Haven - Your Seashore Coastline

Seashore yo u r

C O A S T L I N E

T H E E X C L U S I V E M A G A Z I N E F O R S E A S H O R E H O L I D AY PA R K

What’s on

OWNERS EVENTS Festivals 2019

Seashore : MULTI-MILLION

POUND INVESTMENT

Owning a Holiday Home

ISSUE No 4

FREE

www.haven.com

Your home from home is within reach How does

ÂŁ6,000*

towards a brand-new holiday home sound?

Start your ownership journey at Seashore today Call 0333 2021446

Visit seashoreholidaypark.com

Terms and conditions: *Available on new and selected pre-owned models only. You must join our Simply Letting service for three consecutive years and agree to rent out your holiday home for sufficient breaks to generate a minimum letting income of ÂŁ2,000 per year. For full terms visit haven.com/helptobuy. For all terms and conditions, including call charges, please visit www. haven.com/terms. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered Office: 1 Park Lane Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England (No. 04011660). Bourne Leisure Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register No. 312847).

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Welcome

YOUR SEASHORE COASTLINE is the exclusive magazine for Haven Seashore Holiday Park, and we have packed the pages of this issue with lots of fantastic features, including things to do on and off the park; owners events, our new swimming pool, what’s on, upcoming events, family attractions and much, much more.

We have also included a great recipe for a lemon panna cotta from local chef Peter Clarke of the Imperial Hotel and six fabulous cocktails to keep you entertained throughout the months to come.

We also have a round-up of the local festivals around the area throughout 2019, not to mention a top few beaches we recommend you try during your stay, and some do’s and don’ts whilst enjoying your time on the sand... or impress your friends when you get back home with some little known facts about Norfolk. We are certain you will find plenty to read and do between the covers of your exclusive magazine.

Everyone at the park has worked extremely hard to make everyone’s stay a special one, and we were delighted when we were awarded ‘Park of the Year 2018’! Something we would like to repeat in the future. To help with this we have invested millions in to the park to improve the facilities to make sure that your experience is always extra special.

www.haven.com

DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING Joe Marritt E: joe.marritt@micropress.co.uk

Published by COUNTRYWIDE PUBLICATIONS

ADVERTISING SALES Rob Fosbrook T: 01502 725876 M: 07780 430706 E: rob@H2creativemedia.co.uk

Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH 01502 725800

Samantha Garstang E: samantha@H2creativemedia.co.uk T: 01502 725878

Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH 01502 725800

Diane Green E: diane.green@micropress.co.uk T: 07988 867483

Printed by MICROPRESS PRINTERS LTD

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Andrew Hirst T: 01502 725860 E: andrew@H2creativemedia.co.uk

Jade Soanes T: 01502 725840 E: jade.soanes@micropress.co.uk

Mark Shreeve T: 01502 725839 E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

Simon Tooth T: 01502 725838 E: simontooth@micropress.co.uk

TERMS & CONDITIONS Copyright on all content is with Countrywide Publications. Reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices, events and times were correct at the time of print, and you are encouraged to contact the businesses and venues prior to making bookings. All expressions and opinions demonstrated within the publication, are those of the Publisher including contributors.

COUNTRYWIDE PUBLICATIONS IS A TRADING NAME OF MICROPRESS PRINTERS LTD.

h t a e r b A of FRESH Air

E R O H S A E S N E at HAV

HOLIDAY WITH CHIPS EXCLUSIVE OFFER for Seashore Holiday Park residents bring your HAVEN PASS and show it to our reception & you will receive

free drink a free bet 40% off any food a

keepitfun.rank.com Over 18s only. Photo ID is required. www.gambleaware.co.uk

O P P O S I T E W E L L I N G TO N P I E R AT M A R I N E PA R A D E , G R E AT YA R M O U T H , N O R F O L K , N R 3 0 3 J G

01493 850444

W W W. G RO S V E N O RC A S I N O S . C O M

09 Owning a holiday home 12 New Seashore development 16

Caravan sales

38 Hippodrome Circus 41

Sea Life Centre

42

Pleasure Beach

44 BeWILDerwood

20 Owner events

47 Thursford

25 Owner events: Adults only

48 Family attractions

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What’s on

58 Fun for all!

32

Great Yarmouth

60 Best of the fest

54 Heaven is a beach

66 Norfolk...

Come on in it’s bootiful!!

73 Not a lot of people know that 78

Garden splendour

84 Lemon panna cotta 86 Cocktail time 88

Blackberry fizz

90 The Boathouse 92 Seashore society snaps

MORE FUN FOR EVERYONE

The park is FREE to ENTER Rides can be paid for with an all-day wristband or pay as you ride with tokens. Wristbands give unlimited access to 25 rides for the day, right up until closing time

OW E R DISCN OUNST

15% OF F WRIS

TBAN DS yo Haven u show your privileSeashore ge ca rd when

South Beach Parade Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 3EH 01493 844585

www. pleasure-beach .co.uk

E M O H y Holida

p i h s r e Own

Welcome to Seashore - the only

holiday park on Great Yarmouth’s seafront, one of England’s biggest and best resorts.

This means that all our holiday homes are less than a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach, with many just a frisbee throw away! We have got direct access to the golden sand from our terrace at the Mash & Barrel restaurant (seen above) and you are never too far from all the traditional seafront attractions and just a few of our best bits:

• Have a flutter at Great Yarmouth Racecourse

• Perfect your swing at Caister Golf Course

• Race down to the greyhound track

• Take in the history of the awardwinning Time & Tide Museum

• Laugh along with the clowns at the Hippodrome Circus

A bit further afield and you can: • Breathe in the peace and tranquillity of the famous Norfolk Broads

• Take in a mix of the old and the new in Norwich City centre

• Relax at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens

• Enjoy the thrills of Pleasurewood Hills

• Hunt down dinosaurs at Roarr!

There’s much more to Seashore than fresh sea salt air and building epic sandcastles.

If you are looking for somewhere to escape from the urban then you don’t even i We’ve got: • a large swimming pool with new slides

• an outdoor splashzone

• a climbing wall with leap of faith

• a sports court, a gym, an archery and shooting range

• evening entertainment and much more!

For those of you who have holidayed at Seashore, love Great Yarmouth and what the surrounding area has to offer, have you ever considered purchasing your own holiday home? It may not be as far out of reach as you may think and it gives you and your family and friends the opportunity to get away from work and everything that home life throws at you whenever you want to our holiday homes start from only £22,995 and we can even help with the finance, meaning all you have to do is start enjoying the good times and start building a lifetime of memories with us here at Seashore.

You will have access to everything our holiday guests do plus a host of owner only privileges...

• Owner only swim times

•A packed calendar of owner events and activities (see pages 20-25 for details)

• 1 0 free privilege cards that gain you 15% discount on all purchases on park including Papa Johns and Burger King (*some exclusions apply)

• 50% off Activities and Leisure events

• Local business discounts

So, what would the next steps be if this sounded like something you wanted to know more about?

• Start by making an appointment to see one of our experienced team on the park at a time that is most convenient for you.

We can then have an informal chat over a coffee to answer all your questions, give you all the information you would need to make an informed decision and look at finance packages if required. Email Darren.burton@bourneleisure.co.uk and he can arrange the appointment.

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•A fter ensuring that Seashore is the right park for you and your family and you understand what the ongoing running costs will be we can take you around the park to look at what pitches are available.

•T hen we can show you a selection of holiday homes that are within your price range so you can find one with the right attributes for everyone. A small selection of what you could purchase can be seen on pages 16-19.

•O nce you are happy with your choices you would have a more formal meeting with either Nathan (General Manager) or Darren (Owner Experience Manager) to go through details of everything again. This enables you to confirm everything you have already been informed of and to ask any further questions. At this point you would sign any paperwork to officially become an owner at Seashore.

•W e would then site your caravan onto your chosen pitch, invite you back to the park and handover your keys to you.

•Y ou are then free to use your holiday home between 1st March and 30th November, enjoying time together creating memories that last a lifetime.

The biggest question that everybody will ask will be how much is this going to cost?

Holiday home packages at Seashore start from £22,995. The price will depend upon a few things such as the model you choose, whether it is new or previously owned and the location you choose to site your caravan.

Package prices will include 2019 site fees at entry level, siting, connections and standard accessories including a full inventory of crockery, cutlery, duvets, pillows, kettle, toaster and much more.

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• Example of a previously owned holiday home: £22,995. Minimum cash deposit £4,600.

• Example of a new holiday home: £35,000. Minimum cash deposit £7,000.

You would then be looking at ongoing running costs of:

• Full years site fees range from (dependent on location) £2,921 to £5,125

• Water rates and non-domestic business rates approximately £614

• Average gas and electric charges (inclusive of £98 availability charge) £260

• Insurance (dependent on holiday home size) £235 to £390

Total annual running costs therefore comes to between £4,030 and £6,389.

We can help you cover these costs with our Simply Letting service. Speak to our dedicated Simply Letting team or see our Simply Letting brochure for full details. Your holiday home could be making you money when you are not using it, if you allow our guests to use your holiday home, which can in turn go towards your running costs. You can feel reassured that we will look after it like our very own, checking it after every guest leaves.

The last question has to be... what are you waiting for?

Holiday home ownership is much closer than you think.

SPLASH AROUND

NEW for 2019 The Shore Water Park, Coast House bar and grill, Cakery, indoor and outdoor play areas

You will get soaked in our brand-new indoor water park. Stand under a giant tipping bucket and get drenched before heading off to challenge the family to a water fight, race down the multi-lane slide or try two new 11-metre-high flumes Tidal Twist and Coastal Cyclone which is the first constrictor slide in the UK! Teeny ones can splash in our Confidence Water area. We also have a lane and activity pool if you want to get your lengths in. Check out the activity schedules for lane swimming times and activities like Aqua Jets and Pool Kayaking.

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Holiday homes at Seashore

Atlas Mirage 2019 The Atlas Mirage has been designed with you in mind – giving you all the space you could need to enjoy your holidays time and time again. The Mirage incorporates a separate dining area, creating a practical space to socialise with friends and family – all you could want from a modern family home.

Features of this holiday home include: • Central heating and double glazing • En suite bathroom • Integrated appliances • L-shaped fixed seating • Electric lounge fire

Willerby Seasons 2019 This traditional holiday home is great value, it has a spacious feel with its open-plan layout and neutral furnishings. With lots of seating, including the L-shaped sofa, it’s the perfect holiday home for a social gathering with friends, family and neighbours.

Features of this holiday home include: • Open-plan kitchen • Ample seating • Flame-effect electric fire • Extra storage option available • Wrap-around L-shaped sofa with pull-out bed

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered Office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England (No. 04011660).

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Holiday homes at Seashore

ABI Ambleside 2019 An elegant and beautifully designed holiday home with plenty of space, whether you’re a couple or with family and kids of any age.

Its sumptuous furnishings and exceptional finishing touches make your time away special, no matter how many times you visit.

Features of this holiday home include: • Stunning kitchen with fully integrated appliances • Main bedroom with picture window bench seat • Large luxurious free-standing sofas • Spacious entrance hall with coat rack • Log burner-style electric fire

ABI Malham 2019 Imagine returning after a long day of exploring to a holiday home that’s as welcoming as it is stylish. The Malham has an interior that is truly one of a kind, with its eye-catching fabrics and chic finishes, you’ll be wanting to come back time and time again.

Features of this holiday home include: • Unique kitchen layout • Eye-level oven and separate grill • Innovative bedroom layout • Front opening patio doors • En suite shower room (two-bed model)

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered Office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England (No. 04011660).

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Holiday homes at Seashore

ABI Beaumont 2019 Filled with all of the luxuries of home that really elevate it to the next level. This exceptional holiday home is more than just somewhere to escape to, it’s somewhere to fall in love with and cherish.

Features of this holiday home include: • Large Chesterfield-style free-standing sofas • Feature fireplace with electric fire and matching framed mirror • Full-height larder unit • Stunning kitchen with fully integrated appliances • Luxury dining table with buttoned roll-top dining chairs

Swift Bordeaux Exclusive 2019 This exclusive model is well-appointed and stylishly furnished, with fresh fabrics for 2019.

So kick off your walking boots, put your feet up and make the most of relaxing by the fire in the comfort of this exclusive holiday home.

Features of this holiday home include: • Central heating and double glazing • Integrated appliances including a dishwasher • Bluetooth sound system • Front-opening patio doors • Duvalay orthopaedic mattresses

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered Office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England (No. 04011660).

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Holiday homes at Seashore

Swift Provence 2018 Looking for something stylish and contemporary? Then look no further. Soft furnishings in coffee, yellow ochre and neutral tones, mixed with floral patterns with plaid accents for a homely feel that cascades through to the bedrooms.

Features of this holiday home include: • 7ft high ceilings • Integrated microwave and dishwasher • Bluetooth sound system • TV sockets, USB point to lounge and bedrooms • Duvalay mattresses

Swift Loire 2019 The Swift Loire provides the latest styles with contemporary fittings and practical interiors.

It offers a spacious interior with great storage options. The style combines durable quality with excellent performance.

Features of this holiday home include: • Duvalay orthopaedic mattresses • Central heating and double glazing • Integrated fridge • Front bay window • L-shaped seating with pull-out bed

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered Office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England (No. 04011660).

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r e n Ow ents Ev f o e s n e s r u o y Pack

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e r u t n e v Ad

Seasonal Fun HOT CROSS BUN Friday 19th April

EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday 20th April EASTER BONNET COMPETITION Monday 22nd April SANDCASTLE COMPETITIOn Wednesday 14th August HOG ROAST Saturday 24th August WET NOSE DAY DOG SHOW Sunday 25th August PUMPKIN CARVING Friday 25th October BEST HALLOWEEN CARAVAN Saturday 26th October FIREWORKS Saturday 26th October FAREWELL BRUNCH Sunday 10th November CHRISTMAS DINNER Saturday 16th November SEE SANTA Saturday 16th November

Splash ‘n’ Bounce EVERY SATURDAY 7pm age 4-7 7.30pm age 8-16

Owner Events Pic ‘N’ Paint

C N PAINT MOTHERS DAY PI ch Saturday 30th Mar INT EASTER PIC N PA il pr A Saturday 20th ‘N’ PAINT ZOO ANIMAL PIC Saturday 25th May ATE PIC ‘N’ PAINT A PL Saturday 27th July INT SUMMER PIC ‘N’ PA t us Saturday 17th Aug INT SUMMER PIC ‘N’ PA ust Saturday 31st Aug Y PIC ‘N’ PAINT PRINCESS & FAIR ember Saturday 14th Sept ’ PAINT FOOTBALL PIC ‘N ober Saturday 19th Oct ‘N’ PAINT HALLOWEEN PIC ober Saturday 26th Oct ’ PAINT CHRISTMAS PIC ‘N ember Saturday 16th Nov

Craft Fun

BALLOON BUDDIES Wednesday 10th April MY TEDDY BEAR Monday 22nd April ARTIFIED Monday 27th May FAMILY SAND ART Saturday 10th August FAMILY CANVAS ART Saturday 24th August

Please call the Owner Services team on 01493 332634 or go to www.owner-services.co.uk for more details or to book on any of these events 21

Owner s t r o p S y l i m a F

BING WALL OWNER CLIM P OF FAITH OWNER LEA HERY OWNER ARC AYS JUNIOR SEGW and times Various days ils) for more deta r a d n le a c e e (s

Parties

START OF SEASON PARTY Saturday 9th March EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Saturday 20th April PEACE & LOVE 60S PARTY Saturday 25th May JAMAICAN JAMBOREE PARTY Saturday 22nd June SUMMER BALL Saturday 6th July BACK 2 SCHOOL PARTY! Saturday 24th August MEXICAN FIESTA Saturday 14th September MINI MONSTER MASH Friday 25th October MONSTER MASH Friday 25th October LETTING OWNERS PARTY Friday 8th November 2019 END OF SEASON PARTY Saturday 9th November MISTLETOE MADNESS PARTY Saturday 16th November 22

Experience Days & Out and About

F1 RACING S IMULATOR Sunday 21st April TWILIGHT B ANHAM ZOO Saturday 4th May ALL CLUED UP! (Escape Roo m Activity) Saturday 25th May BANGER RA CING Sunday 26th May NIGHT AT TH ED Saturday 27th OGS July HIPPODROM E CIRCUS Wednesday 7th August SEGWAYS Sunday 25th August BUNGEE TR AMPO Sunday 25t A LINES ugust BOWLING Sunday 1st S eptember HALLOWEEN HIPPODROM E Wednesday 23rd Octobe r

Quiz Nights arch Friday 29th M pril Friday 19th A ay Friday 24th M ne Friday 14th Ju ly Friday 19th Ju ugust Friday 16th A eptember Friday 20th S ctober Friday 18th O

s r a t s n u F h t i w n u F Kids es s and tim y a d s u io ek on var etails) Every we lendar for more d (see ca

Owner Events

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Please call the Owner Services team on 01493 332634 or go to www.owner-services.co.uk for more details or to book on any of these events

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79 – 2019

visit o t e c a l p e h T

THRIGBY HALL FILBY GREAT YARMOUTH

N R29 3DR

% 01493 369477

www.thrigbyhall.co.uk

OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

from 10.00am

t a d e Aim

Owner Events

ADULTSTipplers

WINE Saturday 16th March

e n i D e m Co e M h t i W

OCK BLACK R April 13th Saturday RDS BRANFO ugust 3rd A Saturday

Please call the Owner Services team on 01493 332634 or go to www.owner-services.co.uk for more details or to book on any of these events

VODKA & RUM Saturday 6th April COCKTAILS WITH CH ARLIE Saturday 18th May GIN Saturday 15th June CIDER Saturday 20th July BEER & ALE Saturday 17th Augus t WINE Saturday 21st Septem ber TINY TIPPLE CO Saturday 19th Octob er

Adult Spor ts ADULT ARCHERY & TARGET SHOOTING

Saturday 30th March Saturday 27th April Saturday 25th May Saturday 29th June Saturday 27th July Saturday 31st Augus t Saturday 28th Sept ember Saturday 26th Octob er

Please always drink responsibly 25

DINO ADVENTURES

The timeless appeal and fascination with dinosaurs shows no signs of extinction anytime soon, so if you have kids of a certain age with you then they are sure to love one of the surprisingly numerous dinosaur-themed parks and activities on our doorstep.

Almost literally in the case of Jurassic Journey, as this dinosaur destination is located at the Tower Complex in Great Yarmouth, just an easy walk from Seashore. You really can’t miss the 150foot tower or the moving T-Rex head outside the main entrance! Described as ‘an adventure back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the earth’, there are ten installations of animated dinosaurs to bring natural history to life. As well as interactive and informative displays, this is a chance to get up-close with stegosaurus, velociraptor and, of course, T-Rex. Plus there is a scavenger hunt and digging for fossils to enjoy. Great fun for the whole family, Jurassic Journey is, as one happy customer put it, ‘roarsome’!

Talking of roar, the family can spend the whole day at Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure – a family-owned adventure park located in Lenwade (a 40-minute drive from Great Yarmouth).

The 85-acre park is open all year round and features animated dinosaurs in habitat settings, Dippy’s Splash Zone water play area, high ropes for daredevil climbers, deer safari, fossil dig, quad bike track, a secret animal garden, large indoor play centre and, new for 2019, Dippy-ville – a soft play area for the youngest of dino adventurers. This award-winning centre combines thrills and fun with animal magic, and is a hit with families of all ages.

To complete our dino collection, how about Lost World Adventure Golf?

Situated in Hemsby (about 5 miles north of Seashore), this 9-hole fun themed course features dinosaurs, fossils, water hazards and even an ancient Aztec temple (not quite sure if historians would appreciate the timeline there). The golf course is also floodlit in the evenings, and with lush vegetation and jungle sound effects, you’re sure to have a jolly Jurassic time. www.jurassic-journey.co.uk www.roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk www.lostworldgolf.co.uk

CLIFFTOP FESTIVAL Clifftop fun may sound rather perilous, but fret not – this family-friendly extravaganza in Gorleston, just outside Great Yarmouth,, celebrating its 20th year, has nothing to do with having a head for heights. Instead, this festival includes a cunning mix of live music (40 hours across two stages), a large fun fair, a fun dog show, children’s arena and plenty of stalls to browse and buy treats.

Variety is the order of the day, in good seaside tradition, so you can also expect to see

a strongman competition, wrestling, comedy, basketball, dance and various local charities showcasing their valuable work.

Taking place this year on the weekend of 27 and 28 July, visitors can take their own food and drink or take advantage of the many food stalls and bars dotted around the site – offering everything from hog roast to hot dogs. Two funpacked days of family fun not to be missed. www.clifftopfestival.info

OUT THERE FESTIVAL The Out There Festival celebrates its 12th outing in 2019, offering a weekend of incredible street arts and circus performers, with events absolutely free.

Organised by SeaChange, an independent arts development charity based in Great Yarmouth, their aim is to make the town a cultural centre of excellent for circus and street arts – perfect for any budding entertainer in the family. The charity draws on Great Yarmouth’s performance heritage, making it the perfect place in the region for such a celebration of showmanship.

This year the festival will take place on

September 14 and 15, and attracts more than 60,000 people with its mix of international acts, family fun and hands-on things to do for all ages and abilities.

The programme for the weekend has yet to be announced, so check their website for details.

However, you can be guaranteed some ‘seaside silliness’ – their words, not ours – as well as acts that make you go wow.

Make sure you’re in Great Yarmouth for this colourful celebration, and get Out There!

www.seachangearts.org.uk

CLASSIC CARS

The East Coast Pirates Car Club meets most weekends throughout the year, right on the seafront at Great Yarmouth. This is an amazing chance to see some of the best British and American cars ever produced – as well as motorbikes and custom vehicles. The cars are on display every Sunday and Wednesday during peak season. And if you’re lucky enough to be in town over the weekend of 6-7 July 2019, you’ll also catch the annual Great Yarmouth

FESTIVAL OF BOWLS

Wheels Festival. Packed full of amazing cars, the weekend also attracts around 15,000 bikers for the Motorcycle Takeover. Centre 81 will be holding their Classic Car & Bike Run and Show on the Sunday with a 60-mile route starting from Cromer and finishing in Great Yarmouth, where awards will be handed out for the best of the best.

If cars and bikes are your thing, this is not to be missed, and admission is free, too.

Every year, more than 1,100 bowls players head to Great Yarmouth Festival of Bowls – the biggest outdoor open bowling event in the country. Play continues for four weeks (25 August to 20 September) with singles, pairs, men’s and ladies competitions all taking place at the Britannia Bowling Greens on the seafront. If you’ve never watched bowling before, it’s mesmerising, and spectators can easily find themselves parked on a bench watching the sedate action for hours on end.

However, with cash prizes available across various categories, expect this to be more competitive than your average inter-village match, especially when it comes to the crunch.

GREAT YARMOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL

A fortnight of fine arts awaits you at the annual Great Yarmouth Arts Festival, taking place from 7 to 16 June 2019. Offering art, poetry, music, drama and carnival across the town, this is an eclectic collection of shows, installations and performances from a diverse range of talented artists.

Originally held to raise money for the Minster Preservation Trust, the festival has grown into a highlight on the town’s cultural calendar, and a welcome showcase of the talented people that call Great Yarmouth home. The festival, first held in 2012, takes places across various venues in the town, from public spaces like the Market Place to established centres like Hippodrome Circus and St George’s Theatre.

Not to be missed is the traditional Carnival curtain raiser which usually takes place on the first Saturday of the fortnight. Keep an eye on the festival website for details of all shows at this year’s event. www.greatyarmouthartsfestival.co.uk

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LET ’S GO RACING

A day (or evening) at the races is great fun for all the family, and you don’t even have to have a flutter. There are meets throughout the season at Great Yarmouth’s own racecourse, but the highlight is the three-day Eastern Festival of Racing, taking place this year from 17-19 September.

FIREWORK DISPLAYS

Think the magic of fireworks is limited to a chilly night in November? Not in Greater Yarmouth, where there is an exciting programme of evening displays from May to Christmas.

The early start to firework season happens in Hemsby, but the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ really ramp up in the summer holidays where they continue in Hemsby for six weeks every Tuesday and also begin in Great Yarmouth every Wednesday.

Again running for six weeks, and accompanied by live entertainment on Sealife Centre Gardens starting from 8pm, the fireworks light up the sky each evening at 10pm.

Under 18s go free, and there is a children’s playground and large picnic area for the kids to let off steam while adults can browse the form or enjoy a drink at one of the six bars. Day three is Ladies Day, so don your finery and dress to impress. Everyone’s a winner!

VIKING INVASION

Head to Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery until 8 September 2019 to see the Viking: Rediscover The Legend – a major exhibition partnership by the British Museum and York Museums Trust which explores how Viking culture transformed life in Britain.

Using new research and discoveries by archaeologists and metal detectorists, the exhibition focuses on the period between the 9th and 11th centuries to show what influence these invaders had on everything from art to politics.

A series of themed sections takes the visitor through the story of the Viking presence in England over 200 years. The exhibition begins with Viking Homelands looking at their life in Scandinavia while Who Were the Vikings? finishes the story and shows how the Vikings were far more complex than how we tend to imagine them.

As well as this fascinating insight, 50 objects will be on display, including many items from the region on display for the first time.

There are various themed days and activities through the run, so make sure you head to Norwich for this unforgettable event.

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SIMPLY SPECTACULAR

Great Yarmouth is blessed with one of the UK’s greatest venues in The Hippodrome – an Edwardian era monument to entertainment with a thoroughly modern programme of stunning shows for the whole family. Hosting amazing variety acts and ‘spectaculars’ throughout the year, it’s one of the highlights for any trip. This season is no different, with a fine selection of shows lined up.

The Summer Spectacular takes place from 10 July to 15 September 2019 and is a brand new circus and water show with amazing international circus artists, dancers, show swimmers, acrobats, plus comedians Jack Jay and Johnny Mac. The truly breath-taking finale Water Spectacular is one of only three such shows in the world, and the only show in Europe that includes swimmers, aerial artists and special effects when the main ring (think circus seating) turns into a pool. Unmissable.

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The Halloween Spooktacular (19 October to 3 November 2019) is billed as the ultimate spooky experience, and written by the Hippodrome’s own Jack Jay and Johnny Mac. Expect the unexpected, scares, chills and things that go bump in the night – plus an array of world-class performers.

To round off the year, the Christmas Spectacular (7 December 2019 to 5 January 2020) is the venue’s new festive show, and a fast-moving, modern alternative to the traditional pantomime (oh yes, it is). Host Jack Jay introduces amazing acts from around the world, and also a large children’s dance troupe from the renowned Dance Estelle School. The Water Spectacle will of course have a yuletide theme and with decorations and plenty of Christmas spirit to get you in the mood, this is the perfect place to spend the holiday season. www.hippodromecircus.co.uk

* Gravity Trampoline Parks & Gravity Rocks Urban Climbing

ALSO...

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The British seaside experience doesn’t get any better than at Great Yarmouth, with a variety of activities, attractions and experiences for the whole family to enjoy

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Great Yarmouth

is quite simply Norfolk’s crown jewel for coastal fun. This resort town on the sunny east coast is packed with year-round attractions for all the family, providing a unique mix of history, natural beauty and a wide range of entertainment.

Most visitors come to Great Yarmouth for the famous Golden Mile of sandy beach, but did you know that the Greater Yarmouth coastline actually stretches for a full 15 miles from Winterton-on-Sea to Hopton-on-Sea? It’s easy to identify the Golden Mile, or Marine Parade as it is also known, being a stretch of perfect sand between the Britannia Pier in the north and Wellington Pier in the south. Along Marine Parade you’ll find the full traditional great British seaside experience – from donkey rides to amusements, crazy golf to beachside cafes. For many visitors, these are the activities and attractions that Great Yarmouth is all about – signature seaside frolics in the sand, picnics in the dunes, splashing in the waves and fish and chips on the promenade. But there is also so much more to Great Yarmouth, when the weather isn’t so kind and also after dark.

Aside from ten-pin bowling on Wellington Pier and Hollywood Cinema, there’s an indoor play centre for little ones to burn off energy at The Marina Centre. Next door, Castaway Island is one of those awesome new mini golf attractions that have brought this popular game into the 21st century. Sister course Pirates Cove is equally as good, while Adventure Golf provides another option for the die-hard, professional putter.

Another seaside classic is the model village, and Merrivale is an incredibly detailed example.

From airships to a model railway, and even an athletics meeting in the mini sports stadium, we don’t think we’ve seen a better model village anywhere. It’s great fun for everyone who wants to feel like a giant, and who enjoys spotting tiny details. Some of the scenes are even animated (watch the fire engine in action) and there’s also full-size crazy golf included in the admission.

If funfair rides are your thing then it’s essential to head to the historic Pleasure Beach. Free to get it (rides are accessed by purchasing a wristband or tokens), the Pleasure Beach has been entertaining the public since 1909! Back then, there was simply a miniature Scenic Railway to ride, but now there are loads of attractions, with white-knuckle rides for the brave and more gentle thrills for youngsters. The rides are constantly being updated, and new for 2019 is the Air Maxx 360 – spinning 16 souls up to 100 feet into the air. Are you tough enough? There are also dodgems, spinning teacups, a log flume, pirate ship, haunted house, and many more, including the Gallopers that has been going for more than 100 years. With all this going on, it’s little wonder the Pleasure Beach is one of the top attractions in town.

Opened in 1949, Joyland is a children’s fun park that has been family owned and run for 70 years. There’s a host of kid-friendly rides plus an American Diner on site, so plenty to keep the family occupied.

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MAKE A NIGHT OF IT AT

Great beer, wine and cocktails with amazin g food plus Two for one cocktails all night Sund ay

Bar terrace area • Restaurant menu • Bar meals & snacks Pop in for a drink • Group menus available before & after the show

HOLLYWOOD CINEMA).

842308 (OPPOSITE SITE THE CINEMA) URANT ADVISABLE:: 01493 RESTA 01493 842308 (OPPO uk BOOKINGS FOR THERESTA URANT ADVISABLE NR30 2DH www.promhotel.co. tel.co.uk BOOKINGS FOR THE th, Norfolk Yarmouuth, , GtYarmo Parade Norfolk NR30 2DH www.promho Marine HOTEL e, Gt 4 star PROM Parad Marine L HOTE PROM star 4

Merrivale Model Village Open daily from 2nd March till 30th December.

Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3JG.

01493 842097 Find us on Facebook www.merrivalemodelvillage.co.uk

Enjoy your day out in Norfolk and make some great memories at Merrivale Model Village. There is a great variety of fun things to do and different places for you and your family to visit and enjoy. Our Old Penny Arcade showcases some of the best vintage slot machines around, and our 9-hole Crazy Golf course is sure to make your day out one to remember!

You can also take a break and relax while enjoying a tasty treat in our tea room.

Conveniently located on the edge of town, Great Yarmouth Racecourse has rides of a different sort, with a summer season of 23 meetings, providing great fun for the whole family. There are also regular Music Live nights where you can combine a day at the races with live evening entertainment from top acts, and even a three-course dinner at the grandstand restaurants.

Everyone’s a winner!

A popular activity for visitors is a boat trip out to sea to spot seals basking in the sun at Scroby Sands. These trips run from May to September and have been operated by the same company for more than 30 years, departing from Central Beach.

This fascinating trip lasts around an hour and as well as getting up-close with seals, you’ll also get great views of the wind turbines, and perhaps spot nesting terns that have been reintroduced to the Sands.

Talking of wildlife, you really must pay a trip to Sea Life. The aquarium is packed with sea creatures and provides an incredible view of everything from sharks to penguins.

Try out the Tropical Ocean Display and Tunnel to literally have the fish, turtles and other-world creatures gliding over your head. This tank is also home to the centre’s blacktip reef shark breeding program, so you can find out more about conservation and ways to keep our seas safe.

There are various talks and feeding times during the day and did you know you can also arrange a sleepover in the aquarium tunnel? It brings a whole new (and nicer) meaning to the term ‘sleeping with the fishes’.

If the thought of getting close to sharks leaves you cold, perhaps a trip back in history is what you require, and the Nelson Museum is the perfect place to learn more about Norfolk’s very own national hero, Lord Horatio Nelson. As well as delving deeper into Nelson’s colourful life, this museum is also great fun for kids, with plenty of interactive elements to keep them entertained.

Discover what life was like below decks in a sensory experience (that means smelly!), or walk the wobbly plank in the outdoor play area. There is Georgian dressing up too, games to complete as you explore the museum, and a calming picnic area for land lubbers to enjoy. The museum is great value for money too, with the only downside being it is closed on Saturdays.

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More history is pretty hard to miss in Great Yarmouth, thanks to the many remaining towers and sections of the Town Wall that used to encircle the centre in the 12th century. The wall was originally built to keep out invaders, and took a staggering 111 years to build. Eleven imposing towers, build from flint and pebbles from the beach, still remain, and there are guided heritage walks from May to September that shed more light on the wall and its history.

Tours begin at Great Yarmouth Minster on the Market Place.

Another walking tour worth catching is the Rows, Fishwives and Red Herrings guided walk which explores Great Yarmouth’s Rows. The walk explores the South Quay, its architecture, and charts the rise and fall of the herring industry in the town. Other walks are also available, with full details and timings available from the Tourist Information Centre.

Great Yarmouth’s legendary

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Hippodrome is Britain’s only surviving total circus building, built in 1903 by famed showman George Gilbert. Hailed as ‘one of the seven wonders of the British seaside’ (answers on a postcard for the other six), the Hippodrome has hosted a diverse array of talent over the years – from Harry Houdini to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and virtually everything in between.

Since changing hands in 1979, Peter Jay restored the unique water spectacle which has remained a favourite fixture.

April sees the Pirates Live show return, while the Summer Circus and Water Spectacular runs from July to September, with a comprehensive line-up of bewildering entertainment. We guarantee you’ll not see anything like it anywhere else.

For year-round theatre, comedy, music and more, visitors should head to the beautiful St George’s Theatre in the town centre. This Grade I listed former chapel

has an impressive programme of live events from magic shows to musicals. Well worth checking out.

Great Yarmouth also has a wide range of annual events and festivals. Sadly, the Air Show which took place in 2018 will not be returning this year, but there are still lots of incredible festivals to choose from.

Taking place in September, the two-day Maritime Festival pays homage to Great Yarmouth’s maritime past, with historic ships to explore, live music, activities and demonstrations. The whole town takes part in this free festival that’s a great photo opportunity.

First held in 2012, the annual Arts Festival is held over 10 days in June, although dates for 2019 have not been released at time of going to press. A celebration of art, dance, music, history and theatre, expect a broad range of events offering something for everyone.

And that is a great phrase to sum up Great Yarmouth and its many attractions something for everyone, whatever your age and taste.

ALBIES TA X I S 24 HOUR SERVICE

01493 331111 Limousines, Taxis & 6 to 16 Seater Minibuses

Airports, Stations, Nightclubs & Theatres Packages, Parcels & Business We Accept Chip and Pin

!

S W O H S D N U O R R A ALL YE The

Hippodrome Circus just off the Sea front in Great Yarmouth now presents family shows in all of the main School Holidays. Dubbed one of the “Seven wonders of the British Seaside” by the Daily Mail, the unique 1903 Historic venue has an incredible line up of shows for 2019.

AT EASTER THE PIRATES ARE COMING…

From Saturday 6 April watch out as Captain Hawskeye played by Jack Jay and Pirate Johnny played by Johnny Mac plus a herd of Swashbuckling Pirates visit the Hippodrome as part of the Brand New Easter Pirates all action water show which runs until Sunday 28 April.

Chaos and much laughter is created along the way, in the family blockbuster of a show specially created for the unique hippodrome water spectacle in a movie style set. The massive 40ft galleon made by 3d creations who made parts of the set for Pirates of the Caribbean, is the centre piece to the swashbuckling skulduggery.

This Easter blockbuster show has been dubbed by the Eastern Daily Press as the ‘East Anglian phenomenon’.

This all new 2019 version of the smash hit show is set to break all records, with advance bookings at an all-time high – if you or the kids feel like dressing as a Pirate, do it, it will make a great family photo or selfie at the end of the show when everyone has a chance to meet Jack and Johnny, they will love the motley crew of pirates, fire eaters, acrobats, aerialists and even mermaids! Don’t miss it Me Hearties!!

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THE HIPPODROME SUMMER SPECTACULAR CIRCUS 2019

Britain’s last surviving total circus building stages its brand new Circus and Water summer blockbuster extravaganza with amazing International Circus Artists, Dancers, Swimmers, Acrobats plus comedians Jack Jay and Johnny Mac and mind blowing feats of daring from the amazing Globe motor bike riders.

The show is presented in the Hippodrome’s atmospheric Opera House setting, inspired by the Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. The mind blowing finale Water Spectacular is one of only three in the world and the only place in Europe that stages such a show with Swimmers, Aerialists and special effects when the ring turns into a giant pool - an

unforgettable experience. Rated by Norfolk’s Places & Faces magazine as one of the top fifty things you must see in Norfolk, also Britain’s most visited summer show Jack Jay and Johnny Mac are now firmly established as one of the country’s leading double acts, and the hilarious feast includes plenty of slapstick and water comedy moments. One thing is for sure, you’ll be saying ‘I’m enjoying myself!!!’

Don’t miss this unique family entertainment it’s the ultimate summer family experience a unique blend of action comedy and spectacular thrills.

The Summer Spectacular opens on 10 July and runs till the 15 September.

OCTOBER HALF TERM HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 2019

“The All new Halloween show is going to be very special, turning the already magical atmosphere of the 116 year old Hippodrome building into an unforgettable spooky place.”

The show itself will see Jack Jay and comedy partner Johnny Mac return on a perilous journey and there will be all manner of Ghosts, Ghouls monsters and crazy goings on!

Joining them in the cast will be a host of world class circus performers performing stunts in the specially created Halloween set which will bring the action closer than ever, so prepare to be on the edge of your seat, with dancers, aerialists, acrobats, special effects and much more this will be a fantastic way to celebrate the spooky week of Halloween, now one of the country’s biggest family holiday weeks. Producer Jack Jay said ‘this brand new family friendly spooky show is not to be missed, if you really want to get involved then come down in Halloween fancy dress! So many did last year and we all had a ball!’ Show opens on Friday 19 October to Tuesday 3 November.

The Christmas Spectacular and Water show which runs from 7 December 2019 to 5 January 2020 with Fun, thrills and excitement for the whole family, guaranteed to amaze, with an array of international artists including the Daredevil Thunderdome Riders and the Thrilling Wheel of Death, there are Dancers, swimmers, acrobats and a large children’s group from Dance Estelle plus Jack Jay the Hippodromes No1 Host and the world’s best circus acts in a cast of over 50 performers. Plus local comedy legend Ben Langley’s first season in the Christmas Circus!

It’s a fast moving dynamic show, with

outstanding lighting, sound and special effects the iconic Hippodrome with its Edwardian splendor and atmosphere with a Las Vegas style family blockbuster show of today’s taste is not to be missed, a Christmas treat for all the family.

There is a special Gala New Year’s Eve performance at 8pm which is without doubt one of the highlights of the entire year. Producer and director Jack Jay said ‘We have an incredible line up at Christmas in a fast moving and now record breaking dynamic show. There’s drama, the unique water spectacle and the world’s best circus artistes.’ What a way to celebrate Christmas.

For prices and show times for all shows and to book: www.hippodromecircus.co.uk or call the box office on 01493 844172 Special VIP tickets are available for all our shows with dedicated Butler Service including drinks, popcorn, and light up novelty for the children and a personal guided tour of the ‘Circus Back Stage Museum’.

Special Seashourent Disco

£3.50 off per Adult put S19 in Voucher code box when booking online or quote this special offer when booking through the Box Office.

(Selected shows only)

NrE2W 019 fo

Buy your tickets at Seashore reception for £10pp

Don’t miss our new events!

AND

Jawsome Sharks

Pirates & Mermaids

Underwater Superheroes

Ascarium

23rd March – 6th May

25th May – 8th September

7th September – 6th October

12th October – 3rd November

www.visitsealife.com/great-yarmouth

E F I L SEA

h t u o m r a Great Y

Step beneath the waves at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth and get closer than ever before to the creatures and features of the world’s oceans. From the colourful to the curious, the majestic to the mystical, get ready to be amazed as you discover the stories of the oceans’ most fascinating inhabitants.

NEW for 2019 Jelly Invaders takes you on a journey into the fascinating world of jellyfish! Get up close to ‘Moon Jellyfish’ and follow the jellyfish life cycle!

Jellyfish are older than all of our ancient reptiles and scientists believe they first swam in our oceans around 500 million years ago! Jelly Invaders will allow you to see jellyfish in a whole new light!

With over 1,500 sea creatures and the 250,000 litre Tropical Ocean Display/tunnel is where you can see an awesome array of creatures and our largest inhabitants as they roam around the Lost City of Atlantis! Interact with our playful Humboldt penguins as they swim and socialise together! Come face to fin with our rapidly growing juvenile blacktip reef sharks, they are part of our ongoing breeding program with future plans to achieve SEA LIFE‘s first ‘second generation’ captive blacktip reef shark births. Find out how it feels to touch a starfish at the Interactive Rockpool Experience. Make the most of your visit and enjoy the daily fun talks, animal feeds, special events and the Dive Adventure Quiz Trail - there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth.

For special events please check the website: www.visitsealife.com/great-yarmouth/

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h t u o m r a Great Y

h c a e B e r Pleasu There’s nothing like a day at the seaside... the smell of the sea air, the sounds of the waves, donkey rides, sandcastles, fish and chips, a 99 cone and a host of rides to enjoy at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach.

The Pleasure Beach, located at the South End of Great Yarmouth seafront, is spread over nine acres offering hours of fun for all the family. Established in 1909, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach has been a favourite seaside destination over the years for many, with generations of families coming back for more each year.

Rides range from the traditional dips, twists and turns of the rollercoaster, to the more recent additions including the bouncing Flying Dumbos and the dizzy heights of Reverse Time. The classics haven’t been forgotten either, with the Log Flume, Dodgems, a revamped Haunted Hotel, Pirate Ship and Carousel, all offering a dose of retro fun.

Our most famous ride - The Roller Coaster has been at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach for over 85 years, built in 1929 in Paris then shipped to Great Yarmouth in 1932. It is only one of a handful of rollercoasters remaining in the

world operated by a brakeman. It is still our main crowd puller today and is a must ride for anyone visiting the Pleasure Beach.

Don’t forget to smile as you ride and then purchase your souvenir photograph at the end.

For the children we have our classic Snails and Fairy Tales ride. Ride aboard a snail as they weave their way underneath the rollercoaster. Can you spot Peter Pan

and Blackbeard? Can you see Pinocchio? As well as the Snails we have the 4D Cinema, Formula One, Cups and Saucers and the Yo Yo ride amongst others to keep youngsters wanting more.

For the bigger children and the adults, we have the gravity defying Sky Drop. Take in breath-taking views of Great Yarmouth as you sit 80ft in the air. But don’t take too long though as you soon plummet back

towards Earth. There is also the Disko, Family Star and Twister for our older thrill seekers.

Whatever the age we have something that will keep the whole family entertained for hours.

In between riding why not visit one of our catering facilities. The Pleasure Beach

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2019 Pleasure Beach opens for the 2019 season Saturday 30th March 12.00pm

Easter Fireworks display Wednesday 17th April 8.30pm Whitsun Fireworks display Wednesday 29th May 9.30pm Summer Seafront Fireworks Display Wednesday 24th July 10.00pm Summer Seafront Fireworks Display Wednesday 31st August 10.00pm

Inn is highly recommended serving hot and cold snacks all day as well as drinks and alcoholic beverages for our adult patrons.

There is also a rock shop, an ice cream parlour and the Finer Diner with both indoor and outdoor seating available.

Want to take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the park? Then why not venture to the Pleasure Beach gardens, a short two minutes from the park itself.

Here you can sample a junior driving course, a 12-hole safari adventure golf course or why not try one of our unique thick milkshakes from the Gardens Kiosk –

choose from one of six delicious flavours. If milkshakes are not your thing we offer hot and cold snacks such as hot dogs, ice cream and candy floss as well as a range of drinks to suit all taste buds. There are also plenty of spacious areas to sit and enjoy a family picnic.

Almost one million people enjoyed the Pleasure Beach experience in 2018, confirming our place inside in the top ten UK free entry amusement parks.

And even more innovations, rides and attractions are on their way.

Entry into the Pleasure Beach is FREE, and visitors can either pay per ride with tokens or wristbands. The more tokens you buy, the cheaper they become!

Alternatively purchase a wristband for the day, for an unlimited number of rides, right up until closing time. Book online in advance (up to midnight the night before your visit) for significant savings on wristbands otherwise look out for a number of discounts that are on offer.

Height, health and safety restrictions apply to some rides. Adverse weather conditions may affect opening and closing times. The Pleasure Beach is open seasonally. Please check our website www.pleasure-beach.co.uk or telephone 01493 844585 before visiting for the latest dates and opening times.

Don’t miss one of our firework displays.

The important dates are listed below: (We are open until the firework display time – weather permitting of course)

Summer Seafront Fireworks Display Wednesday 7th August 10.00pm Summer Seafront Fireworks Display Wednesday 14th August 10.00pm Summer Seafront Fireworks Display Wednesday 21st August 10.00pm Summer Seafront Fireworks Display Wednesday 28th August 10.00pm Halloween Fireworks Display Wednesday 23rd October 7.30pm Pleasure Beach closes for the 2019 season Sunday 28th October 4.00pm

The Pleasure Beach .uk re-beach.co www.pleasu 5 8 01493 8445

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Thursford TRULY UNIQUE

The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is back for it’s 43rd year, and it promises to be bigger than ever - literally.

For more than 40 years,

this multi-million pound Christmas musical, set in a steam engine museum in the heart of rural Norfolk, has been a sell-out success and the envy of every West End producer. It’s as unique as it is brilliant and as special as it is spectacular. It’s a show that has become famous for bringing bright lights, stunning costumes, humour and heart, glitz, glamour and razzmatazz to the most unlikely of places, with production levels that will leave you pinching yourself.

From the 6th November to 23rd December, this sell-out show will play two performances a day, seven days a week, draw an audience of 114,000 people from all over the country and feature a cast of 120 soul-stirring performers, bringing the 120-foot wide stage to life in ways never done before, including 56 singers, 23 dancers, specialty acts, returning fan favourites and a 31-piece orchestra. It’s a moment of magic that has to be witnessed live if it’s ever to be believed.

That’s the secret to this extravaganza - it bridges the gap between what’s real and the unimaginable. It’s flight of fancy brought to life. That’s why the Thursford Spectacular has become the largest show of its kind in all of Europe. And to keep up with the bulging popularity of what has become a Christmas tradition for so many, the capacity of the auditorium has been expanded to accommodate 1,400 “Thursford-goers”.

It’s Broadway, Hollywood and the London Palladium all packaged into a three-hour production that celebrates

the true spirit of Christmas. There’s everything you never thought could be possible - and so much more. Dancers performing a Tiller Girl kick line, Wurlitzer organs rising up from beneath the stage, sequences with gigantic feather fans, forget-me-not costumes, a procession of cassocks and candles appearing from nowhere, a comedian that will leave you wiping tears from your eyes and rubbing the stitch out of your sides, and a flock of white pigeons that fly from one side of the museum to the other as the choir closes the show with a moving rendition of “White Christmas”. And it’s all done with so much heart. Every single detail.

Not just the Christmas Spectacular, but everything.

The gelato parlour and classic raffle carts, quaint gift shops and decorated coffee stops, and Santa’s Fantasy Land too, which takes you on a magical journey through the most awe-inspiring winter wonderland you’ve ever stepped inside. A journey past moving polar bears, teddies getting ready for bed and through the elves busy-busy toy shop, all the way to Santa’s grotto where your

every Christmas wish comes true.

It’s spellbinding. From the second you arrive at Thursford to the moment you leave smiling, the whole experience is spellbinding. It’s Radio City hidden in a Norfolk hamlet. The family feel-good event of the winter. And while you never know what magic each year will bring, you know it will be phenomenal. From the lighting to the sound, the costumes to the creativity, the music to the magic - there has never been anything like it before, and never will again.

47

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R A RO y l d n e i r f y l Fami s n o i t c a r t t a u o y e k a to m

n visitor u f ly d n ie r -f lous family u b a f ns cards on e r io t o la m u s t a a h r g a n ht This are arry got co H e c in ay be a slig r m P t n a a h h t t , s y a n k attractio try out‌ n Markle. O o a t h e g g e n a M r o e t g e ly have a hu his marriag in a t r e c e w n, but exaggeratio

48

Yarmouth and Hunstanton, and zoos include Amazona at Cromer, Thrigby Hall near Great Yarmouth and the biggest of all, Banham Zoo, where you can experience the new Sea Lion Bay and activities and events throughout the day.

Just across the border into Suffolk is Africa Alive! Set in 100 acres of stunning Suffolk countryside offers the chance to spot a wide range animals. Bird lovers can also enjoy spotting native nature at ‘Wader’s Lake’ boardwalk or seeing some African feathered friends in the Woodland Walk! The spectacular centrepiece of this beautiful park is the ’Plains of Africa’, the perfect place to spot five species of African savannah animals, including the graceful giraffe and

Africa Alive: Above & top right Why not be scared by the prehistoric animals at ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure. Enjoy the Adventure Dino Trail, Secret Animal Garden and Dinomite Indoor Play Area. As they say, isn’t it time you came and saurus…

If it’s animals closer to our own times that you like, there’s plenty to see. There are Sea Life Centres in Great

Amazona 49

River trips and self-drive day boats in the Broads National Park

Relax and unwind on one of our river trips.

Discover stunning scenery and wildlife around every bend as you listen to the Skipper’s live commentary.

Trips available each day until 31 October.

Perhaps you’d prefer to be ‘The Captain’!

Hire one of our day boats or day cruisers and explore the Broads your own way.

Call us on 01603 782207 and we’ll help you arrange the perfect day out.

Call 01603 782207 or visit broadstours.co.uk Broads 93 x 136_2018_v1.indd 1

13/04/2018 15:59

FIXTURES 2019 APRIL

JULY

SEPTEMBER

23 Tue

Season Opener

04 Thu

Summer Afternoon Racing

17 Tue

Eastern Festival

30 Tue

Spring Afternoon Racing

10 Wed

Summer Afternoon Racing

18 Wed

Eastern Festival

17 Wed

Ladies Night and Live Music

19 Thu

Eastern Festival Ladies Day

25 Thu

Summer Afternoon Racing

30 Tue

Summer Afternoon Racing

14 Mon

Autumn Afternoon Racing

22 Tue

Season Finale

MAY 15 Wed

Spring Afternoon Racing

22 Wed

Spring Afternoon Racing

30 Thu

Spring Afternoon Racing

JUNE

AUGUST 07 Wed

Music Live Race Night

08 Thu

Summer Afternoon Racing

12 Wed

Summer Afternoon Racing

15 Thu

Music Live Race Night

13 Thu

Summer Afternoon Racing

20 Tue

Summer Evening Racing

28 Fri

Residents Day

25 Sun

August Family Fun Day

greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk 01493 842527

OCTOBER

KIDS GO FREE

UNDER 18’S WITH AN ADULT

Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions please visit our website.

heavyweight rhinos. During the summer months there is even the chance to get up close to these magnificent creatures with the ‘Plains of Africa’ experience!

Not far away is Wroxham Barns with lots of entertainment, including a junior barn. There are activities every day: you can groom the horses, collect eggs from the henhouses, feed the rabbits and bottle feed the lambs. Be warned: you’ll want to take them home.

Time your journey right and you might encounter a magical circus too.

t e Gon yer ike! b

However you enjoy your cycling, Norfolk will have something that suits your taste, whether it’s gentle routes on the coast, countryside or by the Norfolk Broads, or organised races for lycra lovers.

The Sustrans National Cycle Network,using old railway paths, forest tracks, country parks, bridleways, quiet minor roads and traffic-calmed streets in urban areas, passes through Norfolk and is designed to make cycling fun, safe and simple. The quieter paths, including the Marriott’s Way, are a great place for children and new cyclists to practice their cycling skills and many are just the right length for a day ride.

If you’d like to experience some pure cycling, follow the ancient Peddars Way from the heathercarpeted heaths of the Brecks to the wild north Norfolk coast.

Elsewhere in west Norfolk there are quiet byways to explore or take a cycle through King’s Lynn.

If you’re feeling energetic you can try the Norfolk Coastal Cycleway which covers 59 miles from King’s Lynn to Great Yarmouth via Cromer.

With much of the route passing through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it has dramatic views, beautiful countryside and outstanding wildlife.

Thanks to the gentle gradients of the area the

cycleway is perfect for cyclists of all ages and abilities. It follows quiet lanes just inland from the coast and around every corner you will see yet more breath-taking scenery.

If you fancy a shorter route, try the Broads by Bike Trails that take you through picturesque countryside in the Broads National Park.

Or how about some off-road cycling in Thetford Forest in the Brecks? In the heart of the largest lowland pine forest in the UK, you will find miles of trails especially for cyclists. You can hire a mountain bike at the High Lodge Forest Centre and join one of the organised rides, or take your own bike and explore the forest at your leisure.

There is a variety of routes to choose from with something for all abilities. Graded by colour, the Green Trail is a gentle route and great for all the family with wide tracks and fairly level ground while the Black Trail is for the experienced rider covering around 11 miles across various terrains.

Thrigby Hall 51

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“Pensthorpe is a showcase for British wildlife and nature conservation.

And if it’s good enough for Bill Oddie and Kate Humble…!”

Aerial shot of Pensthorpe and the Wild Rootz play area in the park (left).

If steam is your thing then Thursford and Bressingham might be for you!

Nature is closer than you think when you visit Pensthorpe Natural Park, home of BBC’s Springwatch for many years. In the beautiful and tranquil Wensum Valley, Pensthorpe is a showcase for British wildlife and nature conservation. And if it’s good enough for Bill Oddie and Kate Humble…! There’s great outdoor fun at Wild Rootz and indoor activity at Hootz House.

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beach life

Recently voted the Best Beach in Britain by viewers of BBC Countryfile Holkham is the Hollywood royalty of all beaches. And we mean that quite literally.

This is where Gwyneth Paltrow walked as a castaway in Virginia in the credits of the Oscar-winning movie Shakespeare in Love and Natalie Portman filmed Annihilation.

Up the road in Holkham Hall, Ralph Fiennes and Keira Knightley filmed The Duchess. There’s a large car park, and then a pleasant walk on boardwalks through the pine woods before you reach the beach proper.

Like conjoined twins, Wells-next-theSea beach is great for family fun, a lovely wide sandy beach, perfect for games and beach cricket, backed by pine woods, and featuring two hundred colourful beach huts. Count them! There’s a lifeguard on duty for added peace of mind. Youngsters

will love splashing around in The Run at low tide, at which time you can walk a mile or so out to its end. But remember the tide comes in quickly so if you hear the hooter, it’s time to come back. Oh, and the beach is quite a distance from the town so hop on the little railway which runs between the two and save your legs.

At the opposite end of the scale is the east coast’s premier beach resort, Great Yarmouth. The beach here runs parallel to the Golden Mile so you can wander from the ice cream shack to your deckchair with the minimum of effort. There’s crazy golf, trampolines, boat trips, donkey rides, and a range of attractions and amusements.

No chance of the kids getting bored here.

Nearby Gorleston beach is excellent too.

Beach resort number two is Hunstanton, at the other end of Norfolk’s 93 miles of coast. The beach is flat and the water shallow – great for kite surfing.

Look out for the distinctive multi-coloured cliffs at Old Hunstanton. The seafront retains the air of a Victorian seaside resort – unsurprisingly, as it was purpose-built as a bathing resort in 1846. Now known as Sunny Hunny, this is our only west-facing beach, so you can see incredible sunsets.

Look to the horizon and you can see Holland... okay, it’s Lincolnshire really!

And our third beach resort is Cromer where the clifftop prom is ideal for walking along eating fish and chips or ice

e k i l o d Oh I e h t e d i s e b e b to Breathe in the fresh sea air of the tranquil Norfolk coast, walk on unspoiled sand where the kids can build sandcastles, play cricket, have a picnic, walk the dog, look for bird life and paddle in the shallow surf. You’ll find huge expanses of honeyed beaches backed by marram and dunes.

Or lay back and relax and watch the scanty clouds skipping across the big blue sky. This is… heaven.

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Left: Great Yarmouth and, below, Wells-next-the-Sea

cream. The big sandy beach is home to the Cromer Pier, where the Pavilion Theatre is the last end-of-pier theatre in the world.

If you see the fisherman’s boats hauled up on the shore then you can be pretty sure to find famous Cromer crab on sale in the shops – buy a dressed one or a crab sandwich on brown. Delish!

Possibly the best beach for taking your pooches is Brancaster. Drive up Beach Road, park close to the golf course, and then stride out onto the flat sand. Turn right and you’ll head towards the tidal salt marshes of Scolt Head island; left and you’ll be faced with a huge expanse of doggie playground. Remember to bring a stick or ball.

If you’re into dune diving then Winterton-on-Sea has probably the best dunes in Norfolk. Seek out a little secluded spot for yourself in the marram grass and relax.

You can hear the squeals of children in the distance, their laughter carried along on the gentle breeze, yet it all seems so far away, your eyelids grow heavy as the sun warms your skin and you drift in and out of a summer’s afternoon snooze.

There’s also an excellent beach café.

e d i s a e S 55

beach life The eastern coast of the county has lots of little hideaways where you feel you have to place to yourself, but a great one is Horsey. Tucked down a little track it has no facilities – just peace and quiet. From the top of the marram-covered bank (marram is an original East Anglian word, deriving from Old Norse words for sea and grass) you might be able to spot a few basking seals... if they’re not up on the beach, sunbathing. Nearby is the National Trust’s Horsey Windpump, recently re-capped.

Mundesley looks as if it’s been preserved in aspic, which gives it a unique traditional, olde worlde appeal. There are good facilities on the cliffs, so stock up before heading down the steep steps to the large flat beach. It was the Victorians who made it fashionable when the small community had its own railway station.

If it’s birdwatching you want to do while reclining on the sand, there’s a few to choose from but probably the best is Titchwell. A walk from the excellent visitor centre down to the sandy beach takes you past reedbeds and shallow lagoons, which are often full of birds. Sit on benches or watch from spacious, wheelchair-accessible hides. The well-stocked shop has a wide range of RSPB gifts and books and a large selection of telescopes and binoculars. There’s also a servery and inside eating area selling a selection of hot and cold food and drinks, as well as snacks and locallymade cakes.

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Main picture: Holkham Top: Hunstanton Above: Winterton

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OPEN DAILY from 9.30am except Christmas Day and Boxing Day

OPEN DAILY from 9.30am except Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Dig holes – you won’t get to Australia, and make sure you fill it in afterwards to avoid any accidents.

Wetsuit – it’s said that sharks often mistake humans in wetsuits for seals but of those two marine mammals, only the latter can be found off Norfolk’s shores.

Although with the Gulf Stream moving closer this way…

Clear up after yourself – what comes with you should go back with you. And this goes double if you have a dog. You don’t want to give all dog owners a bad name, do you?

Budgie smugglers – remember Daniel Craig coming out of the sea in that James Bond film? Was he wearing budgie smugglers?

And anyway, do you have Daniel Craig’s body?

Skinny dipping – no, unless you’re a very small toddler, in which case it’s permissible. And no naked or topless (for the ladies) sunbathing. Do you want to put people off their cockles and vinegar?

Kite menace – remember that it’s a public beach, not your sole terrain.

Be careful where your kite lands, and while you’re having fun don’t absent-mindedly step back on to someone’s picnic or sandcastle.

n Ffuorall!

beach life 58

our o enjoy illiant, t e m o ec e. Br o you’v g… oastlin c d n Okay, s a s he thin t e h ’s c e a r e e h rful b be kind e! But s n y o a d wonde w l l l a ice! We at in g with like th top cho rules, startin e r ’ e w u). re use ome yo c there a rteous (beca l e w tte t to u etique and co n’t wai a h c c a d e n b ka lk e…

Norfol r Visit Norfo reat tim g a e u v o a Here’s ensure you h o t guide

Frisbee straffing – see kite’s.

Beach books – nobody’s going to judge you if you’re reading chick lit or Jeffrey Archer. Best not 50 Shades of Grey though.

Personal space etiquette – if the beach is empty save for one young couple who are enjoying a bit of ‘us’ time, don’t pitch up your windbreak and deckchairs on top of them.

Grounds for beach dismissal.

Behave appropriately with children around – if you hear the phrase, ‘You two, get a room’, then your public display of affection might be excessive.

Sun tan cream application – by all means make a drawing on dad’s back to leave a lasting feature on his tan.

Portable radios, ghettoblasters, music from your iPhone etc – fine, with headphones. Just because you like blasting out Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ doesn’t mean everyone shares your taste in cheesy, bland 90s pop.

Sandcastle imperialism – it’s one thing to be the architect while your children are the labourers, but you don’t have to build a scale model of Norwich Castle, okay?

It’s a bit of fun on the beach, not Grand Designs.

Short break lobsters – wear sun screen.

Norfolk has the best overall climate in the country, so beware. You’ll only regret it when you get in the shower later.

Towel etiquette – don’t shake up wind, particularly if others are having a picnic.

And if you do, don’t say, ‘That’s why they call them sandwiches! Ha ha!’

Man in a sarong- so wrong.

Knotted hanky on head and rolled up trouser legs – it’s a look. It’s not our look, but hey, we live in a democracy. You do realise you look like a character from Monty Python though?

Picnic snobbery – ooooh look, they’ve bought a hamper from Selfridges and an ice bucket for the Bolly, aren’t they so la-de-da? A picnic is best simple – pork pies, sausage rolls, that kind of thing.

Drinking in the sun – it is definitely better to drink in the sun, rather than to drink in the sun. But if you must, don’t get too loud. The loudest voices invariably have the least interesting things to say. Also, no drinking from glass. Glass and beaches don’t mix.

Relieving oneself in the sea – if you’re caught short then why wouldn’t you? To do this successfully ie without drawing attention to yourself, navel level is the minimum acceptable depth.

Tugging aside a swimsuit risks detection (and traumatised fish) so hands-free is a must. And make sure you’re away from anyone else. An absolute no-no is relieving yourself in the sea from the shore. Very bad form. An alternative is to find the public loo or get a drink in a café and use their facilities. In fact, in hindsight, those are better options.

Don’t pretend to drown – it’s not big, and it’s not clever. And if you do it again the lifeguard might think you’re crying wolf.

Don’t stand at the water’s edge and scream’ ‘SHAAAAARK!’ – likewise, not big or clever.

Help us combat coastal erosion – leave the sand behind, please.

Beach cricket – yes, of course everyone wants to hit a six, but not for it to land on a slumbering granny with a heart condition.

Mums ogling beach hunks – it’s what sunglasses were made for.

You go, girls.

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e h t f Be s t o

t s Fe

These days,

since we all wised up and discovered the delights of the staycation, you don’t have to go very far to find a fantastic festival. From world-class music events to specialist sausage celebrations, you’ll find

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everything you could wish for, and probably more, right here in the East of England.

With so many festivals to choose from (and some little more than a glorified car boot sale), we’ve done the hard yards for you and picked our selection of the best fests in the region.

From mainstream music to fabulous food and amazing arts, you’ll find festivals for the whole family in the region this year.

Latitude Festival, 19-21 July When it comes to top music festivals, the award-winning Latitude is right up there with the best of British. Held just outside Southwold in Suffolk, not only is the location amazing, but the family-friendly line up is hugely impressive. This year, headline acts include George Ezra, Snow Patrol and Lana Del Ray, while you can also catch Primal Scream, Underworld, Chvrches, Sigrid, and dozens of more established and up-andcoming acts. There is also a dedicated comedy arena, featuring the likes of Jason Manford, Russell Kane, Nish Kumar, Michelle Wolf and Mark Watson. There are areas especially for kids, teens and families with workshops, activities and attractions – try everything from star gazing to pizza making, theatre to science, literature to visual art. Fans of Idris Elba comedy Turn Up Charlie can also see what Latitude is like when the DJ character visit the festival in episode 6, filmed at last year’s event. With a diverse programme, family friendly atmosphere and stunning headliners, it’s little wonder Latitude is simply one of the nation’s best next generation festivals. Day tickets are available. www.latitudefestival.com

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Opening for one week in May, June, August & September 2019 10am to 2pm ALL PROCEEDS GO TO LOCAL CHARITIES

Come and view one of the finest Stuart art collections in the country, as well as the extensive park and gardens, historic watermill, bygones room and Church of St. Genevieve.

Tickets can also purchased from the Leaping Hare Box Office, in Thetford: T: 01842 751 975 www.leapinghare.org For further visitor information please visit our website

www.eustonhall.co.uk

Euston Hall, Euston, Suffolk, IP24 2QH

SPONSORED BY

HOUGHTON HALL, KING’S LYNN

www.houghtonhall.com

Norfolk & Norwich Festival, 10-26 May

As the name suggests, this festival takes places across a multitude of venues over 17 days, providing a cunning mix of live music of all genres, art, dance, theatre and more. The festival’s aim is to use the power of arts to make Norfolk and Norwich a great place to live, work, learn and play, by working with artists from around the world to create unforgettable experiences.

Highlights for 2019, and there are many more not mentioned here, include folk royalty Eliza and Martin Carthy performing at Norwich Cathedral (11 May), singer Beverley Knight at Norwich Theatre Royal (18 May), a screening of the film Salome with a live score at Norwich Playhouse (24 May), and the City Of Literature Weekend in Norwich (24-26 May). You really must check the website for the full programme, and many exhibitions continue later into the year – such as Henry Moore at Houghton Hall (1 May until 29 September).

Bury St Edmunds Festival, 16-26 May Not to be outdone, those good folks across the border in Suffolk have their own festival that overlaps with their Norfolk neighbours, full 11 days devoted to music and the arts across the town. There’s comedy from Barbara Nice (as in Streisand and the biscuit, 23 May), violin king Nigel Kennedy (22 May), Rick Wakeman (16 May), poet John Cooper Clarke (21 May), folk star Kate Rusby (25 May), the talented Chineke orchestra (26 May), the National Youth Music Theatre’s production of Growl (a take on the Big Bad Wolf, 19 May), Ballet Theatre UK’s Swan Lake (21 and 22 May) and numerous walks, street theatre and free events to enjoy. As well as the festival, there’s also the chance to explore the delightful town, too. www.buryfestival.co.uk

www.nnfestival.org.uk Beverley Knight

Tom Bailey

Nigel Kennedy

Forest Live, 20-23 June This series of outdoor concerts in the beautiful Thetford Forest gets better each year, and 2019 is no exception. Kicking things off on 20 June are indie rock band Foals. With two of their five albums to date nominated for the Mercury Prize, and voted Best Act In The World today

by Q magazine in 2015, this is going to me a memorable performance by a band at their peak. Next up comes the Modfather himself, Paul Weller. The Jam legend, Style Council supremo and solo star will be playing selected tacks from his back catalogue to an adoring audience. Saturday sees a change of pace and audience profile with pop powerhouse Jess Glynne taking to the Thetford Forest stage. Amazingly, Glynne has the most number-one singles by a British female solo artist (7, at the last count). That should sort out a chunk of her set, then. Finishing up the series in style on Sunday are Welsh wonders Stereophonics.

Since bursting onto the scene with a bang in the late 90s, the band has secured a string of hit singles and top-selling albums, and have forged a reputation as on Britain’s best live acts. A fitting finale to a series of gigs that help preserve the fantastic forests that host them. www.forestryengland.uk

Let’s Rock Norwich, 25 May The unashamedly retro music festival with dates up and down the country reads like a who’s who of 80s legends. Held in the city’s Earlham Park, this year’s oneday extravaganza includes (takes a deep breath) Billy Ocean, Marc Almond, Midge Ure, Erasure’s Andy Bell, Go West, Nik Kershaw, Limahl, Thomas Dolby, Cutting Crew, Owen Paul, Kim Appleby, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, and many more. Phew!

How the organisers manage to squeeze so much nostalgia into one day is a mystery, but there’s only one way to find out. A great day (and night) out, especially for those of a certain vintage, Let’s Rock Norwich is renowned as a cracking party.

Upgrade to a VIP pass to Club Tropicana and enjoy exclusive sets, complimentary meal and drink, luxury loos and other creature comforts. www.letsrocknorwich.com

Jess Glynne

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f o t s e B th e

t s Re Big Norfolk Sausage Bash, 12 May

Sausages of all sizes celebrated in style at this inaugural event in Aylsham.

Beccles Food & Drink Festival, 25 May Showcasing food and drink from East Anglia and beyond for five years.

Folkeast, 16-18 August Brilliant folk festival in Glemham Hall, Suffolk.

Cromer Carnival, 17-23 August Celebrate this family festival’s 50th anniversary.

Don’t miss Carnival Day on the 21st!

Ways With Words, 8-12 November Five-day literature festival in sunny Southwold, attracting writers and intellectuals.

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Felixstowe Book Festival, 27-30 June This is how the story started. Felixstowe resident Meg Reid (perfect name for a book festival organiser) was driving home from enjoying the Cambridge Word Fest, and wondered why her own town couldn’t host its own book festival.

The first festival in Felixstowe was held in 2013 and it continues to thrive in the town. With author talks and discussions, writing workshops and competitions, this is a must for book lovers. Guest authors discussing their work include Prue Leith (discussing her fictional saga The Angelotti Chronicles), Grantchester creator James Runcie, Alan Johnson introducing his music memoir In My Life, historian Simon Heffer, Jonathan Coe discussing his Brexit lament Middle England, and many more.

Whether an aspiring writer or avid reader, all roads lead to Felixstowe. www.felixstowebookfestival.co.uk

Holt Festival, 21-27 July The Holt Festival brings the best in music, theatre, fine art and spoken word to the small town of Holt in north Norfolk each summer, when for one week only the town is taken over by artists and performers.

Venues across town include the church, bookshop, hotels, a community centre and theatres (both indoor and in the woods).

Top acts heading to Holt in 2019 include Rockstar poet Luke Wright, bestselling writer Kate Mosse, punk princess Toyah, music icon Georgie Fame, and musical comedy sisters Flo & Joan. Alongside the main programme there is also a Children’s Festival running alongside (details to be confirmed), plus a Festival Fringe, Fine Art and the Sir John Hunt Art Prize. www.holtfestival.org

Luke Wright

Maverick Festival, 5-7 July Billed as the UK’s first and finest Americana festival, Maverick is held at Easton Farm Park and has been running since 2008. The Daily Telegraph wrote a glowing review, calling Maverick “one of the friendliest, most sincere festivals in England… fine music, great fun, delightful people and an idyllic rural setting”. If that sounds like your thing, and if you have a passion for all things US, this is the festival for you. This year’s line-up includes a stellar mix of artists too numerous to mention, but Rich Hall deserves special mention. The comedian is also an accomplished musician, and via his Otis Lee Crenshaw alter ego’s Hoedown Party has a unique stage act.

With movies, workshops and damn fine eating, this is not to be missed. www.maverickfestival.co.uk Rich Hall

!

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An enchanting world of adventure awaits....

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1 Choo choo!

Enjoy the stunning scenery of north Norfolk from the window of a carriage on the steam ‘Poppy Line’ heritage rail line, from Sheringham to Holt and back. Stop on the way at Kelling Heath and take in the view – you’re close to the highest point in East Anglia. Other steam railways are available!

2 Explore Breckland in the west of the county . You can go on the 8-mile Pin go Trail, a range of circul ar ponds and meres that dat e back to the Ice Age; go down a Neolithic flint mine at Grime’s Graves – one of Europe’s earliest indust rial centres; hire a bike to ride off-road in Thetford For est, over 20,000 hectar es of pines where you’ll meet lots of wildlife including red deer; and look out for ‘De al Rows’, lines of Scots pines that are unique to this part of the country… if you ask us, they look like acacia tre es in the African savann a!

– n i n o e Com

! ! l u f i t it’s boo Okay, Summer’s here and you’re champing at the bit to get to Norfolk.

But what to do to make best use of your precious time. To make it easy for you we’ve assembled our top 20 must do things when you’re here to get the full experience…

mouth’s reat Yar 3 Walk G e of amusements il Golden M iendly fun. fr y il m fa d ’s an East coast and e th This is sort re e d si a se premier me fresh le. Get so unmissab ream and r an ice c donuts o ping in ip d unter, take a sa ctions… f the attra and out o Greater ! o to e sea maybe th as around 15 h Yarmouth ine sand st ri p f o miles

4 Visit Sandringham House and Estate near King’s Lynn, the Royal Family’s private residence where they come to get some peace and quiet. This is where Meghan Markle spent last Christmas getting to know her new family. The house is open to the pubic and there’s a great museum and glorious gardens to explore. Look out for the Queen’s unfinished jigsaw which has been there many years. What does this tell you about Her Majesty’s jigsaw-making prowess?

5 Go to the Summer Variety show at Cromer’s Pavilion Theatre – the last end-of-pier theatre in the world!

The show is a gallimaufry of gorgeous comedy, dance, music and more! And then you can take a stroll along the Prom, Prom, Prom! Singing ‘Tiddelyom-pom-pom!’ And while in town make sure you try the delicious Cromer crab – so tasty because they feed off the world’s longest chalk reef. Yes, really!

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Free entry!

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Caldecott Visitor Centre

A fun, free family day out!

New facilities

Dog friend ly!

www.BECCLESLIDO.com p 01502 713297 OPEN FROM 25th MAY UNTIL 8th SEPTEMBER u u u u u u u

Follow the brown tourist signs

u u u

Heated Slide & Springboard Children’s Adventure Play Equipment Outdoor Exercise Equipment Giant inflatable Lane swimming Hot & cold snacks, drinks, ice creams Disabled access (please call for details) Canoe Hire (www.thecanoeman.com) Moorings

We are in the market town of Beccles on Puddingmoor NR34 9PL

Meet friendly rescued horses and donkeys at Redwings Caldecott, near Great Yarmouth, NR31 9EY Open 10am to 4pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday www.redwings.org.uk | 0870 040 0033

Big Dog Ferry runs between Beccles Lido and the Locks Inn, Geldeston. A relaxing 3 mile boat journey along the River Waveney with the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife en-route.

Enjoy a meal and a drink at Geldeston, or stay on board for a round trip.

Charters available Telephone request stops at Geldeston Marina & 3 Rivers Campsite

FIND US

Booking recommended Please contact Big Dog on 07532 072761 Timetable & full details at www.BigDogFerry.co.uk

WE’RE OPEN 7 Days a Week

A12 towards Lowestoft & Norwich A145 towards Beccles

Halesworth Southwold Blythburgh Walberswick

Sat Nav

Darsham

A12 towards Ipswich

IP17 3QT RSPB Minsmere

Clay Shooting | Air Rifle | Golf | FootGolf Archery | Dining | Sunday Carvery

01986 784347 | www.highlodge.co.uk Feel free to visit the website for more information. We are located just off the A12, not far from Southwold, Suffolk IP17 3QT High Lodge Leisure Ltd

HighLodgeSS

High_Lodge_Leisure_Ltd

6 Hire a day boa t on the Broads, Norfolk pack a lo vely lun out on to ch, and h the Nati ead on of naviga ble wate al Park’s 125 mil es rways, e solitude njoy an larger pic d wildlife. You c ing the an nic boats Herbert from Bro also get Woods a ads Tours n d Centre – , they’re p Waveney River roper ho homes w me-from ith galle ys and to ilets.

7 Take a walk through time on the Maritime Trail in historic King’s Lynn.

Starting from the Customs House, you’ll discover a trading and fishing heritage that is second to none. Look out for the Minster and Merchant’s Houses – this was the third most important UK port in the Middle Ages because of its links to the Hanse Society. Pop into the Lynn Museum and see a recreation of Seahenge!

8 Watch the sunset at Hunstanton, the only east coast resort where you can do so. Normally on the east coast, as they like to say at panto-time, ‘It’s behind you!’ But Hunstanton faces west. That land in front of you is actually Lincolnshire (although we’ll often tell first-timers to Norfolk that it’s Holland – you’ll be surprised how many of them fall for it) and that building in the distance is the Boston Stump, St Botolph’s Church.

10 Drive the A149 coast road of north Norfolk, between Cromer and Hunstanton. There is so much Farrow & Ball paint on view, spa and boutique hotels, quaint country pubs and picturesque hamlets and villages that you might think you’ve stumbled upon the Cotswolds-bythe-Coast. Stop and you’ll find soaring cliffs, a 4-mile long shingle spit, tidal salt marshes that give us the tastiest shellfish and stunning beaches.

11 No trip to Norfolk is co mplete without spen ding time in ou r county capita l Norwich, th e best-preserved medieval city in the country and on e of the top sh opping destinations, w ith five depart ment stores, Europe ’s largest perm anent covered marke t and wonderf ul independent sh ops in cobbled back lanes. Don’t m iss the wonde rful Norman cathed ral too.

Morston t trip from 9 Take a boa mon and Grey om to see the C ney Point… ke la B seals at st us, venture! Tru it’s a real ad riosity cu e th e how when you se ts the ge g animals im out of the baskin sw ey th d em an ohing’ better of th ‘o be you you’ll eryone to welcome ev h it w g ’ alon boat and ‘aaahing er m m are also su Great else. There d an n to an unst trips from H lonies. see island co to th ou rm Ya

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12 If you’re looking for the money shot selfie to sum up Norfolk, then it’s got to be Wells-next-the-Sea beach – pose in front of the higgledy-piggledy row of 200 candyfloss and gingerbread beach huts. Then head into the characterful town for a piece of rock, fish and chips or an ice cream.

13 Go beachcombing along Norfolk’s unique Deep History Coast, walking in the footsteps of the first people to arrive in Britain. 800,000-year-old footprints have been found at Happisburgh, the earliest evidence of man found in the UK – which means the first tourists came to visit Norfolk! Along the coast at West Runton, the world’s best-preserved mammoth skeleton was found, a mere 650,000-yearsold. You can see some of it in the Cromer Museum.

oculars your bin 14 Bring olk is irds! Norf ital to spot b p a c g atchin the birdw ith something ,w of the UK . ar-round to see ye Welney, e d lu c in Reserves well and h c m, Tit Snettisha good there are Cley and in the d a h to be sightings ight o – you m Broads to e very elusive r th even hea phrase, ence the H ! rn te Bit shy. e ic rn, tw once Bitte

day clement e’s an in est overall r e th e s ca eb 15 Just in ber we have th one of our em isit m v e r ), t y u tr b n ( u you in the co ms. In Norwich climate u m e u s e u s le Mu ous m ich Cast stupend ating d rw , o le N st e a s th ac e can’t mis es you guessed, th r ,y ok out fo housed in mes – lo mummies. In ti n a rm o t back to N and real ancien g Time gon -winnin rd a w a Snapdra e th the rmouth story of Great Ya useum tells the M and Tide ing industry. err h ’s n w to

16 Tackle a few miles of superb walking trails through stunning countryside and along beautiful coast. There are over 1200 miles of trails in Norfolk, from Peddars Way, an ancient Roman road, to the Coastal Path.

17 You don’t need to be the Tour de France’s King of the Mountains to enjoy cycling in Norfolk – the whole county is gently undulating. We’d recommend hiring a bike and cycling around the villages of the Norfolk Broads – don’t worry, your calf muscles won’t be straining. There are lots of shortish cycle routes through quaint and picturesque waterside communities, like Ranworth, Salhouse and Woodbastwick, where you can stop for a refreshing pint of Norfolk Wherry.

18 Try to take in one of our great festivals while you’re here.

On the coast there’s the Crab and Lobster Festival, Wells-next-the-Sea Pirate Festival, and the Out There and Maritime Festivals in Great Yarmouth; the King’s Lynn Festival and Holt Festival are for culture fans; and the daddy of them all is the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.

19 Visit Houghton Hall, home of England’s first Prime Minister! This is one of the most exquisite stately homes in the country, built

by Sir Robert Walpole, and it represents the highest quality of design and collecting in its era. Take a stroll in the gardens and park – and then take a look out at the military model re-enactments. This could be where you meet your Waterloo… in miniature.

70

try d coun moate waffham, l a e r ea ar S d can se all, ne Owne 20 You t Oxburgh H on Abbeys’. s a a yh nt house r top ‘Dow the propert ou t, go one of ational Trus ich you can f N h ueen o e w Q h t , le by Mary usingly t’s ho s e h ie t r r p o f a real k out f ngings. Con nd loo into, a edlework ha gh. e ou Scots n is at Oxbor gh r u b x O

71

e l p o e p f o t o l a t o N . . . t a h t know erful coastline, d n o w ’s lk o rf o N out mazing facts ab our friends with y ze a m Here are some a a to u o y s characters for its history and it Norfolk has over 90 miles of coast (even more when the tide’s out!) which means half its overall boundary is next to the water.

Norfolk’s (and indeed East Anglia’s) highest point is Beacon Hill (also known as Roman Camp) near West Runton, between Sheringham and Cromer, 338 feet above sea level. And who said Norfolk’s flat? Oh yes, it was Noel Coward in Private Lives. By the by, there are great views of the coast from Kelling Heath.

Splendid Holkham Hall is one of the finest Palladian houses in the country. Many of its handsome rooms are open to the public, including the imposing Marble Hall, whose colonnade is copied from the Temple of Fortuna Virilis in Rome while the 50-foot-high ceiling is modelled on the Pantheon. All that Italian has got us ready for a little dolce far niente!

You’ll fin d grass on marram dunes ar ou the Norfo lk coast. nd It’s to be en

co deep roots uraged as its fight again erosion b st sand y high an d rough tides. Ma rram is O ld Norse for sea (m arr stem (halm ) and salk or r).

73

California near Great Yarmouth owes its name to the discovery of some sixteenth century gold coins on the beach in 1848, at a time when the California gold rush had captured the attention of the world.

If you love beachcombing, then look for pieces of amber along the high-tide mark,

particularly after a big storm on our Deep History Coast. Amber is light and is easily loosened from submarine rock layers, so is often brought along by tides from the Baltic to be caught up in frondy seaweeds that sweep the seafloor.

Albert E Great Yarmouth is in in 1933, stein moved to home to the world’s before g Norfolk oing to USA. H first football stand. the e li small hu ved for a month It’s true! The grandstand t on Rou in a ghton H near Cr at the Wellesley Recreation om eath Locker- er as a guest of Ground is believed to be Lampso Oliver n, who g the gen the world’s oldest football uar ius all arme with two secre ded stand still in regular use, d with r taries, ifles. having been opened on 11 June 1892.

The invention of bowler hats can be attributed to the Holkham Estate in north Norfolk. In

In 1974

Club, B at Hunsta n ob at the p Taylor hole ton Golf d in on ar 3 16 e th consec utive d hole on thre e ays.

Walk the Norfolk Coastal Path which starts at Holme-next-the-Sea where Seahenge was discovered in 1999. The path is 45 miles and stretches to Cromer. There are then other paths to take you all the way to the Suffolk border.

Norfolk is great for crabbing! Nip along and

do it at Wells-next-the-Sea quay or from Cromer Pier. And the rockpooling at West Runton is pretty good too.

74

1849, Holkham gamekeepers kept having their top hats knocked off by low branches and damaged, so William Coke (pronounced Cook), a nephew of the first Earl of Leicester, commissioned his hatter James Lock to design a close-fitting, low-crowned hat. Lock’s chief hatter got the job. His name?

Thomas Bowler!

used to Great Yarmouth herring e be the hub of th in 1907 y industry. In one da er

t into port ov fishermen brough ! There used to ng 80 million herri g boats, it’s said be so many fishin ross the river ac lk you could wa needs bridges? boat by boat. Who

ley bar e g n h efit alti on t t m h land the benvour! a e gr hig fla ets has own on it also g s to the k l r d o e d er sg rf No se it’ t wh hich a The fragrant pine woodland from Burnham Overy Staithe to Wells-next-the-Sea that backs the beach is entirely man-made! In the

late 19th century, the 2nd Earl of Leicester of Holkham Hall planted three miles of sand with Corsican pine trees to stabilise the dunes, hold back the sea and secure the fresh-water marshes where he grazed his cattle. Before then the tidal creeks were wide enough for ships to load cargo from a staithe, or quay, in Holkham village itself!

The Norfolk coastline was the first part of Britain settled by early man. At that

time, 1.2 million years ago, what is now Norfolk was connected by a land bridge to mainland Europe called Doggerland. The earliest known British settlement is in Happisburgh, Norfolk. The site was found thanks to a local man who was taking his dog for a walk by the sea. He spotted a hand axe lying on the mud and called the Norwich Castle Museum. The axe was made 700,000 years ago, some 200,000 years earlier than any previously discovered artefact.

Magician and TV presenter Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee met at Britannia Pier Theatre, Great Yarmouth. That’s it.

Just saying. Reminds us of the Mrs Merton line, ‘So Debbie McGee, what first attracted you to the millionaire Paul Daniels?’

The Thames used to run through Norfolk

– it was fed by an extinct river called the Bytham from the Midlands, and that was even larger!

When the Romans came to Norfolk in AD46, Great Yarmouth didn’t exist – it hadn’t yet been established by longshore drift. Now

as w au bec folk co frets, a r e o s N y alt of s

Monty Python and adventurer Michael Palin said of Sheringham, ‘The best thing about the sea was when it rolled back to reveal a hundred yards of firm golden sand, stretching east and west as far as the eye could see.

A vast playing field, renewed twice a day.

Out came the cricket bat and my father’s fast bowling which there was never room to show off on our neat little lawn at home in South Yorkshire. When that was over and someone had hit the ball far out towards Norway, there was a wonderful world of pungently salty, seaweed-slimy rocks to explore.’

There is a chalk reef off Cromer – a great home for shellfish and the reason why Cromer crabs are so sweet and succulent. Stroll out on the pier and you’ll be above the chalk reef. The pier forms an artificial reef that leads to the real thing!

its beaches are a great place to go roamin’.

orld ual w ship n n a The hampion m. a c snail ld at Congh is he

eally!

Yes, r hurry d e to No ne though… n alo g

The best way to have a dirty weekend in north Norfolk is to look out for the annual Blakeney Greasy Pole contest. Win or lose,

competitors end up in the mud! It’s one of many quirky events in the county.

Arthur Co n conceived an Doyle first the idea fo Hound of r The th whilst holi e Baskervilles d Cromer wit aying in h Bertram

Fletcher Robinson af ter folklore tale hearing local s regarding the local legend of a fero Black Shuck cious dog called . We don’t know if he was thinki ng of nearb yH next-the-S ea when he olmenamed his imperturb able sleuth .

Cromer has the world’s last end-of-pier theatre - and it’s brilliant!

The Queen Mother used to have a beach hut at Holkham! Now, of course, not only does The Queen have her personal home at Sandringham, but the second, third and fourth in line to The Throne live nearby.

Did you know that the humble fish finger was invented in Great Yarmouth in 1952? In our opinion, a fish

finger sandwich is hard to beat! With tomato ketchup, of course.

A storm at sea off Great Yarmouth is the beginning of Daniel Defoe’s book Robinson Crusoe. Defoe was

inspired when he was in the vicinity for his 1724 A Tour Thro’ the Whole Island of Great Britain, describing Great Yarmouth as an ‘antient town’. Ironic really, it was still in the sea in Roman times.

Many of the self-contained estate villages in west Norfolk are characterised by attractive Carstone, which is rich in iron. The brownness of the buildings led to the town of Downham Market being referred to, at one time, as the ‘Gingerbread Town’. They’re particulalry good at Heacham and Hunstanton.

elson was Horatio N rnham u born in B the n o e p r Tho oast. c lk fo r o of N e Freedom

th Receiving the outh after Great Yarm ile, he put his eN Battle of th . ‘Your n the Bible left hand o y lord,’ said ,m right hand at,’ replied ‘Th the clerk. e’. in Tenerif Nelson, ‘is

76

King’s Lynn, on the River Ouse, has more listed buildings than York!

They include fine medieval merchants’ houses, the Guildhall, Town Hall and Minster Church. It also has two market places – Saturday and Tuesday, the second surrounded by fine Georgian architecture.

The largest and best preserved mammoth skeleton ever found was recovered from cliffs at West Runton (pictured above).

The only bones missing had been eaten by hyena. Yes, really!

The only food not rationed in the second world war was fish and chips – because who’d want to fish in seas

full of enemy mines and submarines and with fighter and bomber planes overhead!

Our wonderful fish and chips heritage continues to this day, and they’re definitely best if you eat them by the seaside.

Visit Norfolk The official visitor website for Norfolk

r a e y ll a t a e r g a is lk Norfo eak destination holiday, weekend or short br

www.visitnorfolk.co.uk

n e d r a G our d n e l p s Norfolk has a huge collection of gardens, from small higgledy-piggledy cottage gardens to wonderfully relaxing water gardens and magnificent stately home gardens. Laze around on the grass listening to bird song and gazing up at the sky. Feast your eyes on a riot of glorious colour tumbling wisteria, clambering sweet peas, rambling roses and delicate hellebores. Rub your fingers over the lavender and mint or stoop to smell the parsley and sage. You can’t beat wandering around someone else’s garden and enjoying the rewards of all their hard work!

Clockwise from top left: Oxburgh Hall, East Runton Old Vicarage and and Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

Norfolk countryside in the tranquil Wildflower Meadow.

As well as fabulous walks in open countryside, Felbrigg Hall boasts a wonderful walled garden and orchard, dominated by the working dovecote. Doves fly and chickens scratch around the garden adding to the relaxing and tranquil atmosphere.

Ever changing, the garden is a constant source of inspiration and delight.

One of the county’s best-kept gardens has to be the East Ruston Old Vicarage.. A privately owned garden, it is open for public viewing so visitors can see the love and attention that has been put into a wonder collection of gardens from exotic to woodland and plants from desert cacti to prehistoric tree ferns.

Pensthorpe is home to three delightful wildlife-rich gardens by award-winning designers, stunning meadow and a lakeside environment with year-round interest and growth.

There’s the Wildlife Habitat Garden, the innovative Wave Line Garden, structural beauty of the acclaimed Millennium Garden or you can take a relaxing stroll through the

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is a secret hideaway in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.

Wonderful woodland walks, gardens rich in wildlife with an eclectic mix of native and cultivated plantings plus a private broad.

Raveningham Gardens, like many great gardens, is the work of one person, the late Priscilla Bacon.

Working on it for over fifty years, she created magnificent borders and rosebeds. More recent additions include a herb garden, a refurbished Victorian conservatory in the walled garden, an arboretum, magnificent lake and contemporary sculpture.

has added something of their own times and tastes, from the peace of the woodland walks to the drama of the carrstone rockeries, from the formality of the North Garden with its pleached lime avenues to the intimacy of the Stream Walk. In the 1960s The Queen invited Sir Eric Savill, famous for his gardens at Windsor, to re-landscape the Woodland Walk and the Bog Gardens, and in 1996 the then Head Gardener created the beautiful Stream Walk.

The National Trust’s Blickling Hall has 55 acres of topiary, sweeping lawns, herbaceous borders, temple and lake. There’s something to see in the garden all year round. Don’t miss the fragrant beds of the parterre and inspiring double borders. You’ll find hellebores and primroses, daffodils and bluebells, azaleas and rhododendron, wisteria and peonies as well as quiet places to sit and enjoy the view.

Sandringham House, The Queen’s country residence, is set in 24 hectares of glorious gardens, and is perhaps the finest of all the Royal gardens. Every generation of the Royal Family which has lived here

79

The National Trust’s Oxburgh Hall has four main garden areas dating from Oxburgh’s Victorian era, including an impressive French parterre, with its colourful pattern of flowers, a herbaceous border which is a glorious mix of colour and form, woodland trails and kitchen garden.

The Gooderstone Water Gardens, close to Swaffham, is a chance to immerse yourself in six acres of gardens with a natural trout stream, four ponds, waterways, thirteen bridges, grass paths and nature trails, mature trees and shrubs.

Priory Maze and Gardens are set within 10 acres, consisting of various themed gardens, and the hedge maze, based on the ruins of the adjacent Beeston Priory.

The natural feel of the gardens, and the diverse plant habitat it provides, in turn creates a perfect habitat for a wide range of mammals, birds, and insects, including resident pheasants, woodcock, snipe, kingfisher and goldcrests, along with many other regulars. You might also see waxwings, firecrest, crossbills and tree creepers. The wildflower meadow provides habitat for countless moths and other insects during mid-summer, and in the early summer there are bee orchids and the common marsh orchid in abundance.

fruit garden with herb parterre, an iris and delphinium walk, daffodil area, a walkwayed bog area, water garden, Victorian nut walk, wild garden, and tearoom by the East Lawn.

The gardens at the medieval moated manor house of Mannington feature a wide variety of plants, around 50 varieties of trees and shrubs in many different settings. Throughout the gardens are thousands of roses especially classic varieties. In the Heritage and Modern Rose Gardens are roses in areas with designs reflecting their date of origin from the fifteenth century to the presentday. The Contemporary Garden features more roses, shrubs and herbaceous borders with brighter colours and modern varieties.

Hindringham Hall Gardens has been described in Country Life as being ‘perfect in every details’.

One of only a few complete moats in the county, Hindringham has a walled vegetable and

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Felbrigg Hall looking out to sea and, inset, Gooderstone Water Gardens 80

Caister Castle

CAR COLLECTION Open 10.00am to 4.30pm daily except Saturdays from the middle of May until the end of September.

m o r F n Ope 3th May 1

01664 567 707

CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. BUSES BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Ormesby

Hemsby

From Norwich (A1064)

CAISTER- ON- SEA y rB ste C ai

Tel:

Children aged 5 to 15 Half Price Under 5’s Free Admission Light Refreshments Disabled Facilities

CAR COLLECTION NR30 5SN

pa

ss

(A

1 49

)

Yarmouth Stadium From Great Yarmouth (A149)

www.caistercastle.co.uk

Castle Carvery

The fun family restaurant serving great food

Castle Carvery prides itself in serving a top-quality carvery, served all day from 12noon. You will be served generous slices of succulent meats, topside of beef, pork, gammon and turkey. Alongside is your choice of freshly prepared, locally sourced vegetables and potatoes. You can help yourself to as many Yorkshire Puddings as you wish and a selection of sauces, trimmings and thick rich gravy.

For dessert, the patisserie cabinet offers a selection of delicious fresh cakes and pies, alongside a range of hot desserts and ice cream sundaes.

A great 2 course carvery offer is available midweek and on Sundays.

There is also a gluten free menu, plus vegetarian and vegan carvery options. Castle Carvery also offers a traditional fayre menu, including home cooked favourites. If you would prefer something a little lighter, there is a light bites lunch menu.

Castle Carvery has a varied children’s menu offering meals for smaller and larger appetites, including a kid’s carvery allowing them to choose their own meat, vegetables and potatoes along with Yorkshire puddings, gravy and sauces.

There is choice of fantastic desserts, a favourite is the “DIY chocolate mallow sundae.”

The lounge bar serves a fine selection of wines, beers, ales and spirits creating the perfect spot to sit down, on the comfortable sofas and relax with a drink looking out onto the sun terrace. Enjoy al-fresco dinning and drinks in the warm sunshine, throughout the spring and summer months.

Castle Carvery has a fantastic FunFort, offering a multi-level indoor play area with multiple spinners, roller, ball pond and slides. A special area for toddlers to safely play. Also, there is an outside play area with lots of tables and

seating, for parents to watch and relax with a drink while the children play.

Slush Puppies are a great treat after playing in the FunFort.

You can also visit other Castle Carvery restaurants, at Racecourse Inn and the Clocktower both in Norwich and the Wherry Hotel in Oulton Broad. The Wherry Hotel is located on the shores on the Broads, offering boat moorings if you choose to arrive by water.

Castle Carvery at Castle Free House is a family friendly restaurant, located on Norwich Road, Caister on Sea, NR30 5JN. For anymore information please visit www.castlecarvery.co.uk

n o m e L Panna Cotta RECIPE

Breas t of Norfo lk phea sant, Conf it leg, white polen ta, black berri es , hazle nuts and a black berry jus INGREDIENTS

Peter Clarke Clarke Peter executive head chef of the executive head chef L HOTEL IMPERIA of the IMPERIAL HOTEL in Great Yarmouth

SERVES SIX

• 4 pheasant breasts and 4 pheasant legs

• Thyme, duck fat, salt and pepper

• 40g roasted hazelnuts

• 3 heritage carrots peeled and cut on the

• 3 blackberries each

• 6 oz polenta flour( quick cook) • 2.5 oz of grated parmesan • 1.5 pints of water

• Half a pint of milk

• Oil

slant into lozenges.

• 12 blackberries pureed and sieved with 1tbsp of water

• 2 pint beef stock reduced to 1/2 a pint • 25g pea shoots

lemon gel, pistachio ice cream & thyme shortbread • 4 oz butter METHOD

Take the duck fat and thyme and place in a saucepan bring to a rolling simmer and place the pheasant legs into it,cook on the lowest heat Until tender and cooked through, this will take about 3 hours. Once they have been on the stove gas for 2 and a half hours take the water,milk and some salt and pepper and place in a saucepan, bring to the boil and add the polenta flour bring to the boil whisking all the time and be careful as if it gets too hot it will spit out of the pan, once this has cooked for 2 minutes at boiling point, add the parmesan cheese and butter and whisk this in until it has been incorporated. Reserve this warm somewhere.

Take the beef stock out that has been reduced and place in a clean saucepan, add the blackberry puree a bit at a time until you are happy with the taste you should became to taste the beef flavour of the stock and the BlackBerry underneath it !!

Place to one side to heat up later Blanch the carrots in boiling salted water and refresh once cooked, around 6 minutes.

Next put a trying pan on capable if taking 4 pheasant breasts and add 1 tbsp of oil, heat up and place the pheasant breast skin side down and fry until golden brown both sides, add the carrots place in a oven heated to 185.c for 2-3 minutes for a dash of pink in the pheasant breast and 2 minutes linger for well done juicy finish. Leave to rest somewhere warm.

TO FINISH

Place the leg into the oven to heat through and the skin to crisp. Reheat the polenta so it is boiling hot and place a quenelle on to the plate at the top, heat the sauce back up to boiling point and add the blackberries and hazelnuts. Cut the breast into 3 and place up against the polenta, add the leg next to it and then the carrots in a uniform pile next to the breast. Spoon the sauce over the breast and leg so that it covers the meat and garnish with pea shoots and enjoy !!

WINE

2015 Pinot age Rheb okslo of Vineyards South Afric a This is a wonderful estate which dates back to the late 1700s with traditional Cape Dutch style buildings some of which date back to the early settlers.

The current owners bought the estate in 2006 and have taken advantage of the unique micro climate of the vineyards in the Paarl valley giving the director and wine ideal climatic conditions for the growing expert at the - MAKES 7 Ingredients of premium grapes IMPERIAL HOTEL The Pinotage is a grape which is basically PANNA COTTA PISTACHIO ICE CREAM grown in South Africa. A hybrid grape only (makes 16 scoops) • 100gbeing sugara cross between the Pinot Noir and • 8oz (225 g) unsalted, The grape thrives in South Africa • 600ml Cinsault. double cream shelled pistachio nuts but very few other places in the world.

• 150ml milk • 1 pint (570 ml) double cream • 1½ gelatine leaves

Nick Mobbs

• 1 pint (570 ml) single cream • 4oz (110g) golden caster sugar

• 2 lemons zested and juiced

• 8 large egg yolks

LEMON GEL • 200g sugar

• 1½ tbsp custard powder

• 200ml lemon juice

• Reserve 4 tbsp pistachios for serving

• 200ml water • 3tsp agar agar

www.cafecru.co.uk

The wine is made by fermenting the grapes in Stainless steel on their skins and regular pump over of the cap to extract colour and flavour. The wine was then aged in 60% new oak and 40% 2 year old oak barrels for 14 months.

A wonderful wine it shows complex, dark fruit flavours with notes of blackberry, prunes and hints of soft oak spices.

The tannins fill the palate and nuances of dried fruit flavours linger on the aftertaste and work really well with the flavours of the Pheasant dish.

THYME SHORTBREAD • A team of brilliant • 8oz plain flour

chefs list • Superb wine • 8oz butter • Laid-back atmosphere

• 4oz sugar The perfect restaurant for dinner or • 4oz cornflour Sunday lunch. At the Imperial Hotel, • 50g thyme leaves Gt Yarmouth, NR30 1EQ. Drive, North (picked offcall the01493 stalk)842000 To book

Sunday 12.30 - 2pm Monday - Saturday 6.30 - 10pm The Terrace is open daily. For opening times & menu go to imperialhotel.co.uk

84 59

RECIPE

Breas t of Norfo lk phea sant, Conf it leg, white polen ta, and a black berry jus nuts , hazleice berri For the es pistachio cream black

Method

boiling point again. Ignore any curdled To make the panna cotta place the sugar, Whip the double cream until it reaches the SERVES SIX IENTSstage appearance, which may come about if you double cream, milk, lemon zest and juice INGRED ‘floppy’ but isn’t too thick, then pop it salt and pepper fat,whisking duck don’t keep and/or have the heat • Thyme, into saucepan, and bring to the boil. Once • 4 pheasan into the fridge to chill.

4 pheasant legs and t breasts brought to the boil leave to stand for two Then take 4oz (110g) of the pistachio • Oil too high. No need to panic as the custard ries each • 3 blackber powder will stabilise it if you pour theRECIPE minuets. Meanwhile soak your gelatine nuts, place them in a food processor with and cut on the carrots • 3 heritage s until very fine. Roughly roasted mixture into peeled a bowl and beat vigorously off leaves in cold water until it is pliable. Then • 40gthe sugarhazelnut and blend slant into lozenges. the heat, and it will become smooth again. squeeze the gelatine out and add it toBreast the • 6 ozchop theflour( remaining nuts cook)and save these quickpheasant, polenta of Norfolk Confit leg, white polenta, and sieved pureed ries head chef Now pour the custard intowith a bowl. Place utivestirring panna cottaexec mixture it in. Pour the for decoration when you plate up. Next, • 12 blackber n parmesa grated blackberries , hazlenuts and a blackberry jus of oz 2.5 • water of 1tbsp this bowl into a larger bowl of chilled mixture into seven of 5flthe oz darriow moulds pour the single cream into a medium-sized HOTEL stirring it nowto and until cold. of water RIAL a pint 1/2then and set in theIMPE fridge overnight. saucepan, along with the finely ground • 1.5 pints reduced beef stock • 2 pintwater, INGREDIENTS SERVES SIX Meanwhile, fold the double cream into For the shortbread sieve outh your flour, pistachios, and gently heat to just below in Great Yarm • Half a pint of milk pea shoots • 25g • Thyme, duck andmixture. pepper Now place half 4 pheasantboiling breasts and 4 pheasant legs thefat, icesalt cream sugar and cornflour in to a bowl, then•add point. er • 4 oz butt of the mixture into the ice cream maker, your thyme leaves and rub your butter• into Meanwhile in a large bowl beat together • Oil 3 blackberries each add half the remaining nuts and freezethe mixture creating a shortbread dough. the egg yolks and custard powder until • 3 heritage carrots peeled and cut on the • 40g roasted hazelnuts METHOD 4 churn foraabout minutes untilifittaking has the Roll out the dough to a 1cm thick rectangle smooth. fat Now pour the hot cream on to on capable pan trying30 Next put slant into lozenges. a in place and thyme and duck the Take • 6 oz polenta flour( quick cook) heat up of oil,Then 1 tbsp consistency of soft-scoop cream. and add ice shape and rest in the chef fridge. Once rested this, whisking as you go. When mixed, pheasant breasts e head executiv saucepan bring to a rolling simmer and place• the 12 blackberries pureed and sievedt breast with skin side down and of grated parmesan transfer it the to apheasan plastic tub and place in the and place place into anofoven return the pistachio custard to the panUntil the preheated to 160oc• 2.5 ozpheasan heat the lowest it,cook on into t legs 1tbsp of water carrots sides, both brown golden until fry freezer.

Repeat this process withadd the the other 3 about stirring the topLtoHOTEL the bottom a couple• of and continue to whisk over a medium heat take IMPERIA will 1.5 pints of water and cooked through, this tender minutes 2-3 for • 2 pint beef stock reduced to 1/2 a pint 185.c to heated oven a in place gas half of the mixture.

Great on the times.inOnce theYarmout dough ishcooked through hours.until it they has thickened juststove come upfor to have beenand Once • Half a pint of milk for a dash of pink in the pheasant breast and 2 • 25g pea shoots and a blonde brown, take out of the oven 2 and a half hours take the water,milk and some linger for well done juicy finish. Leave to rest minutes to To finish • 4 oz butt er bring n, saucepa a in place and salt and pepper and make a shortbread crumb, reserve re warm. somewhe boil the to the boil and add the polenta flour bring Place the panna cotta into some hot water somewhere cold for serving.

METHOD be careful as if it gets too and time the all whisking for aa very brief loosening enough For the lemon gel, place the sugar, lemon trying panperiod, on capable if taking 4 Take the duck fatspit thyme and place a has cooked Next put TO FINISH onceinthis pan, of the out it will and to turn it out without melting it. Place it atand the juice and water in a saucepan. Bring up to hotbring pheasant breasts and add 1oven tbsp to of heat oil, heat up saucepan to a rolling simmer and place the through the into leg n the Place parmesa the add point, for 2 minutes at boiling and place the pheasant breast skin side down and hot pheasant legs into it,cook on the lowest heat Until the top of the plate, then place a line of the the boil and whisk in the agar agar. Place boiling is it so polenta the Reheat crisp. been to has skin and butter and whisk this in until it cheese fry until golden both sides, add thecotta carrots tender and cooked through, this will take about 3re. at the plate shortbread from the panna to top, this onto a tray and spread out to a thin to the on quenelle acrumb placebrown and this warm somewhe Reserve ted. incorpora placethe in aedge ovenof heated to 185.c for 2-3reserved minutes hours. Once they have been on the stove gas for point and add boiling to up back the plate.

Place the layer and set it in the fridge. Once fully sauce and the heat reduced been has that out stock the beef for a dash of pink in the pheasant breast 2 2 and a Take half hours take the water,milk and some into the Cut and hazelnut ry the blackber pistachios onries topand of the pannas.cotta andbreast set place in a food processor. Puree blackber n, add thebring saucepa clean in aand minutes linger for well done juicy finish. Leave to rest salt andplace pepper place in a saucepan, to add polenta, the against up place 3 andthe with the somewhere happy areto down shortbread. Next squeeze tear-the leg for 2 minutes on the highest a time until atpolenta a bit warm. the boil puree and add the flouryou bring the boil a uniform pile next then the to it and next dots beef to taste should drop of lemon gel carrots aroundinthe top edge you setting until it is gel like. whiskingtaste all the time andbecame be careful as if itthe gets tooflavour the breast and over sauce the Spoon breast. !! it the th to undernea ry BlackBer the hot it willofspit of and the pan, once this has cooked stock theout TO FINISH of the panna cotta and some either side with pea Place into a squeezy garnish and meat the covers it that so leg later upthe forin2 minutes add parmesan to heat one sidepoint, to boiling Place of the leg shortbread into the oven to heat through and Place at your crumb.

Scoop a ball ofthe bottle and place and enjoy and shoots water cheese and buttthe er and whisk this in until it has been salted in boiling skin toyour crisp.

Reheat the!!polenta so it onto is boiling carrots Blanch churned pistachio sorbet the hot the fridge until incorporated. Reserve this warm somewhere.

6 minutes. and place a quenelle on to the plate at the top, around once cooked, middle of the shortbread and enjoy. needed. Take therefresh beef stock out that has been reduced and heat the sauce back up to boiling point and add WINE

Peter Clarke

Peter Clarke

place in a clean saucepan, add the blackberry the blackberries and hazelnuts. Cut the breast into puree a bit at a time until you are happy with the 3 and place up against the polenta, add the leg taste you should became to taste the beef flavour next to it and then the carrots in a uniform pile next of the stock and the BlackBerry underneath it !! to the breast. Spoon the sauce over the breast and Place to one side to heat up later leg so that it covers the meat and garnish with pea Blanch the carrots in boiling salted water and shoots and enjoy !!

The wine is made by fermenting the refresh once cooked, 6 minutes. ul estate which dates is a wonderf Thisaround

2015 Pinot age Rheb okslo of Vineyards South Afric a

2015 Chateau La Sabatiere, Monbazillac

Nick Mobbs Nick Mobbs

director and wine expert and wine at the IMPERIAL HOTEL director expert at the IMPERIAL HOTEL

Nick Mobbs director and wine expert at the IMPERIAL HOTEL

grapes in Stainless steel on their skins back to the late 1700s with traditional and regular pump over of the cap to WINE of some buildings Cape Dutch style The wine and flavour. extract river andcolour envelopes the vineyards.

This early settlers. to the Monbazillac an AOC appellation which dateisback andwhich oak 60%ofnew inrot was then aged estate the bought encourages noble the grapes owners current for sweet wines made in the region of The 2015 Pinotage Rheboksloof Vineyards South Africa 14 barrelsinfor old oak 40% 2 year ge advanta have taken andwestern reduces the water content the grape in 2006 Bergerac in south France.

While months. the of micro uniqueas thefamous of as and so increasing the sugar content. it is not theirclimate western it showsthe A wonderf This is a vineyard wonderful which dates is made ul bywine fermenting giving theThe wine valley Paarl the s inestate The bunches of grapes, which neighbours from Sauterne, Monbazillac withare are fruit , dark in Stainless steel onflavours their skins back toideal the late 1700s with traditional s for the growinggrapes complex condition climatic 85% Semillon and 15% Muscadelle are wines are some of the most well-known prunes ry,the Cape Dutch stylegrapes buildings some of and regular over of cap to of blackber notespump of premium hand harvested.

Using stainless steel cool sweet white wines produced in France. which date back to the early sett lers. extract colour and flavour.

The wine spices. oak soft of hints and Pinotage is a grape which is basically The was then aged in 60% new oak and The current owners boughton thethe estate fermentation as a process naturally stops and palate The vineyard is situated southern the fill tannins The in South Africa. A hybrid grape grown in only 2006 and taken river advantage year old oak barrels forflavours 14 in the wine, residual to remain fruit dried ofsugar bank of thehave Dordogne as itNoir flowsand 40% 2the nuances the Pinot between a cross of being the unique micro climate of the months. work andalso. ertaste aft the on and is aged in stainless steel linger Africa towards Bordeaux, surrounding the town South in thrives grape The Cinsault. vineyards in the Paarl valley giving the A wonderful wine it shows of the the flavours well with really This wine beautifully compliments in the world.complex, Monbazillac. few other but very idealof climatic conditions for places the growing dark fruit flavours with dish. cotta and pistachio ice Pheasan lemon tpanna I have mentioned the rivers as of premium grapes notesthe of blackberry, prunes

cream its richly The Pinotage is a grape is basically and hints of with soft oak spices.honeyed flavours they play a verywhich important role in the only grown in South Africa.

A hybridwine, grape fill the palate and complex notes ofand dried fruits, nuts production of this dessert as with The tannins being a cross between the Pinot Noir and dried fruit andof caramel withflavours a heady orange its famous neighbour Sauterne. The mist nuances Cinsault. The grape thrives in South Africa linger on the aftertaste and work blossom bouquet. thefew autumn up the valley from the really t chefs brillian of team • inA well with the flavours of the but in very otherrises places the world.

Pheasant dish.

Superb wine list

• • Laid-back atmosphere

Please always drink responsibly

Photography by MALCOLM HIRST

The perfect restaurant for dinner or

• A teamSunday of brilliant the Imperial Hotel, lunch. At chefs • Superb North wineDrive, listGt Yarmouth, NR30 1EQ. To book call 01493 842000 • Laid-back atmosphere - 2pm

12.30for dinner or Sunday The perfect restaurant - 10pm - Saturday Monday Sunday lunch.

At the Imperial6.30 Hotel, For opening daily. is open TheGtTerrace North Drive, Yarmouth, NR30 1EQ. go to imperialhotel.co.uk & menu times To book call 01493 842000 www.cafecru.co.uk Sunday 12.30 - 2pm Monday - Saturday 6.30 - 10pm The Terrace is open daily. For opening times & menu go to imperialhotel.co.uk

www.cafecru.co.uk

59

85

70cl 40% abv £24.99

e d i s a Se Spirits 50cl 45% abv £50.00

50cl 26.5% abv £28.50

East Coast Nelson’s Gold The Norfolk Single Malt Vodka Caramelised Vodka Farmers Whisky Whilst there is a belief that vodka has no flavour or aroma, that certainly is not the case with Adnams East Coast Single Malt Vodka. Made with 100% East Anglian malted Barley, the same used in Adnams beer. Adnams East Coast Single Malt Vodka is crisp and pure with a smooth, soft finish, great over ice or mixed in your favourite way.

Deliciously decadent, Nelson’s Gold, premium Wild Knight English Vodka blended with caramel. Only the finest Norfolk barley grains are distilled into this precious spirit, then delicately blended with caramel made from local sugar beet and the result is an ultra-smooth, deliciously full-bodied caramelised vodka, celebrating Norfolk’s finest hero.

RASPBERRY & PASSION FRUIT MARTINI

CARAMELISED WHITE RUSSIAN

INGREDIENTS • 100ml East Coast vodka • 1 tbsp raspberry liqueur • 50ml passion fruit juice • handful of ice • ½ passion fruit (optional)

METHOD Put 2 martini glasses in the freezer for 5 mins to chill. Mix the vodka, raspberry liqueur, passion fruit juice with the ice in a shaker. Strain into the glasses and float half a passion fruit on the top of each.

86

INGREDIENTS • 60ml Nelson’s Gold Caramelised vodka • 2 tbsp Kahlúa • 1 tbsp cream METHOD Mix together all the ingredients. Put some ice cubes in a small tumbler and pour the cocktail over the top and enjoy.

A very unique and special whisky, made from 8 different grains, The Norfolk - Farmers Single Grain Whisky from the English Whisky Company is officially known as a Single Grain Whisky. Rich and dry with cocoa and coffee. Spicy and oaky with notes of buttery popcorn. The plums and dark cherries come through on the palate. Slightly leathery with a long dry, spicy finish. The Norfolk carries a bowler hat as it’s main image on the label, this is because the bowler hat was invented in Norfolk!

WHISKEY SOUR

INGREDIENTS • 1 50ml bourbon • 35ml lemon juice • 12½ ml 2:1 sugar syrup • lemon zest • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • ½ fresh egg white • ice • slice of orange and cherry to garnish METHOD Shake all of the ingredients (except for the lemon zest) hard with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass. Squeeze the lemon zest over the drink and add the garnish.

Let the fun 50cl 40% abv £30.00

be‘gin’

with so many fabulous gins on the market these days, here are two we recommend you must try...

70cl 39% abv £42.00

Perfect with...

Waterford Gin Journeys Aras Balloon Glasses Set of 2, 550ml, Clear, £140 www.johnlewis.com

Mediterranean Tonic Water

By blending the essential oils from the flowers, fruits and herbs gathered from around the Mediterranean shores with highest-quality quinine from the ‘fever trees’ of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they have created a delicate, floral tonic water.

Boadicea Gin

Norfolk Gin

Made in Norfolk this gin is perfect sipped over an ice cube, but also makes the star ingredient in many cocktails. A uniquely smooth gin created using the finest Norfolk barley, the spirit is then infused with the finest botanicals, including juniper, citrus and with a nod to the iceni-nettle. This captures delicate flavours to create a fine London dry gin that pairs beautifully with elderflower tonic.

Hand crafted and bottled in the fine city of Norwich. This uniquely flavoured Norfolk Gin is hand crafted in small batches infusing carefully selected botanicals. This fine artisan gin is then bottled, labelled and sealed by hand in its distinctive stone jars, each marked with its batch and bottle number.

Elderflower Collins

A fresh and fruity cocktail where you can use your own homemadde elderflower cordial, or if you fancy an easier life, you can buy it from most big supermarkets!

• 50ml gin • 20ml lemon • 10ml sugar syrup • Soda to finish • 10ml elderflower cordial In your trusty cocktail shaker shake up the gin with the lemon, sugar and elderflower cordial. Add plenty of ice to a tall glass and pour over your mixture. Top up with soda to taste and decorate with spring of mint. If you are feeling really decadent top with your favourite prosecco to make an Elderflower Royale.

Mince Pie Martini

Ok it’s not Christmas yet, but it tastes amazing.

• 100ml gin • 20ml dark rum • 4 tbsp caster sugar • 4 tsp mixed spice • 50g mincemeat & 4 tsp to muddle • 100ml sweet red vermouth • 100g golden caster sugar Make a mincemeat syrup mixing 100ml water, the golden caster sugar and mincemeat in a pan and bring to the boil. Once cool strain though a fine sieve. Separately, mix the caster sugar and mixed spice, dampen the rims of four martini glasses then dip in the sugar and spice mixture. Making in two batches muddle the mincemeat in a cocktail shaker then add the gin, sweet red vermouth, dark rum, 80ml mincemeat syrup and ice. Shake well and strain into your prepared glass.

Rocket Cocktail Shaker

Stainless Steel, 700ml £30 www.johnlewis.com

87

y r r e b k c Bla The Tiny Tipple Company,

Please always drink responsibly 88

Tipple The Tiny at y will be Compan eashore Haven S Club on rs Tipple ctober y 19th O Saturda their an give so you c try a s spirit amazing

www.thetinytipplecompany.co.uk

run by Karen and Amanda, creates amazing small batches of high quality infused spirits using ingredients which they have ‘Handpicked from Hedgerows’, ‘Gathered from Gardens’ and ‘Acquired from Allotments’. The whole family is involved with the harvest and the dogs enjoy their prolonged walks. Anything from Blackberries to Elderflowers, Strawberries & Gooseberries to Rosehips and Sloes (apart from the Ginger & Vanilla) have all been handpicked in East Anglia.

Fizz

Ingredients

Method

SERVES ONE

Mix all of the ingredients together, serve over ice and garnish with a twist of lemon

• 50ml of Blackberry Gin (we reccomend The Tiny Tipple Company) • 100ml of ginger ale • dash of lemon juice

90

The

Boathouse David Wakefield ventures into Broadland to visit a thriving pub/restaurant that has an interesting history.

The clue is in its name. The

Boathouse, at Ormesby, a short drive from the glitz that is Great Yarmouth, is by the water: Ormesby Little Broad, to be precise. It’s a glorious setting and what’s more its heritage content is considerable, particularly to those with long memories who live in the area.

The Boathouse is built on the site of another famous Ormesby landmark, the Eel’s Foot Inn. It was the kind of spot one made a beeline for on a summer’s evening, to partake of some good ale and enjoy the peace and quiet of the broadside setting.

The Eel’s foot dated back to at least 1854 when John Groom is listed at the ‘beerhouse and pleasure gardens’, but is likely to be older. John Groom is listed in the 1841 Register of Electors as having ‘Freehold house and land, near the broad’.

His wife, Martha, became the publican from 1865 when she is listed in the Post Office Directory as ‘beerhouse and gardener.’

It was a curious name, and there have been various suggestions as to it’s derivation. One theory was that it came from the Eel’s Boot – a woven reed basket used in eel fishing – but there is also a link with Scandinavia, suggesting that the origin may date back to pre-Roman Nordic settlements in Norfolk.

On a personal note I recall visiting the pub on a Sunday lunchtime to listen to traditional jazz, played by bands who had gigged at the former Royal Oak, in Ormesby on a Saturday evening and found that a lunchtime pint was just the thing before setting off for their various home towns.

But that was then; now is different,

although the desire to visit has not diminished. The Boathouse, which bears no resemblance to its historic predecessor, is a bright and modern pub/restaurant with boutique rooms and luxury woodland lodges. It is also a popular wedding venue and its setting oozes the right kind of romance for a suitable marital send-off.

Certainly my wife and I found it a comforting setting on a Wednesday evening and were pleased to find the restaurant quite busy.

The Boathouse has a very strong gluten free and vegan menu. There is also a popular carvery on Sundays between 12 and 7pm.

The food on offer comes either from a traditional pub menu or you can treat yourself to a large range of gastro options in the evenings and they also have many vegetarian dishes available. You can choose to eat in the bar or you can have table service in the restaurant.

The wine list is carefully chosen and we had no trouble finding one of our favourites, a Sauvignon Blanc from the Riversdale vineyards of New Zealand (£19.95 a bottle, £6.25 for a large glass).

My compliments to the Boathouse staff for not overpricing the wines – a decent house white is available for £14.95 and it’s a reasonable £21.95 for a Chablis.

We’re big white wine fans but the red, rose and sparkling selections seemed good value as well. It’s not unusual to find places charging almost £10 a glass for a fairly average “plonk” nowadays.

For starters my wife chose the Boathouse fish-cakes which were beautifully crisp and subtly fishy with notes of aromatics and herbs.

My tempura prawns (£6.95) were accompanied by a Five Spiced Cous Cous with Coriander & Chilli Mayo & Pea Shoots. It was a good start to our meal, both being tasty and well served.

My wife went to the gastro menu for her main, selecting the Steamed Mussels with Stowford Press Cider, Cream, Fresh Herbs & a Warm Granary Loaf with Skinny Fries, which looked great and tasted the same.

I went to the pub menu for my choice – the tagliatelle with wild mushrooms. It was earthy, creamy and mixed with sun blushed tomatoes and spinach.

Dishes on the pub menu also include scampi, an 8oz burger, hunter chicken, steak pie and many other traditional pub favourites; gastro diners can select a wide range of fine dining meals including steak, sea bass, duck, 3 way pork and many others. There are also salads, vegetarian options and a varied children’s menu, plus a wide selection of side orders.

And there are gorgeous desserts, of course, not that we could manage one, even between us, after some excellent fare... particularly as the selection included sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream, brownies, sundaes and Madagascan vanilla cheesecake and a local cheese board.

The Boathouse manages to combine warmth and friendliness with efficient service, and there are comfy sofas in the dining room for those who just want to drink. There is also lots of parking space and that priceless waterside view.

We really must go back in daylight to sample the latter!

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s e t s a t g n i h t y r Eve y the coffee or a family feast, we’ve got teatime covered. Taking the crew out to eat? No worries. Even the fussiest of eaters will love our selection of family-friendly restaurants and casual cafÊs.

Staying in for the night? Piece of cake! Our Mini Market has all the fresh bread, fruit and veg you need to cook up a feast and keep those bellies full.

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