Roads less travelled
18th July 2024
Beach huts at Mundesley
Sarah Hardy picks a dozen of her favourite lesser-known places, activities and events for the summer
Updated November 2024
On the beach
The beach huts at Wells are really in a class of their own but don’t forget other options at Cromer, Overstrand, Sheringham and Mundesley. North Norfolk District Council hires out colourful beach huts on a weekly basis and the ones at Mundesley are especially good for families. You are never very far from a host of amenities and children really love these mini homes. Take your beach games, a picnic and a jacket – well, it is Norfolk!
A Norfolk pyramid?
Oh yes! Head to the Blickling Estate where, tucked among the glorious parkland, you’ll find the Blickling Mausoleum, a Grade II listed building, which was commissioned in 1793 by Lady Caroline Suffield, the daughter of the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire, as a tomb for her father. You can peek through the windows for a look inside! Make it part of a decent walk around the park and call in at The Stables cafe for refreshments.
Discover our fishing heritage
The Fishermen’s Lifeboat Museum in Sheringham houses the Henry Ramey Upcher lifeboat, the town’s last private lifeboat, built in 1894. It was in service until 1935. The museum is dedicated to the two lifeboats provided by the Upcher family of Sheringham Hall, and also tells of the men who crewed these boats. Make time to visit the neighbouring Peter Coke Shell Gallery, too. Admission is free to both. Both are now closed until spring 2025.
Get picking
Fruit picking is such a traditional part of an English summer and there’s plenty of places to choose from in the area. We like Leith House Orchards, between Burnham Market and Wells, where there are five orchards with more than 40 different varieties of plums, gages, apples and damsons. The fruit picking season runs from around now (mid-July) and there’s a pretty bunting-lined stall where you can buy ready picked fruit, coffee and some of their own produce including, of course, plum jam! As it is a sister company to Malt Coast Brewery, you can enjoy a beer or two, as well. Do check what’s picking before making a special journey.
Parish news
Hidden in fields between South Creake and Walsingham, the little flint Church of All Saints at Waterden is a joy to behold. Restored in 2019, the church is all that remains of a medieval village and is a perfect place for some quiet reflection.
Walk this way
Norfolk is blessed with many great walks, especially along the coastline. There is a lovely six mile round inland walk from Great Snoring to Little Walsingham, out to Houghton St Giles and back to Great Snoring. You take in the pilgrim village with its many refreshment spots, walk some of the Pilgrim Way, have stretches along the River Stiffkey and can also visit the Slipper Chapel. Check it out on an Ordnance Survey map but it’s pretty easy to work out.
Anyone for tennis?
Has Wimbledon inspired you? Tennis is a great sport for all ages and abilities and our area has lots of opportunities. One of the nicest clubs is Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Club which has 10 very well kept grass courts, four all-weather tennis courts, two squash courts, four pickleball courts, plenty of tuition available, and a very pleasant clubhouse! Most importantly, it is open to non-members and holiday passes are available. So it is definitely time to dust down your racquet and head along.
A medieval monastery
The ruins of St Benet’s Abbey (once a powerful and thriving monastery) almost seem to float on an isolated spot on the River Bure, making it easiest to arrive by boat. Owned by the Norfolk Archaeological Trust, the Bishop of Norwich is the Abbot of St Benet’s and an open-air service is held once a year – this year (2024) it is 28 July. Regular guided walks are held in the summer months, too, and it’s a nice half hour walk into Ludham for coffee and cake!
Use your loaf
Micro bakeries are popping up everywhere, for which we are truly grateful. Think of the rise and rise of Bread Source and Two Magpies in our area. But there are some real one-man band operations and one of our favourites is Elsing Bakehouse, near Dereham. Run by Shona Rogers, every loaf is slow fermented and made with organic artisan-milled flour, while the pastries are handmade with Suffolk raw milk. Shona will deliver your goodies by bike within a couple of miles, or you can snap them up at nearby Lyng Stores (both options from Wednesday to Friday) or pick up treats from the bakehouse on Saturdays. Check the website for up to date opening hours.
Time travel
Go back in time to discover what life was like for those who served at RAF Langham in World War Two. The Langham Dome, built in 1942/3, is one of only six remaining ground to air training domes where servicemen learnt how to shoot down enemy aircraft successfully. It is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a museum and also the 80th anniversary of its reopening as an airbase this year. Open selected dates from April to October.
Beautiful blooms
The 15-acre garden at Hoveton Hall opens to the public from Sundays to Fridays until the end of September. The Regency hall is still very much a family home and the gardens reflect this personal feel. Look out for the walled Spider Garden with its typical cottage garden flowers, the Kidney Lake, the old kitchen garden, the arboretum, the ice well – and more. There’s a great, independently run, cafe where you can enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes. The gardens are now closed until Easter 2025.
Cheers!
Well, our list had to include a pub, didn’t it, so do try the Stag Inn at West Acre. Park up in Castle Acre and stroll along the River Nar to this pimped up pub which has a short but tasty menu. Think pies, Sunday lunch, a couple of puds, a burger and toasted sarnies. The Duration beers are always good and check out the ‘quirky’ toilets!
Visit websites for opening times, ticket prices and any booking requirements.
