North Norfolk

North Norfolk is an area of outstanding natural beauty, renowned for its spectacular coastline, big skies and miles of glorious beaches and rolling countryside.

To help you make the most out of your stay in North Norfolk here are some ideas on things to see and do locally.

Eating out

For eating out and good for local food and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere try The Three Horseshoes at Warham, near Wells a great pub and popular with walkers.  Pretty garden to sit out on a sunny day.  We also enjoy the Hunworth Bell at Hunworth, a pretty pub in a pretty village within the Glaven Valley and The Red Lion at Stiffkey.  On the coast the Dun Cow at Salthouse is popular www.salthouseduncow.com

In Wells one of our favourite places to eat is The Wells Crab House, great atmosphere and is always busy, best to book. Other good places are The Globe and The Crown, both on the Buttlands.

Further afield try The Brisley Bell at Brisley, good for Sunday lunches, The Walpole Arms at Itteringham or The Gunton Arms

Daytime coffee and snacks

Good lunches, snacks, coffee and cakes at Back to The Garden, just down the road from Daubeney Cottage.  Closed in the evenings but open for breakfast and throughout the day.  At Binham  newly opened The Parlour is very popular.  In Holt The Black Apollo is worth a visit for their great coffee as is Cross Street Union, a tiny café with fantastic cinnamon buns and great coffee.

In Wells and just by Apartment One is The Picnic Hut.  Great little stop for a quick cup of coffee or why not pick up one of their speciality Crab Sandwiches, freshly made each morning?  Also great for coffee is BTOG in Staithe Street.  www.banginwells.co.uk at the top of Staithe Street does a great breakfast

Fish & chips

On a sunny evening what could be nicer that eating fish and chips on the quay in Wells and watching the sun go down.  French’s and Plattens the choice is yours.

Erics in Holt is excellent, take away or eat in.

Things to do locally

Here are a few ideas for things to do during your stay in North Norfolk.

Take the Train

Take the picturesque North Norfolk Railway from Holt Station to Sheringham. You can leave the train at Weybourne to walk in Sheringham Park or take the coast path to Sheringham and rejoin the train there.

The Wells and Walsingham Light Railway runs from Wells to Walsingham via the pretty villages of Warham and Wighton.

Afternoon tea

Treat yourself to afternoon tea at Michelin starred Morston Hall   or The Blakeney Hotel.

Cley Downs

Take in the wonderful views from Cley Downs, approach either from the coast road and walk up or from Holt Road.  Cley Downs is one of only two places in Norfolk designated as having dark skies status.  There is a lovely walk from the coast road end to Salthouse where you can enjoy lunch at The Dun Cow and visit the medieval Church of Saint Nicholas.

Cley-next-the-Sea

Swim at Cley Beach, a long stretch of smooth stones and shingle, backed by a marshland.  The beach is accessed from Cley village. The relatively steep slope of the shore line makes it popular with swimmers all year round. A brilliant place if you are looking for peace and quiet.  Why not pick up a do it yourself picnic from Cley Smokehouse or Picnic Fayre, both in Cley.

Owl spotting in Sharrington

Look out for the owls in Sharrington. The Barn Owl is usually seen flying at dusk around the field perimeter opposite the entrance gate or in the field behind the cottage.

Tawny owls are often seen and heard at night.  We also have a Little Owl, Britain’s smallest owl.

Difficult to spot but can sometimes be seen in the tree on the Bale Road or on Thornage Road in the Oak Tree on the corner.

Blakeney

Climb the 137 steps of the West tower of St Nicholas’ Church at Blakeney for panoramic views out over the countryside and coastline.  Open Monday to Friday from 9.30 until 5pm.  Blakeney is a lovely spot to while away some time, popular with crabbers too.

Take a trip to see the seals at Blakeney Point.  Boats leave from Morston on a regular basis.  Be sure to stop off on the Point and catch a later boat back if you can.

Walk over the dunes, where you will have the big skies, sands and the sea all to yourself. Beans and Temples run the trips and you can book online.

Beautiful gardens to enjoy

Visit Pensthorpe Natural Park to see the Millennium Garden designed by renowned plantsman and garden designer Piet Oudolf.

Another lovely garden to visit is Houghton Hall, with its five-acre walled garden and extensive parkland.

In recent years the present owner has built up an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures by world renowned artists including ‘Skyspace’ by the American artist James Turrell.

Cycle hire

Hire a bicycle and cycle round the quiet lanes of the Glaven Valley, stopping off at The Hunny Bell in Hunworth for some refreshments.  Cycles can be hired from Overland Cycles in Holt (call 01263 713293).

In Wells bicycles can be hired at Holkham

Wells-next-the-Sea

Wells, with its independent shops and galleries and pretty harbour is a must

More Norfolk information…

If you would like further information on things to do and see in North Norfolk visit www.visitnorfolk.co.uk or www.experiencenorfolk.uk