Page 129 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 11: The Broads and the North Norfolk Coast 127

Above left Local produce at Burnham Market
Peddars Way and injured seals and other marine Above centre The famous striped cliffs of
The Norfolk Coast Path forms part of animals. Walk through an underwater Hunstanton Above right Bronze lioness,
the ancient Peddars Way, a scenic trail glass tunnel and be mesmerized by Holkham Hall, near Wells-next-the-Sea
that starts at Knettishall Heath, near sharks, seahorses, rays and other sea
Thetford, and runs across 74 km creatures in this safe habitat.
(46 miles) of mainly flat fenland to ª Head south on the A149. EAT AND DRINK
the sea near Hunstanton, following
an old Roman road. It hugs the coast WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA
eastward to Cromer before turning e Heacham Crown Hotel moderate
inland and joining the Weavers’ Way Norfolk; PE31 The emphasis here is on local produce,
and Angles Way to Great Yarmouth. This seaside village is a popular seasonality and sustainability. The result
holiday destination, and the wide is good, inventive but unfussy cooking.
open sands attract kite-fliers and The Buttlands, NR23 1EX; 01328 710
w Hunstanton windsurfers. Like Hunstanton, 209; www.crownhotelnorfolk.co.uk
Norfolk; PE36 6BQ Heacham looks west across the vast BURNHAM MARKET
An old-fashioned, bucket-and-spade bay and enjoys the evening spectacle Hoste Arms moderate
sort of resort, “Sunny Hunny” has two of golden sunsets reflected in the Eat in comfortable dining-rooms or at
distinct geographical features. Its water. In 1614, the Algonquin Indian the bar from an imaginative menu of
award-winning sandy beaches are princess Pocahontas married the local produce – Brancaster oysters,
Cromer crab and Norfolk pork. There
overlooked by cliffs striped red, white Heacham local John Rolfe – commem- are also plenty of good rooms – Horatio
and brown and, although an east orated by a carving in the 13th-century Nelson is said to have stayed here.
coast town, it looks west, into glorious Norman St Mary’s Church. Just The Green, PE3 8HD; 01328 738 777;
sunsets over the Wash. History buffs outside the village, located in an www.hostearms.com
might like Old Hunstanton for its old watermill, is Norfolk Lavender AROUND HEACHAM
deeper roots and charm, but hidden (open daily; 01485 570 384; www.norfolk- Rose and Crown moderate
away among traditional amusements lavender.co.uk), with fragrant meadow Family-friendly, 14th-century beamed
on Hunstanton’s Southern Promenade garden, plant centre, herb garden inn with walled garden– try the beef
(with pay parking), is the fascinating and shop. Try lavender and lemon or lamb grazed on the salt marshes at
Sea Life Sanctuary (open daily; 01485 scones in the tearoom, take a Holkham, and fish and shellfish landed
off the Norfolk and Suffolk coast.
533 576; www.visitsealife.com). This is minibus tour of the blooming Old Church Road, Snettisham,
dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation lavender fields in July, or visit the Rare PE31 7LX; 01485 541 382;
and release back into the wild of sick Breeds and Animal Centre on site. www.roseandcrownsnettisham.co.uk
DAY TRIP OPTIONS Wildlife Adventure animals at the sanctuary. Stop off at
There’s lots of choice here for history From Hunstanton w, visit the Sea Life Sheringham 6 for a railway ride and
buffs, nature lovers, families, and even Sanctuary to learn about the animals then head to Weybourne 7 for the
those who like life a little slower. up close. Then drive over to Blakeney amazing collection of military vehicles.
9 for a boat trip to see the sea birds
Norwich and the Broads and seals in their natural environment. Take the A149 there and back.
Staying at Norwich 1, explore the Finish up at Cley-next-the-Sea 8 A Genteel Day
town in the morning – see the castle, bird-watching in the salt marshes. Take a tour of the grand hall and
cathedral, historic centre and shops, estate at Holkham. Then drive to
then head for Horning 2 to buy a Take the A149 there and back. Burnham Market q, for some quaint
picnic and spend the afternoon on the Family Fun village life and a spot of shopping,
Broads in a canoe. Finally, enjoy a fish Starting at Cromer 4, enjoy the before heading for Heacham e
supper at Mundesley 3 by the sea. traditional resort atmosphere then set and a visit to the lavender farm.
Follow the instructions in this drive. off for West Runton 5, to see the farm Take the A149 there and back.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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