Surrounding Area
AREA AROUND THE COTTAGE / PLACES OF INTEREST
WALKS AROUND THE COTTAGE
There are a great number of walks around the Cottage, 50 yards from the front door is a public footpath that takes you through beautiful countryside and past Mannington Hall on a one hour circular walk which is a joy in all weathers.
https:// manningtongardens.co.uk/
Mannington Hall is a moated medieval country house which opens its gardens and cafe in the summer along with hosting many events including the 'Vintage Lover Fair' in May. A must for all vintage enthusiasts.
For a short stroll, walk through the village and up the hill to the Church, which is beautifully set and a joy to visit, do go inside and appreciate not only the church but the array of kneelers which have been made by the villagers over the years I'm told by one guest that it has a very good piano, which people are welcome to play.
COAST
Cromer is a traditional Victorian seaside town is just 10 miles away. Learn to surf, or dawdle on the promenade watching others surf, whilst drinking a coffee from North Sea Coffee Co or enjoying an ice-cream!
Cromer combines the charm of an ancient fishing town with the hustle and bustle of a modern seaside resort.
https://www.thisiscromer.co.uk/ Noted for being the best fish and chips in town, head to No 1
SHERRINGHAM are a half hour drive away is another traditional seaside town.
https://experiencesheringham.com/
STIFFKEY MARSHES are further round the coast, where you can stroll along the Norfolk Coastal Path, taking in the marshes and vast open landscape on the one side and the beautiful countryside on the other. There is a 3 hour return walk that takes you to WELLS-NEXT-SEA with its sweeping sandy beach bordered by pinewoods and colourful beach huts.
The NATIONAL TRUST is well served in the county with the Historic Houses of BLICKLING HALL [10 mins away] and FELBRIGG HALL, Garden and Park. Blickling Hall is a Jacobean stately home situated in 5,000 acres of parkland in a loop of the River Bure and where the ghost of Ann Bolyen is reputedly to be present. The property and surrounding area is meticulously managed by The National Trust. The gardens are a pure delight in the Spring.
THE TRUST manages miles of sandy beaches at Brancaster and Blakeney’s National Nature Reserve among other important sites, including Morston Quay where you can take a boat to see the seals.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
BLAKENEY is a picturesque coastal village, renowned for its charming flint cottages, narrow streets, and historic quay and is part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, famous for Blakeney Point, which host England’s largest grey seal colony, offering popular boat trips.
https://www.blakeneypointsealtrips.co.uk/
HOLKHAM HALL The Holkham Estate - you will need a full day to explore the splendid Hall and grounds which are stunning. https://www.holkham.co.uk/visit/
HOLKHAM BEACH Is one of the most unspoilt, natural, and beautiful stretches of sand in the country. Golden sand and big skies, backed by pine forests and sand dunes, it is an award-winning and often called one of the UK’s best beaches. It is also renowned as a filming location. https://www.holkham.co.uk/journal/holkham-on-screen/
WELLS-NEXT-SEA Is a picturesque, dog-friendly town on the North Norfolk Coast, known for its expansive golden sand beach, iconic colourful beach huts, and historic quay. https://wellsguide.com
PUBS / RESTAURANTS
It is hard to recommend places to eat as the experience seems to change depending on the chefs. However, we have never been disappointed eating at THE GUNTON ARMS, more for the ambiance than the food. But, book ahead, it is very difficult to get a reservation, But, you can always visit without a booking and order from their limited bar snack and enjoy the vibe. https://www.theguntonarms.co.uk/
THE SUFFIELD ARMS is sister pub the The Gunton Arms, and serves mainly tapas. We have enjoyed going there at Lunch time, but haven’t visited in the evening and enjoyed a cocktail in their fabulous upstairs Saloon Bar, which is worth a look. https://www.suffieldarms.com/
THE PIGS is 5 minutes away from the cottage in the direction of Holt, which caters for most tastes and dietary options. https://www.thepigs.org.uk/food
THE WALPOLE ARMS Close by at Itteringham, it has a very pleasant garden to enjoy a drink on warm evenings. When you book, request to eat in the bar area as this is in our opinion the best room and has a lovely fire in the winter. It is a welcoming pub. https://thewalpolearms.co.uk/
THE SARACENS HEAD is a ten minute drive away. We have not been here for quite some time but certainly did used to enjoy eating here and enjoying sitting in their courtyard garden with a drink. https://saracenshead-norfolk.co.uk/
THE MALTINGS at Weybourne, a 20 minute drive from the cottage has recently re-opened after major renovations. https://www.themaltingsweybourne.com/ T
THE DUN COW at Salthouse seems to be a regular favourite with people I know, with its large garden and uninterrupted views over to the salt marshes. https://www.salthouseduncow.com/
THE WHITE HORSE Brancaster - very much a gastro pub with a focus on seafood. https://www.whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk/
THE PARLOUR Binham, a very pretty village with a Priory. The food is very good and a great lunchtime venue. https://theparlourbinham.co.uk/
Musical events are held at the Priory throughout the Summer months. https://binhampriory.org/priory-events/ https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
HEYDON For a tranquil and relaxing afternoon, head to Heydon. The Village is centred around a very beautiful green overlooked by the Pub and the village Tea Room, The buildings have remained relatively unchanged and is a popular choice for filming. The historic park is open for visitors to visit. The Bakery does wood fired Pizza’s on Friday evenings. https://www.folkscoffeeco.com/pizza-on-the-green We recently visited the tea room and had coffee and cake, which was delicious and worth the stop. https://www.heydonvillageteashop.co.uk/ https://heydon.co.uk/heydon-village/
WIVERTON HALL Take a guided tour of the Hall and Gardens and then enjoy the view of the marshes from the cafe. A truly wonderful view! Throughout the summer months they offer a variety of evening events. https://www.wivetonhall.co.uk/
SHOPS
ITTERINGHAM COMMUNITY SHOP is our favourite local coffee shop and general store. They serve coffee and delicious cakes and other delicacies. It also stocks all the basics you might need for your stay. https://www.ourvillagestore.co.uk/
SPAR at CORPUSTY in the opposite direction to Itteringham. https://www.spar.co.uk/store-locator/afb10697-spar-corpusty
AYLSHAM Is a small market town which still have a weekly auction sale. There is a Tesco Store and a Budgen’s for groceries. Whites Butcher [ https://whitesbutchers.co.uk/ in the town is considered to be the best of the butchers. For bread, croissants and coffee go to the Artisan Bakery, Bread Source. I highly recommend not only their bread but their Cheese Straws! https://www.bread-source.co.uk/
HOLT Is an historic charming Georgian town and is home to many art galleries, antique and book shops and places to eat located along the high street and tucked away in hidden, charming courtyards and alleyways. Holt hosts a Sunday Market on the first Sunday of the month between April and December with 50 regional makers matched with 6 delicious street food traders, communal dining and buskers. https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/explore/visit/holt
BLAKENEY is a picturesque coastal village, renowned for its charming flint cottages, narrow streets, and historic quay and is part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, famous for Blakeney Point, which host England’s largest grey seal colony, offering popular boat trips. https://www.blakeneypointsealtrips.co.uk/
BURNHAM MARKET A 40 minute drive away, near Holkham Hall and Beach is another pretty 17th century village centred around the Village Green with interesting shops, restaurants and cafe’s. https://burnhammarket.co.uk/
Explore Salle Moor Hall only a few miles from the Cottage. Surrounding the working farm are cycle routes and public footpaths which wind through the centre of their commercial compound. where you can find a coffee shop and Paddle Tennis courts in the area along with a brewery and other events. https://sallemoorhallfarm.co.uk
Visitors to the cottage have all mentioned how much there is to do and see in Norfolk and that the cottage is ideally placed to explore all the best that Norfolk has to offer, from Historical house, Birdwatching, long coastal walks, good pubs and delightful towns.
Sawdays Travel have produced a comprehensive guide to Norfolk which is worth noting as their selection of places to visit are those that I would recommend myself.https://www.sawdays.co.uk/detour/guides/pocket-guide-to-norfolk/
Another good source of information on and around the area is Visit Norfolk.
