Day 1: We arrive at our impressive country house hotel, Dunston Hall, in time for dinner.
Day 2: Our day starts with a visit to the Bure Valley Railway and a 45-minute journey by steam train through the picturesque Norfolk countryside. Following the meandering River Bure through meadowland and ancient pasture, we disembark in Wroxham and take a leisurely 15-minute stroll to Wroxham Bridge. There will be time to enjoy some lunch before our 90-minute Norfolk Broads circular cruise on board a replica Mississippi Paddle Steamer. With fun and informative commentary from the skipper and plenty of opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, it’s the perfect way to switch off from it all and discover the diversity of this enchanting landscape.
Day 3: We have free time this morning to enjoy Norfolk’s classic coastal town of Great Yarmouth, famed for its sandy beach and traditional seaside charm. Enjoy all the fun of the fair at the Pleasure Beach with thrill rides and family favourites, slot machines, crazy golf and amusements. Alternatively, perhaps visit the Time and Tide Museum which chronicles local history, or the Nelson Museum, charting the life of the infamous Admiral. There’s also the miniature Merrivale Model Village, one of Great Yarmouth’s best loved attractions set in over an acre of award winning landscaped gardens depicting a typical reflection of English countryside with its own busy town centre, village inn, sports centre, holiday park and much more. Later today, we travel to the delightful medieval city of Norwich. Brimming with over 900 years of rich history there is plenty to discover including Norwich Castle, a royal fortification and former public gaol and now a museum and gallery, the ornately cloistered Norwich cathedral and Elm Hill, the most complete medieval street in the city. There is also fabulous shopping and a haven of independent eateries and bars.
Day 4: We travel to the Victorian seaside resort of Sheringham and board the North Norfolk Railway for a one-way journey to the Georgian town of Holt. Sit back, relax, and relish the nostalgia of times gone by as our steam train trundles through the county’s most stunning coastal scenery. After arriving in Holt, we make our way to Holkham Hall, one of England’s finest examples of the Palladian style of architecture nestled within 25,000 acres of rolling parkland, alive with deer and mighty oaks. This imposing, 18th-century house is home to the Earls of Leicester, and consists of a glorious Marble Hall, elegant staterooms and art galleries. There will be time at leisure to explore the house and its gorgeous walled garden, which houses Victorian greenhouses, vineries, a working kitchen garden and amazing flowers and foliage.
Day 5: After breakfast, we make our way home.