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The Norfolk Broads

Things to do in Norfolk

To help you make the most out of your stay at Barsham Barns Holiday Cottages, here are some tips and advice on things to do in Norfolk. Enjoy!

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Best beaches in Norfolk

www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/inspire/top-10-beaches.aspx

Wells Next the Sea: sandy beach that stretches for miles

This is a great beach with beach huts, pools for paddling and endless sandy stretches for long walks. Best to park at Pinewoods Caravan Park.

Holkham Beach: long sandy beach great for solitude seekers

Holkham has a really dramatic sandy beach fringed with pine trees with film connections – it featured in Shakespeare in Love. Park your car on Lady Anne’s Drive opposite the Victoria Hotel or walk from Burnham Overy or Wells.

Brancaster: family friendly beach

Though this beach is less dramatic than Holkham it’s more family friendly, as the tide doesn’t go out too far.

Cley next the Sea: quiet pebbly beach

This is a quiet, pebbly beach with stunning views to either side. There’s good swimming at high tide.

Hunstanton: great for sunset photos

The beach and cliffs face west giving perfect spots for viewing spectacular sunsets. When the tide is out there are plenty of rock pools around the groynes.

Sheringham: stony beach with rock pools

This is a stony beach but at low tide there’s lots of sand and great rock pools.

 

Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk

Burnham Overy Staithe

Five ideas for getting out to sea

Sailing at MorstonSailing tuition and charter with Norfolketc

There’s private tuition and private charter on offer at this family-run watersports centre in Blakeney Harbour.

Trip from Morston to Blakeney Point to see the seals

There are boat trips from Morston during high tide. Book with either of the following:

Beans 01263 740792

Temples 01263 740791

Ptarmigan 01263 740792

Day trips on the ‘Juno’ Sailing Barge

Charter this magnificent sailing barge for a day or half-day trip around the North Norfolk coast. May to October only.

Nature and wildlife boat trips with Branta Cruises

Two-hour boat trips to Scolt Head island with conservationist and warden Jon Brown.

Kite surfing at Hunstanton Kitesurfing school

Learn to kitesurf on the Norfolk Coast at this kitesurfing school in Hunstanton.

www.hunstantonwatersports.com

 

Norfolk seals on the beach

Best wildlife activities in North Norfolk

Pensthorpe Wildlife Park

Lakes, woods and meadows with hundreds of wild birds, walk-through aviaries and childrens’ activities.

Seal Trips from Morston and Blakeney.

Trips out to see the seals on the Norfolk Coast depend on the tide and weather. Ring for details or book online. Here are three ways to get to the seals:

Ptarmigan Blakeney Point Seal Trips

Roy Moreton’s Seal Trips

Beans Boats

Bishop’s Boats

Bird Watching at Morston, Blakeney, Stiffkey and Cley marshes

You can see an astonishing number of different birds on the marshes at Morston, Blakeney, Stiffkey or Cley.

General birdwatching information

Expert guided tours from the Bird Tour Company

Owl & Hawk Trust, Sculthorpe

Cley Marshes nature reserve

An excellent reserve with birdwatching hides and boardwalks across the marshes.

  • 01263 740008

 

Norfolk walking paths sign

Best walks and outdoor pursuits

The best websites for Norfolk walking routes

There are lots of great walks close to Barsham Barns holiday cottages. These are both great websites for more information on walking routes with free maps and guides to download.

A great activity centre: Hilltop Outdoor Centre

Activity centre for adults and children near the seaside town of Sheringham.

Holt Country Park

There’s a woodland and play area and seasonal events including guided walks, pond dipping, nightjarring, mountain bike adventure trails and shelter building/survival techniques.

  • 01263 516062

Foxley Wood

This is Norfolk’s largest ancient woodland. Open daily, except Thursday 10am-5pm

 

Golfing in Norfolk

Top 5 golf courses in North Norfolk

Sheringham Golf Club

Links golf course overlooking the sea.

Royal Cromer Golf Club

Originally designed by Tom Morris and sitting proudly as one of the best cliff-top courses in England. The course features spectacular views and boasts all the attributes of a coastal course with a wealth of sandy hills, grassy valleys and abundant gorse and bracken.

Royal West Norfolk Golf Club, Brancaster

Delightful links course in a marshland setting. Challenging!

Hunstanton Golf Club

Championship links course at Old Hunstanton.

Marriott Sprowston Manor Hotel, Norwich

PGA Approved championship course.

  • 01603 410871

 

Norfolk Horse Riding

Best horse riding and horse racing

North Norfolk Riding Centre, Walsingham

The North Norfolk Riding Centre offers lessons for all ages from beginners upwards. It also offers hacking in beautiful countryside. Occasional rides at Holkham for experienced riders only.

Blackborough End Equestrian Centre, Kings Lynn

A great website for more information on Riding Schools

This is a good website for details on riding schools in Norfolk.

Horse Racing at Fakenham Race Course

This is a small racecourse with regular meets and point-to-point.

Cycling

Places for cycle hire

Cycle hire company near Wells: On Yer Bike

Comfortable mountain bikes which can be delivered direct to the barns. Wells and Holkham Circuit Route Maps, pump, puncture repair kit,cycle locks & baskets all inclusive.

Overland Cycle Hire, Holt

  • 01263 713293
    07733 445511

Bircham Windmill Cycle Hire

Norfolk Fishing

Great places for fishing in Norfolk

Glen Mere

Private lakes in woodland setting close to Cromer.

  • 01263 761303

Bure Valley Fishery, Aylsham

  • 01263 235372

Norfolk Fishing Trips

Summer sea-fishing day trips.

Burn Valley Fisheries

Lake fishing.

“We had such a nice time in Little Barsham – a home from home. This is our second visit (we were in Long Meadow last time) and really wished we could have stayed longer!”
“Twelve of us stayed in High Barsham and had sunshine from the morning we arrived. Sipping wine in the garden on the first evening felt like we were in the South of France! The barn was really fantastic and after a day on hired bikes and at the beach to come home to the spa was perfect. So much space and light and your interior was perfect for the occasion. We highly recommend Kelby the chef who cooked up a fantastic BBQ and we were pampered by Jacqui and Emma… the back massage comes highly recommended!”
“Just wanted to say how much my family enjoyed our stay at Barsham Barns. It truly is a wonderful place to stay. We all had a very good time and it was just perfect. Thank you."
Pete Mulvey & guests, May 2019
“Just a short note to say a big thank you for our stay over the weekend, we had a fantastic time. The barn more than lived up to our expectations and we really enjoyed ourselves.”
Nick Dakin & guests, April 2019
“We have loved every minute of our stay here – this barn accommodation is so pleasing in every way; light, modern and incredibly well-equipped, but we also love its seclusion, the ducks, and views over the fields.”
“Beautiful barn, very clean and great facilities. Lots of little touches. Very peaceful location and close to beaches. Would recommend for a family stay!” – Tom, Airbnb August 2019
“Amazing location for exploring the stunning north Norfolk coast line. Stylish and comfortable living space and dining area both inside and out. Well equipped kitchen to make the most of all the local produce. Comfy beds and relaxing environment make it a restful retreat and the steam room and spa pool add an extra dimension.” – Dionne, Airbnb June 2019
“We had a really fabulous holiday – everything in the barns was so thoughtfully considered it made for a thoroughly comfortable and relaxing holiday. We particularly loved the spa room which has spoilt the kids for any future holiday!” – Benita Shepperson, October 2019
“Amazing accommodation – we wish we were here longer! Great evenings in the front garden – we love the planting and the table! Will definitely return one day.”
“Thank you for a wonderful property and location for our Mum’s 70th birthday celebrations! Everything was wonderful and everyone had a lovely weekend. Thank you!”
Natalie & family, May 2019
“I’m trying to take a snapshot memory of all these beautiful views! It’s been such a relaxing, fun and inspiring place to stay – thank you! Big thanks to Eileen and David for looking after us so well – they are both so lovely.”
“I just want to thank you for providing a truly luxurious base for our first trip to Norfolk. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, exploring the amazing beaches and towns, before coming back to relax at the barn.” – Farida Hussein, August 2019
“Wonderful stay! Home from home for us with a 2 year old and 8 week old baby but a change of scene did us the world of good. Great location and fabulous barns! We will certainly be back with a bigger crowd to use another gorgeous barn! Thank you.”
“We all loved the barns and their setting – especially the space, design and comfort of the interiors.”
“Amazing location for exploring the stunning north Norfolk coast line. Stylish and comfortable living space and dining area both inside and out. Well equipped kitchen to make the most of all the local produce. Comfy beds and relaxing environment make it a restful retreat and the steam room and spa pool add an extra dimension.”
– Dionne, June 2019
“We had a great time thank you. The barns are lovely and perfect for what we needed. Also Kelby was lovely and our BBQ was gorgeous!” – Emma Rogers, September 2019
“My three year old boy woke up this morning and said “Mummy I love this house. Can we buy it and stay here forever?” It is true – I couldn’t agree more. It is a most tastefully converted barn with a wealth of charm and character. A really relaxing stay has been had by all and we are already planning our return.”
“Amazing house, brilliant fun had by all. Really well equipped and lovely décor. Thank you for a memorable weekend. I would highly recommend to friends.”
“We stayed at the Great East Barn for a wonderful long weekend. It was the perfect location for hen do activities – yoga class in the garden, BBQs and al fresco dining and lots of space for dancing, sunbathing & garden games. The rooms are beautiful, and architecturally the barn is stunning. It’s a great place for a get together with a large group as lots of social communal areas but lovely rooms for people to have their ‘own space’. It’s also a great location with Wells beach down the road.”
– Laura, June 2019
“The most happy and peaceful few days imaginable. Thank you very much.”
“The barn was everything we had looked for and a little more. The kids loved the spa, my wife loved the lavender garden and I loved the very comfortable settees. The design of the barn was inspiring; we kept looking at things and making mental notes for our new house. Overall 10/10!”
“I just wanted to drop you a line to say how much we all enjoyed our stay at High Barsham from Thursday to Sunday. What a fantastic place, beautifully done! Thank you. Everything we needed was there and we all had a wonderful time together as a big family celebrating my husband’s birthday. Even the weather was good!” – Debra Brown & family June 2019
“Thank you! We absolutely had a fabulous time. It was just what we needed for the last weekend of the summer before school and all that it entails. And all the recommendations provided in your email and information binder were terrific.” – David Kirkpatrick, August 2019
“We had a lovely time, thank you for your warm hospitality.” – Karina Ajayi, August 2019
“Thank you! We absolutely had a fabulous time. It was just what we needed for the last weekend of the summer before school and all that it entails. And all the recommendations provided in your email and information binder were terrific.” – David Kirkpatrick, August 2019
“Such a beautiful location, spacious clean and might I add Warm! I’ve never valued underfloor heating so much in my life. great for large groups looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.” – Valerie Erere, June 2019
“Thank you for a truly wonderful weekend. Not a single complaint to make! I’ll certainly recommend these beautiful barns to friends.”
“What an amazing space you’ve created! We’ve had a wonderful weekend and all appreciated the space and facilities. We hope to return. Many thanks.”
“We have found our accommodation to be quite superb.  It’s beautifully situated and and really peaceful. We have really enjoyed this wonderful weather, and have been so lucky. Today we visited Binham Priory, had a picnic on Weybourne beach, visited Holt, and then went back to Cley to pick up the fresh crab for supper and some smoked fish to take back home.” – Carol Crotty, September 2019
“We had a great time thank you. The barns are lovely and perfect for what we needed. Also Kelby was lovely and our BBQ was gorgeous!” – Emma Rogers, September 2019
“Long Meadow is the most stunning barn. The rooms are beautiful and the amenities and surroundings are fantastic. 6 of us stayed here this weekend (5th-8th July) as we did the Holkham 70.3 triathlon. It was a fab location, the barn is very spacious and homely, and there are loads of pubs nearby, as well as the coast. The hot tub and spa are amazing and great that you can book each day. We were welcomed with cake, and there are nesting swallows too! A real countryside reTREAT!! Thank you Jenny and Michelle.” – Katie Ewhurst, July 2019
“Our third visit to Long Meadow and fifth overall to Barsham Barns. I’m sure we will be back. The children love it and so do we!”
“Beautiful barn, very clean and great facilities. Lots of little touches. Very peaceful location and close to beaches. Would recommend for a family stay!”
– Tom, August 2019
“This place has restored our faith in self catering in Britain. What a beautiful, well equipped and comfortable barn. The swallows have been a pleasure to babysit and it was a real treat to see all the sheep being sheared in the opposite field. We hope to be back.”
“What a lovely place to arrive! Positive film star stairs and sofas, and the dining table is a joy, really big enough for 14. We had some good coastal walks, long happy meals round said table and a lot of sitting around! Thanks for an excellent venue.”
“What a fabulous place! There isn’t a single detail that hasn’t been thought of here. My family and I have had a wonderful four days at this wonderful barn. We cannot wait to return and see more of the unspoilt surroundings. Thank you to Susan the housekeeper for presenting Long Meadow to us in such a welcoming way.”
“Lovely short break – great weather and lovely base. Thank you for making it so welcoming.”
“Thank you! We had a wonderful visit and loved the area and accommodation” – Jill Regan, August 2019
“Amazing place and fab venue. We would love to stay and never leave. Beautiful surroundings have made our weekend extra special. You have also given me some ideas for home décor! We’ll be back.”
“Lovely time, super location. Really good house for children. Spa great for the girls.”
“A beautiful barn property in the middle of the countryside. This barn is furnished to a high standard and with everything you could possibly need, including a number of extra facilities available on site- spa room and games room.”
– Sue, June 2019
“We’ve had a fab time in this lovely barn. The children have loved the upstairs den. The swallows, house martins and barn owls have kept us all entertained. Been so lucky with the weather!”
“We had an amazing stay, you have lovely accommodation and we will be revisiting.” – Debbie Miles, August 2019
“Thank you again for everything, we had a wonderful stay, we would definitely highly recommend the barns. It was actually our first holiday as a family of three and it was perfect!” – Chloe Ireland, September 19
“A lovely weekend – a very sympathetic and impressive conversion. We enjoyed ourselves enormously – the beaches at Wells and Holkham were lovely and the weather was kind.”
“It was such a beautiful time – complemented by incredible architecture, luxury, company, views and all went smoothly. Will most definitely be back!”
“I really write with a smile on my face from this weekend. Whether you want to walk/relax/bike or bring in entertainers, this barn is perfect for people who appreciate quality and great taste… thank you Barsham Barns, I am sure we will see you again!!”
“Lovely surroundings, luxury barns, good company, fine food and wine. Laughed so much it brought a tear two to our eyes. A big thank you to the High Barsham team.”
“Fantastic week and stunning weather given the time of year. Excellent barn and the perfect place for a relaxing week with a 9 month old! Thanks for making us feel so welcome and rested.”

4 Star Self Catering rated by Visit England5 Star Self Catering rated by Visit EnglandVisit England Gold Award

Walkers WelcomeCyclists Welcome

Wi-Fi available

Barsham Barns LLP. All rights reserved.
Registered in England & Wales, Company Number: OC305098

Lower Farm Barns, North Barsham, Norfolk NR22 6AP
Telephone 01328 821744
Email: info@barshambarns.co.uk

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