the-barn-at-moor-hall

North Norfolk Coast

The North Norfolk coast has wide expanses of sandy beach at Burnham Overy Staithe, Holkham and Wells; grey shingle mounds at Cley and Salthouse; sand and shingle at Cromer and Sheringham; boats bobbing in the harbour and estuary at Blakeney; and mudflats, creaks and bridges of Stiffkey and Morston. The walk between Blakeney and Cley, overlooking the salt marshes and the windmill, is a treat in any weather, or visit the marvellous churches from the 15th century when wool made Norfolk rich, as at Salle.

The Town of Holt

The Georgian market town of Holt has something for everyone: delicatessens at Larners and Byfords; art at the Bircham Gallery and many other galleries; antiques shops galore (we particularly like Scotts for china); clothes boutiques (Nicholsons, Gunhill, the Morston shops and the retro Old Town); a marvellous kitchen shop, Butlers, in Appleyard; handbags and cases in the Tannery shops for men and women; and lots of cafes, pubs and braseries.

Stately Homes & Gardens

There are stately homes and gardens: the Jacobean mansion Blickling Hall, with a glorious walk round the lake, a bluebell-filled Great Wood in early May, and a compendious second hand bookshop; the mediaeval manor house Mannington Hall, with its lovely rose gardens; 17th century Felbrigg hall, with its pretty walled garden; the vastness of the Palladian style Holkham Hall; and the glorious rhododendrons and azaleas at Sheringham Park.

For Children

For children there’s the steam engine railway between Holt and Sheringham and other diminutive lines; the Langham glass foundry; the sawmill at Gunton Park; the seals on the Blakeney National Nature Reserve; local museums and wildlife parks galore; and treats such as a trip to the theatre at the end of Cromer Pier. If you are feeling lazy you could stay at The Barn to sit in a deckchair watching the wildlife; put on your boots for the gentle circuit of the conservation area; play rounders, badmington, tennis, boules or croquet in the grounds; or get out the board games!