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July's hidden gem - Reepham

Georgia Dawson — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 14:36:31 +0000

July's hidden gem - Reepham Georgia Dawson Thu, 07/26/2018 - 14:36

Our hidden gem for July is Reepham.

Just 14 miles from Norwich and 17 miles from the coast, the wonderful market town of Reepham is nestled within the gorgeous Norfolk countryside. Perfect for walking and cycling, Reepham is a designated conservation area. Reepham is ideally located for exploring the beautiful Norfolk countryside and the breath-taking Norfolk coast, with both within a short drive.

Birthplace of Norfolk Cottages, Reepham has been a market town since 1277 when Sir John de Vaux obtained a charter from King Edward I. Today, Reepham market is a conservation area and holds a country market every Wednesday morning, as well as regular antiques fairs. Beautiful 18th Century buildings border the market and line the streets of the town. Reepham is surrounded by gorgeous countryside and the town is home to cute shops, a 16th Century pub and delicious places to eat.

Situated just behind the Reepham market place stand three churches who share one churchyard. The three sisters in the town sign allegedly represent the ladies who built the churches. The three churches of Reepham are St Mary’s, which is still used for worship on a regular basis, St Michael’s, Whitwell, which is currently used as a community hall and also for worship, and the remains of All Saints, Hackford. All Saints, Hackford was burnt down on 18th April 1543 in the great fire of Reepham. It is thought to have been an accident, however at the time of the fire the Church of England was breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church.

Reepham lies between section 3 and 4 of the Marriott’s Way trail. Marriott’s Way is a 26 mile footpath and cycle path which follows the beautiful route of two retired train lines. The path runs between the market town of Aylsham and the city of Norwich.

Section 3 of Marriott’s Way guides you around Whitwell, Reepham and The Themelthorpe Loop. This walk is 5.5 miles around the loop, however can shortened by taking the Reepham Link Path which takes you through the market town. This route is 1.5 miles. This section is the muddiest of the Marriott’s Way, taking you through gorgeous open farmland, rich in plants and wildlife. Places of interest on this section of the journey is the old Reepham Station, which is now a café, and the Whitwell Station, which is a station museum.

Section 4 takes you from Reepham to Aylsham. The path follows the old Great Eastern line, which ran from Wroxham to near Dereham, passing through Reepham and Aylsham. The train line closed to passengers in 1952. With vast fields and open skies, Section 4 of Marriott’s Way is a wonderful route to take on a summer’s afternoon..

Reepham properties

3 Church Street

Sleeping three, this comfortable, cosy cottage is situated in the heart of Reepham, nestled just behind the old churches of Reepham market square. 3 Church Street is a well-equipped bolt hole, perfect for exploring the countryside.

View property here.

Old Oaks Cottage

Old Oaks Cottage is a beautifully renovated Victorian farm cottage, sleeping three. With daily access to the owner’s outdoor heated pool and hot tub, this holiday home offers an elegant retreat from a busy world.

View property here.

Eades Mill

This unusual 200-year-old rustic mill is located directly over the mill stream and boasts beautiful views over the surrounding Reepham countryside. Sleeping eight, this holiday home is perfect for a large family or group of friends.

View property here.

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Staycation in Norfolk

Georgia Dawson — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 12:47:58 +0000

Staycation in Norfolk Georgia Dawson Thu, 07/05/2018 - 12:47

Staycations are becoming more and more popular, with many choosing to holiday in the UK rather than travel abroad. With gorgeous coasts, rolling countryside, iconic waterways and wonderful weather – Norfolk is a sensational place to visit.

The Norfolk Broads

With over 125 miles of navigable waterways weaving through the Norfolk countryside, the Broads National Park is a must-see when visiting the county. The man-made Broads offer big skies, sparkling water and the chance to breathe in the fresh air and relax. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings – perhaps hire a boat for a day of exploring the waters, discover the wildlife which call the Broads their home, and visit the villages surrounding the Broads, such as Wroxham, Salhouse, Potter Heigham and Reedham.

View our Norfolk Broads properties here.

Holkham beach

The breath-taking Holkham beach is one of the most un-spoilt coastlines in Norfolk. Behind the shoreline is a semi-circular area of land, which fills up with water at very high tides to create an amazing shallow lagoon. The shore is surrounded by beautiful pine trees, creating a spectacular landscape. Holkham beach is very popular with horse riders and dog walkers.

View our north Norfolk properties here.

Cromer beach

The traditional, quintessential Victorian seaside resort of Cromer is a staple when visiting the Norfolk coast. Situated in north Norfolk, Cromer offers delicious fish and chips, independent cafes and restaurants, crabbing, a lifeboat station and amusement arcades. The sand and shingle coastline is very popular with families, with entertainment for children and adults.

View our Cromer properties here.

Blicking Estate

Discover the 4,600 acres or woodland, farmland and parkland with the truly spectacular Jacobean mansion at the heart. Surrounding the magnificent mansion is a wonderful formal garden, complete with vibrant flowers, enchanting landscapes and hidden gems. Bring a map of the many way-marked walks with you for inspiration of places to visit and sights to see.

View our Norfolk countyside properties here.

Norwich

The vibrant city of Norwich stands in the heart of the county. With breath-taking landmarks such as the Norwich Cathedral and Norwich Castle, historic gems such as Elm Hill and Tombland, and shopping highlights such as the Castle Mall and Chapelfield, Norwich will instantly make you feel at home. Visit the multitude of restaurants, cafes, shops, cinemas, museums and pubs in Norwich; the cultural vibrancy will make you want to return.

View our Norwich properties here.

What’s on this summer in Norfolk

There are many exciting events taking place across Norfolk this summer. Below are a few of the highlights, however for more, please visit our What's On page.

Norfolk Day - many events happening across Norfolk, below are a few examples of what's to come!Friday 27th July- Pop-up Porkstork stall at House of Fraser at Intu Chapelfield, Norwich. Visit from 9am-7pm, with more than 20 Norfolk food and drink producers selling their products- Norfolk-themed menu at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital main restaurant- Free entry The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell- Outdoor Theatre at Woodeforde’s from 7-9pm, viewing Journey to the Centre of the Earth

Open air theatre at Holkham HallWednesday 15th August at 6.15pmJourney to the Centre of the EarthTickets: Adult £14, Child (2-16 years incl.) £10, Family (2 adults and 2 children) £43

Summer BBQ nights at Beach Café, Wells-next-the-SeaFridays 27th July, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st August, 5pm-9pmVisit the dog-friendly Beach Café for delicious, local burgers and hotdogs, cooked on the barbeque, and plenty of music, fun and games.

GoGoHares Trail - across Norfolk24th June – 8th SeptemberFantastic, brightly coloured hares are dotted across Norfolk... how many can you find? A map is downloadable from the GoGoHares website!

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June's hidden gem - Heacham

Georgia Dawson — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 13:03:28 +0000

June's hidden gem - Heacham Georgia Dawson Wed, 06/27/2018 - 13:03

Our hidden gem for June is Heacham.

Just three miles along the coast from Hunstanton lies the stone age settlement of Heacham. The Rolfe family were the most famous residents of Heacham, when John Rolfe married Pocahontas in the 16th Century. Her image can be seen in the Heacham village sign and you can also find a memorial to her in St Mary the Virgin Church.

Alongside Pocahontas, the seaside resort is also renowned for its vibrant, thriving lavender industry. The scent of lavender floats through the seaside air in the summer time.

When in our hidden gem of Heacham, pay a visit to the fabulous Norfolk Lavender. Have a wander around large varieties of lavender and herbs in the sunshine. Learn about harvesting and the fascinating ancient process of lavender distillation.

Head to the Gift Shop and browse the full range of Norfolk Lavender's famous products, perhaps treating yourself to some lavender hand cream, a lavender candle or lavender tea. Head to the Lavender Lounge for a variety of cakes served all day, including their famous Lavender Cake and Lavender Scones.

At the Norfolk Lavender Animal Gardens, you’ll find a mix of rare and cuddly animals, and new for 2018 is the Critters Cabin. There is also a fantastic outdoor play area, which includes a zip wire, swings, slide, sandpit and a picnic area to enjoy some lunch. There is also an indoor play area for when it isn’t so sunny.

Finally, take a trip to the Walsingham Farm Shops, where you can pick up local produce. The Norfolk Lavender branch of Walsingham Farms Shop is situated in a converted barn which used to be the lavender distillery.

When the railway line connecting King’s Lynn and Hunstanton was established in the early 1860s, Heacham started to become a popular seaside resort. Today, the beach is split in two: the north beach and the south beach. The beaches look out over a wonderful 20km bay, known as The Wash, which is ideal for paddling due to the water being shallow.

The north beach has a fantastic promenade, ideal for sitting upon and admiring the beautiful landscape, or strolling along eating an ice-cream. This is also a fantastic to sit in the evening; due to the beaches facing west, you’ll have the chance to view some breath-taking sunsets. The north beach also has an amusement arcade, a café, a fish bar and public toilets.

The south beach is more wild and rural than the north, with large sand dunes which merge with the RSPBS Snettisham reserve. Also known as ‘Stubborn Sands’, the south beach has its own café and gift shop, as well as public toilets.

Properties

Dotty’s Cottage

Sleeping three, Dotty’s Cottage is a delightful carr stone semi-detached cottage which has been lovingly refurbished. With two comfortable bedrooms, a lovely kitchen-diner and a wonderful garden, this cottage is ideal for a small family, couples and friends.

Hetty’s Cottage

Built in 1834, Hetty’s Cottage is a lovely mid-terrace property which sleeps three. After being in the owner’s family for many years, it has been renovated and refurbished to a high standard, while retaining the character and charm associated with a property of its age.

Malthouse Lodge

Malthouse Lodge is an attractive modern detached house which sleeps 4. The house was built using traditional local carrstone and has been tastefully furnished. With a jacuzzi bath in the en-suite bathroom of bedroom one and a fully enclosed terraced garden with decked and planted shale area, you’ll want to return to Malthouse Lodge.

Moongazer Cottage

Sleeping 4, Moongazer Cottage is a delightful cottage built in 1845. This wonderful holiday home is one of a pair let by the same owners, the other being Sloe Gin Cottage, which is just next door. Moongazer has been beautifully restored and offers all the creature comforts you would wish for in a holiday cottage.

Sloe Gin Cottage

Built in 1845, Sloe Gin Cottage is situated next door to Moongazer Cottage and sleeps 4. The living room with its beautiful exposed beams, has a wood burner which is ideal after a day of exploring the royal Norfolk coast.

Garden Cottage

Sleeping 6, this wonderful holiday home offers a unique and beautiful escape to the royal Norfolk coast. Garden Cottage is tucked away in a private courtyard in the heart of Heacham, which boasts a luxurious open-plan living area and is perfect for a larger family or group of friends.

The Old Methodist Chapel

The Old Methodist Chapel is a truly special and unique bolt hole for a large family. Sleeping 8, this holiday home has been sympathetically converted and boasts faulted ceilings, oak beams and original stained glass windows. The property is ideal for both the summer and winter, with the fully enclosed sunny patio and the large wood burner in the living room.

Malthouse Farm

Sleeping 8, this magnificent 18th century Georgian residence is perfect for a large family escaping to the royal Norfolk coast. Malthouse Farm is set in private grounds of a third of an acre. The breath-taking interior has been specially designed and decorated by renowned interior designer Miv Watts, blending period character features with a modern luxurious finish.

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May's Hidden Gem - Walsingham

Georgia Dawson — Thu, 24 May 2018 12:16:22 +0000

May's Hidden Gem - Walsingham Georgia Dawson Thu, 05/24/2018 - 12:16

Our hidden gem for May is Walsingham.

Located just four miles from the seaside town of Wells-next-the-sea, Walsingham has a very rich and long history of religious pilgrimage.

In Walsingham, you will find many 14th and 15th Century buildings, such as the fascinating Shirehall Museum where you can discover the interesting history of the village since 1061.

In around 1153, one of the medieval world’s most important places of pilgrimage was founded, the Augustinian Priory of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and stood as one of the premier shrines to Our Lady of Walsingham until its dissolution in 1538.

In the late 17th Century, a country house known as Walsingham Abbey, was built over the ruins. The country house was expanded in the early 19th Century, and a beautiful landscaped park was created surrounding it, covering 18 acres. During the cooler months of January to March, the land, which runs through the ruins of the Priory, gets sprinkled with beautiful snowdrops.

Little remains from the original buildings, but the most striking section of the ruins is the amazing East Window. The large window towers over the landscape and gives some indication of the size of the old Priory Church. The Crypt and Well Garden are also fascinating to wander around.

What to do

Walsingham is a beautiful quiet village; an ideal place to visit if you long for a bit of peace and quiet, an escape from everyday hustle and bustle.

In Walsingham, there are a variety of tea shops and cafes to visit. Walsingham is home to the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway which is the longest 10¼ inch narrow gauge steam railway in the world.

When visiting Walsingham, a trip to Walsingham Abbey is a must. Discover the history of religious Walsingham while wandering around the fascinating ruins of the Priory in the glorious sunshine. Admire the peaceful surroundings of Walsingham Abbey; visit the towering East Window, learn about the Crypt, gaze at the acres of flowers and walk alongside the trickling river.

After a day exploring Walsingham Abbey, pop to the Bull Inn for a spot of lunch. Enjoy some home-cooked food and indulge in their large range of fine wines and ales. Alternatively, head to Walsingham Café for a delicious range of scones, cakes and sweet tarts, which are all baked in-house, and a lunch menu which includes soups, salads, fish cakes and tarts.

If antiques are your thing, located near the car park in Walsingham is Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill. Holt Antiques are one of North Norfolk's premier purveyors of amazing antique 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th Century period oak and country furniture, fine art and decorative items. The renowned Wells & Walsingham Light Railway is a fantastic place to visit during your time in Walsingham. The railway is the longest 10¼ inch narrow gauge steam railway in the world. The railway is also the world’s smallest public railway. The train travels 30 minutes each way, from the lovely seaside town of Wells-next-the-sea to the beautiful village of Walsingham, and back again. Experience picturesque views of the serene Norfolk coast and countryside. Bring your binoculars as the journey is flooded with stunning views, plants and wildlife – if you’re lucky, you might see butterflies, birds of prey, brown hare and deer.

Walsingham properties

End Cottage

This property, sleeping 4, is a delightful cottage, full of character with a contemporary twist. End Cottage is bright, airy and flooded with light. Enjoy a summer barbecue and a chilled beverage in the glorious garden courtyard.

Owl Cottage

This charming 19th Century holiday home sleeps 5, perfect for the whole family. The property has a lovely decked garden area, garden furniture, barbecue and Summer house for the warmer days, and a wood burner for the chillier nights.

Pebble Cottage

Pebble Cottage, sleeping 6, is a beautifully modern property offering comfortable accommodation that is well equipped with modern facilities. It sits on the outskirts of the village, with a gorgeous enclosed garden.

Sunshine Cottage

This wonderful cottage, which sleeps 3, is situated at the end of a terrace of 17th Century cottages that overlook Great Walsingham village green. The cottage includes luxury touches such as underfloor heating to the ground floor and bathroom, an open fire and a summerhouse in the garden.

Tudor Cottage

Tudor Cottage is an outstanding period cottage in The Old Foundry development at Great Walsingham. It has beautifully restored by award winning architects retaining many original features, including exposed oak beams and period fireplaces.

Winch Cottage

Winch Cottage is part of an outstanding conversion of two former foundry buildings and is set in a delightful courtyard setting. The cottage has wonderfully spacious rooms, lovely high ceilings, gorgeous exposed timbers and brick and flint walls.

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Fancy a dip!?

Laura Foster — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 10:30:00 +0000

Fancy a dip!? Laura Foster Mon, 12/21/2015 - 10:30

Over the festive holiday, why not blow away the cobwebs at one of the seaside locations mentioned below joining in on the annual fun / crazy event of swimming in the sea…….

No worries if you don’t fancy actually taking part - do come support everyone involved as it’s always a great atmosphere and a lovely way to raise money for local charities.

HunstantonHunstanton Round Table Christmas Day Swim10.30am – Swim in the seaFacts – Been running for 50 years£25 prize for best dressed individual£100 prize for best dressed group

CromerNorth Norfolk Beach Runners Boxing Day Swim10.00am – Cromer pier to Overstrand run11.00am – Swim in the seaRules – You have to get your hair wet!Facts – Started 27 years ago by 4 beach runners

MundesleyMundesley Lifeboat Boxing Day Swim10.30am – Refreshments11.00am – Swim in the seaFacts – Prizes awarded for best dressedProceeds to bucket collections donated shared between 2 village charities

Sea PallingLets Do it Anyway Charity Boxing Day Swim2pm – Swim in the seaFacts – Celebrating its a 5th year

No worries of getting wet here (although saying that - can’t guarantee the weather!) This event is always very popular so arriving early is recommended.CromerNew Years Day Fireworks2pm - Refreshments around the town3pm - Run on the prom5pm - Fireworks from the pierFacts – 16th year of running

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Did You Know??

Laura Foster — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 10:55:45 +0000

Did You Know?? Laura Foster Wed, 06/10/2015 - 10:55

Norfolk is known as the birdwatching capital of Britain and has some of the best wildlife nature reserves in the country including the RSPB Snettisham & Titchwell Marsh, Strumpsham Fen, Norfolk Wildlife Trusts at Foxley Wood & Weeting Heath, Berney Marshes, BreydonWater, Sculthorpe Moor, Welney Wetland Centre, not forgetting the oldest wildlife trust reserve at Cley.Come to Norfolk and you may get to see the well-known migrating wildfowl, marsh harriers, common frogs, natterjack toads, avocets, bitterns, swallows, deer, kingfishers, hares, bats, seals.… I could go on - However there are some unique creatures only found in Norfolk......

How many of these wildlife facts, did you know?

Britain’s largest butterfly The Swallowtail is only found in Norfolk, choosing to live on the Broads.

The burrowing rove beetle is only found in Norfolk.

Bitterns breed in Norfolk in greater numbers than anywhere else in East Anglia or indeed Britain.

Norfolk is the only place in the country where malted sea lavender grows.

No-one knows why but Cromer crabs are so different to the same species found in all other parts of the country, they are smaller, meatier and sweeter than any others.

Experts had originally thought the emerald damselfly was extinct but have since found it in the Breckland areas.

Some of the rarest spiders can be found in Norfolk. The cardinal spider has the longest legs of any European spider and is exclusively found in the east of Norfolk.

The basil-thyme case bearer moth only lives in the Breckland areas.

The Norfolk Hawker is one of only two brown Hawker dragonflies founds in Britain and lives in the Norfolk Boards.

Visit Norfolk and you may be lucky enough to see anyone of the above, although living here, I’m hoping not to come across too many cardinal spiders!

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Norfolk Names

Laura Foster — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 10:00:00 +0000

Norfolk Names Laura Foster Sat, 04/18/2015 - 10:00

Coming to Norfolk and not sure if you are pronouncing the place names correctly....... Thought I’d give you a helping hand with some of the tricky ones.

Hautbois = Hobbies

Cley = Cly

Belaugh = Bee-lo

Costessey = Cossy

Happisburgh = Hazebro

Wymondam = Windum

Shottesham = Shottsum

Hindolveston = Hilvestun

Reepham = Reefum

Colkirk = Coal-Kirk

Hunstanton = Hunston

Runhall = Runall

Salle = Saul

Docking = Dockun

Stanhoe = Stanner

Roughton = Rowton

Norfolk

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Introducing Pauline

Anonymous — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:56:30 +0000

Introducing Pauline Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/22/2014 - 15:56

On a dazzling sunny day last week I was ambling along the back lanes of beautiful North Norfolk when I came around the corner and saw Pauline.

Naturally at the time, I didn’t know this was Pauline but she seemed to be in the yard for a purpose, tied up as she was to the handrail and there was a look in her eye that sort of said ‘I know I’m gorgeous’! She was such a picture that I asked the young girl in the yard, if I could take her picture and Dad was summoned from the milking parlour.

As we got chatting it transpired that Pauline was waiting for a haircut – there seemed little evidence of tangled tresses but who was I to judge how a girl likes to wear her hair! Pauline as it turns out was on her first day of pampering, which was to continue for the week while she is being readied for the Aylsham Show, which takes place this Bank Holiday Monday, 25th August 2014. Attracting over 18,000 visitors annually, The Aylsham Show is a traditional one-day agricultural show and the largest of its type in East Anglia. It is held in the grounds of the Blickling Park Estate, run by the National Trust and is in a stunning countryside setting with fine views over the lake to Blickling Hall itself.

Pauline’s normal routine at Abbey Farm, Binham is usually just moo-ching about around the farm and in the milking parlour but you could tell that she knew what was going on and loved all the attention. She has, as it turns out, been moo-ving in beauty circles ever since she was a new born, winning Best Calf in Show at Aylsham 10 years ago, when she was only 4 weeks old. She’s a natural, has moo-vie star looks and I wonder if you will be able to spot her in the parade ring on Monday?

ByJoanna Hobson

National Trust

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Norfolk On A Norfolk Green

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 15:58:29 +0000

Norfolk On A Norfolk Green Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/16/2014 - 15:58

Exploring Norfolk is one of my favourite things to do, even though I have lived here for over twenty years I find myself each weekend heading off to another corner of the beautiful county discovering what secret gems it has to offer.

One of my top places to explore is the North Norfolk coast, visiting the various villages that are in the area is a lovely way to spend a day. When getting around one of the quick and easiest ways to do so is the reliable Norfolk Green Coasthopper bus service. They run almost every half an hour during the summer period (starting 3rd May) and roughly every hour in winter.

With a Coasthopper Rover ticket you can have unlimited journeys From Kings Lynn, around the coast and to the bustling city of Norwich. This means you can get off the bus, explore what there is to offer and an half an hour later hop back on and trundle off to the next stunning town or village. It also means that when stopping for lunch you can taste the selection of local beers and ciders that are on offer because you don’t need to worry about driving at the end of it.

Norfolk Green offers a range of services around the whole of Norfolk and it’s a great way to get around in Nelson’s County. Why not look out for each bus by name, with over 2/3 of the fleet being named after famous characters or people that have either been born or lived in Norfolk. My favourite has to be ‘Black Shuck’, he’s the legend of a ghostly black dog which is said to roam the North Norfolk coastline.

Speaking of dogs the bus service will also take well behaved dogs on board for free which means your furry friend can also enjoy the ride. Whether it’s visiting the stunning town of Holt, the quaint town of Burnham Market, or the bustling city of Norwich, Norfolk Green is by far the best way to get there.

By Louise 16/04/14

Norfolk Coast

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Larn Yarself Norfolk

Laura Foster — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 15:42:35 +0000

Larn Yarself Norfolk Laura Foster Fri, 03/14/2014 - 15:42

To poke fun at the Norfolk speech is not something new, so I say; if you can’t beat them, join them....However I do like Norfolk being unique and “dewin a diffrunt” language to most - so when I came across this recipe for Norfolk Dumplings, written with a certain Norfolk twang……. I thought I would share it with you. Many claim the Norfolk tongue is virtually beyond writing down and that only natives can speak it with any degree of comfort. As a proud Norfolk gal, this recipe makes perfect sense to me, but see how you get on reading it out loud……

Norfolk Dumplin’s Recipe

Yew put half a pound o’ plain flar in a basin,An’ a half tea spune o’ baakin powder tew;

Yew mix that up in half a pint o’ water,An’ that maaake fower nice dumplin’s, that that dew.

Yew pick ’ em up and drop ‘ em in a sauce-pan,Where yer veggies ‘ re b’ilin’ wi’ yer meat,

An’ arter twenta minnits, they’ll be riddy,An yew’re got a dinner what go down a treat!

Found that easy? Here are 10 more words found in the Norfolk dictionary you could use in the local pub when visiting us…….

Squit = Talking NonsenseOn The Huh = Not LevelRumin = Odd / PeculiarBor = NeighbourBlar = To Weep / CryRanny = Small RodentAtwin = BetweenClaggy = StickyFrawn = FrozenGorn = Going

Food
Norfolk

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