Local Attractions

Pollywiggle Cottage is ideally situated for Wells Beach (pictured above).

And this is a view of the North Norfolk Coastline from nearby Kelling Heath.

Castle Acre

 William de Warenne, the son-in-law of William the Conqueror, was so impressed by the abbey at Cluny in Burgundy, that he founded a Cluniac priory at his main castle in Lewes.

The priory at Castle Acre was founded in 1090 as a daughter priory to the one in Lewes but later became independent. While the priory suffered form the ravages of the Dissolution, the west front, with its elaborately ornamented blind arcading gives an impression of the former glory of the building.

Castle Acre was originally at the head of the navigation on the River Nar, and the site of an important ford across the river (still there). Castle Acre is a popular overnight stop for walkers on the Peddars Way.

How to get there:

Take the A1065 south from Fakenham. Castle Acre is reached by a turning to the right after about 12 miles.

Pensthorpe Wildlife Centre

Walk through the Dulverton Aviary to see bearded tits fly amongst swaying reeds. Pensthorpe is a haven for all kinds of British wildlife. In spring the woodlands are carpeted with primroses and bluebells. Along the riverbank the darting kingfisher, water vole and elegant swans may be seen.

Facilities include:

1. Woodland, wildflower meadow and lakeside nature trails as you explore 200 acres of beautiful countryside.
2. North Sea Life Centre and exhibition gallery.
3. Courtyard restaurant serving home-cooked food in an attractive rural setting.
4. Countryside shop with gifts for all occasions.
5. Children's adventure play areas and wildlife brass rubbing centre.

How to get there:

Pensthorpe is three miles south east of Fakenham on the A1067 road towards Norwich.

Thursford Steam Collection

Thursford is much more than a museum. It is a place to enjoy and to relax in. You can browse in the shops, admire the engines, enjoy a snack in the old barn or try a home-made speciality in the ice-cream parlour.

You can also ride on the gondola roundabout, listen to the fair organs or enjoy a cup of tea in the conservatory café.

There are numerous beautifully restored traction engines, a wide selection of showmans' organs, regular Wurlitzer concerts and the stable gift shop.

How to get there:

Take the A148 from Fakenham towards Cromer. Thursford is a turning to the left approx five miles out of Fakenham.

The Norfolk Rural Life Museum is housed in the old workhouse and its associated buildings. As well as many crafts and exhibits there is a working 1920's farm and nature trail.

How to get there:

Gressenhall is just north of Dereham and can be reached on the B1146 from Fakenham.

Holkham Hall

Holkham Hall is one of Britain's most majestic Stately Homes, situated in a 3,000 acre deer park on the beautiful north Norfolk coast.

This classic 18th century Palladian style mansion is part of a great agricultural estate and is a living treasure house of artistic and architectural history.

Attractions include:

Holkham Hall, the Bygones museum, the history of farming exhibition, pottery, Holkham nursery gardens, gift shop, art gallery, stables restaurant, deer park, lake and beach.

How to get there:

Holkham is on the A149 coast road just west of Wells-next-the-sea (take the B1105 north from Fakenham). There is parking at the hall or on a car park to the north of the A149 which is ideal for the beach.

Sandringham House

Sandringham House is the Royal Family's Norfolk holiday home. Its extensive gardens include a lake stocked with fish and many species of rare plants.

The park itself is massive and wonderful for a picnic or summer walk. The house is open to the public most of the team and there is a motor museum too. You may also visit Sandringham church - often seen on television as the royal family generally attend the Christmas service.

How to get there:

Sandringham is close to Dersingham and can be reached off the A149 north of Kings Lynn or from the A148 Kings Lynn to Fakenham road. It is well signposted.

Little Walsingham

The picturesque village of Little Walsingham has been a place of pilgrimage since 1061 when a vision of the Virgin Mary reputedly appeared there.

The shrine of Our Lady was originally built by the lady of the manor and became an important place of pilgrimage in medieval times, when pilgrims' hostels were built nearby. The new shrine was built in the last 100 years and a Roman Catholic Shrine was established at the Slipper Chapel in Houghton St. Giles a few miles away.

The Shirehall Museum was built in the early 16th century as an important hostel and was then converted with a Georgia façade into a venue for the Quarter sessions. The important Augustinian priory was founded in the 12th century.

How to get there:

Little Walsingham is on the B1105 half way between Fakenham and Wells.

North Norfolk Railway

The North Norfolk Railway is much more than a train ride. Enjoy a 10 mile round trip by steam train (vintage diesel trains on some journeys) through a delightful area of North Norfolk designated as being of outstanding natural beauty. There are historic stations, a museum of local railway history, a museum signal box and a visitors' centre. There are also buffets and souvenir shops.

Sheringham

The railway's headquarters is more than just a station, There is a Visitor's Centre, Museum of Local Railways, a Museum Signal Box together with a Souvenir Shop and Buffet

Weybourne

A delightful country station and the locomotive and carriage maintenance and restoration centre. There is direct access to the Kelling Nature Trail from Weybourne Station. Trains normally stop here for 10 minutes on the journey from Holt to Sheringham when passengers are welcome to walk around.

Holt

The western terminus of the line. The Holt bypass prevents the railway reaching the centre of Holt. The town centre is about 1 mile from the station with the 'Holt Flyer', a horse drawn bus service meeting most steam trains.

Dining on the Train - East Coast Pullman

The East Coast Pullman is a prestige dining train. Traveling in carriages built in the 1930's and once forming part of the famous 'Brighton Belle', diners can relive the atmosphere of Pullman luxury. Meals ranging from simple to the elaborate are prepared on board the train and served at your table. The East Coast Pullman runs some Saturday evenings, call for details.

For train times call the talking timetable on (01263) 825449. For other information telephone (01263) 822045

Special Note
If you have young children be sure not to miss the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends special weekends, its a great day out.

How to get there:

Sheringham is on the A149 west of Cromer. The station is next to a mini-roundabout as you get into the town. There is a large public car park next door. Take the A148 towards Cromer and take the A1082 turning to Sheringham about six miles outside of Cromer. This takes you direct to the mini-roundabout and the station.