NORFOLK IN WINTER...North & East winds. The last remnants of oak leaves still clinging to isolated branches. Rusty colours not yet dulled by falling temperatures. Those who know....have an affection for these late and early season English land and coastscapes bred of those bracing winds followed by the relief and warmth of fresh made toast and log fires. A walk in the woods....or across the salt marshes....or along the ample sands. It matters not whether it be December, or February, or March....the winter months are as livening as August picnics.
NORTH NORFOLK & ITS' ATTRACTIONS... The North Norfolk coast with its' vast beaches & bird life, saltings & creeks, charming flint cottages & pretty sail boats, villages & hamlets & an atmosphere untainted by the inexorable though comfortably accommodated tide of numbers. A rare & magnetic piece of this still green land.
HOLT is as good a shopping venue as anywhere in England. There are fine dress shops, good shoes, art galleries, antique shops, jewellers, sporting clothes, bookshops(old & new), cook shops, wet fish & as good a cheese counter as you could hope for.
AYLSHAM though, has 'slow town status' awarded by the Italian group formed for this purpose. This means that you shouldn't expect all shops to be open at lunch time. However, Aylsham has many excellent butchers, charming tea shops, A1 bike store with 'technicians', good hairdressers & barbers, nice old pubs, fish & chips, antiques & bric a brac & no parking problems ! Good auction room too.
LOCAL...MUST GO TO THESE... 13 years ago Itteringham took over the Village shop from its' long terms owners. It is 5 years since a revamp & now trades as a community store stocking most things that you will need for your stay including local meats & veg., fresh wet fish, deli foods, wine & beer, organic nuts & pulses, fresh bread & cakes, etc..
Introduced this year....a now expanded cafe geared to serving tea(most varieties) & specialist coffee, light breakfasts & lunches, afternoon refreshments and 'takeaway' cakes(made in the village).There is a selection of local breads of....
almost French persuasion & passion....though in the English taste. (Mr Kew supplies as good a pie, for four to six servings, as you will find anywhere in Anglia!).
THE WALPOLE ARMS is a gastro pub with a good bar & is within staggering distance just across the field. The feed back (forgive the reference chosen) has all been good from our many guests.
THE SARACENS' HEAD round by WOLTERTON HALL is also a good call to make.( Wolterton is licenced for weddings and other occassions).
Both venues have crackling open fires & so are good places to enjoy an evening over dinner with a fine wine. This is a very....'particular' part of this special island of England.
CALL ME AT THE NUMBER SHOWN & BOOK A FEW DAYS.
Boots & warm outer clothes are suggested.
PENELOPE BLAKE
PS'S Under no circumstances should guests agree to accommodate further overnight parties(friends or any others) without the prior consent of their hosts who may or may not agree to an ancillary contract.
There is no smoking allowed anywhere in house but the verandah at front of property is accepted as being....OK.
Heating oil for boiler and dry logs for the fire are supplied.
Golf:
The nearest golf course is Sheringham (8 miles).
SHERINGHAM is a relatively 'small' golf course but is challenging & fun. Sited on the cliff top it can be ........adventurous..... when there is a brisk wind blowing, as there so often is. Well worth an outing.
CROMER (10 miles). This is perhaps a similar challenge to the above. Also cliff top in places and marginally less verdant than Sheringham but on the right day can be very pleasureable.
WEST RUNTON (9 miles). By the Links Hotel. Nine holes only but a pleasant ,'not over taxing' test!
BRANCASTER (34 miles). The Royal West Norfolk Golf Club. A links course of very traditional character. Not over
tricky but can be a 'beast' on a windy day. You can take your dog with you, under control of course. Beware that you leave at an appropriate moment because the approach road will be covered at high tide!
FAKENHAM (17 miles) 9 holes only. A modest test.
NORWICH (18 miles) The Royal Norwich. Carved in two by the very busy unbridged Norwich/Drayton high road. Pleasant course but be prepared to be irritated by the incessant traffic noises.
For other courses please refer to computer.
