Recommendations of where to go in Norfolk

I'm off there next week. we have booked into a Hotel with golf, spa etc etc at Barnham Broom. friends have recommended this and told us also not to miss Burnham Market, Brancaster and Holt.

There is also Blakeney, Holt, how about a day trip to Norwich and not forgetting here.
www.wells-guide.co.uk/
Very chilly at the moment, bring some warm clothes and have a good time.

And do go on a boat from Morston docks or Stifkey to see the seals off Blakeny Point.

I went to Banham Zoo yesterday - excellent! Really twice as good as when we last went 5 years ago, and twice the size with loads of demonstrations going on. Admittedly we took the GCs, but there were loads of couples there too. They have done it up beautifully.

Reasons to love Gransnet ... keep them coming, and thank you!

Any hotel pr other accommodation recommendations also appreciated.

I stayed in the windmill at Cley a few years ago, that was excellent

www.cleywindmill.co.uk/

I have also stayed at The George Hotel at Cley, nice room but only had breakfast there. However it's supposed to be good.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1724401-d574956-Reviews-The_George_Hotel_Cley-Cley_Next_the_Sea_Norfolk_East_Anglia_England.html

The best coffee too.
www.byfords.org.uk/

And here,
maidsheadhotel.co.uk/

The food at the White Horse in Blakeney was lovely but I wouldn't go to the George at Cley again. The food was awful and the bedroom was very makeshift. We went last year and it was under new ownership though, I would agree, the breakfast was very nice.

If you like gardens, the one at East Ruston is really worth a detour. I too love Blakeney and that part of the coast, so much sky! Have a lovely time.

Going a little off tack but did anybody see the beautiful picture in the Daily Mail of the orchid that has a 'bird' in it's form.

I'm not explaining myself very well and I don't know how to post the article. Perhaps somebody could put it on this thread if they think it's as beautiful as I do.

It was in the Daily Mail on Aug 4th and the photo was taken by Christian Kneidinger. It shows a bird in the petal formation and the orchid is pink and peach in colour. If I am not mistaken it is quite a common orchid to buy.

Thanks to anyone who puts the photo up.

This should be on the orchid thread.

Sorry.

pogs

Depends if the weather is nice, but Holkham beach is lovely, with wide stretches of sand and dunes. I only went there once, years ago, but it was lovely. I haven't been to Holkham Hall but it gets quite good reviews.

I can second East Ruston gardens. And I should add Blickling (needs a full day - house closed on Tuesdays in term time) 'cos I volunteer there and love the place.

Cromer (pier and pier theatre) and Sheringham (steam railway) are both pleasant and have a nice golf course. There's some nice walks at Sheringham Park.

Beaches and wide open spaces - for me - Wells and Holkham.

Avoid going into restaurants around The Burnhams Thornham and Morston. That part of the coast isn't called Chelsea on Sea for nothing, unless you want a really slap up posh meal when Morston Hall is the place to go.

If you're into bird watching at all, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Centre at Cley is good - and the cafe good value and worth a visit for the excellent views. And I agree, avoid The George!

Banham Zoo is brilliant, but quite a trek from Cromer.

If you want to go a bit inland Coltishall Mead is lovely, secluded, good food, good accommodation and well placed if you want to take a boat out on the Broads. And the Pump House in Aylsham - only five rooms but an excellent boutique hotel. National Trust have some lovely, secluded self catering places if that's what you're looking for.

When are you thinking of? It is getting a bit bracing now!

We'll go around the second week in September. When I told husband about the "bracing" comment, he replied (beating his chest) "Bracing is good!"

I'll take warm clothes and prepare to brace myself

Meant to add thanks so much everyone for your ideas and suggestions. I looked at some of the websites - love the gardeners.

I'm up in Norfolk right now staying in Sheringham near Cromer, so this is a very apt thread for me. We plan to visit Holkham beach, Wells, Holt and a couple of National Trust properties. First full day today, weather is a bit mixed. Hope to do some coastal walks which will help with the "10,000 steps a day.

I'm sorry to hear the George has gone downhill, but it's useful to know, thanks!

Felbrigg is nice. Yes, East Ruston has to be one of the best gardens in the UK, I can't think how I forgot it. The owners are lovely, but if you meet one of them weeding in his Cath Kidston apron don't be surprised... They are both lovely and very helpful. And the cake is excellent.

jane I noticed from the photos on the website that the gardeners are given to camping, or should that be glamping! (what with Cath Kidston and all)

I am/was a gardener, and went on a tour around the garden with one of them a few years ago. He was dressed like a floral Adam Ant on that day.

I haven't looked at the website for some years, but they are in partnership with Kew, a huge responsibility. Also, unlike other gardens, if you want to know what something is they will say 'fetch me a leaf/twig/whatever'!

If you do fancy a trip on the river and broads, The Southern Comfort River Boat is very good. It sails from Horning (which is a much nicer place to visit than Wroxham). And nearby at Neatishead is the Radar Museum - A blokey sort of place. Sounds boring and I haven't been but have heard very good reports.

Also, if the weather is foul and you do go into Norwich, The Bridewell and Strangers Hall Museums are both very good (Strangers Hall is only open Wed to Sat - I think)

(I do hope the lovely lads are there when you go to East Ruston - they really complete the visit)

Don't they just!

Thanks for the Horning tip. Also for the Radar Museum. Seven years we have been here, and I still haven't managed to get DBH on a boat, although I spent many happy holidays on them as a teenager.

We're hoping to spend a few days in Norfolk as soon as all the kids go back to school in Sept. I think autumn in East Anglia is the best time of year. East Ruston has been top of my wish list for ages so here's hoping and I've been making notes of all the above recommendations for accommodation.

We usually have an autumn break but I don't fancy a long drive this year so Norfolk will be perfect.