OUR NORFOLK HOLIDAY COTTAGE OFFERS BLOG HAS MOVED

We have a NEW #Norfolk Holiday Cottages NEWS & SPECIAL OFFERS blog.

Click on the image below and you'll be straight there. Thanks.

Christmas is coming

SEE THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COME ON IN NORFOLK

Thursday 21st Nov - Christmas Lights in Norwich Switch On

Wed 20th Nov @ 6.45pm in Holt. A truly stunning and unique town famed throughout the county for its Christmas Lights.

Sat 23rd Nov - Christmas Market and Lights @ Burnham Market between 4-8pm with Norwich City Footballer Darren Huckerby

Sun 1st Dec - Hustanton Christmas Cracker - An event held around the switching on of the christmas lights, with stalls and entertainment and the lights are on @ 5pm

Sat 7th Dec - Cromer Christmas Lights - The Big Switch On @ 4.30pm

OTHER BRILLIANT CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN NORFOLK

Sun 1st Dec - Broads Tours, Santa Cruise. An hour of family fun on the double decker boat. Pixies will serve drinks and festive treats and whilst taking part in a quiz or a colouring competition. Santa will hop on board with presents for all the children. Booking essential.

Wed 4th - 8th Dec - Christmas Tree & Crib Festival @ Great Yarmouth Minster. A display of almost 100 trees and cribs on display

Thurs 5th Dec - Christmas Treats Workshop @ Oxburgh Hall. Create edible delights such as truffles and gingerbread biccies and have some lunch followed by a tour of the garden then take home your wares. Booking essential £30.

Fri 6th Dec - Festive Foliage Workshop @ Oxburgh. Create your own festive decoration to take home. An apron and secataurs a must. With lunch and afternoon tea. Booking essential £30

Sat 7th - 8th Dec - Burnham Deepdale Christmas Market. With over 70 stalls offering presents, decorations and more.

Sat 7th - 8th Dec - Dragons Hall Medieval Christmas Market - all decorated to host sellers of handcrafted high quality wares.

Sun 8th Dec - Wreath Making Workshop @ Oxburgh. Have some fun making your own holly wreath with help from one of Oxburghs gardeners. Light lunch and afternoon tea, you will need to bring your own apron and secataurs. Booking essential as first workshop sold out £35.

Fri 13th Dec - Christmas @ Norwich Cathedral with the Norwich Cathedral Choir Carols and Christmas Music by candlelight. £12.

Sat 14th Dec - 12th Jan - Christmas Spectacular Circus Show @ The Hippodrome Circus

Sat 14th - 15th Dec - Father Christmas and his Reindeer @ Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden. Follow the woodland trail and find Santa hidden in a yurt and say hi to Comet & Blitzen before heading off for a warm up in the tea room. Elves workshops will keep little ones busy and a mini market selling food and gifts for the adults. Charges apply

Sat 14th - 15th Dec - Meet Santa @ Oxburgh

Sun 15th Dec - Off the Beaten Track @ RPSB Strumpshaw Fen Nature Reserve. Wellies are a must for this squelch through the reedbeds and discovering places not normally seen.

Fri 20th - 22nd Dec - The Great Santa Kidnap @ Holkham Hall. Outside Tommy and Annas house 3 goblins are plotting santas kidnap and Tommy & Anna need to find him to save Christmas. Suitable for all ages. Charges apply.

Tues 24th Dec - Christmas Carol Concert @ Norwich Cathedral. Join the Mayor and Sherrif of Norwich in this service of celebration at 3.30pm

WINTER OFFERS: Up to £243 DISCOUNT ON CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS

In addition to FREEZING our Norfolk holiday cottage prices for 2014, we've put together some fantastic WINTER WARMER holiday cottage offers between now and the New Year! Here's just a few of them:

Remember - When they’re gone - they’re gone! 

So to secure these special offers PLEASE CALL 01953 604480 as they are not available online.

All offers are subject to availability and are available on a first-come basis.

More great #NorfolkIs holiday photos

Time to profile a few more of the fabulous #norfolkis photographs that you have been sending to our @holidayeast Twitter feed:

@abbiepanks shared lots of great shots with us from her blog.

http://panksforthememories.wordpress.com/2013/10/03/beautiful-norfolk/

Here are a couple of our favourites:

@Pocolow shared a November day at the beach near Thornham.

@Jon_Clifton78 has always got great shots of Norfolk on his feed and here are three great ones that he took on his phone!

@MuseumBroads sent us this shot of a sunny day in Stalham!

@CarlosDurban shared a lovely post harvest misty view.

and finally, for this post - @VIPHairWalsoken proved who calls the shots on their Norfolk travels:

Thank you all so much for sharing your wonderful #NorfolkIs pictures - keep them coming!

Events in #Norfolk in November

See a list of FIREWORKS events on our earlier blog post: CLICK HERE >

SOME OTHER EVENTS IN NOVEMBER:

Fri 1st Nov: WWT Welney to watch the ducks and swans feeding under floodlight and then settling down for their roost - included in normal admission price.

Fri 1st Nov: Hallowe'en Horror Hunt @ Salhouse Broad. Follow a pumpkin trail around the broad whilst collecting clues to win a prize. With craft games, and food and drink available. Between 10-3 (charge applies)
Fri 1st Nov - March 2014: Exhibition of Lost Tudor Sculptures @ Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life

Sun 3rd Nov: Animal Tracks & Signs @ RSPB Strumpshaw Fen Nature Reserve. A guided walk discovering tracks and trails made by different animals. Booking required, charge applies.

Sun 3rd Nov: Autumn Colours Sunset Cruise @ Salhouse Broad - Looking at beautiful autumn colours and incoming winter wildlife. A 2 hour trip which includes a drink at The Swan Inn. Booking required, charge applies.

Sat 9th Nov: Classic 60's & 70's Soul Motown & Northern Soul Night @ NCFC 

(see their website for booking and prices)

Sat 9th Nov to Mon 23rd Dec: Thursford Christmas Spectacular. The biggest and most exciting Christmas Show of all time, with dancers, carols and so much more - booking required.

Thurs 14th Nov: Free lunchtime organ recital @ Norwich Cathedral 13.20-13.50

Sat 16th Nov - Mon 23rd Nov: Santas Magical Journey @ Thursford - booking required

Sat 16th & Sun 17th Nov: Norfolk Festive Craft, Gift & Food Show. In its 8th year this show boasts local & national stands selling food and drink, jewellery, homewares and more. A reindeer petting zoo will keep the kids amused on the Saturday only.

Sat 16th & Sun 17th Nov: Festival of Swans @ Welney WWT. A celebration of winter wildfowl. Learn about the migration of birds being inspirations to artists and their works, includes swan feeds and activities for the family and more.

Sat 16th & Sun 17th Nov: North Norfolk Art & Crafts Fair @ Swanton Nows Village Hall. A specially curated group of Norfolks finest artists and crafts people showcasing their wares.

Thurs 21st Nov: Christmas Lights Switch on in Norwich

Fri 22nd - Sun 24th Nov: Christmas Fair@ Sandringham - unique and handmade gifts different to your choice on the high street. This event is not being held in the visitor centre, you will need to follow signs for the craft show (charges apply)

Sat 23rd Nov: Advent & Christmas Craft Fair @ St Catherines Church, Ludham. Free entry to this fair with items crafted from local artists.

Thurs 28th Nov - Thurs 5th Dec: Christmas Tree Festival Parish Church @ Fakenham. 90 decorated trees with various charities to support.

Thurs 28th Nov - Sun 1st Dec: Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre. A wonderful event and now with an extra evening in place where the car parks will be free and the rides will be half price on opening night between 4-8pm. There are stalls, funfair, food and drinks, reindeers, music and entertainment, is a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Sat 30th Nov & Sun 1st Dec: Christmas @ Dinosaur Adventure Park

Sat 30th Nov: Christmas Fayre @ Trunch

Sat 30th Nov - Tues 24th Dec: Santa Specials @ The Poppy Line (North Norfolk Railway). 

Departs from Sheringham to Santaland (Weybourne) where Santa will be waiting to give out his gifts.

Events @ Holkham Hall November and December
3rd Nov - Chamber Music by Sithivetsky - Piano Trio
5th Nov - Walking Women
19th Nov - Guided Walk to see the Geese
3rd Dec - Walking Women
6th Dec - Tirl Fellner
7-8th Dec &15+16th Dec - Christmas Celebrations
8th & 15th Dec- Deer Discovery Walk
11-13th & 18-20th Dec - Christmas Candlelight Tours

Farmers Markets:
Sat 2nd Nov - Creake Abbey, Stalham, Aylsham
Wed 6th Nov - Docking
Sat 9th Nov - North Walsham, Blakeney, Dereham, Diss, Neatishead, The Forum in Norwich
Wed 13th Nov - Docking
Thurs 14th Nov - Holt
Sat 16th Nov - Wymondham, Stalham, Aylsham
Wed 20th Nov - Docking
Sat 23rd Nov - Hoveton
Sun 24th Nov - Sandringham
Wed 27th Nov - Docking

Have Fun...

#FIREWORKS displays in #Norfolk

Fancy a night out with a bang - here are the local fireworks displays in our area:

Fri 25th Oct
White Horse in Chedgrave.

Sun 27th Oct
Blakeney Bonfire and Fireworks Display

Fri 1st Nov
The Lighthouse Inn, Walcott - billed as the biggest and best display in Norfolk - kids entertainment from Dave Donut and an early display at 7.15 for the little people and main display at 8.15. Hog roast, fun fair, burgers, beer and more.

Wymondham Rugby Club Firework Spectacular with rides, entertainment. Display starts at 7.30pm

Fawkes in the Walks @ The Walks Kings Lynn. A free firework display with stalls, entertainment and funfair rides (charges apply for these). Open from 6pm.

Sat 2nd Nov
Fireworks Night @ Haven Seas near Gt Yarmouth

Hunstanton Cliff Top Car Park Firework Display with bonfire, funfair, live musi and more

Fakenham Racecourse Fireworks Display

Overstrand Car Park in Pauls Lane - Village fireworks and bonfire

Corpusty Fireworks Event

Hanworth Fireworks Event in the Deerglade Caravan Park

WrenSocial Family Fireworks Night. Wreningham Village Hall car park 7pm.

Sun 3rd Nov
Norfolk Showground Fireworks Extravaganza. Early show at 6.30 and main display at 8.45 - entertainment and more too.

Tues 5th Nov
North Repps Fireworks Display

Roughton School Fireworks Display

Fri 8th Nov
Free fireworks @ Norwich Castle. A 12 minute fireworks display from the grounds of Norwich Castle.

BE SAFE!

#EVENTS in #Norfolk this October

Half Term Events Highlights for kids 

Animal myths, legends & ridiculour rumours @ Banham Zoo 26th Oct – 3rd Nov
Come and join Esmerelda the witch as she journeys to find a dragon and learn about how mythical creatures have enthralled us and how those myths continue to harm nature

Snagglefang’s Spooky Spectacular - Bewilderwood 26th Oct – 3rd Nov
Always a popular attraction for kids young and old but with a hint of spooky ghostness surrounding it. You get to create willow lanterns and join end of day lantern parade if you are brave enough.
The park is opening later than usual so that it makes a magic finish to the season

Grow your own oak tree week – Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden 26th Oct – 3rd Nov
Hunt for an acorn in the garden and then plant it in a recycled pot using Fairhavens leaf soil.
Lots more to see and do during your visit here too.

Also at Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden  – Halloween @ Fairhaven 31st Oct
Be scared silly as you wander round the haunted trail

Crafty Creatures @ Hickling Broad 31st Oct
A spooky afternoon of crafts and fun making faces on the trees using natural ingredients

The Real Halloween @ Holt Hall 26th & 27th Oct
Come and celebrate all that is magical about autumn and Halloween. Loads of workshops including, Magic Potions and Wands and an owl based workshop, lantern making, pixie post office and games such as Sugar Beer Shot Putt and Apple Bobbing – under 3 free

Halloween @ Holkham Hall 27th-28th Oct & 31st Oct
There will be spooky spiders weaving magical webs of fun with frightful feasts in the café for a spooktacular visit. An A-maze-ing web in the walled gardens, arachnid facts, mad science in the Bygones Museum and face-painting and pumpkin carving in the courtyard. Come in fancy dress and you can join the parade too.

Spooky City @ Norwich Castle and The Forum in Norwich 28th Oct – 31st Oct
Free activities for Halloween for kids includes face painting, pumpkin crafts and more and watch giant pumpkin carving too. You can enter a competition for your own pumpkin and dress up to join the first ever Spooky Parade in Norwich on All Hallows Eve (join everyone from 7pm at Norwich Castle Mound), music, food, fun and scares till 9pm.

National Trust Walking Festival @ Oxburgh Hall 26th Oct – 3rd Nov
The gardens and grounds will be open for free all week during half term (charges still apply for the Hall)

Creature of the night@ RSPB Strumpshaw Fen Nature Reserve 31st Oct
A night time walk in the woods after making a willow wand or bat mask you will make your way into the woods by torchlight to listen for all the creatures of the night. Suitable for 6-12 years, booking essential

Hallowe’en week @ The Poppy Line (North Norfolk Railway) 26th Oct – 3rd Nov
A week of treats and spooky tricks with ghosties and ghoulies about. Enter our spook-laden hall (at Weybourne Station) if you dare

The Kids go Free @ The Broads Tours 26th Oct – 2nd Nov
Take the children for a free river trip around the beautiful Broads this half term. There will be commentary onboard to point out the resident wildlife. Max of 2 free children per fare paying adult 

Colman's Mustard Shop and Museum are holding regular events throughout October – why not come along and join one of these and see the world famous Colman's 
Mustard Mondays (14th Oct), Free Gift Days (4th, 10th & 18th Oct) and International Mustards Day (26th Oct)
21st – 26th Oct – Dr Who 50th Anniversary

Strictly for adults:
Norwich Beer Festival – St Andrews Hall 28th Oct – 2nd Nov
Calling all you real ale lovers, organised by CAMRA this event held every October is one of the biggest and most popular beer festivals in the country.

Best British Ghost Stories – Adam and Eve Pub 29th Oct – 1st Nov
Now running for their sixteenth year this is a scarefest of stories, frights and fun.

Halloween Theatre – Holkham Hall – 30th Oct – 31st Oct
“Her Lady’s Revenge” – join this submersive theatre experience for a gruesome night of entertainment. Unsuitable for under 14 years of age. 

Great Yarmouth Greyhound Racing at Yarmouth Stadium – 11-14 races to enjoy on a Monday, Wednesday or Saturday evening. There is a restaurant, diner, bars, kids play area, grandstands and seating for you to have a fun evening out.

See www.visitnorwich.co.uk/ or www.visitnorfolk.co.uk for all the above listed events 

Still running this month all month are:

Norfolk Nurserymen @ Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse till 3rd Nov
Glamour & Gowns Exhibition @ Holkham Hall till 31st Oct
Geocache Trail @ Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden till 3rd Nov
Autumn Literary Festival @ UEA till 30th Nov
Masterpieces: Art & Anglia Exhibition @ Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
Various exhibitions held within Norwich Castle and The Forum in Norwich

Farmers Markets:
Places to have a mooch about and sample some of the local produce from our area and to support the local farmers and producers of our county.

Wednesdays weekly - Docking
Sat 12th Oct – North Walsham
Sat 5th Oct – Creake Abbey
Sat 5th & Sat 19th Oct – Poringland Farmers Market
Sat 19th Oct – Wymondham Farmers Market
Sat 26th Oct – Fakenham Farmers Market
Sat 26th Oct – Hoveton Farmers Market

Other Norfolk Events in October:

Thurs 24th Oct – Free organ recital at lunchtime – Norwich Cathedral 1.10pm – 1.50pm

Fri 25th Oct – Sun 3rd Nov – Coast 2013, Cromer and Sheringham Arts Festival

Sat 26th Oct – Sun 3rd Nov – Flower Festival @ Oxburgh Hall

26th Oct – 3rd Nov – National Trust Walking Festival @ Oxburgh Hall

26th & 27th Oct – The Real Halloween @Holt Hall 26th Oct – 3rd Nov – Trick or Tweet @ Pensthorpe Wildlife & Gardens

Holkham Hall Events: 
Sat 5th Oct - Chamber Music – The Elias String Quartet
Deer Discovery Walk
Sun 20th Oct – Autumn Tours of the private gardens
Wed 23rd Oct – Photography Workshop – Deer at Dawn

Norwich Theatre Royal shows:
9th-12th Oct Northern Ballet, A Christmas Carol
13th-14th Oct Daniel O’Donnell
5th Oct The Bootleg Beatles
17th-18th Oct – Rambert (contemporary dance)
19th Oct – Fireman Sam
20th Oct – Britten Sinfonia
21st – 26th Oct 12 Angry Men featuring local actor Martin Shaw (Judge John Deed)
27th Oct Charlie Landsborough (easy listening)
28th Oct – 2 Nov Save the Last Dance for Me
or you could try The Playhouse for alternative theatre

Fantastic events in Norfolk in September

There are some fantastic events going on throughout Norfolk in September. Here are just a few that caught our eye:

Norfolk Food and Drinks Festival
A month long festival which is the largest of its kind in the country. There are hundreds of events and promotions to sample some amazing food and drink, for more details of locations and dates see http://www.norfolkfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk/


12-15 Sept are the Norwich Heritage Open Days, happening across Norwich and Norfolk to celebrate our history, heritage and architecture. Free access will be offered to over 200 events such as Norwich Castle, Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, Dads Army Museum, Wymondham Heritage Musuem, for more details see: http://www.heritagecity.org/hods/ and follow the link.


13-15 Wells Pirate Festival – The annual fundraiser for Wells Maltings, includes a Smugglers Ball and plenty of storytelling, pirate art and parrot workshops, pirate bands, boat trips and a fete on the quay. More info at:
 http://thegranary.wellsmaltings.org.uk/boxoffice/wells-pirate-festival-2013/


21-22 1940’s Weekend – North Norfolk Railway (Poppy Line) and in Sheringham. Steam trains running all day with hopefully and 89 year old 4 coach wooden-bodied train along with a low flying Spitfire making regular patrols over the railway all weekend (weather dependent). Re-enactment groups, parades and much more for a really fun filled weekend. For more info: CLICK HERE >


Holkham Hall has various events throughout the month as always, including bat walks, guided walks, cricket matches and more as well as Glamours and Gowns display still running. See: http://www.holkham.co.uk/html/eventsdiary.html


The 'Geocache Trail' is still on until the beginning of November at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden. See: http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/events.html


Houghton Revisited at Houghton Hall has proved so popular that it has now been extended until November 24th. This is a unique opportunity to see the magnificent art collection of Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, sold to Catherine the Great to adorn the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, is reassembled in its spectacular original setting for the first time in over 200 years. Find out more at: http://www.houghtonrevisited.com

Your #NorfolkIs holiday photos continue to make us smile

Time to profile a few more of the fabulous #norfolkis photographs that you have been sending to our @holidayeast Twitter feed:

@VIPHairWalsoken  Norfolk beaches - my favourites are Weybourne and Holkham 

@digitalshot  Dog walkers on the Norfolk coast

@Quercus_Rose  Dog walkers on North Norfolk coast

...and 4 shots from @Jon_Clifton78 who clearly does this for living - aren't they're great!

 Some dog walkers on the Hunstanton coast...

Old Hunstanton Beach

A reworked sunset...

#NorfolkIs Sunset county

Thanks to everyone (professional & amateur) who has sent us photographs showing just how fabulous NorfolkIs. We love receiving and sharing them with our followers.

Please keep them coming.

GO GO GORILLAS NORWICH

Fancy a fun activity to do during your holiday in Norfolk then why not try the Go Go Gorilla Trail in Norwich. 

Not only will it give you a great tour of the city, you can pose and upload your photos to the official page on Facebook and our own website of all the fantastic gorillas dotted about the city. 

There are 53 life size gorillas as well as 67 baby ones and have all been painted by professional artists, schools and community groups as well as being sponsored by local businesses. My daughter Gracie helped paint Fruity Mungo from Ashleigh Infant School which is in Craft Ewe situated in St Giles Street and we can’t wait to go on our trail.

The trail has been designed to educate us about conservation and environmental issues as well as showcasing the history, heritage of the city and raise funds for Break Charity. Their education projects have taught the children to have fun whilst learning together and to inspire their creativity regardless of their age or ability. Similar projects are being held across the country – in particular Southampton where the city is full of Rhinos! 

So download the trail maps here:

 http://gogogorillas.co.uk/trail-maps/gogogorillas-main-trail-map-2/ 

and have a day of fun.

School's out for Summer - EVENTS in #Norfolk in August

School's out and as a result August is a very busy month for wonderful events here in Norfolk!

Below we have listed a little taster of all there is to offer in our wonderful county, in addition to all the fabulous beaches, walks, woods, broads, gardens and attractions that is!

Remember more events can be found wherever we have listed the website addresses. We hope you all have a very happy summer holiday and we would love to see your holiday snaps so we can let everyone else see how FAB #NorfolkIs !!!

Norfolk Carnivals

3-11 August – Sheringham Carnival – Parade on 11 Aug

17-23 August – Cromer Carnival – Carnival Day 21 Aug

17-18 August – Beccles Carnival Weekend – Childrens Fun Day 17th Aug 

Holkham Hall Events

1 Aug – Park Discovery Day @ Holkham Hall - join the team for hands on fun family activities exploring the wildlife

2 Aug – Beach Discovery Day @ Holkham Hall – join the education team @ Wells Beach Café for family activities exploring the wildlife on the National Nature Reserve

3 Aug – Deer Discovery Walk @ Holkham Hall

7 Aug – Outdoor Theatre – Gullivers Travels @ Holkham Hall

8 Aug – Holkham Park Discovery Day @ Holkham Hall - join the team for hands on fun family activities exploring the wildlife

9 Aug - Beach Discovery Day @ Holkham Hall – join the education team @ Wells Beach Café for family activities exploring the wildlife on the National Nature Reserve

14 Aug – Outdoor Theatre – Dotty and the Dragon @ Holkham Hall

15 Aug - Holkham Park Discovery Day @ Holkham Hall - join the team for hands on fun family activities exploring the wildlife

20 Aug – Bat Walk in Holkham Park @ Holkham Hall

21 Aug – Outdoor Theatre – Treasure Island @ Holkham Hall

22 Aug - Holkham Park Discovery Day @ Holkham Hall - join the team for hands on fun family activities exploring the wildlife

23 Aug - Beach Discovery Day @ Holkham Hall – join the education team @ Wells Beach Café for family activities exploring the wildlife on the National Nature Reserve

24 Aug – Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra @ Holkham Hall

28 Aug – Outdoor Theatre – 101 Dalmations @ Holkham Hall

29 Aug - Holkham Park Discovery Day @ Holkham Hall - join the team for hands on fun family activities exploring the wildlife

30 Aug - Beach Discovery Day @ Holkham Hall – join the education team @ Wells Beach Café for family activities exploring the wildlife on the National Nature Reserve

For more information about any of these events CLICK HERE >  

NWT Events

6 Aug –NWT - Rock Pool Rummaging – West Runton Beach 12-2pm, or Rocks and Relics 2.30 – 4pm (meet outside beach café) charges apply

7 Aug – Sunset Water Trail @ NWT Hickling Broad

10 Aug – Butterfly & Dragonfly Walk – venue on application

11 Aug – Weekend Nature Walk – Cley Marshes

12 Aug – Minibeast Hunt and Dip Dyke Dabbling @ NWT Hickling Broad

17 Aug – Childrens Wildlife Walks – Batty Boats @ NWT Hickling Broad

21 Aug – Crafty Creatures and Dip Dyke Dabbling @ NWT Hickling Broad

30 Aug - Minibeast Hunt and Dip Dyke Dabbling @ NWT Hickling Broad

For plenty more choices and ideas of days out CLICK HERE > 

Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden Events

4 Aug – The He Hews @ Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

7 Aug – Wildlife Explorers – Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

11 Aug – Any Swing Goes @ Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

14 Aug - Wildlife Explorers – Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

21 Aug - Wildlife Explorers – Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

25 Aug – Sutton Jazz Quartet @ Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

28 Aug – Childrens Day @ Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

31 Aug – Fairhaven Dog Day @ Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

For full details CLICK HERE > 

Other Norfolk Events 

1-4 Aug – 4TH Southrepps Classical Music Festival

3 Aug – Butterfly Walk and Talk @ Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve

3 Aug – Horning Village Fete

7 Aug – Chilli Fiesta – Felbrigg Hall

10 Aug – Last Night of the Blickling Proms

10-18 Aug – Bug Week @ Dinosaur Adventure

10-11 Aug – Charity Lego Weekend @ Holt Hall

10-11 Aug – Reepham Music Festival

11 Aug – Broads Family Day @ Museum of the Broads

18-24 Aug – Lawn Tennis Tournament - Hunstanton

18 Aug – Sports Day @ Bircham Windmill

21 Aug – Honey Fair and Fete @ Felbrigg Hall

24-26 Aug – Medieval Spectacular @ Pensthorpe Wildlife & Gardens

24 Aug – Violin and Piano Concert @ St Catherines Church Ludham

25 Aug – Morston Fun Day – Stalls, games, bbq and more a family day out

25 Aug – Salhouse Broad Raft Race & Fun Day @ Salhouse Broad

4, 11, 18, 25 Aug – Plantation Garden Sunday Teas, Earlham Road, Norwich. Come and relax in this Grade II English Heritage registered garden. Almost 3 acres and includes a gothic fountain, woodland walkways, Italianate terrace, lawns, beds and more and cakes, teas and coffee for sale too.

All through August Events

Till 5 Sep - Curious Crocklebog Capers @ Bewilderwood

Till 4 Sep – Summer Fun Silver @ Pensthorpe Wildlife & Gardens, join them as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary of conservation work.

Till 7 Sep – Go Go Gorillas! Norwich – come and follow the trail and spot all the gorillas around the streets, parks and open spaces. Collect your trail map from the Norwich Tourist Information Centre or log onto www.visitnorwich.co.uk and follow link to download map.

More fabulous shots of our beautiful region

We recently asked on our Facebook and Twitter feeds for you to send us some pictures of your favorite #NorfolkIs and #SuffolkIs holiday destinations. Here are some more of our favourites:

2 fantastic shots from @loadofbarrett

The best view of Norwich, on top of Mousehold heath:

This is the best way to see the Broads with your mates:

3 great pics of one 'Wells Next The Sea' from @beaverbrookes23

  

and finally for now, an absolute stunning shot from @chillipope

who knows that the Norfolk Broads (Hickling) is the best place to see UK's largest butterfly - Swallowtail

Thank you all for some lovely pics of our beautiful region.

KEEP THEM COMING - We love seeing them.

I actually spoke to a real person

Sometimes running a business is a little tough, but when you get feedback like this, it's officially another great day in sunny #Norfolk:

"Very helpful and personable. I actually spoke to a real person. What a delightful and helpful treat! Fast and efficient responses to my various queries was acted upon immediately and efficiently. A most helpful and reassuring gesture especially as this was my first booking through you. Well done. Thank you".

Give us a call on 01953 604480 and we'll do our very best for you too.

The Best Beaches in Norfolk

Wohoo - the sun is on its way - Hip Hip Hooray

Finally summer is arriving here this weekend and from the forecast it looks like it will be staying. So slap on your sunhat, slop on some suncream and come holiday with us in sunny Norfolk.

Here in Norfolk we are lucky enough to have some truly fantabulous beaches, some sandy, some shingle but plenty of them to please everyone.

Please check out our top 5 beaches recommendations and also our dog friendly beach post - please feel free to send us an email to relax@holidayeast.co.uk and let us know yours and if you want to add a pic or 2 then we will try to upload them onto the blog.

Here are our pick of the best beaches in Norfolk

Best for kids: Sea Palling 

This Blue Flag award winning beach is fantastic for kids and swimmers. There are several off shore reefs around the beach to prevent flooding and has helped keep the waters calm for swimming and watersports. The beach has plenty of amenities close by.

Best for beauty and fame: Holkham

Made famous for filming part of Shakespeare in Love here and music video Pure Shores by All Saints (theme tune from film The Beach). This beach is a fair trot from the car park which gets very busy at peak times but let us put your mind at rest when we tell you this is one beautiful expanse of pale sand, totally unspoilt and you won't be cramped! No amenities here but you can walk from here to Wells next the Sea where there is a beach cafe.

Best for all: Gorleston

A relatively unknown one this in terms of popularity. Its bay is nestled between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Masses of soft sand perfect for a spot of beach football or cricket, there are plenty of other on beach entertainment, bouncy castles and the like and for those who perhaps have mobility issues then you can park and just watch the waves gently roll in or take a gentle stroll around the rockery gardens.

Best for rock-pools: Old Hunstanton

Underneath the stripy cliffs you will find a wealth of rockpools perfect for spotting the odd crab or fish. Head left and you will walk to the more popular resort of Hunstanton and all its traditional seaside offerings, head right and the golden sands, currently popular with kite surfers and just fab for a picnic and paddle.

Best for birdwatchers - Titchwell

The visitor centre is where you commence your walk past lagoons and reedbeds full of birds before you reach the beach where you can utilise one of their hides or just sit on a bench and watch nature do its thing.

We could go on and on with what our beaches can offer but here is a list of our other amazing beaches you could visit such as Cromer, Trimingham, Mundesley, Winterton on Sea, Brancaster, Cley, Overstrand, Waxham, Wells next the Sea, Horsey, Sheringham and Scolt Head.

Dog friendly beaches in Norfolk

Well so many of you bring your most faithful friend on holiday with you it would be a shame for them not to be included in our beach list.

Here are the beaches that will accept dogs on them, but please make sure that you check if they have any restrictions, we have tried to put as much info as we can for you but the beach will have signs up for up to date information:

> Holkham - all dogs welcome
> Winterton on Sea - restrictions when terns are nesting and seals are breeding
> Heacham - South Beach and S.Sands club ok
> Brancaster - if restrictions are in place then there will be signs at the car park
> Old Hunstanton
> Caister Point
> Cley
> Snettisham

Restrictions apply at all the following beaches:
> Cromer
> Great Yarmouth
> Gorleston
> Mundesley
> Scratby
> Sheringham
> Wells next the Sea
> Hemsby
> Overstrand
> Sea Palling
> West Runton

Where are your favorite Norfolk and Suffolk holiday destinations?

We recently asked on our Facebook and Twitter feeds for you to send us some pictures of your favorite #NorfolkIs and #SuffolkIs holiday destinations. Here are three of our favorites so far:

Thanks to @Gary_R_Walker for this one:

Thanks to @kaoriking for this one:

Thanks to @Agile_Tweets for this one:

WHY NOT GET INVOLVED - We would love to share your favorite NorfolkIs and SuffolkIs holiday destinations. Just tweet us or send a picture to our facebook page, we'd love to see them!

TWITTER: @holidayeast

FACEBOOK: Coast & Country Holidays (Norfolk) Ltd.

#CoolNorfolk Summer Festivals

There's some great 'live music', 'arts' and 'fun-for-all' happening in Norfolk over the summer at events and festivals throughout the county. Here is just a flavour of some that we're looking forward to...

Wymondham Music Festival Saturday 22 June - Sun 7 July

This festival fortnight is to promote all types of music in this historic market town.

A sample of the events taking place are:

Saturday 22 June 

Wymondham Songfest 2013 – Songwriting workshop with Johnny Steinberg (pictured right)  09:30 to 17:30 at the Baptist Church. Workshop fee: £10 Contact Johnny or ring 01953 604816 to arrange advance payment.

Also @ 19.30: See The Lightning Thieves in Wymondham Abbey

Monday 24 June @ 18.00: Midsummer Jazz Picnic on Becketswell Meadow

Thursday 27 June @ 19.30: Jazz in the Abbey in Wymondham Abbey

Friday 28 June @ 19.30: The Sound of Music - Livewire Opera Company in Central Hall

Saturday 29 June @19.30: Wymondham Symphony Orchestra in Wymondham Abbey.

Also @20.00: Megson (pictured below) - Folk at the Regal in the Ex-Services Club

Sunday 30 June: Teddy Bears Picnic at Kings Head Meadow.
Also @ 20.00: Voigt Piano Trio in Wymondham Abbey

Monday 1 July @ 19.00: Wymondham Young Musicans Concert in Wymondham Abbey

Thursday 4 July @ 20.00: The Vagaband at Central Hall

Saturday 6 July 11.30 – 16.00: Wymondham Fun Day @ Ketts Park.
Also @ 19.30: Wymondham Choral Society in Wymondham Abbey.
Also @ 20.00: Flamenco at the Regal in the Ex-Services Club 

To check for the full listings and to book tickets www.wymfestival.org.uk

Other Festivals in #CoolNorfolk

6-7th July: Potty Morris Dance Festival in Sheringham. A weekend filled with music and dancing in the streets

6th July: Ludham Festival – Ludham. Light classical music in the grounds of How Hill House. Bring a picnic too. 

21-27th July: Holt Festival. An exuberant week of music, dance, comedy, cinema, street entertainment, kids shows and workshops. www.holtfestival.org

26th July - 4th August: Wells Carnival and Festival – over 70 activities spread over 9 days, 6 evenings of live music. There will be a sandcastle competition, teddy bears picnic, fun run, workshops etc.

27th - 28th July: Worstead Festival – A village festival with fun and food and the best of Norfolk with music and theatre along with a chance to buy local crafts too, www.worsteadfestival.org

3rd - 11th August: Sheringham Carnival – traditional family fun for all the family. Lots of activities including street races, parades and more www.sheringhamcarnival.com

17th - 24th August: Cromer Carnival – a week of celebratory family fun and entertainment with a Carnival Parade on Wednesday 21st August. Lots of events taking place including a childrens week commencing 10th August www.cromercarnival.co.uk

13th - 15th September: Wells Pirate Festival – three days of swashbuckling fun and activities for the family. Plays, pantomimes, parades all on a pirate theme, smugglers ball and more www.wellsmalting.org.uk

Don't miss Open Farm Sunday

Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic project which has seen hundreds of farmers across the UK opening up their farm for one Sunday each year since 2006! This year it is on SUNDAY 9 JUNE. The day is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, young and old, to discover at first hand what it means to be a farmer.

Take time to listen to the birds, soak up the scenery, experience the smells of the farmyard and really get in touch with the land that feeds us. So come and feed your senses on Open Farm Sunday.

Each event is unique with its own activities - based around the farm’s own individual story. Activities during the day may include a farm walk, nature trail, tractor and trailer rides, pond dipping, activities for children, a mini farmers market or picnics.

CLICK HERE to find Open Farms in our region.

Why not make a weekend of it and book a MINI BREAK!

CLICK HERE to search properties near the Open Farm that you want to visit.

Some of the reasons that you'll love #CoolNorfolk

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Stunning beaches where excited children can run and paddle, where parents help to build sand castles and decorate them with seashells, and where boats depart for fascinating sea tours to catch a close-up view of seals in their natural environment. 

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Lonely, unspoilt salt marshes where you can walk for miles and hardly see a sole, our region is a coastal haven for bird life and its backdrop of stunning sunsets and wide skies will relax even the most busy mind. 

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Although Norfolk has the thriving cultural City of Norwich at its heart, many of our beautiful market towns and rural villages share Norwich's rich population of venues for the arts with their unique galleries, museums, theatres and specialist shops and attractions of every kind. 

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Within our miles of coastline, forests, woods and gardens, which frame every part of our region, are lakes, broads, salt marshes and rivers. This rich landscape of natural water features, in addition to some superb indoor and outdoor activity centres, make Norfolk a heaven for water sports enthusiasts and perfect for low hassle, high enjoyment family holidays. 

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 Norfolk has rich in historic splendour boasting many National Trust sites in addition to dozens more, privately owned heritage attractions. You can relax in the peace and tranquillity of beautiful gardens and landscapes, where for centuries artists and poets have felt most at home. Explore and learn more about the homes and workplaces where generations of eccentrics, inventors, industrialists and even royalty have shaped our history and left us with a wonderful legacy and even a few intriguing scandals. 

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 Our beautiful Norfolk Broads are not to be missed. You can explore them on foot or by boat, either way we guarantee that you will enjoy learning more about the region's unique habitat and its wildlife. 

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But perhaps the greatest pleasure of your break in #CoolNorfolk is that the colours and sights that your eyes and ears will enjoy, will be matched by the delight that awaits your taste buds! The benefit of a rural landscape is that it produces some world-beating flavours in our locally grown produce, in our freshly caught seafood and in our locally brewed wines and ales. 

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You might already of seen more of Norfolk than you realise, as the stunning scenery and architecture that we enjoy every day is also appreciated and used by television and film companies as the filming location for many memorable TV shows and Hollywood blockbusters!

See More >

June Events in #CoolNorfolk

With so much going on in #Norfolk, it's sometimes hard to know where to go first when you are planning a day out, so here are just a few EVENTS NOT TO MISS during June:

1st & 2nd June – The Muckleburgh Military Display Weekend 2013 – jam packed day, includes military displays, vehicle displays, parades, rides, stalls, model vehicles and more

1st & 2nd June - are you wild about nature, well come and join the second annual Bioblitz @ The Dinosaur Adventure Park. The weekends activities include a mini beast safari and scavenger hunt as well as nature walks and sessions to make things. Last year we spotted nearly 700 species in just 24 hours.

4th June – Horse Racing @ Great Yarmouth Racecourse, collect a programme and pick up some tips before placing your bet. Before the race the horses enter the parade ring and make sure your choice is looking on the money. Is an exciting event, families welcome and plenty of dining options and bars to choose from.

5th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 22nd, 24th, 26th, 29th June - Greyhound Racing @ Yarmouth Stadium. Action packed events on Monday Wednesday and Saturday nights.

7th – 9th June – Morley Beer Festival @ Morley Village Hall. The first ever Morley Beer Festival is being held in June. Local ales and ciders mixed with local bands and room outside for the kids to play.

7th June – Wildlife Walk – In search of Natterjacks and Moths @ NWT Holme Dunes, join them as they search for nocturnal creatures. Free but booking required 01603 598333

9th June = Tern Trip @ Salhouse Broad, meet the ranger for a boat trip up to Hoveton Great Broad, only accessible by boat. Take a wander and see the terms and seasonal flora and fauna.

15th June – Summer Fete @ Trunch. Cakes, stalls, bbq and entertainment

16th June – BewilderDADS day@ Bewilderwood – dads go free and you can make him a Boggle badge. You can write him a message and display for all to see and test whether he is brave and if he is then reward him with a BewilderDAD card and hug!

16th June – Fathers Day @ Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse

16th June – Fathers Day @ Church Farm Stow Bardolph. Dads go free when accompanied by children (and Grandads too). Tractors, combine harvesters, beet harvesters and pig racing. A boys day out!

21st June – Summer Solstice Celebration @ Salhouse Broad, hire a canoe or take a guided boat trip around the Broad on this the longest day of the year.

22nd June – As you like it – Shakespearean play performed by The Lord Chamberlains Men @ Blickling Hall.

23rd June – Green Festival @ Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, a green festival with environmental activities for all the family. With childrens entertainers and boat trips & more.

26th & 27th June – The Royal Norfolk Show

30th June – Hunstanton Carnival. With activities on the green from 11am, the parade starts at 1pm.

30th June – Steam Day @ The Museum of the Broad. Everything powered by steam, including a trip on a Steam Boat. BBQ available too.

Oxborough Hall June Events 
Till 19th June - Scarecrowfest is an opportunity to see all the scarecrow characters local schools have made based on nursery rhymes and then you can vote for your favourite one.

1st June – 31st July - A Wander in the Washpit, where the Washpit field which is normally closed to the public is open (weather permitting) for walks and to experience the wetland meadow.

8th – 9th June - Bee Aware, find out all about bumble bees and honey bees and watch a display from the beekeepers and eat from a honey themed restaurant in the tea-room

20th June – As you like it, the traditional Shakespearean play performed by The Lord Chamberlains Men. BBQ, drinks & ice-creams on sale. Bring your own blankets, rugs, chairs & a picnic.

21st June - Norfolk Dixieland Jazz Band– an evening of razzamatazz in front of the hall. Bring your own rugs or chairs. Barbie, drinks & ice-cream available.

27th June - Summer Surprise Workshop – come and create edible treats from the items you see growing in the kitchen garden. A workshop and talk with lunch and take home the items you have made (£30-booking required)

Holkham Hall June Events
5th, 12th, 19th, 26th June - Deer Discovery Walk, join a guided walk to learn interesting facts about the deer in Holkham Park and how they change with the seasons. The walks are suitable for all ages with appropriate footwear. Well behaved dogs on leads also welcome.

2nd, 5th, 6th, 8th 17th, 25th &30th June – Cricket Match. Watch local club Holkham for a game of cricket.

9th June – Open Farm Sunday. A nationwide annual event highlighting farming at Holkham. See the tractors and listen to the farmers as they tell you how they work. There will be demonstrations and sheep dog trials as well as games, quizzes and a hog roast too. Free entry but car park charges of £2.50 applies.

18th June – Guided walk in the Nature Reserve, Orchids in the Dell. You will join the Education Officer on a short, gentle walk around the Nature Reserve between 10-12.

Have fun!