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Since moving to Norfolk 17 years ago, I have
grown to love the area despite the initial culture shock. Although all
the brochures say it, this county really does have something everyone.
There are many pretty villages, bustling market towns and of course the
city of Norwich (you must visit!!). The landscape in Norfolk, contrary
to popular opinion is not flat, but the skies are big, the sunsets spectacular
and the sense of light amazing. A friend of mine, who visits, always says
it is like turning the lights on when she comes to Norfolk. It is also
one of the driest and sunniest regions in the country.
When asked to write about my
favourite place, I really was hard pushed to pick just one. However, eventually
I had to go for that area of Northwest Norfolk that is near to the coast
and where Lord Nelson was born. There were originally 7 villages with
Burnham in their names. Burnham Thorpe, Burnham Overy Staithe, Burnham
Deepdale, Burnham Norton and the largest of them, Burnham Market which
now includes Burnham Westgate and Burnham Sutton.
But Burnham Market, for me, has
it all. Sometimes (unfairly) called Chelsea by the Sea it has a pretty
village green overlooked by the church and surrounded by super little
local shops - a proper butchers, bakers and fishmongers; there is a good
fish restaurant, a delicatessen (and yes, it probably does sell 10 kinds
of olives!) tearooms and busy, popular pubs selling food. Other types
of shopping are well catered for as well. I love browsing in the chic
boutiques where you can buy (or just look at!) gorgeous shoes, the largest
selection of hats in the region, designer clothes as well as a great range
of country clothing too. There are also a couple of impressive shops selling
accessories for houses and unusual gifts. Enough to keep you and your
wallet busy for a while......... But enough for now of shallow pursuits
- how about natural attractions?
The coast is only a couple of miles away at Holkam Beach, which has one of the most truly gorgeous beaches in
England. My Scottie dog, Archie loves to play Frisbee here. It is a huge
open space and you can walk for a mile or so to the sea when the tide is
out. Even at the height of summer, it is never crowded. The winter is the
most attractive and atmospheric time for me though. Deserted, wild and beautiful.
You won't be sorry you visited
this area.
Irene Alexander
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