Make memories
Reepham
Just a few places to that you may enjoy is the market town of Reepham, which is just over a mile away or if you fancy a lovely walk, partly on Marriott’s Way, it is a wonderful way to see some Norfolk wildlife.
Marriott’s way is a disused railway line that is now a footpath, cycle path and bridle path, almost completely off road to Norwich and Alysham.) Along the way you will be able to stop at junction 21 tearoom, located at the junction of Marriott’s way and Norfolk cycle loop, Reepham station café and bakery, and Whitwell station café and museum.
If you wish to cycle however do not wish to bring your own bikes, there is a bike hire company in Reepham and I have included a useful link to cycling in Norfolk.
For food and drink there are plenty of places to enjoy in and around the area of Kerdiston and Reepham. Some are a little further away, however well worth a visit if you have time. The King’s Arms in Reepham is very popular and welcoming for drinks and food and the Dial House has a bakery and coffee shop. There is plenty of free parking in Reepham centre.
Well worth a visit is the all-day brewery in Salle, a microbrewery & hop grower with a focus on traditional cask conditioned ales, which is a short walk over the fields from our house or a drive via Reepham. At Salle farm you can also order an organic veg box from Salle moor market garden if you wish to stay in and cook and enjoy the local produce: https://www.instagram.com/sallemoorveg/
There are plenty of shops in Reepham, which include the delicatessen Diane’s pantry, and the farm shop in the square. Eve’s hill farm shop, which is just outside Reepham is well worth a visit.
There is also a co-op which is short drive or walk from Little Orchard.
A short drive or cycle ride away you will discover one of the UK’s last privately owned villages, Heydon, where you can visit the beautiful church and stop at the Heydon tea rooms, the bakery, or the Earl Arms pub on the green. Please do check out folks’ coffee Instagram page as you can order pizzas on a Friday night and on a sunny evening, enjoy them sitting on the green near the church.
Take your time strolling past the colourful beach huts at Wells-next-the-Sea and take in all the beauty.
Further afield there is the Walpole arms, Marsham arms, Sculthorpe Mill, and the Guntonarms, which was recently reviewed in the guardian.
If you wish to go to the coast the White horse in Brancaster Staithe is fabulous for a panoramic view facing the North sea coast and Scolt head Island.
For fish and chips No1 Cromer is a must and for a more relaxed meal The Grove Cromer is set in a wonderful giant tipi with a seasonal menu.
For fine dining, the Neptune in Hunstanton is a treat for serious foodies and for special occasions, Morston Hall. Enjoy the beautiful setting as the multi award winning chef weaves his culinary magic.
A stalwart in the good pub guide is the Orange Grove in Thornham and in the beautiful town of Wells is the Globe inn overlooking the green. Just a few miles away from Wells is the Victoria Inn in Holkham, both pubs are near the coast which is a great opportunity to walks your dogs then enjoy lunch or supper, in the pub afterwards.
For coffee, cake and light lunches there is the Wells beach café, Wiveton Hall Café and the Café at Holkham Hall.
Visit Norwich Castle and then explore the street food in the famous Norwich market.
There are many National trust Estates, all with their own beautiful walks, cafes and activities to do with your friends and family. Some suggestions are Sandringham Estate, Blickling estate, Felbrigg Hall and gardens, Sheringham Park, Oxburgh estate and Holkham Hall. Blakeney national nature reserve, Cley beach, the Norfolk coastal paths, Peddars way, Weaver’s way, Wensum Way, Whitlingham country Park, to name but a few all have beautiful walks.
Norwich city centre is only a 30 minutes’ drive away and the historic cobbled streets of Elm hill is a delight to visit, with the cathedral and castle nearby. 30 minutes in the other direction is the market town of Holt which has fantastic shopping and places to eat or slightly closer is the market town of Alysham.
You may wish to spend the day sailing or just visiting the Norfolk Broads. The wonderful waterways are full of wildlife, where you may be lucky enough to spot an otter running along the banks, or a Marsh Harrier or Spoonbill flying overhead. It is a bird watchers paradise, with various nature reserves. There are many cycle paths, walks and boat hire companies and there is plenty of space to take your kayaks or paddle boards. Whether you want to simply relax on the water or marvel in the beautiful surroundings and wildlife, the broads offer waterways which feature many pubs to stop and enjoy lunch.
A 20 minute drive from Kerdiston is the village of North Elmham, which has an old chapel from the late Saxon period. Although there is not much left of the chapel it is a wonderful place to park up and take in the views of the fields and walk along the old railway line: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/north-elmham-chapel/history/
To give you some ideas for activities for children if required Discover outdoors is a new business in Norfolk who provide stand up paddleboarding, archery, football and cricket, please call Lydia on 07759568574.
For family days out, Roarr, Bewilderwood, Gressenhall farm, Holkham, Amazona zoo, Wroxham Barns, Whitlingham adventure, Sea Life centre Hunstanton and the bug parc in Lenwade are all enjoyable days out.