Where does the Queen go when she wants to escape from the hurley burley of life in a castle? She goes to Norfolk, as do the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and various other aristocrats and discrete celebrities who love that they can let their hair down without scrutiny. Norfolk is a county of riches. You can indulge in delectable seafood, see views that inspire poets and painters, discover secret beaches, and pamper yourself with a relaxing holiday in a farmhouse, stylish barn conversion or one of a beautiful array of cottages to rent. With historic towns, glorious countryside, the uniquely beautiful Broads and miles of stunning coastline, Norfolk has a wealth of ways to satisfy your craving for the finer things in life. Read more
Beaches
Some parts of Norfolk’s coast can get extremely busy in summer, but if you go to Scolt Head, then you’ll feel as if you’re on your own private island. Though it’s possible to walk there at low tide, it’s far more pleasurable to hire a boat to take you. Those staying in a cottage in Cromer should ditch the summer crowds and walk a mile along the cliff to the little-known Overstrand beach where there is plenty of space and privacy. If you don’t want to leave your day at the seaside in the hands of the weather gods, then hire a traditional beach hut at Wells-Next-the-Sea or Old Hunstanton. At around £200 per week, you won’t find a finer place to set out your deckchair in all of Norfolk.
Broads
In addition to its gorgeous beaches, market towns and lush countryside, Norfolk is famous for its Broads. The best way to experience more than 125 miles of the Broads’ beautiful waterways, home to thousands of types of flora and fauna, is by boat. Charter a skippered cruiser or a vintage boat and explore in luxury as someone else takes care of the sailing.
Food
You can eat fresh local lobster three times a day in Norfolk, if that’s what tickles your tastebuds, while Cromer crabs are some of the tastiest in the British Isles. For fine dining on a special occasion, book a table at Neptune in Hunstanton. The restaurant’s delicious menu uses locally sourced produce with food so good the owners have received a Michelin star every year since 2009 and boast 3 AA rosettes. Yum.
An alternative to dining out is to have a private chef cook for you at your cottage. Game lovers can source their meat locally during pheasant and partridge season at Langley Grange or Walsingham Estate. Their exclusive shoots have a minimal number of guns in each group.
Shopping
Your city wardrobe won’t cut it in Norfolk. Leave your restrictive suits and high heels at home and swap them for the relaxed, easy to wear yet oh-so-stylish offerings of the independent boutiques that make shopping in Norfolk such a pleasure. We recommend Holt where, if your taste is for silk, cashmere and linen you should visit the Francois Bouttier Studio. At the same time, Old Town (currently by appointment only) sells a range of casual clothing using British fabrics and made locally. Having a professional stylist with you on your shopping trip will only add to the experience. Louise Lace and Elizabeth Bunn will both ensure anything you buy on your shopping trip will make you look and feel incredible.
Mix a day of sightseeing with shopping in Norwich, where there is an excellent array of High Street and independent shops. Norwich is a UNESCO City of Literature and discovering its book shops is a delight. The Book Hive is in the older Lanes area of the city, with three floors of books that makes browsing an unforgettable experience.
Beauty and Wellness
Submerge yourself in the luxury of a day of treatments at Image Spa in Blofield Heath, where its Morocco inspired relaxation pods will leave you feeling as if you’ve been on holiday abroad for a week. If that sounds like too much effort, then Penny Groom will bring her holistic massage skills to you.
The Bubble Bar at The Little Retreat on the Ryston Hall Estate has a gin menu that is almost as enticing as its list of treatments, which range from anti-ageing collagen facials to those designed especially for teenage skins for a memorable mother/daughter experience. Treat your health as your most valuable asset with a class at Bhuti Yoga Retreat Studio, where they offer group and private sessions.
Book the services of a personal hair and makeup artist for your night out. Norfolk has a wealth of expertise including Amanda Steed and Cherrie Imogen, who do both hair and makeup and are highly sought after by Norfolk’s socialites and brides.
Norfolk is a fabulous location for a luxury cottage holiday in every season. You can play golf at a world-class course at Royal West Norfolk or Royal Cromer golf clubs, take a helicopter or a hot air balloon ride, book a private tour tailored to your interests, or tuck into a gourmet picnic in a secret location where you won’t be disturbed by more than a curious duck or two. Whatever your reason or the season, our luxury cottages are perfect for your next holiday or weekend away.
