We have an East Anglian theme again this month, as I've been spending some time in my favourite English county – Norfolk. This has to be one of the most diverse regions in the country, intensely rural for the most part, and home to great beaches, nature and some of the most historic corners of the UK. Its array of places to stay is also wide ranging and usually of high quality, from fab revamped pubs serving great local and seasonal food to boutique country hotels and cottages and glamping sites situated in beautiful out-of-the-way locations.
Norwich Castle
Probably the grandest palace that was never lived in by a monarch, Norwich Castle is one of the most significant medieval sites in Europe, let alone the UK, and has just reopened after a multi-million-pound, five-year restoration. Norwich was the second city of the UK when it was built, shortly after the Norman invasion, and the renovation has restored it to its original Norman grandeur, with an accurate replication of how it would have looked in its heyday (surprisingly colourful as it happens) and with the opening of its amazing Gallery of Medieval Life – the largest such collection outside of London. Not only that, you can now enjoy the view from its famous battlements.
Check out more places to see in Norwich and some great Norwich hotels, including the super historic Maids Head.
Pensthorpe
The metropolitan delights of Norwich are many and various, which makes an escape to Pensthorpe, just half an hour away by car, all the more appealing on a sunny day. Pensthorpe is one of Norfolk's most popular attractions but it retains an appealing homespun quality, and while they have added a lot of stuff for kids over the years, it remains at heart what it was originally meant to be: a wetland nature reserve with beautiful gardens, wildlife trails and carefully located hides to spot all manner of birds, from sedge warblers to herons and marsh harriers. You might even spot a kingfisher if you're patient enough! Summer holiday crowds can be large but it's easy to escape the throngs - bring a picnic and spend the day here.
My favourite place to stay near Pensthorpe is Sculthorpe Mill, just the other side of Fakenham, but there are lots of other options nearby and all along the North Norfolk Coast.
Winterton
Norfolk has some wonderful beaches but I like to let the crowds head off to Holkham and Brancaster and instead go to my favourite seaside spot at Winterton-on-Sea, where a beautiful expanse of sand is backed by a stunning range of dunes. It's home to one of the country's largest colonies of Little Terns and if you're lucky you might find yourself sharing the water with a seal or two (although this is more likely further up the coast at Horsey at Waxham). It's also dog-friendly all year round. A couple of beach cafes complete the picture, and the pretty village has a great pub, The Fisherman's Return, which has rooms and serves good food. Finally, climb to the top of Winterton's church tower for a panoramic view of the Norfolk coast and the nearby Broads.
Winterton is right on the edge of the Broads National Park, where there are lots of good places to stay. Try Mill Farm Eco Barns, in Winterton itself, the lodges and camping at nearby Clippesby Hall, or the wonderful waterside Boathouse a few miles down the coast at Ormesby Broad.
Cool Place of the Month
It's not quite in Norfolk but I'll never forget my first visit to The Windmill Suffolk, just outside the historic Suffolk town of Lavenham – not just for its idyllic rural location but mostly for the ingenious way owner Natalie had converted it to be one of the most luxurious and unique holiday homes you could imagine. It's the perfect place for star-gazing and lazy days in the country, and you can never forget you're staying somewhere special. Your only problem might be availability, so get in touch now - it's an an amazing place for a break in a beautiful part of Suffolk!
Hot Deal of the Month
Continuing the Norfolk theme, one of the North Coast's best boutique hotels, Titchwell Manor, is offering a very generous 20% off all B&B stays this summer, both in the hotel itself and in one of their cosy shepherds huts. It's in a great position for just about everything you might want to see along this stretch of coast, with loads of great walks and beaches nearby, and the food is truly a cut above – even in an area that's brimming with good pubs and restaurants.
