Back from a return visit to North Norfolk, although this time we had to split the four night trip over two locations, as we couldn’t find a single hotel that could run to a four day stretch. On the plus side, gave us the opportunity to try another hotel!
On our way up to the hotel, called in to Castle Rising, which was interesting and another off the tick list. Building of the castle was begun in 1138 by the Norman lord William d’Albini for his new wife, the widow of Henry I. In the 14th century it became the luxurious residence of Queen Isabella, widow (and alleged murderess) of Edward II. Well worth a visit, and not just for the intrigue! The stone keep, built in around 1140 AD, is amongst the finest surviving examples of its kind anywhere in the country and, together with the massive surrounding earthworks, ensures that Rising is a castle of national importance. In its time Rising has served as a hunting lodge, royal residence, and for a brief time in the 18th century even housed a mental patient.
First stop was a new one for us – Heacham Manor, where we took a chance on a ‘Manor Deluxe – serviceable enough, with a slightly retro appeal, it served its purpose. Set in lovely surroundings with its own golf course and relatively new pavilion; the latter acted as the lunch venue when we met up with friends who fortuitously were staying in Norfolk the same week. We also visited Thornham and St. Mary’s Church, where purely by chance we discovered the 15th Century rood screen, donated to the church by wealthy merchant John Miller (died 1488). Walked to what is described rather ambitiously as Thornham Harbour, followed by a satisfying visit to Thorhham deli. For the sake of clarity the ‘harbour’ is indeed very picturesque, with small boats moored up at weathered jetties along the creek, with halcyon views inland to the village and across the marshes towards Titchwell. Lovely walking country! Also revisited Titchwell RSPB, where it was just a mite warmer than on our previous trip there.
We then moved on to our trusted hotel, the Kings Head Country Hotel in Great Bircham, where Mrs. No Name appeared to have booked the best room in the hotel, so brownie points for that! Hotel was a good as ever, and the food seemed to have gone up a notch over previous visits. So much so that we ate in the restaurant on both nights. After a few aborted attempts we finally prebooked tickets and found our way to Sandringham House and Grounds, where we met our holidaying friends for the second time. Internally, the house was very much a family home. I’m neither an apologist or abolitionist when it comes to the Royal family but it is undoubtedly true that the main ground floor rooms and the decor and contents remain very much as they were in Edwardian times – clearly the family home it purports to be. The grounds (and St Mary Magdalene Church) were also worth a stroll…..
Our last visit of the break wast to Houghton House. We couldn’t decide if we had been before and, having gone, we are none the wiser. The additional incentive for going was the staging of the Tony Cragg sculpture exhibition (mainly in the grounds and two interior rooms). The exhibition, curated by the artist himself, included large-scale bronze and steel sculptures sited in the gardens and grounds, and smaller pieces shown in the State rooms and gallery spaces of the house. Several new works were made specifically for the exhibition. It was perfectly fine (but not overwhelming) and did have the additional benefit of fulfilling our daily exercise requirements – if we had been before, we certainly didn’t remember the grounds being that extensive! Whatever, indecision slightly disturbing 🙂 but a fine conclusion to another lovely Norfolk break.