Norfolk’s Treasures

 A feature from the June 2016 issue of Suffolk Norfolk Life magazine
Suffolk Norfolk Life June 2016Click to view this issue »
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Places
One (extended) family’s opinion, By Jan McGeachie

I am fortunate that I have family members who live in the county so compiled my own very personal survey asking them what they love about living in (or to those across the border) enjoy about visiting Norfolk.

During the many times I have visited the county I have stayed in self-catering properties, bed and breakfast or in a static caravan, so wild camping on the beach wouldn’t be high on my list for the absolute “must” of somewhere to stay overnight.

Time and time again, many mention that it’s being on or close to the ninety mile coast that they enjoy the best, sampling the delights of fish and chips on the quayside at Wells or visiting the seals at Blakeney Point. Others prefer exploring the more traditional delights of Great Yarmouth, Cromer and Sheringham or watching kite surfers on the sands at Hunstanton. More active members choose hiking on one of the many walks Norfolk has to offer, like the North Norfolk Coast Path, Peddars Walk or even the curiously titled Pingo Trail, which I learned refers to the miniature hills that long ago were formed by the Ice Age and now have become an ideal wildlife habitat.

Here during late summer plenty of butterflies and dragonflies to keep everyone enthralled as you stroll through Norfolk Wildlife Trust land. Just make sure you have your insect repellent aerosol spray handy if like me, you are prone to mosquito bites! I think perhaps next time better to outwit them and take to the cycle and explore Thetford Forest, which in parts is fairly flat.

Many in my family like to visit or cruise on the Norfolk Broads – I simply enjoy being by the water, taking a leisurely stroll watching the passing boats or stopping for a meal or drink sitting in a beer garden and soaking up the scene.

Others prefer to visit the City where they live, either to go shopping at Jarrold’s department store or the brilliant Norwich Market whilst others explore the Cathedral or the Castle there. Personally top of my list of Norfolk’s shopping delights is Roy’s of Wroxham – a sprawl of shops that dominate the town, selling a wide variety of things required in both the home and garden and many at surprisingly low prices.

Art lovers favour a visit to the Sainsbury Centre at University of East Anglia to absorb work by world famous artists, whilst those that prefer History like the older parts of Kings Lynn with its Tudor buildings and cobbled streets as well as the heritage centre there on the quayside, not forgetting taking time out to witness the night time illuminated experience.

Read about more Norfolk Treasures in the June 2016 issue of Suffolk Norfolk Life Magazine
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