Page 128 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

126 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

Stiffkey Blues
Local cockles known as “Stewkey
Blues” have been harvested on the
Stiffkey marshes for generations.
Their blue colour comes from their
anaerobic mud habitat. Often used
in fancy restaurant dishes, they are
best from a seafood stall, smothered
in vinegar and eaten on the beach.
& Thu; park open daily; www.holkham.
co.uk) is a fabulous Palladian-style
country seat amid a deer park, home
to Viscount and Viscountess Coke
(pronounced “Cook”). It houses a
treasury of statues, Old Masters,
antiques and tapestries. The Statue
Gallery contains one of the finest
Above Lobster and crab boats at the quayside private collections of classical
Wells-next-the-Sea 0 Wells-next-the-Sea sculpture, including a statue of
Norfolk; NR23 1AN Diana and a bust of Thucydides
A popular resort town, Wells got its from the 4th century BC. A notice
WHERE TO STAY name from the many clear springs in on the piano on the way in invites
the area. Today, as a result of silting, it able musicians to sit down and play.
WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA is more “near” than “next” the sea – The hall was a setting in the film The
Globe Inn moderate–expensive vessels must sail some way up inlets Duchess, starring Keira Knightley and
Eighteen bright and airy en-suite rooms to berth here, but the Ralph Fiennes.
are available in this refurbished inn. The
breakfast menu includes Cley smoked harbour is still a great ª Carry on A149, then left
haddock with poached egg, and there attraction. Stroll up to the on B1155. Park on-street.
are good-value bar snacks all day. grassy Georgian square
The Buttlands, N23 1EU; 01328 710 206; known as the Buttlands q Burnham Market
www.theglobeatwells.co.uk for a drink in either of the Norfolk; NR23 1AB
Victoria Hotel moderate–expensive village inns, the Crown Away from the coast, enjoy
A historic hotel on the edge of the or the Globe, or buy a the fine Georgian cottages
Holkham Estate, this has real-ale bars picnic from the Wells Deli bookended by two small
on the ground floor and an upmarket
restaurant. Some of the 10 en-suite and head for the beach. churches in this riverside
rooms have views over the marshes. Travel in style on the tiny, town, known as “Chelsea on
There are also three glorious self- narrow-gauge steam or Wells-next-the-Sea Sea”. Browse the hat and
catering lodges available. diesel Wells Harbour village sign dress shops, art gallery,
Park Road, NR23 1RG; 01328 711 008;
www.holkham.co.uk Railway (seasonal service). The jewellers, fish shop and
beautiful sands are backed by delicatessen, then have a deserved
BURNHAM MARKET expansive dunes and cooling pines. drink at the handsome Hoste Arms.
The Nelson inexpensive–moderate Just west, neighbouring Holkham ª Head north on the B1355, then turn
This pub has seven decent bedrooms Hall Estate (hall open Apr–Oct Sun, Mon left on A149.
with en-suite shower rooms in the
heart of this lovely village. There are
hearty breakfasts and bar meals that
make use of local ingredients.
Creake Road, PE31 8EN; 01328 738 321;
www.the-nelson.com
HUNSTANTON
Neptune Inn expensive
There are four pleasant en-suite
rooms at this handsome 18th-century
coaching inn. The Michelin-starred
restaurant uses mainly Norfolk
ingredients in the restaurant and bar.
85 Old Hunstanton Road, PE36 6HZ;
01485 532 122; www.theneptune.co.
uk; closed Mon
Right Creek into the harbour at
Wells-next-the-Sea
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150

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