Wells next the Sea

The Perfect Autumn Getaway

Wells next the Sea in North Norfolk is the perfect place for an Autumn getaway.  The pretty town with its busy harbour, Georgian houses and wonderful sandy beach is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life.  Wells is also famed for its brightly coloured beach huts fringed by pine trees. These charming huts can be hired for the day, even in winter!

Nestled behind the wide salt marshes, Wells is home to a host of independent shops, cafés and places to eat.  Wells also has a new Arts & Heritage Complex, offering everything from a great cup of coffee to first class exhibitions, cinema and live performance.

Eating Out

Seafood lovers will love Wells, why not try Sands Restaurant which serves local crabs and lobster and with a panoramic view across the harbour. Or there’s Wells Crab House, a popular spot serving up everything from ginger and cardamom monkfish to local mussels. Or what could be nicer than freshly cooked fish and chips on the Quay and watching the world go by?

Wells Harbour towards the lifeboat station

Out and About

Take time to explore the coast and countryside with its pretty villages, stone-built cottages, foodie pubs and a community atmosphere.  The area is also famed for its abundant bird-life and seal colonies.  For walkers the coast path runs for 83 miles from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea.  If you would prefer to leave the car behind to discover the natural beauty of the north Norfolk coast why not take the Coasthopper Bus which stops along the coast between King’s Lynn and Mundesley.

So why not take some time out for an Autumn getaway in Wells? our stylish Apartment One, is situated right in the heart of Wells and all that it has to offer.

Dog Friendly Norfolk Walks

Bringing your dog to Daubeney Cottage? To help you make the most of your stay a few suggestions for dog friendly walks near Sharrington in North Norfolk.

Cley Downs to Salthouse

A wonderful five and a half mile walk starting in the pretty coastal village of Salthouse. The walk heads uphill out of the village onto the heath and gorse around Bard Hill, where you’ll find the remains of a WWII radar station.

The view from Cley Downs

Heading west, the path then drops down to join the coast path at Cley Marshes Nature Reserve.  The walk then returns to Salthouse via the beach.   For a place to stop try The Dun Cow in Salthouse, always popular with walkers.

Baconsthorpe Castle

Baconsthorpe Castle is a ruined, moated and fortified 15th century manor house lying to the south of the village of Bodham, near Holt.  The castle is surrounded by a moat and picturesque lake and a lovely spot for a picnic. The Castle, managed by English Heritage has free entry and plenty of parking.

The Lake at Baconsthorpe Castle

You will find this five mile circular walk relatively easy. Either start the walk in the village of Baconsthorpe or at the castle. Parking is free and the walk is well signposted. The walk can be extended into Sheringham Park where there is a small cafe, a good place to stop for a cup of coffee or a sandwich or try the Red Hart in the village of Bodham.

Cockthorpe to Morston

This walk starts in the small hamlet of Cockthorpe near Stiffkey. Standing on a ridge of high land, Cockthorpe has stunning views all around. The walk runs down through rolling farmland and crosses the disused runway and perimeter tracks of Langham Second World War Airfield before reaching Cockthorpe Common, a beautiful valley.

The walk then follows the edge of Stiffkey salt marshes and return through the old Langham Airfield.  Built during during the Second World War the airfield was a base for planes including Beaufighters, Hurricanes, Mosquitoes and Wellingtons.  If you have time stop off at Langham Dome, one of only a handful of anti-aircraft gunnery domes left in the UK.

Wells, Warham & Wighton

This circular walk, starting in Wells next the Sea, takes in the pretty flint villages of Warham and Wighton. The eight mile walk follows the route of the Wells and Walsingham light railway.  There is plenty to see along the walk including

The Three Horseshoes in Warham

one of the best preserved Iron Age Forts at Warham Camp.  The walk returns via the curiously named Gallow Hill on the Holkham estate. A good place to stop for a bite to eat is the Three Horsehoes in Warham or  try the newly refurbished Carpenters Arms in Wighton.

Itteringham

Start from either Itteringham village or Blickling Car Park and walk back towards Itteringham. This is a lovely rural walk through water meadows, open countryside and unspoilt Norfolk Villages on part of the Weavers Way.

The walk returns via The Blickling Estate. There are several variations and extensions of the walk so do take an OS with you. Stop at either the Saracen’s Head or the Walpole Arms in Itteringham for lunch or stop at the charming village shop in Itteringham for a cup of tea. Perfect.

If you are walking in open countryside with dogs please respect the countryside code and keep to the footpaths.  Dogs should be under control and on leads especially where there is livestock.

Welcome to our first blog on the newly re-vamped Daubeney Hall Farm website. After a busy Easter why not plan a post Easter trip? less crowded and lots to enjoy.  Here are a few suggestions of things to do in May to tempt you to spend some time here at Daubeney Cottage in North Norfolk

Food & Drink

Creake Abbey Farmers Market is on Saturday 4th May, recently recognised by Food writer Diana Henry as one of “Britain’s 20 finest Farmers’ Markets”, come and see the huge range of food available with direct access to the producers themselves.

The Crab & Lobster Festival on 18th and 19th May, is a lively weekend celebration between the North Norfolk coastal towns, Cromer & Sheringham. Historically great rivals. Celebrating all things crustacean there is even a Crab Sandwich competition! open to all comers.

Out and About

Bluebells in Norfolk

Norfolk in Spring has some incredible places to see Native Bluebells. Foxley Wood, near Reepham is probably the most spectacular. Managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, you can enjoy a lovely walk and then immerse yourself amongst the amazing swathes of bluebells. They are also wonderful in the woods at Blickling Hall and Sheringham Park, both here in North Norfolk.

Morston Charity Book Sale held over the May bank holiday weekend is a must. Now in its 10th and sadly final year thousands of good quality second hand books on sale. Grab yourself a bargain.

Pensthorpe Natural Park are holding a Bird & Wildlife Fair on 18th and 19th May, Showcasing Norfolk’s bird and wildlife.

Pensthorpe Natural Park

With a varied programme of walks, talks and guest appearances by Mike Dilger, Bill Oddie OBE and Simon King OBE this is sure to be a popular event.

If you are new to birdwatching or would like to learn more about birds, no matter what your age, The Norfolk Wildlife Trust are holding a walk on the Cley reserve on Sunday 12th May, with the chance to see the wide variety of species that Cley has to offer. Binoculars are available to hire.

Holkham Hall are holding Behind the Scenes Tours of the cellars and beyond the servants stairs every Wednesday during May.  Best to book in advance.

Finally do find time to explore our beautiful beaches, towns and villages, of which there are many.

Blakeney Harbour, Norfolk