Family Itinerary: North Norfolk Coast and the Broads

tktk tktk tktk tktk — Voted best beach in Britain: The sandy expanse at Holkham Beach was used in the closing credits of Shakespeare in Love

I’ll come right out with it: I’m officially in love with Norfolk. This visit was my first and I’m entranced. In a way, the North Norfolk coast reminds me a bit of California’s northern counties. There are wide sandy beaches that go on for miles, spectacular coastline, abundant wildlife and seaside communities. They even have surfers!

Like the Northern California coast, there’s an untouched ruggedness and tranquility about it that eventually gets found out by the masses. Dubbed Cotswolds-by-the-Coast because of the amount of Farrow & Ball that has been used in the gentrification of the area, Norfolk makes a lovely family beach and boating getaway for those of us not lucky enough to live near the water.

Living in the Thames Valley, we usually make a beeline for the M4 and head West for our breaks, not even considering going East. The thought of getting stuck in bank holiday M25 traffic is enough to deter. (The reality was there was no traffic – leaving 6 pm on a Friday evening and coming home 3 pm in a bank holiday Monday).

After chatting with Visit Norfolk (which should be your first port of call when visiting the area), I think we devised the perfect itinerary for a Norfolk weekend taster suitable for families. I’ve detailed it below in case you want to try any of it yourself. It starts in the Cromer/Northrepps area, where Forest Park kindly hosted us in one of their cottages. Have a look. I dare you not to fall under the spell as well!

Family Itinerary: Explore the North Norfolk Coast

With 93 miles of clean, safe, beaches (many have Seaside Awards and Blue Flag status safe), the Norfolk Coast is perfect for families that want a traditional British seaside holiday.

Start on the coast at Cromer and drive north where you see Cromer Ridge, the highest point in Norfolk. The famous Cromer crab (must eat food) thrive in the chalk reef. There are many coastal walks/paths to explore.

Then head north to the National Trust’s Sheringham Park, an estate on 20 hectares of parkland with specimen trees and rhododendrons. Cycle the paths, fly a kite and walk the 100+ steep steps up the Gazebo – every one is worth it for the staggering view at the top of the north coast.

Drive a bit further north and just after Cley-next-to-Sea there’s Wiveton Hall, a farm, restaurant and accommodation in the corner of a grand house with views over the marshes to Cley beach. The restaurant serves stylish food from their own walled garden and local suppliers and farms. The small shop carries Emma Bridgwater pottery, inspired by the asparagus and artichokes for which Wiveton in known. Families can pick their own strawberries and raspberries in the summer months.

Just a bit further north is Blakeney Point, where you can take Bean’s Boat Trips for the 1-hour journey to see Common and Grey seals and birds in their natural habitat on Blakeney Point. They go by the tides, so make sure to check the timetable.

Drive on to the conjoined beaches of Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham (voted best beach in Britain). Holkham was used for the closing credits of Shakespeare in Love. Park at the car park at the far end of Wells Harbour, and walk up the steps by the funky beach café, go over the bridge and then admire the 100 candy-coloured beach huts and walk the mile or so until you reach the sea! it’s a great place to fly a kite. If you want a picnic, pick up some organic makings at the Picnic Fayre Deli, which is in Cley right before Wells.

For dinner, go back to Cromer and take a stroll on the Cromer Pier (the only Victorian pier left with an end-of-pier theatre, in summer check out famous Seaside Special shows). Then try THE BEST fish and chips at No. 1 Cromer, the casual eatery of Michelin-star chef Galton Blackison. Book upstairs or walk in for downstairs. Kids meals are served in a bucket and spade they can keep!

Itinerary: Take in the Norfolk Broads

Though you won’t want to tear yourself away from the coast, go 30 miles south and you’ll find Norfolk’s richest and most famous asset – the Norfolk Broads. These magical waterways are miles and miles of interconnected lakes and man-made rivers that are ideal for boating and fishing.

Start at Wroxham, the heart of the Broads, then rent a cruiser or day boat at Broads Tours and spend the day on the water! The kids will love the “who will wave back” game (everyone does) and spotting all the wildlife. Bring a picnic or if you are adventurous moor at a pub (they are about an hour and a bit away). Or rent a bicycle and meander your way through the Broads countryside. Then pop into Wroxham Barns for daily lamb feedings. You can spend the rest of your time discussing which house on the water you want to buy!

The view from the Gazebo at the National Trust’s Sheringham Park is amazing. It takes a bit of work to climb up - but every step is worth it! — The view from the Gazebo at the National Trust’s Sheringham Park is amazing. It takes a bit of work to climb up – but every step is worth it!

The kids fish and chips at @no1cromer came with a bucket and spade you keep! Brilliant idea @chefgalton @visitnorfolk The girls loved it

A photo posted by Susanna Scott (@amodernmother) on May 6, 2015 at 9:24am PDT

Wiveton Hall, a farm, restaurant and accommodation in the corner of a grand house with views over the marshes to Cley beach. The restaurant serves stylish food from farm, walled garden and local suppliers. — Wiveton Hall, a farm, restaurant and accommodation in the corner of a grand house with views over the marshes to Cley beach. The restaurant serves stylish food from farms, their own walled garden and local suppliers.

We took Beans Boat Trips out to see the seal and bird colony at Blakeney Point on the North Norfolk Coast. It's a 'must do" if you have nature lovers in the family! — We took Beans Boat Trips out to see the seal and bird colony at Blakeney Point on the North Norfolk Coast. It’s a ‘must do” if you have nature lovers in the family!

My 10-year-old’s perspective

We went to see the seals at Blakeney Point with Beans Boat Trips. We went in an open boat to see them and it was fun and exciting (and we got wet). When we got there the seals were soooooo cute! There are two types of seals: Common and Grey, though the Common seals aren’t common, there are more grey seals. The seals were friendly and one swam by our boat I loved it!

Norfolk - flying kites on Holkham Beach — It’s often windy at Holkham Beach and a perfect place to fly a kite!

These bright yellow fields were everywhere in Norfolk. Can you tell if they are rapeseed oil, or mustard (which almost entirely comes from Norfolk crops?) — These bright yellow fields were everywhere in Norfolk. Can you tell if they are rapeseed oil, or mustard (which almost entirely comes from Norfolk crops).

The girls had fun playing 'spot the heron'! Broads Tours has and activity sheet where you can tick off all the wildlife you see! — The girls had fun playing ‘spot the heron’! Broads Tours has an activity sheet where you can tick off all the wildlife you see!

Where we stayed: Forest Park

We stayed as guests at Keepers Cottage at Forest Park, a 4-star Tourist Board rated self-catering cottage. It’s a completely modernized former Estate gamekeeper’s cottage set at the edge of the hugely popular Forest Park, an award-winning caravan park set on 100-acres of the Gurney estate. Developed in 60s as a caravan site on the estate’s former hunting grounds, Forest Park quickly became popular with campers and tourers because of its gorgeous setting and amenities (heated pool, club house, clean bathrooms). Still one of the UK’s largest caravan sites, Forest Park is now also popular with North Coast surfers who want a warm shower after a day on the waves.

Keepers Cottage is large, spacious, light and airy. Completely modernized (in the old days they used to have to get water from the big house) and recently redecorated, it still maintains its 1880s charm. The cottage is all on one level, with one double, two twins, family bathroom, spacious sitting room and large kitchen. It’s like going to grandmas house. It’s child friendly – no valuable antiques and there’s a large enclosed garden to run around in. Pets welcome. One of the best things about the cottage is the price (very reasonable for the size).

All cottages include a complimentary membership at Forest Park, which has a heated indoor swimming pool, clubhouse with live entertainment, restaurant, children’s play area and on-site shop with local produce, freshly baked bread and all kinds of treats for kids to spend their pocket-money. There are miles of walking and cycle routes through the forest, gentle landscape perfect even if you have ridden a bicycle in years. You can walk to through the woodland to Overstrand Beach in about 15/20 minutes.

I was completed entranced by a book left in the cottage – The Northrepps Grandchildren by Verily Andersen. Published in the 60s, it’s fascinating nostalgic commentary of the author’s love of her summers at Northrepps. For generations Northrepps Hall and its surrounding properties hosted the extended Buxton, Barclay and Gurney families for holidays. It’s lovely to see the property is still enjoyed by hundreds each year.

Our home away from home - Keepers Cottage at @forestparkhols Built in the 1880s, it's the former Northrepps Estate gamekeepers courage with lots of rustic charm — Our home away from home – Keepers Cottage at @forestparkhols Built in the 1880s, it’s the former Northrepps Estate gamekeeper’s cottage with lots of rustic charm.

I found this fascinating book in our holiday let at @forestparkhols It's full of nostalgic commentary of summers spent on the @NorthreppsC estate — I found this fascinating book in our holiday let at @forestparkhols It’s full of nostalgic commentary of summers spent on the @NorthreppsC estate

Itinerary: Forest Park/Northrepps area

Forest Park is set in 100-acres of woodland, and has won the Bellamy Award for the 12^th year running for special conservation and environmentally friendly status. There are several woodland walks, which you can leisurely stroll or bring a bicycle (if you forgot your bike, you can rent one from Sea Palling Cycle Hire). If you just want a quick swim with the kids, make use the pool on the park.

What you must do is check out the beaches. Take the 15-minute walk (or drive) to Overstrand Beach and see the beach huts and cool cloud formations. Or go a bit further to Cromer for a little kiss-me-quick; alternatively learn to surf at Cromer! Norfolk’s deep swells and good waves are giving Cornwall a run for its money! Find out more at out the Glide Surf School in Cromer.

For a little adventure and a nice meal or high tea, take the hidden path through the Forest Park woodlands to Northrepps Country Cottage Hotel and have a first class meal (such as Cromer crab thermidor with seasonal vegetables) at the hotel. The hotel is full of history – at the turn of last century it hosted huge house parties and overflow from Northrepps Hall. Then walk back with flashlights!

Forest Park is set in 100-acres of woodland, and Bellamy Award for 12th year running for special conservation and environmentally friendly status.

My 11-year-old’s perspective

Keeper’s Cottage was big and cosy. It had two smaller bedrooms (with two single beds) and a master bedroom with a TV, leading onto the kitchen which has everything you need. The garden is also quite big and we had lots of fun playing with the frisbees which we got from the shop which is close by and has everything.

All kids LOVE a swimming pool. — Forest Park: All kids LOVE a swimming pool!

A site like this is where they plan to add glamping! — A site like this is where Forest Park plan to add glamping! We can’t wait to try it out.

Walk on over to the Northrepps Cottage Hotel, a realhidden gem!. You can walk back with flashlights! — From Forest Park walk on over to the Northrepps Cottage Hotel for high tea or an evening meal. You can walk back with flashlights!

IF YOU GO:

Visit Norfolk This website should be your first port of call before visiting.

Forest Park Northrepps Rd., Northrepps, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 0JR +44 01263 513290 forest-park.co.uk Holiday cottages and tent/motor home/touring caravan pitch rental with clubhouse and swimming pool.

Northrepps Cottage Country Hotel Nut Lane, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 0JN +44 01263 579202 northreppscottage.co.uk Smart country hotel with 8 stylish bedrooms & a fine-dining restaurant, plus afternoon tea.

Cromer Pier Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9HE +44 01263 512495 cromer-pier.com Grade II listed seaside pier – and the last end-of-pier theatre in the country!

No.1 Cromer 1 New Street, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9HP +44 01263 512316 no1cromer.com THE BEST fish and chips. Casual eatery of Michelin-star chef Galton Blackison. Book Upstairs or walk in for downstairs. Kids meals are served in a bucket and spade they can keep!

Beans Boat Trips Morston Quay, Morston, Norfolk NR25 7AA +44 01263 740038 beansboattrips.co.uk Blakeney National Nature Reserve Blakeney, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7NW Hour-long trip to see the seal colony at Blakeney Point. They go by the tides, so make sure to check the timetable.

Sheringham Park Wood Farm, Sheringham NR26 8TL nationaltrust.org.uk Take the walk to the watch tower which has staggering views across the coast

North Norfolk Railway Station Approach, Sheringham Station, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8RA + 44 01263 820800 nnrailway.co.uk Vintage steam railway.

Wiveton Hall 1 Marsh Lane, Wiveton, Holt NR25 7TE +44 01263 740515 wivetonhall.co.uk Stylish food from farm, walled garden and local suppliers in gaily decorated corner of grand house. Brilliant for lunch and you can see Blakeney Point in the distance.

Picnic Fayre Deli The Old Forge, Cley next the Sea, Norfolk NR25 7AP +44 01263 740587 www.picnic-fayre.co.uk Finalist in Deli of the Year 2010.Pick up specialty food and wine for a picnic on the beach!

Wroxham Barns Tunstead Road, Hoveton, Norwich NR12 8QU +44 01603 783762 wroxhambarns.co.uk Daily lamb feedings.

Broads Tours The Bridge, Wroxham, Norwich, Norfolk NR12 8RX +44 01603 782207 broadstours.co.uk River trips and day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads.

BeWILDerwood Horning Road, Hoveton, Norfolk NR12 8JW +44 bewilderwood.co.uk Adventure park for families located in Horning, a parish in the English county of Norfolk.

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve Pensthorpe Road, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0LN + 44 01328 851465 pensthorpe.com Pensthorpe Natural Park is located in Pensthorpe, Norfolk, England The park covers 700 acres.

Sheringham Park: If you time it right, you can catch the North Norfolk Railway vintage steam train roaring down the Norfolk coast.

sheringham park - wildlife sightings — Sheringham Park: A list of all the wildlife sightings for the month.

Norfolk - Wiveton hall asparagus, pea and mint risotto — Wiveton Hall: We tried the asparagus, pea and mint risotto – all from their walled garden.

Blakeney Point, where you can take Bean’s Boat Trips out for the 1-hour journey to see Common and Grey seals and birds in their natural habitat on Blakeney Point.

Many people don't know that the extensive network of navigate-able rivers and lakes of the Norfolk Broads are manmade from peat — Many people don’t know that the extensive network of navigate-able rivers and lakes of the Norfolk Broads are manmade from peat.

Norfolk - brought a little bick back with me! — I brought a little bit Norfolk back with me. I’ll be back soon!

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