About North Norfolk |
Brancaster
The North Norfolk village of Brancaster, on the A149 coast road between Hunstanton and Wells and the National Cycle Route Number One, enjoys one of the best beaches in the area for those wanting a quiet seaside break, and as one of the driest parts of the UK it may be a better bet than elsewhere in the country.
The sands, with tough marram grass to the rear, are extensive and inviting.
For those needing more intellectual stimulus, at very low tides the remains of a petrified forest can be seen here. Brancaster was the site of the Roman fort of Branodonum, built it seems to guard against raids by Frankish and Saxon pirates, although some local legends claim it was to counter Druids living nearby.
All that is left of the fort now are a few ditches to the east of the village, and on careful inspection some Roman bricks in various cottages and outhouses.
More recent history, although this is relative, is seen in St Mary’s church, a Saxon building with a characteristic round tower nearly a thousand years old. The church has some beautiful medieval stained glass, and a fifteenth century bell cast in Kings Lynn.
Brancaster has a village shop that stocks food, drinks and newspapers, it is open until 1PM everyday.
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Brancaster Staithe & Deepdale
Situated on the beautiful north Norfolk coast, approximately half way between Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea, just over the hill from Burnham Market.
Village life centres around the harbour and its thriving fishing and sailing community. Deepdale has a petrol station as well as a branch of Costcutters
Enjoy the local hospitality and seafood at the Jolly Sailors, the White Horse and Deepdale Cafe. The village is famous for Mussels in the winter. Take in some local art, or browse the new shops at Dalegate Market.
For more information visit www.burnhamdeepdale.co.uk
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Burnham Market
Not for nothing is Burnham Market known as Chelsea- on-Sea!
Burnham Market has a traditional post office, butcher, baker, hardware shop, fish shop and chemist for all the necessities of everyday life, as well as over 30 highly original independent and specialist shops, selling a wide range of exciting deli products, vibrant and stylish accessories for home and garden, trendy clothes shops for all the family, and books old and new.
There is an exciting array of eateries serving everything from cappuccino to Sea bass, tea and cakes to a Club sandwich.
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Beaches
You are never far away from a fantastic beach in Brancaster.
Besides Brancaster's own beach(make sure you but a Tide table to plan your trips) there are several superb beaches close by, all with something unique and different to offer their visitors.
Old Hunstation
Blue Flag award, much quieter than Hunstation and popular with Kite Surfers.
Holkham Bay
One of the most famous places in Norfolk, with numerous sandy beaches backed by pinewoods.
Wells Next The Sea
About a mile from the main town of Wells, a sandy beach backed with a row of colourful beach huts.
Tip: Leave a car in Wells and walk from Holkham to Wells and enjoy fish and chips on the quay.
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Water Sports
Due to it's excellent location on the North Norfolk coast, Brancaster and Brancaster Staithe are extremely popular with those who have a passion for water sports. Activities include windsurfing, kayaking, sailing and kite surfing.
Details are available from Northshore Sports & Leisure tel: 01485 210 236 (Discounts available to guests of Manor Farm)
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Golf
Royal West Norfolk Golf Club - Ranked 14th in England - 44th in the UK
Founded in 1892, Royal West Norfolk Golf Club & is a classic, nothing much has changed here for 100 years. Squeezed beautifully between Brancaster Bay and the salt marshes, Royal West Norfolk truly is a peaceful golf links, except when the wind blows and boy, is the wind bracing here.
Check the tide times before you plan your trip. The course plays on a narrow strip of links-land which gets cut off at high tide, turning it into an island.If you are lucky enough to play the course during high tide, you are in for a real treat; the downside is that you will need plenty of golf balls.
Prior to your game, grab a quick drink in the oak-paneled Smoke Room inside the Victorian clubhouse and check the wind speed on the gauge next to the bar. If you want to eat after your round, make sure you order before you play, otherwise you will only be offered a choice of delicious cakes.
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Walks & Cycling
There are lots of beautiful walking routes and cycle paths in North Norfolk.
The Norfolk Coast footpath, Peddlers Way and permissive bridle ways around farms and miles of coastline offer spectacular scenery.
Bike Hire - On Yer Bike Cycle Hire - tel: 01328 820 719
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Places To Visit
Pensthorpe Wildlife Centre
Near Fakenham is the setting for the BBC's Spring Watch. This is a wonderful chance to see over 171 species.
There is a bug walk and Wildlife Tracker trails for children.
tel: 01328 851 465
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Houghton Hall
The residence of Great Britain's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, Houghton Hall has over 350acres of rolling parkland and a 5 acre walled garden including a newly restored kitchen garden.
tel: 01485 528 569
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Sandringham
Sandringham is the much loved country retreat of HM The Queen and has been the private home of four generations of British Monarchs.
The country park which is made up of 600 acres, is open to the public free of charge every day of the year.
Sandringham House is open between April and November.
tel: 01553 612 908
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Holkham Hall
Home to the Earls of Leicester, Holkham Hall is a superb Palladian Hall, with beautiful rolling parkland, shops and galleries and year round events. The park is open all year round.
tel:01328 710 227
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The North Norfolk Railway
The Wells and Walsingham Light Railway is the longest 10 1/4" narrow gauge railway in the world. A great adventure for the whole family (Open April to November)
tel: 01328 711 630
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Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary
Seal rescue and wildlife park as well as an otter and penguin sanctuary.
tel: 01485 533 576
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Snettisham Park
Lots of things to keep the children happy including a deer safari. Farm activities include feeding the lambs and other farm animals, trail walks and an adventure playground
tel: 01485 542 425
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RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve
One of the countries most popular nature reserves.
Hundreds of thousands of migrating birds can be seen in the spring and autumn. Many birds spend the winter here. the reserve is open all year round.
tel: 01485 210 779
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Blakeny Point Seal Trips
Daily trips that run throughout the summer and regularly in winter. Times of the trips are dependant on the tides and bookings are only taken by phone.
tel: 01263 740 505
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Services
The 'Coasthopper' bus service is a great way to see the North Norfolk coast.
Tesco Direct also deliver groceries to Manor Farm
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