We didn’t have enough time to do everything that the Brecks in mid Norfolk had to offer for a mid week break in August. Using Strattons Hotel in Swaffham (featured in the ITV hit series “Kingdom”, staring Stephen Fry) as our base was perfect, just a short drive to the coast, forestry, cities Norwich and Cambridge, historic buildings Oxborough Hall and Saint Marys Chapel, the Queens estate Sandringham and more as I will divulge. For our 5 day break we tried to do something active each day, having cycles delivered to the hotel from Bike art at High Lodge, we picked up Peddars way just 1 mile east from Swaffham. The Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path starts in Suffolk at Knettishall Heath Country Park and follows the route of a Roman road to Holme-next-the-Sea on the north Norfolk coast, which we would highly recommend. For day 2 we decided to take it a little easier and so visited Historic Hall Oxborough before returning to hotel for a walk via the beloved Waitrose to Castle acre. The magic of the Norfolk country side is that you can see for miles with its flat landscape not obscuring your view and as Stephen Fry has been quoted when describing his favour place in the world Norfolk has the biggest sky’s. Castle acre is a great place to lose an afternoon, with its Priory, church, castle, local pub and tea rooms, it was a real hit with us! After such a relaxing day we once again decided to turn up the volume by visiting Go-Ape high wire adventure at High Lodge Thetford forest. Now this isn’t for the faint hearted, a high level tree course set out across Thetford forest taking around 3 hours with a few breaks to catch your breath from the 3 G swing. A must do for the dare devils amongst us. Another day in the City, just 30 minutes east from Strattons we found the charming Norfolk city of Norwich. Mixing culture with shopping we roamed the Cathedrals grounds which I would die to own one of the ancient dwellings, and the surround area of Tombland. As a shopping adventure Norwich comes top, antique and art galleries, a market and the usual high street facades, a full day’s trading.
In summary, would we go again? We have already booked! Using Strattons as a base couldn’t have been more ideal and although we didn’t make it to the much written about North Norfolk coast it is just 30 minutes in the car or a few hours by cycle and will defiantly be on the agenda next time along with the Queens estate Sandringham.
www.strattonshotel.co.uk
01760 723845
Ash Close, Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7NH
Google map: bit.ly/duhnxf
The little town of Swaffham is home to two outstanding green businesses. One is the Ecotech Centre, a visitor attraction bringing renewables to life with the back drop of the mighty Foster designed wind turbine. Visitors can climb the 300 step turbine tower for panoramic views.
Nearby Strattons Hotel combines luxury and green living with a touch of recycled art. The hotel has embedded itself into the local community to ensure it buys locally and its staff haven't far to travel.
Regular buses depart from King’s Lynn and Norwich. Alternatively arrive by bicycle; just a short diversion off the Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 13 on the Thetford to Fakenham stretch.
www.ecotech.org.uk
www.strattonshotel.com
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