Exploring Norfolk
We stumbled across Eden Hall Cottage by accident when exploring the local area. It was a grey day in November and we were looking for somewhere to walk our little terrier Bertie. We stumbled across this beautiful coastline, with so many lovely beaches.
It wasn’t until after we had purchased the cottage that I told a friend (and Norfolk local) that we had discovered this beautiful corner of Norfolk, with the most stunning, quiet beaches I’d ever seen; their reply… ‘you’ve discovered the hidden part of Norfolk. Shoosh, don’t tell anyone…’
beaches
Just a five minute walk through the village and down a sandy track takes you to Bacton Beach. The beach extends for miles in both directions, so it’s the perfect escape for a walk or a quick paddle. Just a short drive away are more beaches to explore; Happisburgh, Sea Palling, Cart Gap and Mundesley are all worth a visit. Also keep an eye out for seals, as we often see them swimming along the coast and if you are visiting between November and the beginning of February, the large Grey seals come to the east coast to give birth to their pups, so a visit to Horsey Gap is a must!
local activities
Within a few minutes drive, there are the lovely Bacton Woods. This is a beautiful wood, great for walking, exploring or mountain biking (the wood has a maze of tracks for cycling!). We are also really close to the Norfolk Broads. This is a national park with over 125 miles of navigable lock-free waterways set in beautiful countryside, with charming towns and villages to stop at along the way. We hire a boat for the day and stop for a picnic and ice cream! Felbrigg Hall & Blickling Hall are two stunning National Trust properties that we love to visit, even if just for a walk followed by tea and cake in the café. Bewilderwood is a favourite for kids (and big kids). Essentially a huge outdoor playground; it’s always top of list of things to do when family visit.
eating
As for food, we are spoilt for choice. This part of Norfolk is full of country pubs, farms shops, independent cafes, homegrown vegetable and egg stalls, and PYO fruit farms. We also have some excellent fish & chip shops and a local seafood shack. For larger shops we are a 10-minute drive from Waitrose. Also 10-minutes away is the famous Gunton Arms. This is our favourite pub, packed with personality and contemporary art, all set within the grounds of a deer park!
Shopping
Whether your choice is antique hunting or just browsing pretty market towns, there are lots of options. Aylsham and Horning are both perfect for a wander, coffee or lunch. Holt is 30 minutes away and has a huge choice of boutiques and antique shops. Just 20 minutes away is Wroxham Barns which has lots of little shops and food options as well as activities for children. A little further afield is Stiffkey Stores, selling a lovely selection of interior items while the market town of Burnham Market has a great selection of independent shops.