North Norfolk

Miles of sandy beaches, great walking and boating, nature reserves, wonderful villages of thatch and flint, beautiful houses, and a plethora of medieval churches are just some of the attractions on offer to the holidaymaker to North Norfolk. Renowned for its bird life much of the area is in the care of the National Trust.

Holt

Just four miles from the coast, Holt is a really attractive market town, well loved by visitors and residents alike, the town is a delight. Its centre lined with gracious Georgian houses and pretty flint cottages, its high street shops up market and elegant, its restaurants and coffee shops inviting.

Just half a mile from the centre of the town is Gresham's School. Founded in 1555, its famous alumni include WH Auden, Stephen Spender and the composer Benjamin Britten. Just a quarter of a mile further out is the sparkling, pin bright station, with its wonderful steam trains which run between Holt and Sherringham.

Blakeney and Blakeney Point

Blakeney Point is the most northerly extremity of East Anglia. Stretching 3-miles out to sea it is a paradise for birdwatchers with over 250 bird species. This is a fascinating landscape of serpentine creeks and channels which twist their way through mud flats and sand hills to the old port of Blakeney, an enchanting village. The main street (nice fish restaurant on the left, good pub on the right) leads up from the quay where the 1953 flood line stands a good six feet above the road. Blakeney has a 14 century Guildhall and on the hill overlooking this beautiful village stands the restored Church of St Nicholas with its fine chancel and magnificent tower 100 feet high, a landmark for miles around.

Cley-next-the-Sea

A bit of a misnomer today as the sea is now over a mile away. The cottages have curved gables, Flemish bricks and pantiles. There are several shops of interest including Cley Pottery and a lovely second hand bookshop, a tea room and an excellent deli (their gluten free apple cake would put anyone off their diet). The much painted and photographed windmill on the edge of the marsh, surpasses any representation.

Stiffkey

One of the prettiest village settings in Norfolk, Stiffkey (meaning island of the tree stumps) is located in a timeless river valley of reed beds and fallen trees. There are wonderful views of the valley and the old Stiffkey Hall, the ruins of which have been transformed into a rose terrace and sunken garden, from the church at the east end of the village. To the north are the salt marshes, a National Trust nature reserve, a carpet of purple sea lavender in summer and home of 'Stewkey blues' - cockles for the connoisseur.

Nearby are the ruins of Binham Priory. Founded in 1091 much of the priory is now in ruins yet it still retains its magnificent lofty nave and work is now underway to rebuild other parts of the Priory. Well worth a visit.

Burnham Market is the largest of the seven Burnham villages in the valley of the Burnham River, its past prosperity obvious from the wealth of its Georgian buildings surrounding the green and its two lovely churches. One of the finest fish shops in Norfolk, a superb fish restaurant and excellent hotel and as well as a number of excellent shops and galleries all add to its delight.

Brancaster Staithe

Like Blakeney Brancaster Staithe was, in the 18th century a port of some standing, today its commercial fleet is restricted to boats taking tourists to Scolt Head Island (National Trust), a three-and-a-half mile sand and shingle bar, now home to a large colony of Sandwich terns and a rich pallet of plant life including sea lavender and sea pinks which attract hosts of colourful butterflies.