For many people just sitting by the river itself and watching it go by is the ultimate relaxation. In additon to enjoying your Norfolk holiday accomodation, there are many other things to see and do in the area.
The village of Itteringham is a short walk away and has a great community-run shop selling a variety of provisions including an array of delicious cakes. You can also get a tea or coffee there. Look out for the final resting place of George Barker, mid-20th century bohemian poet and author, in the village churchyard. For more information about the village go to http://itteringham.com.
A selection of more active interests are listed below. But go to http://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/ for a general overview of what’s available.
Fishing.
We permit our guests to fish from the banks of our meadow subject to our specific permission and the appropriate licence (and a bag limit if fishing for trout). Coarse fishermen are probably better off using some of the local coarse fishing ponds as you are most likely to catch trout from the river, despite there being a range of species.
We do not allow fishing in the mill pond as this is home to a breeding stock of trout who are used to being fed.
There is a wide selection of other coarse and fly-fishing sites close by.
Historic houses and other historic sites.
The National Trust has several sites nearby including Blickling Hall, the trust’s flagship property, a pleasant walk away. Go to http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-beta-map.htm and enter NR11 for a map of nearby sites.
As well as having a great beach, Holkham is also the location for Holkham Hall, the seat of the Earl of Leicester. It hosts a deer-park, museum,tearoom and, off the beaten track a bit, a huge and interesting walled garden. For further information go to http://www.holkham.co.uk/.
Seaside activities.
Cromer and Sherringham are but two of the many towns and small villages along the North Norfolk coast offering a wide range of sea-side attractions. Beaches vary from shingle to wild pine backed sand dunes at Holkham where there is the opportunity to collect an all-over tan for those so inclined. Seal watching trips are run on a regular basis from Moreston and Blakeney quays. Go to www.norfolksealtrips.co.uk/ for details. For Bishop’s seal trips go to www.beansboattrips.co.uk/ for details of Bean’s trips and to www.sealtrips.co.uk/ for Temple’s Seal trips.
The Broads.
Wroxham and The Broads are a half-hour car drive away. But why not take the miniature railway line from Aylsham through the Bure Valley to Wroxham? Get the information on this from www.bvrw.co.uk/ .
Walking.
There are many public footpaths easily accessible from The Mill. There is a pleasant walk through the countryside to Mannington Hall, home of Lord and Lady Walpole. Walk along the boardwalk to the hide and you may spy a family of otters. The very pleasant garden has a great little tea room. For more information go to www.manningtongardens.co.uk/ . Another easy walk is though the woods to Blickling Hall. Take a picnic or nip into the Buckinghamshire Arms for lunch and a pint. Or walk across the fields past Wolterton Hall, to “The Saracen’s Head” (http://www.saracenshead-norfolk.co.uk/ ). For those wanting longer excursions we are close to the 56 mile Weavers Way and the 21 mile Marriott’s Way. For further information on these and other walks go to http://www.tournorfolk.co.uk/walking.html .
Cycling.
The area is ideal for gentle cycling as it has a huge profusion of small country roads with little traffic and small gradients. Be warned though that the main coast road can be very busy and is quite narrow and there is quite a climb up from the coast in many areas.
Local eating and drinking.
We are fortunate in having the Walpole Arms pub-restaurant at the end of our drive. Winner of a Michelin Bib Gourmand for several years in a row, as well as several other food awards The Walpole Arms offers refined dining in its restaurant and the same menu in its bar area.
There is no shortage of other good pub-restaurants in the area. Nearest are:
· The Saracen’s Head, near the entrance to Wolterton Estate (www.thesaracenshead-norfolk.co.uk)
. The Buckinghamshire Arms (www.bucks-arms.co.uk) next to Blickling Hall
· The Black Boys Hotel in Aylsham (www.blackboyshotel.co.uk) – take a very large appetite, they serve Norfolk portions!