things to see and do

Blakeney

Blakeney is home to England’s largest grey seal colony, the seals inhabit on unspoilt Blakeney Point. Seal watching is a favourite pastime here in Norfolk. You can book tickets on boat trips that depart from Morston Quay daily to go and seal spot. There are many seal boat companies in Morston, here are a few listed below that we recommend:

Temples: www.sealtrips.co.uk or 01263 740791
Beans Boats: www.beansboattrips.co.uk or 01263 740505
Bishops Boats: www.bishopsboats.co.uk or 01263 740753

Crabbing on ‘The Quay’ is very popular with children and adults alike, proving magical with an ice cream from the village shop on a warm summer’s day. Pick up a crabbing line, net, and bucket from a shop in the village and get some bait (old bacon or fish) and you are away. Who’s going to catch the most? Top tip: if you go crabbing at high tide you are likely to catch a lot more crabs!

If you are looking for a private charter or to rent a boat for the day then there are plenty of options in North Norfolk, depending on where you would like to depart from. The companies listed below are the companies which are geographically closest to Thornage:

Dog Leg Charters: www.doglegcharters.co.uk or 07778 197 993
Norfolk Fishing Trips & Charter: www.norfolkfishingtrips.co.uk or 01485 517610
Norfolk ETC: www.norfolketc.co.uk or 01263 740704

Wells-next-the-sea

Wells is a port town with a huge working harbour, making it a must visit for any boating enthusiasts. While boat watching or bird spotting many people choose to do a spot of crabbing while enjoying well known Wells-next-the-sea fish and chips from one of the local shops nearby, you really are spoilt for choice!

A rather unusual addition to this little North Norfolk town is the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway. It is the longest, ten and a quarter inch narrow gauge steam railway in the world, when visiting you will see the unique Garratt locomotives ‘Norfolk Hero’ and ‘Norfolk Heroine’ which were especially built for this line.

www.wwlr.co.uk

Holt

Holt is a historic Georgian town with charming shops and many delicious delicatessens. There are a huge number of beautiful flint stone buildings, hidden yards and Georgian facades for you to enjoy, with Holt being one of the best towns to visit for shopping if you want something a little different due to its vast range of independent shops. From luxury dog shops, unique antique shops, galleries and the wonderful Bakers & Larners food hall, it is guaranteed Holt has something for everyone.

Holkham

Holkham is widely known for its stunning beach which attracts many visitors all year round. Once you have visited the beach you will discover there is a huge variety of activities on offer at Holkham Hall for the whole family of all ages. There is cycle hire, boat hire, a woodland play area, rope walks and so much more, it is a wonderful day out for anyone with a sense of adventure. In the height of summer, we would recommend pre booking prior to your visit to avoid disappointment. If you are fortunate enough, you will see the Calvary Troopers on their annual holiday beach ride at Holkham, where the majestic horses become salt-soaked horses for the day and enjoy splashing around on the shoreline. It really is a spectacular sight indeed. www.holkham.co.uk

Stiffkey and Cley

An absolute favourite of ours is Stiffkey Stores – as well as the delicious pastries, artisan breads and coffees on offer you will be lost in a magical world of glorious homewares, divine baskets and gorgeous accessories. In Cley you will find the incredible Made in Cley, which has a fantastic array of hand thrown pottery ranging from table wear to vases all delicately made onsite in Cley. While visiting you will also discover the beautiful local artwork, sculpture work and stunning local prints from various talented artists. The perfect place to purchase a keepsake or gift from your North Norfolk holiday.