. Boats and boards are

available for hire at the SailCraft Sea School at

the harbour.

Brancaster Staithe Harbour, beach and Scolt

Head Island National Nature Reserve is particu-

larly popular with birdwatchers; the extensive

areas of saltmarsh, intertidal mud and sandflats

attract internationally important numbers of

breeding terns and wintering wildfowl, and

waders such as shelduck, wigeon, teal and

curlew. During the holidays the Brancaster

Millennium Activity Centre at Brancaster Staithe

runs courses for families and children, in every-

thing from weaving and watercolours to baking

and birdwatching.

Brancaster Bay Shellfish, Brancaster Staithe

Harbour (01485 210035/07787 117350) The

Crab Hut, Harbour Way, Brancaster Staithe

Harbour. Open: April-October (01485

525369)

Brancaster Brewery, Tap at The Jolly Sailors,

Brancaster Staithe (01485 210314)

Brancaster Millennium Activity Centre, The

Dial House, Harbour Way, Brancaster Staithe

(01485 210719) The Jolly Sailors and

Brancaster Brewery, Main Road, Brancaster

Staithe (01485 210414) The White Horse,

Brancaster Staithe (01485 210262)

Blakeney

Walsingham, known as 'England's Nazereth', has been a place of pilgrimage since medieval times. Comprised

of two conjoined villages, Little Walsingham and Great Walsingham, it is famed for its religious shrines in hon-

our of the Virgin Mary. The Wells Walsingham Light Railway is the longest 10 1/4" narrow gauge steam railway

in the world and the wonderful scenic journey with five bridges through lovely countryside is worth taking.

�Walsingham

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Fakenham is a market town situated on the River Wensum that is famous for its national hunt racecourse.

Worth visiting is the Fakenham Museum of Gas housed in the town's former gasworks, which ceased

production of gas from the heating of coal in 1965 following the discovery of Natural Gas in the North Sea.

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens has nture trails, a play area for children and a lovely Courtyard Café.

�Fakenham

�WymondhamWymondham is an historic market town with an attractive town centre, a number of notable old buildings

and a good range of shops. Wymondham Abbey, founded in 1101, is one of the finest and most interesting

of the historic churches of East Anglia. Its two tall towers dominate the countryside for miles around.

Wymondham’s most famous inhabitant was Robert Kett (or Ket), who in 1549 led a rebellion of peasants and

small farmers who were protesting the enclosure of common land. He took a force of almost unarmed men,

and fought for and held the City of Norwich for six weeks until defeated by the King's forces. He was hanged

from Norwich Castle. Kett's Oak, said to be the rallying point for the rebellion, may still be seen today on the

B1172 road between Wymondham and Hethersett.

Wymondham Abbey

Photos: www.tournorfolk.co.uk (except Fakenham Racecourse)

Wymondham Walsingham Priory Fakeneham Racecourse Sandringham Gardens & Lake Sandringham House Sandringham Museum

The village of Sandringham, just north of King's Lynn, is best known for Sandringham House and estate, the

Queen's favoured country retreat.

Much of the house, including ground floor rooms used by the Royal Family, is open to the public, as well as

acres of gardens and a museum housing collections of Royal vehicles, rare ceramics, photographs and memo-

rabilia.

The house, built in 1870 by the Prince and Princess of Wales (later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra),

has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs, and the decor and contents remain much

as they were in Edwardian times.

The sixty acres of gardens that surround the house have been added to and adapted by each of

Sandringham's Royal generations, and feature woodland walks, carrstone rockeries, formal Edwardian gar-

dens with pleached lime avenues and a stream walk. The estate's 600 acre Country Park is open to the public

every day at no charge. There are many woodland paths to explore and two waymarked Nature Trails, one 1.5

miles and the other 2.5 miles long. Tractor and trailer tours run daily when the house is open, which, for a

small charge, offer an easy way to see the park.

The beautiful medieval church, where the Royal Family worship while they are at Sandringham, is also

open to the public during the visitor season. The highly decorated interior contains a magnificent silver altar

and pulpit, together with a very fine 16th century processional cross and a number of memorials to the

Royal Family.

Sandringham house, museum and gardens. Open every day: April-July. Re-opens August-October.

Average time of visit: allow 3 _ hours. House: 11am-4.45pm (4pm in October). Museum: 11am-5pm

(4pm in October). Gardens: 10.30am-5pm (4pm in October). Guided garden tours Wednesdays and

Saturdays 11am and 2pm. Sandringham Estate PE35 6EN (01553 612908)

�Sandringham

Sandringham House

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norfolkguide 25

26 norfolkguide

norfolkguide 27

28 norfolkguide

�Wells next the SeaSitting at the quay crabbing - or gillieing - is a

longstanding tradition for holidaymakers at

Wells-next-the-Sea. Wells, with its small working

harbour, is dominated by a 100-year-old granary

building, whose gantry overhangs the har-

bourfront as a reminder of past glories. The town

is also known for its sweeping sandy beach and

the stilt-high huts in primary colours that look

out across the beach at the mouth of the har-

bour.

The town is a network of narrow streets, old

alleys and yards. Some of the town's buildings

are hundreds of years old, and many, including

former coaching inns and public houses, are list-

ed buildings.

A great way to travel through the area is by

using the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway,

which is the longest 10_ inch narrow gauge line

in the world. This runs from Wells to the holy vil-

lage of Walsingham, where pilgrims come to this

day to worship at the Roman Catholic and

Anglican shrines.

A short distance from Wells is Holkham estate,

with its stately Palladian mansion, Bygones

Museum, deer park and Holkham beach.

Wells is a haven for wildlife. The salt marshes

are a particular attraction for sea birds, and off

the coast you can see common and grey seals.

Bird and seal watching boat trips leave from

Wells throughout the summer months, taking

visitors to nearby Blakeney Point. The time to see

seal pups is during July and August.

Bean’s Boat Trips: www.beansboattrips.co.uk

(01263 740038 / 01263 740505) Bishop’s

Boats: www.norfolksealtrips.co.uk 01263

740753 Temples Seal Trips: (01263 740791)

www.sealtrips.easternengland.co.uk Wells &

Walsingham Railway, Grove Road NR23 1QB

(01328 711630) Binham Priory NR21 0DQ The

Real Ale Shop, Branthill Farm NR23 1SB

(01328 710810) Holkham Hall, Holkham

Estate NR23 1AB (01328 710227)

Photos: www.tournorfolk.co.uk

The Granary Wells & Walsingham Railway Path from town to beach Staithe Street Creek from the harbour

The beautiful beach at Wells

norfolkguide 29

30 norfolkguide

�SheringhamA plume of steam is often seen rising above the

heart of Sheringham, as engines embark from

The Poppy Line heritage railway along the coast

to Holt.

The Poppy Line station hosts themed events

throughout the year, recalling a golden age of

the railways with steam and diesel engines, or

evoking the magic of Christmas with Santa

Specials.

Sheringham boasts an array of independent

shops, and there is a wealth of attractions in and

around the town. ‘Splash’ is a family leisure pool

with fitness facilities, while the enchanting Priory

Maze & Gardens lie around the ruins of the 13th

Century Augustinian Friary of St Mary at Beeston

Regis. The National Trust's Sheringham Park is a

mature woodland with paths and walks punctu-

ated by viewing platforms for taking in the stun-

ning colour of the rhododendrons and azaleas

that blossom from mid-May to mid-June. A tree-

top platform gives breathtaking coastal views.

North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham Station,

Station Approach NR26 8RA (01263 820800)

Sheringham Park National Trust, Visitor

Centre, Wood Farm, Upper Sheringham NR26

8TL (01263 820550) Priory Maze & Gardens,

Cromer Road, Beeston Regis NR26 8SF (01263

822986) Muckleburgh Collection,

Muckleburgh House, Weybourne Road,

Kelling NR25 7EG (01263 588210) Splash

Leisure & Fitness Centre, Weybourne Road

NR26 8HF (01263 825675) Sheringham Little

Theatre, 2 Station Road NR26 8RE (01263

822347) Hilltop Outdoor Centre, Old Wood

NR26 8TS (01263 824514) Sheringham

Market: Every Saturday and Wednesdays

April-October The Fishermen's Heritage

Centre, West Cliff (01263 824343)

Splash Leisure & Fitness Centre, Weybourne

Road (01263 825675)

Sheringham beach


Sheringham streets Sheringham Promenade Sheringham Station Mundesley beach North Walsham

norfolkguide 31

�North Walsham and MundesleyIdeally situated for both the Norfolk Broads and

the coast, North Walsham is a market town of

Georgian frontage dominated by the large 14th

Century 'wool church' of St Nicholas and boast-

ing a 400-year-old Palladian-style 'Cross'.

Explore the byways around North Walsham to

find medieval churches, cosy pubs and the tran-

quil waterways of the Broads. Venture towards

the coast and you will come across the fine

sandy beaches of Mundesley. The pocket sized

cliff top seaside resort, with its colourful beach

huts and Blue Flag beach, has proved a popular

destination for visitors looking for a traditional

seaside holiday.

Mundesley Maritime Museum, 12 Beach Road

NR11 8BG Stow Mill, Paston NR28 9TG (01263

720298) St Nicholas Church, North Walsham

NR28 9AT Southrepps Common Local Nature

Reserve, Lower Southrepps Alby Crafts &

Gardens, Cromer Road, Erpingham NR11 7QE

(01263 761590) Cat Pottery, 1 Grammar

School Road, North Walsham NR28 9JH

(01692 402962) Rossi’s Leisure, Aylsham

Road, North Walsham (01692 404966) Norfolk

Motorcycle Museum, Station Approach,

Norwich Road, North Walsham (01692

406266) Victory Swimming & Fitness Centre,

Station Road, North Walsham (01692 409370)

Mundesley beach

32 norfolkguide

�CromerCromer is a Victorian gem, with a seafront

townscape that rises steeply from the

Promenade and is crowned by the finials of

one of Norfolk’s tallest and most imposing

church towers.

North Norfolk's best-known landmark,

Cromer Pier, recalls a golden age of British

seaside holidaymaking. The Pavilion Theatre

hosts one of the country's last end-of-the-pier

summer variety shows, along with concerts for

all the family throughout the year.

Cafes, gift shops and amusements sit above

the beach, while the new RNLI Henry Blogg

Museum gives insights into the bravery of

those men who risk their lives to save others

at sea. The newly-refurbished Cromer Museum,

adjacent to the church at the heart of the

town, is also a trove for those interested in

local history.

The Amazona Zoo opened on the edge of

Cromer in 2008, bringing the colour of tropical

South America to the North Norfolk coast.

The National Trust’s Felbrigg Hall, just two

miles from Cromer, has a lush walled garden

and acres of parkland and woodland to explore.

Cromer crabs are still as famous as ever with

fishing boats, launched from the beach in

season, tending to hundreds of crab pots

Cromer Pier & Pavilion Theatre NR27 9HE

Box office (01263 512495) Henry Blogg

Museum, The Rocket House, The Gangway

NR27 9ET (01263 511294) Cromer Museum,

Church Street NR27 9HB (01263 513543)

Felbrigg Hall, Garden and Park NR11 8PR

(01263 837444) Wizard Adventure Maze, Hall

Farm, Metton NR11 8QU (01263 761255)

Amazona Zoo, Hall Road NR27 0JH (01263

510741) The Cromer Road Train (07792

484820) Cromer Movieplex, 4 Hans Place

NR27 9EQ (01263 513311)


Town view from church tower Cromer Pier Cromer crabs Cromer beach Town streets and church

Late afternoon onCromer cliff top

norfolkguide 33

34 norfolkguide

�Burnham MarketThe pretty North Norfolk coastal village of

Burnham Market is full of delightful houses,

cottages and quirky shops all situated around

a village green.

Burnham is known as ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’ for its

popularity with visitors from London. With

shops and galleries selling high class antiques,

paintings, food, fish and fashion it is the perfect

destination for shopping, eating out or simply

just chilling and people watching.

The village is within a designated area of

outstanding natural beauty and near the nature

reserves at Titchwell, Holme, Holkham and

Cley, as well as the historical visitor attractions

Holkham Hall, Houghton Hall and the Royal

Estate of Sandringham.

Gurney’s Fish Shop, Market Place, Burnham

Market PE31 8HF (01328 738967) Lucy’s Tea

Room, Tyne Cottage, Market Place PE318HD

(01328 730908) Humble Pie delicatessen,

Market Place, Burnham Market PE31 8HF

(01328 738581) Burnham Grapevine contem-

porary art gallery, Overy Road, Burnham

Market PE31 8HH (01328 730125) The Jockey

pub and restaurant, Creake Road, Burnham

Market PE31 8EN (01328 738321) Storm Fine

Arts, Fern Cottage, Market Place, Burnham

Market PE31 8HD (01328 730675) The Hoste

Arms, The Green, Burnham Market PE31 8HD

(01328 738777) Holkham Hall, Holkham

Estate NR23 1AB (01328 710227) Houghton

Hall, off A148 King's Lynn to Cromer road,

PE31 6UE (01485 528569) Bean’s Boat Trips,

Blakeney/Morston (01263 740505/01263

740038)


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Burnham Market

Gurneys in Burnham Market Burnham Overy Staithe Hoste Arms, Burnham Market St’Mary’s Church Burnham Thorpe

Late afternoon onCromer cliff top

norfolkguide 35

�SwaffhamSwaffham is a delightful town, recently used for

the TV series Kingdom starring Stephen Fry. It is

also the childhood home of the Egyptologist,

Howard Carter. The town has a great weekly

market on Saturdays, beautiful Georgian build-

ings and a magnificent church. A trip to the

Ecotech Centre is well worthwhile - the centre

for sustainability has exhibition area, organic

garden, heritage orchard, gift shop and the

Orchard Café, and you can view the UK's first

multi- megawatt wind turbine. Nearby Oxburgh

Hall is a romantic, moated manor house. It was

built by the Bedingfeld family in the 15th cen-

tury and they have lived there ever since.

Inside, the family's Catholic history is revealed,

complete with a secret priest's hole which you

can crawl inside. See the astonishing needle-

work by Mary, Queen of Scots, and the private

chapel, built with reclaimed materials. Outside,

you can enjoy panoramic views from the gate-

house roof and follow the woodcarving trails in

the gardens and woodlands. Swaffham is a

great base for exploring The Brecks.

�DerehamOne of Norfolk's largest towns, Dereham, is also

its most central point, making it an ideal tour-

ing base. Many of the town's ancient buildings

were destroyed in the serious fires that took

place in 1581 and 1659. Notable buildings that

survived the fire include the Church of Saint

Nicholas' and the nearby Bishop Bonner's cot-

tage. The railway between Dereham and

Wymondham has been preserved, and is now

operated as a tourist line by the Mid-Norfolk

Railway Preservation Trust (www.mnr.org.uk).

Swaffham

36 norfolkguide

�King’s LynnBrim full of history, King's Lynn is an

ideal destination offering a superb mix

of history, heritage, shopping and enter-

tainment.

With its historic waterfront, cobbled

lanes flanked by medieval merchants'

houses and two magnificent market

places, the town is a treat to discover

and explore.

Extensive pedestrianised shopping

areas combine the old and new faces of

Lynn. With plenty of cafés, restaurants

and pubs, plus regular entertainment at

the Corn Exchange and nearby Arts

Centre, along with its exhibition gal-

leries, the Festival town of King's Lynn is

a great place to visit.

King's Lynn dates back to the 12th

century and beyond when it was one of

England's most important ports. The

historic Hanseatic town is proud of its

maritime heritage and is an active

member of the modern day 'Hanse'

association of historic towns and cities.

The town's rich past has left a magnifi-

cent heritage of buildings and stories to

be discovered, and the fine old mer-

chant houses that stretch down to the

River Great Ouse between cobbled

lanes are not to be missed.

King's Lynn's Corn Exchange offers a

sparkling programme of live entertain-

ment, including opera, ballet, concerts,

comedy and children's shows. The

King's Lynn Arts Centre offers a varied

programme of comedy, music, dance,

film, visual arts and workshops. The fab-

ulously atmospheric auditorium,

housed in the 15th century Guildhall of

St George is open to the public. King's

Lynn is also home to a classic Victorian

style cinema, the Majestic, which

screens films to cater for all tastes.

King's Lynn has two magnificent mar-

ket places: Saturday Market Place,

where St Margaret's Church is surround-

ed by splendid buildings, and Tuesday

Market Place, quite possibly one of

England's grandest squares.

A great place to start your visit is the

iconic Custom House with its elegant

rooms, views of the river and displays

that tell of the famous mariners of Lynn

- including Vancouver and Nelson - as

well as its merchants, customs men and

smugglers.

The Custom House is also home to the

Tourist Information Centre, where you

can pick up a copy of 'Discover King's

Lynn' to explore the town, or join one of

the guided walks with the King's Lynn

Town Guides.

If you fancy exploring further a field,

why not follow the Nar Valley Way from

King's Lynn to Castle Acre or take the

waterways trail to Downham Market

and beyond along The Fen Rivers Way.

King's Lynn Arts Centre (01553

764864) King's Lynn Corn Exchange,

Tuesday Market Place (01553 764864)

Custom House, Purfleet Quay PE30

1HP (01553 763044) The Majestic

Cinema, Tower St PE30 1EJ (01553

772603) Lynn Museum, home of

Seahenge. Market Street PE30 1NL

(01553 775001) Town House Museum,

46 Queen Street PE30 1HT (01553

773450) www.visitwestnorfolk.com

High Street Purfleet Quay Town Hall Tales of the Old Gaol House museum

St Nicholas Chapel

norfolkguide 37


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38 norfolkguide

�Great YarmouthGreat Yarmouth is a unique, fun destination for a

holiday for all the family, and really has got

something for everyone, whether you're in a

kiss-me-quick mood on the seafront, or taking in

the resort's fascinating history in the heritage

quarter and quieter streets. Young in age or

young at heart, relax and enjoy yourself.

For candyfloss, ice-cream cones, seafront

illuminations, amusements arcades, theme parks,

donkey rides, entertainment, nights out on the

town, razzmatazz and beautiful sandy beaches,

Great Yarmouth's Golden Mile has it all. Play all

day and party all night in the upbeat, up tempo

seaside quarter. At the top of Regent Road,

where retail therapy begins, shops, department

stores and unique boutiques surround the

market place, officially the town centre. For a

more tranquil pace, head for the heritage quar-

ter and South Quay, where museums and former

merchant's houses face onto the busy port area.

With six museums and the second most

complete medieval wall in England, you can

have your fill of history, then head to the

seafront to whoop down a rollercoaster.

At Merrivale Model Village see town and

country in miniature in an acre of landscaped

gardens with a railway running through. Play

crazy golf, have a go at pitch and putt, or back

the winner at the horse or greyhound tracks. Let

off steam on the beach, have a donkey ride or go

to see the seals. Take the kids to Joyland, a fun

theme park for younger children or jump in the

car to see leopards and tigers at Thrigby Wildlife

Gardens perhaps visit some less scary animals at

Pettitts Animal Adventure Park.

Get up close and personal with sharks at the


Great Yarmouth’s fabulous beach

Atlantis Resort Pirate’s Cove Britannia Pier Yarmouth Eye The Mint amusements

View from the HavenBridge to Town Hall Quay

norfolkguide 39

Sea Life Centre, discover exotic creatures at

Amazonia Reptilarium, go back in time at Time

and Tide or Yesterday's World and explore the

remains of shipwrecks at The Potteries. Visit the

seafront Marina Centre for a dip in the tropical

pool or go ten pin bowling on Wellington Pier

overlooking the waves.

As night falls, bright lights illuminate the

seafront and Regent Road, take your pick from

Yarmouth's choice of restaurants, cafés, pubs and

diners before enjoying a show or really having a

night out on the town.

Merrivale Model Village, Marine Parade NR30

3JG (01493 842097) Pleasure Beach, South

Beach Parade NR30 3EH Great Yarmouth

Racecourse, Jellicoe Road NR30 4AU (01493

842527) Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre,

Marine Parade NR30 3AH (01493 330631)

Marina Leisure & Fitness Centre, Marine

Parade NR30 2ER (01493 851521) Amazonia

Reptilarium, Central Seafront, Marine Parade,

Great Yarmouth NR30 3AH (01493 842202)

Time & Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth,

Blackfriars Road, Great Yarmouth NR30 3BX

(01493 743930) Yarmouth Stadium

Greyhound Racing, Yarmouth Road, Caister-

on-Sea NR30 5TE (01493 720343) Thrigby Hall

Wildlife Gardens, Thrigby Hall, Filby (01493

369477) Pettitts Animal Adventure Park,

Church Road, Reedham NR13 3UA (01493

701403) Yesterdays World, 34 Marine Parade,

Great Yarmouth NR30 2EN (01493 331148)

Great Yarmouth Potteries and Smoke House,

18/19 Trinity Place, Great Yarmouth NR30 3HA

(01493 850585) www.great-yarmouth.co.uk

�Thetford Forest ParkThetford Forest is a patchwork of pines, heathland and broadleaves providing the ideal setting for a day

out, and a welcome refuge for a rich variety of animal and plant life. Many visitors are attracted by the

peace and tranquility of Thetford Forest as well as the wide range of recreation facilities. High Lodge is the

venue where children can explore trails, use the play furniture and have fun on the large grass area.

Refreshments are also available in the oak framed building. There is something for everyone somewhere in

the forest and the quieter sites provide a haven for wildlife - why not take a walk at Lynford in the

Arboretum or around the lake? Thetford, Brandon (01842 815544)

�Bacton WoodBacton Wood is thought to have had tree cover since Saxon times, being protected from conversion to

agriculture by its steep slopes and poor soils. The original woodland included Sessile Oaks and two of

these, which are thought to be over 200 years old, still remain. There are now over 30 species of tree in the

wood including Scots and Corsian Pine, Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir and Larch. There are three way-

marked walks denoted by colour routed posts. Near North Walsham (01842 816010)

�Pleasurewood Hi l lsDon't let the year slip by without a visit to the region’s biggest and best theme park, Pleasurewood Hills.

This 50-acre park is set in beautiful coastal parkland and ideally situated at Lowestoft but only just 10 min-

utes south of Great Yarmouth. The park celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2008 and has all the ingredients

for a great day out. From adrenalin-fuelled white-knuckle thrill rides and coasters like Enigma, Wizzy Dizzy

and Thunder Struck to white-water family favourites that are guaranteed to ‘cool you off’ including Timber

Falls and the Wave Breaker. There’s even a great selection of fun rides for the smallest of adventurers. Be

sure to explore the heart of the park - ‘Main Street’and it’s unique, interactive maritime theme. The latest

ride is Wipeout… the tallest, fastest and most extreme rollercoaster in the East of England. Plus there are

shows, relaxing chairlift rides, and a range of restaurants. Leisure Way, Corton, Lowestoft 01502 586000

�Beers of EuropeBeers of Europe in King’s Lynn has 4,000 square feet of purpose built shop and warehouse stacked with

more than 150,000 bottles and over 3000 different UK ales, world beers, ciders, malt whiskies, unusual spir-

its, fine wines, miniatures, homebrew equipment and branded glassware. And if you can’t get to King’s

Lynn, don’t worry, toy can purchase anything from their vast range at their online store. Garage Lane,

Setchey, King's Lynn 01553 812000 www.beersofeurope.co.uk

40 norfolkguide

High Lodge Forest Centre, Thetford Pleasurewood Hills theme park

Round-up

42 norfolkguide

Aylsham

Bure Valley Railway Station

Norwich Road

01263 733903

www.broadland.gov.uk

Burnham Deepdale

Deepdale Farms

01485 210256

www.deepdalefarm.co.uk

Open all year

Cromer

Louden Road

0871 200 3071

www.visitnorthnorfolk.com

Dereham

Church Street

01362 698992

www.dereham.ontheweb.nu

Diss

Mere Street

01379 650523

www.south-norfolk.gov.uk

Downham Market

Priory Road

01366 383287

www.visitwestnorfolk.com

Great Yarmouth

25 Marine Parade

01493 846346

www.great-yarmouth.co.uk

Harleston

Exchange Street

01379 851917

www.harleston-

norfolk.org.uk

Holt

Market Place

0871 200 3071

www.visitnorthnorfolk.com

Hunstanton

Town Hall, The Green

01485 532610


King’s Lynn

The Custom House, Purfleet

Quay

01553 763044


Norwich

The Forum, Millennium Plain

T. 01603 213999


Thetford

2newhorizons Travel Agency

Pal House, Market Place

01842 751975

www.explorethetford.co.uk

Wymondham

Market Cross, Market Place

01953 604721

www.wymondham-

norfolk.co.uk

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.visitnorfolk.co.uk

www.norfolk.gov.uk

www.norwich.gov.uk

www.tournorfolk.co.uk

www.eastmag.com

Information

Tourist Information Centres & Other Useful Contacts

National Rail Enquiries

08457 484950

Documents

Norfolk Guide 2010