Out & About in North Norfolk 2017

OUT & ABOUT

IN NORTH NORFOLK 2017

EXPLORE

PLACES TO EAT

WHAT’S ON

WHERE TO STAY

WEBSITE www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk GET IN TOUCH

@NNorfolkLiving

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OUT & ABOUT

IN NORTH NORFOLK 2017 Family fun • Go exploring • Places to eat • What’s on • Where to stay

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elcome to Out & About in North Norfolk!

This season, the North Norfolk Living team have been on tour, finding out what’s on and where to go in this beautiful part of the country, whether you’re lucky enough to live here or are visiting.

We’ve rediscovered some old favourites, discovered some new ones, and have full diaries over the summer after putting together our packed events pages! With outdoor concerts, theatre and so much more coming up, we are spoilt for choice.

Harriet Cooper has been checking out where to check-in during your staycation and what to do nearby; we’ve tips for nature lovers and those wanting some fun on the water, plus there’s news of the mustsee exhibitions at Holkham and Houghton Hall this season.

Our A to Z of summer in North Norfolk was great fun to put together, and some of it draws on my own childhood here - coming from a fishing family, my brothers and I were very keen crabbers.

Enjoy North Norfolk, whatever the weather!

Am da Loose Editor

CONTENTS 5-7 Where to stay

Check out where to check-in with Harriet Cooper’s ideas for places to stay, plus what to do nearby!

8 Places to eat

Feeling peckish? We share our pick of just some of the local eateries offering delicious laid-back dining

10-11 An A to Z of North Norfolk

From alfresco family fun to a spot of history and culture, follow our guide to just some of the don’t miss local experiences and events coming up this season!

14-16 Explore

Get closer to nature and discover just how biodiverse North Norfolk is, with Sarah Whittley’s guide to local natural habitats; plus what’s on nature spotter Richard Campey’s summer sightings wishlist, finding your sea legs with Harriet Cooper’s guide to what to do on the water, and a dog’s eye view of the area from Lulu the springer spaniel!

19 Visit

Holkham and Houghton Hall are hosting mustsee exhibitions this season. Amanda Loose takes the tour, and Gary Nelson explores their walled gardens

21-22 What’s on

From festivals and fairs to alfresco theatre and concerts, we’ve an action-packed summer in store

Cover: Oystercatchers by Stephen Clark of Pebbles Photography www.pebblesphotography.co.uk Editor & Advertising Manager Amanda Loose Email: amanda@northnorfolkliving.co.uk 07796 645427 Write to North Norfolk Living Magazine, PO Box 208, Stamford. Lincs. PE9 9FY Head of Design Steven Handley Email: steve@locallivingdesign.co.uk Designer Sarah Compton Email: inkdesign@virginmedia.com Publisher Nicholas Rudd-Jones 01780 765571 Email: nicholas@bestlocalliving.co.uk Published by Local Living Ltd, PO Box 208, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 9FY www.bestlocalliving.co.uk 01780 765571 Printed by Warners of Bourne

@NNorfolkLiving @northnorfolkliving www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk 3

SOAK UP THE SUMMER SUN in Burnham Market at the heart of the North Norfolk coast

ALL DAY DINING, SHELTERED GARDEN, HISTORIC BAR, BRITISH SUMMER COCKTAILS, BEAUTY SPA, LUXURY CINEMA AND REMEMBER NELSON EXHIBITION

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STAY

Check out where to check-in

An impressive choice of holiday accommodation in North Norfolk means there’s something for everyone, whatever your staycation wish list, says Harriet Cooper find Drove Orchards - a shopping and eating haven.

Need to know A beautiful converted 18th century barn on the farm is available for weddings and large parties.

Price Rooms start from £115 per night, including breakfast, based on two people sharing.

To book 07785 439727, www.stayatthewhitehouse.co.uk

For the fresh air enthusiast Deepdale Backpackers & Camping, Burnham Deepdale The lowdown This independent backpacker’s hostel and campsite - on a farm in Burnham Deepdale - is as bucolic as it comes. Thanks to a recent refurb, there’s a shiny new shower block, electric hook-ups and improved wifi, too.

USP Year-round activities include the Deepdale Festival (22 to 24 September, www. deepdalefestival.co.uk), which promises music, spoken word and dance.

If you do one thing… The Norfolk Coast Path is on your doorstep and ripe for exploring, either by foot or on two wheels - there’s an on-site Bike Hire Centre at Deepdale.

Need to know The campsite has 75 pitches (no caravans), while the hostel has both en suite bedrooms and dorms. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Price Camping starts from £7 a night (£12 with electricity) and the hostel starts at £12 a night.

To book 01485 210256, www.deepdalebackpackers.co.uk

For the boutique B&B-er The White House, near Burnham Market

For the spa gazer The Hoste, Burnham Market The lowdown The Hoste is comprised of six individual properties, all in Burnham Market.

We love the original boutique hotel, with its individually designed bedrooms, award-winning restaurant, and cosy bar.

USP It has to be the hotel’s Beauty Spa with its mani and pedi bar, four zen treatment rooms and a vast menu covering everything from Gatineau facials to Indian head massage.

If you do one thing… From the ever-popular Humble Pie deli to interiors mecca Birdie Fortescue, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the village.

Need to know Dogs are welcome for a charge of £15 per dog per night.

Price Rooms start from £165 per night, including breakfast, based on two people sharing.

To book 01328 738777, www.thehoste.com

For the luxe devotee The Harper, Langham The lowdown The Harper in Langham promises to be a real treat when it opens in January 2018. The 32 rooms are deliciously comfortable, all fluffy rugs, warm oak floorboards and

The Hoste Beauty Spa team

modern four-poster beds (below).

USP This hotel doesn’t do things by halves.

There are two restaurants: Stanley’s offers allday dining, while at The Stove, head chef Nik Hare’s menu reflects a fondness for foraging.

If you do one thing… Try crabbing at Blakeney quay or a spot of shopping at the charming Stiffkey Stores.

Need to know The Harper’s romantic locale lends itself perfectly to nuptials - follow a ceremony in the village’s 14th-century church with a lavish wedding breakfast at the hotel.

Price Rooms start from £210 per night, including breakfast, based on two people sharing To book 01328 805000, www.theharper.co.uk

The lowdown The White House, opening in August, sets the B&B bar high. Located within Sussex Farm, near Burnham Market, the elegant 12-bedroom guest house ticks every luxe box: Hypnos beds, underfloor heating, and delicious breakfasts.

USP You can book the entire house for your own chef-catered house party - family and friends will love the walled garden, honesty bar and treatment room for pampering by local therapists.

If you do one thing… Brancaster beach is minutes away and at nearby Thornham, you’ll A view from The White House

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A stone’s throw from the marshes and just off the Norfolk Coast Path, this family run pub is the perfect pit stop for locally sourced food - and you can’t get much more local than the crabs and lobsters on the menu, freshly caught and delivered daily straight off the boat by fishermen from nearby Wells-next-the-Sea. Relax in the sunny courtyard or in the Red Lion’s traditional coastal pub interior, with a modern twist.

The Red Lion also offers bed & breakfast with modern, bright and airy en suite bedrooms – 8 king size, 2 twin and 2 attic suites. Dog friendly rooms are available too.

Stiffkey Red Lion I Wells Road I Stiffkey I Norfolk I NR23 1AJ I 01328 830552 I redlion@stiffkey.com I www.stiffkey.com @StiffkeyRedLion

@stiffkeyredlion

Stiffkey Red Lion

25 years of sharing Norfolk and its stunning holiday properties with people far and wide.

01263 715779 holidays@norfolkcottages.co.uk norfolkcottages.co.uk 6

STAY

Check out where to check-in

For the nature lover The Chequers Inn, Thornham

For the foodie Norfolk Country Cottages

The lowdown This pretty whitewashed pub in Thornham - with its huge fireplace, contemporary dining room and 11 luxurious rooms - is the perfect mix of homely charm and up-to-date style.

USP Two cedar pavilions in the courtyard offer seating for 10 and 14 people, personalised menus and a heating lamp, making it an ideal spot for alfresco partying.

If you do one thing… Nature enthusiasts will love the salt marshes and beaches close by, as well as the reserves at Titchwell and Holme, which teem with wildlife.

Need to know Muddy paws are welcome and there are a number of dog-friendly rooms.

Price Rooms start from £120 per night, including breakfast, based on two people sharing.

To book 01485 512229, www.chequersinnthornham.com

The lowdown Norfolk Country Cottages has an impressive 430+ hand-picked rental properties, many within striking distance of a foodie pub, award-winning restaurant, deli or farm shop.

USP Opt for the ‘Holiday Extras’ when you book and you can organise tasty treats in your cottage. Fine wines and mouth-watering sponge cakes on arrival, what’s not to love?

If you do one thing… Food and drink is a highlight of any stay in North Norfolk. Don’t miss The Chocolate Deli in Wells, while if you’re Walsingham way, the farm shop is a must-do.

Need to know When you rent a cottage, you’ll have access to exclusive deals from local businesses, including Creake Abbey Café & Food Hall.

Price Rental prices vary. Sea Pink (above), a romantic pied-à-terre for two in Wells, starts from £365 per week, while the pretty four-bed Tudor Cottage in Walsingham starts from £555 per week.

To book 01263 715779, www.norfolkcottages.co.uk

For the gin connoisseur The Gin Trap Inn, Ringstead The lowdown A traditional 17th century pub with eight tastefully decorated rooms, including two rustic chic suites complete with huge beds and stand-alone baths (below).

USP It has to be the gin. There are more than 100 different varieties to try, including the pub’s own Gin Trap Gin, brewed in Norwich.

If you do one thing… The village of Ringstead is worth a potter (check out the unique General Store); the coast and its unspoilt beaches are less than ten minutes by car.

Need to know The annual Gin Festival is returning on 19 and 20 August, with live music, a barbecue and, of course, plenty of gin.

Price Rooms start from £110 per night, including breakfast, based on two people sharing.

To book 01485 525264, www.thegintrapinn.co.uk

For the plant lover Congham Hall, near King’s Lynn The lowdown Georgian manor house turned Congham Hall Hotel has recently completed the refurbishment of all 26 of its rooms and they’re exquisite, not least the sumptuous Achillea Suite.

USP The Herb Garden - with its 400 varieties - is harvested daily by the chefs to enhance the menu. The hotel’s Secret Garden Spa also

taps into its surroundings with herbs and fresh flowers incorporated into treatments.

If you do one thing… Visit nearby Sandringham, the country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, and explore the ground floor rooms, museum and glorious gardens.

Need to know The ‘stay longer, save more’ offer this summer means guests can enjoy greater discounts the longer they stay.

Price Rooms start from £219 based on two people sharing, including a full English breakfast and three-course dinner.

To book 01485 600250, www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk

For the family traveller Norfolk Hideaways The lowdown Norfolk Hideaways is North Norfolk’s largest boutique holiday cottage agency with everything from cosy countryside boltholes to sprawling retreats by the sea.

USP Many of their more than 300 hand-picked rental properties are suitable for those with kids in tow. The largest sleep ten to 12, so why not go on holiday with family friends, too?

If you do one thing… North Norfolk offers a wealth of activities for little ones, from bucketand-spade beach antics to scary adventures at the Dinosaur Park.

Need to know Norfolk Hideaways has teamed up with local businesses to offer guests tailormade rewards during their hols.

Price Rental prices vary. Swan Cottage in South Creake is a dream family rental - it sleeps nine, has a heated outdoor pool, and is just a short drive from the coast. From £925 per week.

To book 01485 211022, www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk Prices correct at the time of going to press, but may vary

A garden room at Congham Hall Hotel

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PLACES TO EAT

A taste of North Norfolk Feeling peckish? Harriet Cooper offers some tips on where to go for laid-back dining

Thornham Deli, Thornham The lowdown Head chef Gemma Arnold and her team take enormous pride in serving a fresh, locally sourced, homemade menu at the café. If you love what you eat (and you will), the Deli offers outside catering and you can pick up a huge range of tasty treats from the groaning shelves of the shop, including pre-prepared freezer meals.

On the menu Ok, let’s start by talking cake: they’re all baked in-house and are utterly irresistible. Breakfast is yummy, too, and there’s a dazzling choice of salads (we like the superfood extravaganza), sandwiches, grazing boards and main meals - all cooked from scratch.

01485 512194, www.thornhamdeli.co.uk

The Barsham Arms, East Barsham The lowdown This destination dining pub, under new ownership, has recently had a refurb - we’re talking exposed wooden beams, a huge fireplace and oodles of atmosphere. The Hayloft restaurant, separate from the bar, can be hired as a private dining area and there is a patio for dining alfresco. If you want to make a night of it, the pub has newly-renovated rooms and a holiday cottage to rent.

On the menu The team of chefs use locally sourced, fresh produce to create hearty dishes - favourites include the hot pork Scotch Egg, the Barsham Burger and, of course, the classic Sunday lunch. There’s also a comprehensive snack and kid’s menu.

01328 820729, www.thebarshamarms.co.uk

Creake Abbey Café & Food Hall, North Creake

The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham The lowdown The Lifeboat Inn has been welcoming visitors for over 500 years, so it’s got warm and welcoming down to a fine art.

There’s a cosy oak-beamed bar, relaxed dining room and sunny conservatory, while on a balmy evening you can dine on the pretty terrace.

On the menu Head Chef Mike Smith’s love of the area and its produce is reflected in his cooking - from à la carte to afternoon tea, you won’t leave hungry. If we had to choose one dish? The Lifeboat’s famous fish pie is platelickingly good.

01485 512236, www.lifeboatinnthornham.com

Drove Orchards, Thornham

The lowdown For a tantalising array of local foodie delights, head to Drove Orchards. Here you’ll find PYO plus delicious home-grown produce and fresh juice in the farm shop, as well as Gurneys fishmongers, two restaurants, shops, a garden nursery and gallery.

On the menu Eateries at Drove include Eric’s, Fish & Chips, above, (where the freshest of fish is beer-battered and cooked in beef dripping), which is owned by local chef Eric Snaith of nearby Titchwell Manor and Shuck’s in the yurt, offering relaxed, rustic food from chef patron, Philip Milner.

01485 525652, www.droveorchards.com

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The lowdown Where better to sip artisan coffee than Creake Abbey Café, a stone’s throw from the eponymous abbey ruins? After savouring the café’s fresh, seasonal menu, peruse the adjoining food hall with its butchery and cheese counter.

On the menu Expect healthy smoothies, charcuterie platters, inventive salads and sandwiches. If you’re after a fun, new dining A lunchtime experience, special try the pop-up Supper Club when guest chef Robbie Spencer Ashworth will be teaming up with fellow local boy Tom Hanson-Smith, who’ll provide wines from Journey’s End Vineyards (28 and 29 July, 17 and 18 August). £42 per person for three courses, an amuse bouche and welcome drink.

01328 730399, www.creakeabbeycafe.com

Artemis Homes, Antiques & Coffee Shop, Cley-next-the-Sea The lowdown Artemis offers some of the most Instagram-worthy views over the reedbeds. If the sun’s shining, bag a table out on the terrace and see how many different species of bird you can spot. On rainy days, hunker down in their new, expanded inside space.

On the menu We’re particularly partial to the locally-brewed coffee, which is roasted two miles away at Grey Seal Coffee in Glandford; high on the must-eat list are the golden, flaky sausage rolls and the latest addition to the menu, the seasonal salads.

01263 741674, www.artemiscoffeeshop.co.uk Follow Harriet on Instagram @girlnextthesea

Thornham Deli, where a warm welcome awaits you A warm North Norfolk welcome awaits you at award-winning Thornham Deli, where you will find a range of locally-sourced, freshly-made, top quality food and drink, including some of the best coffee on the coast.

Whether you are looking for a tasty takeaway snack or to enjoy a meal in our vibrant dining area, you can be sure you are getting the very best that Norfolk offers.

We also stock an array of quality homeware, kitchenware and gardening accessories, one-off pieces of furniture and a range of stylish designer clothing. We pride ourselves on offering an eclectic choice of goods that you will not find in any high street store.

Whether you are a regular customer or a visitor to the area, we are delighted to welcome you into our happy family.

High Street, Thornham PE36 6LX Tel: 01485 512 194 www.thornhamdeli.co.uk 9

EXPLORE

An A to Z of summer in North Norfolk

Hindringham Hall

From alfresco family fun to a spot of local history and culture, here’s our guide to just some of the don’t miss local experiences and events coming up this season!

A is for art experiences

Admiral Lord Nelson, 1801 by William Beechy © Norfolk Museums Service Wells Carnival; photo provided by www.cycoze.com

Congham Hall Hotel’s latest visitor guide, Six of the Best… Norfolk Art Experiences, includes the Peter Coke Shell Gallery in Sheringham and their own fascinating art collection. Congham is also hosting a pop-up show by Pinkfoot Gallery of Cley (www.pinkfootgallery.co.uk), featuring works by sculptor Stephen Henderson, until September. Download the guide at www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk

B is for beaches

Well we had to! Everyone has their own favourites, including Old Hunstanton and Brancaster to the west and Wells, Cley and Sheringham further east.

C is for carnivals

Traditional summer fun, games and carnival parades. Don’t miss The Burnhams Flower Show and Carnival on 15 July (www.burnhammarket. co.uk), Wells Carnival (28 July to 6 August; www.wellscarnival.co.uk), Sheringham Carnival (29 July to 6 August; www.sheringhamcarnival. com) and Cromer Carnival (12 to 18 August; www.cromercarnival.co.uk).

D is for don’t miss the sunsets Each one is different and they’re often a real treat (just check out local Instagram accounts!)

E is for eating fish and chips alfresco A summer tradition! Two of our favourite fish and chip picnic spots include watching the sunset over The Wash at Hunstanton or the fishing boats landing their catch on Wells Quay.

F is for Felbrigg Hall

This fine historic hall near Cromer is notable for its grand tour collection and is packed with surprises. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ felbrigg-hall for opening times and ticket prices.

G is for gillying

Gillying, or crabbing, depending where you

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are on the coast, is great fun but don’t forget to look after your catch. Follow Wells Harbour Commissioners’ advice: cover your gillys in sea water (change this frequently in hot weather), don’t overcrowd them, put them back gently where you found them and remember, no hooks on lines.

H is for history tours at Hindringham Hall Sign up for a tour of this Tudor Hall’s ground floor and the medieval site with moat and fishponds on 12 July, 9 August and 13 September at 2.30pm. Tours finish at about 5pm. Tickets £20, booking is essential, call 01328 878226. www.hindringhamhall.org

as you go. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blakeney and www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brancaster-estate

K is for kite flying

Make the most of a summer breeze and watch your kite soar up, up, up into the big Norfolk skies

L is for local hero

Find out more about Admiral Lord Nelson, born in Burnham Thorpe in 1758. Head to the permanent Remember Nelson exhibition at The Hoste in Burnham Market (www.thehoste.com), and the Nelson & Norfolk exhibition at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, from 29 July to 1 October. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

I is for iron age hill fort M is for music Warham Camp, just south of the village of Warham, is the best preserved of the five iron age forts in Norfolk. The two concentric earthwork ramparts are impressive, and the views are spectacular.

J is for join National Trust 50 things activities The National Trust - Norfolk Coast will be running their free 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4 events during the six weeks of the summer holidays on Tuesdays at Blakeney and Wednesdays and Thursdays at Brancaster beach. Learn how to catch a crab, go bug hunting and more, ticking off your adventures

The North Norfolk Music Festival is back for its 13th year from 15 to 26 August, with a programme of chamber music concerts at its base, St Mary’s Church in South Creake, plus the Marble Hall at Holkham and St Mary’s Church, East Raynham. Highlights include recitals by pianists Louis Schwizgebel, Alexander Ullman and Melvyn Tan and much more. Box office 01328 730357, www.northnorfolkmusicfestival.com

N is for nature spotting North Norfolk is a mecca for wildlife and home to several nature reserves including RSPB Titchwell Marsh, Blakeney National Nature Reserve and NWT Cley Marshes on the coast,

Hunstanton Watersports

Creake Abbey © Andy Allard

Wells beach © Holkham Estate

Sandringham House

plus the Hawk and Owl Trust reserve Sculthorpe Moor, inland.

miss the annual Sandringham Flower Show on 26 July. www.sandringhamestate.co.uk

O is for outdoor theatre

R is for ruins

This summer, Holkham’s programme of alfresco performances in the Hall’s walled garden features As You Like It (26 July, 7pm), Alice in Wonderland (2 August, 6.15pm), The Emperor’s New Clothes (9 August, 6.15pm), Billionaire Boy (16 August, 6.15pm), Wind in the Willows (23 August, 5.45pm) plus A Comedy of Errors (30 August, 6.30pm). Visit www.holkham.co.uk for prices and to book.

P is for planes

The Royal Air Force Bircham Newton Heritage Centre is holding open days on 30 July, 27 and 28 August and 24 September from 10am to 4pm. Discover the fascinating history of this former RAF station and its satellite airfields at Docking and Langham. Free entry. www.rafbnmp.org.uk

Q is for Her Majesty The Queen and Sandringham Built in 1870, Sandringham has been passed down as a private home through four generations of British monarchs, and is now the Norfolk retreat of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

The house, museum and gardens are open daily until 29 October (house closed 26 July). Don’t

North Norfolk is home to the Augustinian monastic ruins of Beeston Priory and Creake Abbey plus the Benedictine Binham Priory. The gardens and grounds of Walsingham Abbey are famous for the ruins of the medieval Priory and place of pilgrimage.

S is for shells

The Shell Museum at Glandford is the oldest purpose-built museum in Norfolk, and home to a fine collection of shells from around the world, plus fossils, archeological finds and more. www.shellmuseum.org.uk for opening hours.

T is for trains

The North Norfolk Railway, aka the Poppy Line, offers a 10.5 mile round trip by steam train (or vintage diesel) from Sheringham along the coast to Weybourne and inland to Kelling Heath Park and Holt. www.nnrailway.co.uk for timetables and ticket prices.

U is for under sail

beautiful villages, both on the coast and inland.

Look out for country and coastal cottages, village greens, historic churches and some great eateries for a pit stop along the way!

W is for walking

Walkers are spoilt for choice, with the Norfolk Coast Path from Peddars Way, which meets the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea, plus many other routes. Grab your map and walking boots and go exploring!

X is for x-treme watersports (and the not so extreme!)

Hunstanton Watersports offer kitesurfing, windsurfing and stand up paddleboarding (SUP) lessons for all ages and levels, from a two hour SUP taster session to a three day beginners kitesurfing course, including all equipment and tuition from qualified instructors. They also hire out equipment. 01485 534455 www.hunstantonwatersports.com

Y is for yurt

Take a trip through the winding creeks and along the coast in one of the Coastal Exploration Company’s traditional wooden sailing boats, ranging from four hours to three days. www.coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk

Shuck’s at the Yurt down at Drove Orchards in Thornham serves delicious “honest rustic food” and are also launching a Shack next door, early in July, serving food to takeaway or enjoy in their alfresco eating area. 01485 525889 www.shucksattheyurt.co.uk

V is for villages

Z is for zzz

Spend time exploring some of North Norfolk’s

And relax. You’ll need it after all this fresh air!

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10 great reasons to visit Drove Orchards

Bells and Whistles Kids

Doric Arts

Eclectic pop-up gallery

s for kids clothes The bell’s whistle

Drove Orchards Get picking

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Gurneys Fish Box Catch it while you can

Visit us on the North Norfolk coast, set in over 40 acres of orchards growing more than 160 varieties of apples and pears.

PYO orchard and soft fruits available in season.

Shuck’s

Honest rustic food

Eric’s Fish & Chip

Tradition al

s

with a m odern tw ist

Joyful Living

Stylish, in spiratio

nal interio rs Delicious

Green & Pleasant Garden Nursery Perfect perennials

Nelle

Danish c lothing

Drove Orchhoaprds Farm S farm Fresh from the

Drove Orchards, Thornham. PE36 6LS On the A149 Coast Road. Open all year round.

For all of our contact details visit www.droveorchards.com13

EXPLORE

Finding your natural habitats!

Think of North Norfolk and immediately you’re transported to a place of seascapes, marshes and muddy creeks and of course big skies. But look a little closer and you’ll find it’s one of the most biodiverse areas in the UK, says Sarah Whittley Bearded tits, reedbeds at Cley © Sarah Whittley

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ORTH Norfolk has an impressive list of rare and record-breaking habitats. Take heathlands for example, now rarer than rainforests. We have three internationally important sites at Roydon, Kelling and Salthouse. Our stunning heathlands with blazing yellow gorse and pink heather are home to thousands of site-specific species, including adders, tiger beetles, hairstreak butterflies and Dartford warblers.

Our impressive list of habitats also includes rivers, marine, coastal sand dunes, farmland, freshwater grazing marsh, rockpools, reedbeds, saltmarsh, mudflats, grassland, coastal shingle, woodland, gardens and churchyards. It may seem strange to include the last two but they both play their part in helping to home wildlife. St Andrew’s churchyard in Letheringsett is a good example, with its areas of interesting wild flowers, such as meadow saxifrage, wall rue and pignut.

One record-breaking habitat stretches for 20 miles from Cley to Trimingham and begins just 200 metres off shore. Remarkably this 300 million-year-old site was only discovered scientifically in 2010. If you’ve ever looked out to sea from here and noticed a turquoise hue to the water, that will be the North Norfolk Chalk reef, which is the longest in Europe and maybe even the world.

It’s home to a spectacular variety of species, including over 30 species of sea slugs and the wonderfully named, burrowing piddocks. In 2011 a new species of sea sponge was discovered; the bright purple sponge is still awaiting its official name.

Coming back inland, the relic iron age fort at Warham Camp is host to one of Norfolk’s impressive wildlife spectacles when in July and August, thousands of chalk hill blue butterflies amass over the lowland calcareous grasslands. This rare chalkland habitat attracts a variety of plant and insect life, including the horseshoe vetch and brown argus butterfly.

There are so many more habitats to discover in North Two male adders and Norfolk, why not find out gorse, heathland © more at Sarah Whittley www.norfolkbiodiversity.org

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Spotted

Richard Campey shares his summer sightings wishlist For many it’s the swallow that heralds the arrival of summer, but for me it’s the turtle dove. Not easy to spot now as habitat and food loss, disease and hunting have reduced their UK population by 91% since 1995 so finding one of these most gentle of birds is a great feeling.

Their soft purring song sometimes gives them away but not as much as the next species to spot, the nightingale.

Slightly larger than a robin, rather plain brown and indistinctive, these birds are the ultimate in skulking and love nothing more than sitting in a bush unseen while uttering their powerful and beautiful song that few species can match.

A bird that is often seen and not heard is the kingfisher, which can appear as a momentary flash of colour as it whizzes past you unexpectedly. If lucky you may find a perch where it will sit waiting to catch fish.

Although most vocal in spring the skylark can still be heard singing in the summer months. Its distinctive display flight, vertically up in the air, then, seemingly suspended aloft before it slowly descends, gives it away as once on the ground it can be near impossible to see.

• Richard is owner of The One Stop Nature Shop, Burnham Deepdale, 01485 211223 www.onestopnature.co.uk.

News of the latest sightings can be seen on the board outside One Stop.

Images © Richard Campey

A traditional coastal Inn l

Recently refurbished, delightful inn on the Nor th Norfolk coast

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I rre s i s t i b l e fo od Co s y a t mo s p h e re Ro a r in g f i re s a n d re a l a l e s C o n tem p o rar y d i n i n g room Stylis h b e d rooms

01485 512229 www.chequersinnthornham.com info@chequersinnthornham.com High Street I Thornham I Norfolk I PE36 6LY

Home-cooked food S e l e c t i o n o f re a l a l e s 1 3 re c e n t l y re f u r bi s h e d be d ro o m s D o g s a re ve r y w e l c o m e

ur Tr y o US CIO DELI r n o o n afte a te

01485 512236

www.lifeboatinnthornham.com info@lifeboatinnthornham.com

Ship Lane I Thornham I Norfolk I PE36 6LT 15

EXPLORE

Finding your sea legs!

The sun’s shining and the sea is beckoning. Here’s what to do on the water this summer, says Harriet Cooper

A dog’s eye view:

Five-year-old English springer spaniel Lulu shares her insider guide to North Norfolk, courtesy of her owner Alison Priestley

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Stand Up Paddleboarding (aka SUP) is the watersport du jour. Barefoot SUP - which has a new school at Bawsey - runs a variety of classes, including SUP Fitness and SUP Yoga (£12 per class), private tours (£50) and tuition (£40 for 75 minutes), all of which take place on a paddleboard. You’ll end up toned, fitter and, as SUP is non-impact, it’s a great way to exercise if you’ve an injury.

Barefoot SUP, 07951 010120 www.barefootsup.com

Norfolketc is one of the only Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised centres operating along the North Norfolk coast. Based in Morston, the family-run sailing school offers adult and children’s sailing courses and powerboat courses at Blakeney Harbour. As well as RYA courses, they also provide private instruction and own boat tuition. See website for prices.

Norfolketc, 01263 740704 www.norfolketc.co.uk Hunstanton Kayaks offers guided trips around the sandbanks of the Wash (£30 per person), while less experienced paddlers can kayak with a guide (£20 per person per hour). Kayaking trips also wind through the creeks from Brancaster Staithe to Burnham Overy Staithe (£35 per person, minimum of four in a group). Kayaks are available for personal hire, too.

Hunstanton Kayaks, 07810 188165 www.hunstantonkayaks.co.uk

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Get up close and personal with the common and grey seal on a trip with Beans Boats. Hop aboard one of their custom ferries at Morston and head up the creek to Blakeney Point, home to one of the largest collections of migrating birds in Europe and the old Blakeney lifeboat station, as well as the spectacular seal colony.

The boat trip lasts an hour. Adults £12, children £6.

Beans Boats, 01263 740505/ 740038, www.beansboattrips.co.uk Founded in 1939, Snettisham Beach Sailing Club continues to be a thriving hub for members who own everything from catamarans to monohulls, as well as windsurfers and kite-surfers. The club also offers a huge range of sailing and powerboat courses over the summer for members and non-members. See the website for dates and prices.

Snettisham Beach Sailing Club, 07938 190846/ 01485 779027 (Jane Ellison, Chief Instructor for RYA Training), www.snetbeach.co.uk

AM the youngest of three dogs in our family with Twiglet aged 13 and Daisy, aged eight.

We are all models for my mum’s business Ruff and Tumble, which makes dog drying coats. The best times are when we are in North Norfolk, my favourite place!

My perfect day would be a 6am start, breakfast and a trip to Brancaster beach. As soon as we reach the beach I like to run as fast as possible into the sea and wait for everyone to catch up.

We usually walk left on the beach down to Titchwell creek, where we have to be on leads, as Mum likes to watch the seals playing without us joining in! After a lovely, long, deserted beach walk we will sometimes drop into Deepdale Cafe. Then it’s home for a nap while Mum sees to emails and paperwork.

Later in the day we often take an inland walk from our home in Syderstone. This can either be a 40-minute walk or over an hour depending on which route we take (www.syderstone.com/ walks.pdf). It is rare for us to meet anyone so there’s lots of running around, with interesting smells and hedgerows to explore.

At the end of our walk we sometimes pop into our local pub, The Lynn Arms, where we always receive a warm welcome. Fortunately they love dogs and Mum says the food is delicious and good value!

Top tips Four favourite dog-friendly places to eat: The Duck Inn, Stanhoe The Gin Trap Inn, Ringstead The Globe Inn, Wells-next-the-Sea The Jolly Farmers, North Creake Four favourite walks Barrow Common, Brancaster Staithe Brancaster beach Ringstead Downs The woods and beach at Wells-next-the-Sea www.ruffandtumbledogcoats.com

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VISIT

Calling all culture vultures!

Over the wall

If you’re heading to Holkham or Houghton, make sure you visit their walled gardens, says Gary Nelson The walled garden, Houghton Hall

This season, two of North Norfolk’s finest houses are hosting must-see exhibitions. Amanda Loose takes the tour

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A Line in Norfolk, by Richard Long at Houghton Hall

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South elevation of HIS year Houghton Hall is the Holkham Hall venue for Turner Prize winning © Holkham Estate sculptor Richard Long’s largest show since his retrospective at Tate Britain in 2009. EARTH SKY: Richard Long at Houghton runs until 26 October, and includes six new large-scale works especially commissioned for this Palladian hall and its grounds.

Wander round the house and gardens and you’ll come across the remarkable pieces including the White Deer Circle (a henge of trees stumps from the Houghton Estate), A Line in Norfolk (an 84-metre line made from local carr stone) and the permanent slate work, Full Moon Circle, commissioned in 2003, plus smaller scale works in the gallery spaces.

Look out too for permanent sculptures by other contemporary artists including fellow Turner Prize winner, Rachel Whiteread, James Turrell, Stephen Cox and Anya Gallaccio.

Meanwhile, visitors to Holkham Hall are being invited to step back in time and into the lives of the staff who have lived and worked on the estate over the last 200 years.

What the Butler Saw, which runs until 31 October, incorporates unseen photographs, The 3rd Earl of Leicester with Surridge the butler original uniforms, historic documents plus carving, 1940 fascinating personal memories. Discover what staff wore and ate, what their working days involved, how to lay a dinner table for a stately banquet, and who the lady’s maid fell in love with!

Learn about key Holkham characters, including Surridge the Butler, Paterson the Head Gardener and Scrivener the Chauffeur, and what it took to keep the hall running like clockwork. There’s also interactive fun for children, including dressing up, mystery objects and hidden passages to be discovered.

Holkham’s permanent Field to Fork interactive exhibition about food and farming on the estate, is a must-do, with plenty to keep younger members of the family entertained.

F formality is your thing, I suggest a trip to Houghton’s award-winning, five acre walled garden, though if you’re following the Richard Long sculpture trail, you’ll end up there anyway!

In 1991, the present Lord Cholmondeley set about creating a new area within the walls of the old kitchen garden as a memorial to his grandmother, Lady Sybil Cholmondeley. The result is a stunning series of smaller ornamental gardens, ranging from classical Italian, Waterflame by Jeppe Hein to a traditional rose parterre with over 150 varieties of roses.

Top tip: the statues, rustic temple and artist Jeppe Hein’s Waterflame are not to be missed!

Back in 2010, Holkham began a major restoration project on the six acre Walled Garden, originally laid out by Samuel Wyatt during the late 1700s. It’s fascinating to see the progress being made.

The garden is divided into seven ‘rooms’ of interest including a vineyard, orchard, kitchen garden with bee hives and chickens, and a cut flower garden.

There is also a spectacular The walled garden at Holkham stand of large © Holkham Estate Victorian greenhouses which have been renovated to their original splendour Top tip: The rose garden is definitely worth a visit in summer months and the herbaceous and mixed borders are a riot of colour and scent.

Gary is a Director of Burn Valley Nursery in South Creake, 01328 823333, www.burnvalleynursery.co.uk Visit www.holkham.co.uk for opening times and ticket prices for the Holkham Hall, Walled Garden, Field to Fork Experience and children’s woodland adventure play area (open until 31 October).

Houghton Hall and Gardens are open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays until 26 October.

Visit www.houghtonhall.com for tickets and prices; under 17s go free.

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A great family day out 18th Century Palladian Hall • ’Field to Fork’ Experience • Six Acre Walled Garden Woodland Adventure Play Area • Gift Shop & Café • Cycle & Boat Hire Holkham National Nature Reserve & Beach • Full Events Programme Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AB www.holkham.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

A summer of fun

From festivals and fairs to alfresco theatre and concerts, we’ve an action packed season in store!

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July Holkham Country Fair Enjoy two days (9am to 6pm) of countryside pursuits, rural crafts, displays, performances and fun for all the family. Try local produce at the Fine Food Village and shop at over 100 trade stands – look out for Kelling Designs at Stand C1.

There will be entertainment in the Grand Ring and The Red Arrows will take centre stage on Sunday.

Visit www.holkhamcountryfair. co.uk for tickets and prices.

Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 July Holt Festival Now in its ninth year, Holt Festival has a wide and varied programme of music, theatre, comedy, literature, children’s and visual art events. Highlights include Sue MacGregor, Suzi Quatro, Jasper Carrott and Margaret Hodge plus an exclusive exhibition of works by renowned Norfolk born artist, Edward Seago. Visit www.holtfestival.org for full listings.

Box Office 01603 598699.

Sunday 23 July Tom Jones Concert, Holkham Enjoy a summer evening of entertainment as the legendary Tom Jones performs outdoors in Holkham Park. Unreserved Standing tickets: £45 (additional booking fee). You can book your tickets online at www. livepromotionsconcerts.co.uk or the Holkham Ticket Office in person or on 01328 713111.

Saturday 29 to Monday 31 July Historic Lifeboat Festival, Wells Six historic lifeboats will be moored at Wells-next-the-Sea for the inaugural Historic Lifeboat Festival, part of Wells Carnival.

There will be a parade of historic lifeboats down the channel, led

by Lucy Lavers and a display of model lifeboats in Wells Library, continuing throughout Wells Carnival week to 6 August. www.rescuewoodenboats.com Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 August Cley Calling Summer Sea Festival As part of National Marine Week, NWT Cley Marshes will be exploring coastal wildlife, landscape and culture in North

Norfolk, with coastal explorations, family events, theatre, music and poetry inspired by the sea. Visit www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk for more details.

See The Red Arrows at Holkham Country Fair

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August Summer picnic concerts at Cromer Hall Head to Cromer Hall’s Home Park for The Music of ABBA & The British Symphony Orchestra on the Saturday (gates open 5.45pm) with the ABBA Revival Show, and The Music of Elvis & The British Symphony Orchestra on the Sunday (gates open 5pm). Tickets £29.99 when quoting ‘Summer17’ at the checkout, for North Norfolk Living readers. General release £38 from www.cromerhallconcerts.com Saturday 5 to Sunday 13 August Open Churches Week Historic churches abound in Norfolk, with features including round towers, medieval glass and richly decorated rood screens.

Churches across the county have arranged special events and activities for this week, including concerts, flower festivals, children’s activities and author talks. www.norfolkopenchurches.com

Suzi Quatro will perform at Holt Festival

Head to NWT Cley Marshes for their Cley Calling Summer Sea Festival; Salthouse beach © Richard Osbourne

Heartbreak Productions

Wednesday 9 August Murder on the Terrace, Thornham Village Hall Join Heartbreak Productions at 7.30pm for their outdoor performance of this murder mystery spoof, specially commissioned by Heartbreak.

Adults £12, concessions £10, from Hunstanton TIC 01485 532610.

Visit www.heartbreakproductions. co.uk for more information.

Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 August Houghton Festival This new art and music festival curated by Craig Richards and produced by Gottwood, on the Houghton Estate, will feature backto-back sets and performances from Ricardo Villalobos, Nicolas Jaar, Floating Points and many more. Visit www.houghtonfestival. co.uk for tickets.

Houghton Festival

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WHAT’S ON

A summer of fun

Marshes & Flint - The Little Lifestyle Store will be at Creake Abbey’s Summer Gift Fair

The Great British Prom, Blickling

North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival, Holkham Walled Garden

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue are coming to Holkham

Lucy Loveheart Norfolk map

Friday 11 August Classic Ibiza, Blicking Norfolk’s biggest dance party of the summer is returning to the Blickling Estate, for an outdoor concert full of iconic Ibiza anthems. A spectacular laser show will accompany DJ Goldierocks and the Urban Soul Orchestra. Adults £35 (£38 on the night), children (ages 5 to 16) £16 (£18 on the night) To book visit www.classicibiza.co.uk or call 01630 674342. Gates open at 6pm.

Saturday 12 August The Great British Prom, Blickling The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Inglis, make their debut at Blickling.

They will be joined by Only Men Aloud, soprano Annette Wardell and traditional piped band, for performances of Proms favourites, closing with a spectacular firework display. Adults £35 (£38 on the night), children (ages 5 to 16) £16 (£18 on the night). To book, visit www.greatbritishprom.co.uk or call 01630 674342. Gates open at 5pm.

Friday 18 August Twelfth Night, Mannington Gardens Be transported to a land where nothing is quite as it seems in this open air performance of

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Shakespeare’s comedy by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company.

Take a rug or low backed seating.

Tickets £13, concessions £11, child (ages 5 to 15) £6 from 01263 584175 or www.rainorshine.co.uk.

Performance starts at 7pm.

Sunday 20 August CPRE Norfolk Summer Fair, Wolterton Hall Head over to Wolterton Hall from 10am to 4pm for the Campaign to Protect Rural England’s Norfolk Summer Fair, including local artisan food and drink stalls, artists and craft makers, vintage themed tea tent, classic car display, children’s activities and much more. Entry (including parking) free to card-carrying CPRE members, under 18s and those arriving in a classic car. Otherwise £2.50 on the door or £2 advance purchase from www.cprenorfolk. org.uk. Champagne reception and art auction £20 in advance.

Sunday 20 August Dog Show and Family Fun Day, Creake Abbey A fun filled day for all the family in aid of Wells Community Hospital Trust. Gates open and registration from 10am, with classes from

11am to 4pm. There will be lots of fun classes for your dog to enter, agility demonstrations, children’s activities, craft stalls and trade stands plus live music in the afternoon. Entry £4 per person, under 12s go free. www.creakeabbey.co.uk Saturday 26 August Summer Gift Fair, Creake Abbey With over 40 stands offering fashion, children’s clothing, art, jewellery, textiles, local food and drink plus much more. New stands include Archangel Distilleries from Fakenham with their Archangel Gin made using a complex array of botanicals and water from Walsingham. 10am to 4pm, free entry and parking. www.creakeabbey.co.uk Sunday 27 August UB40 Concert, Holkham UB40 are bringing their Grandslam UK Tour to Holkham’s South Park for an evening of their greatest hits. For more details about prices and tickets, go to www. livepromotionsconcerts.co.uk or the Holkham Ticket Office in person or on 01328 713111.

Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival, Holkham Walled Garden This annual celebration of food and drink grown, caught, reared, produced or sold in North Norfolk will feature over 40 food and drink producers. Stalls will offer tasters and products for sale plus there’s plenty to eat and amuse in the area just outside the Walled Garden and games for children.

Don’t miss the Cookery Theatre hosted by Mary Kemp, which showcases high profile chefs including Richard Bainbridge of Benedicts, Norwich. 10am to 4pm; free entry, car parking £3. www.northnorfolkfoodfestival. co.uk Friday 15 and Saturday 16 September Summer Nights Outdoor Film Festival, Blickling Back for a third year, the festival will show classic films Ghost (12A) on the Friday and Blues Brothers (15) on the Saturday. Pack a picnic and enjoy the show! Doors open 6.30pm, estimated start time 7.50pm. Tickets from www.summernightsfilm.co.uk

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