Days In
Swimming (1 April - 31 October)
Tennis on private tennis court
Table tennis
Cycling - 12 adult bikes
5-a-side football with goal posts
Croquet
Badminton
Cricket
Giant Jenga
Boule
Sony Wii, Game Cube and PS3 games consoles
Walking - 1 hour loop or walk all day on the forest paths from the drive gates
Beauty Treatments at Vicarage House (see below)
Beauty Treatments:
Vicky Hockins of MyBlissful Retreats provides gorgeous treatments at the house:
Myblissfulretreat@mail.comTel: 07928 494081 www.myblissfulretreat.co.uk
Card games, puzzles, backgammon, chess
Magazines - subscriptions to all the leading titles including Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Tatler, House & Gardens, Homes & Gardens, World of Interiors, GQ, Country Life.
Library of novels and coffee table books
Days Out
The beauty of Vicarage House is guests are on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk. You can enjoy what we believe to be the best of both counties. Moreover you can reach the University City of Cambridge in 40 minutes, with its colleges, botanical garden and open areas along the Cam such as Midsummer and Jesus Pieces. An easy train ride from Thetford.
Norfolk
With its truly unique and fascinating history, unspoilt countryside and blissful beaches, Norfolk is one of the most interesting and exciting counties in the UK. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, including the Holkham and Brancaster, it is also home to some of East Anglia’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Elveden Estate, Thetford Forest, Houghton Hall, Sandringham House, the City of Norwich and the magical Norfolk Broads.
Norfolk boasts a captivating history which spans centuries, from its royal connections to Burnham Market, aka Chelsea-on-Sea. It is easily accessible from London and the Midlands. Whether you enjoy top-knotch racing at Newmarket, sunbathing, swimming, sailing, kayaking or paddleboarding on the coast, walking the paths of Thetford Forest with your dog or playing golf or paintballing. Norfolk offers everything …
Today, Norfolk is a world away from the city but offering world-class fun and entertainment.
Norfolk Broads:
http://www.broads-authority.gov.uk
Lots of options – take the Bure Valley Steam Railway and combine with a return trip on a Broad cruise. Catch the train from Aylsham station and then walk from Wroxham Station to Wroxham Bridge to board the boat for a 1 1/2 hour cruise on the beautiful Norfolk Broads before returning to Wroxham for the train journey back to Aylsham. We recommend you take a picnic. www.bvrw.co.uk Aylsham NR11 6BW Tel: 01263 733858. Departures from Aysham are at 10.00 and 12.40.
Walk around Upton Broad - details at the house
Alternatively, you can hire a sail boat or a leisure cruiser if you prefer just to enjoy the open water ways of the Norfolk Broads.
Norfolk Coast:
Brancaster Beach – pay for parking - lovely sandy beach. Walk in either direction. Combine with a visit to Burnham Market, the lovely Georgian town on the coast.
Holkham Beach – pay for parking. Walk along the beach in either direction, to the left to Gun Hill and along the sea wall to Burnham Overy Staithe and the Hero pub which serves food all day. To the right, you will reach Wells-Next-the-Sea. There is a cafe at the Look Out at the beach end of the car park. On the land side is the Victoria, owned by the estate, serving good food £££.
Wells Next the Sea – pay for parking. We have a recommended walking route between Wells and Holkham beaches
Holme-next-the-Sea - pay for parking. Lovely walk along the beach
Racing in Norfolk & Suffolk:
Newmarket – racing and music concerts. Newmarket –– 25 minute drive.
Fakenham races – The Racecourse, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 7NY Tel: 01328 862388 www.fakenhamracecourse.co.uk
Summer Events
Helmingham Hall Festival of Classic and Sports Cars
Newmarket Race Course (Horse racing and Music concerts throughout the year (20 minute drive)
Thetford Forest Open Air Concerts (June and July concerts from high-profile bands)
West Acre Open Air Theatre
Norfolk Broads
Norfolk Houses
Oxburgh Hall - Historic Houses Association - we recommend you combine this visit with lunch at Bedingfeld Arms www.bedingfeldarms.co.uk.
Blickling Hall - National Trust - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling. Utterly beautiful medieval house.
Felbrigg Hall - National Trust - www,nationaltrust.org.uk/felbrigg. Nice tea room and garden centre. Beautiful walled garden. Lovely walks down to lake and round to church.
Houghton Hall - wonderful gardens and great house, excellent cafe. Beautiful park filled with white deer. Annual exhibitions. 2024 - Anthony Gormley, 2025 - Stephen Cox. Ticket discount for HHA members and RHS members (June & July). www.houghtonhall.com. Houghton Hall, Houghton, King’s Lynn PE31 6TY. Our absolute favourite.
Holkham Hall - fabulous parkland, special walled garden. Fabulous interiors. www.holkhamhall.com. Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AB. Combine with a walk on Holkham Beach.
Sheringham Park - National Trust - www.nationaltrust.org/uk/sheringhampark. This is an exceptional Repton parkland. Head to the beach along a well-signed path. Hall closed.
Suffolk Houses
Euston Hall - home of the Dukes of Grafton, a short drive. Subject of a recent article in House and Gardens. www.eustonhall.co.uk.
Ickworth House - home of the Earls of Bristol. www.ickworthhotel.co.uk. The afternoon tea is highly recommended.
Kentwell Hall - www.kentwell.co.uk. Situated in lovely Long Melford with its exceptional church and long town.
Melford Hall - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/melfordhall. Melford Hall, Long Melford, Sudbury CO10 9AA. Situated in lovely Long Melford with its exceptional church and long town.
Suffolk Villages, Towns and Cities
Bury St Edmunds - please visit this Georgian town. https://visit-burystedmunds.co.uk Visit the gardens, the Abbey and the Georgian Assemby Rooms.
Ely - cathedral city of exceptional beauty. Sits on the River Ouse. https://www.visitely.org.uk Eat, drink and shop at Ben’s Yard. https://www.bensyard.co.uk Stuntney Estate, Ely, Suffolk CB7 5TR.
Clare - https://www.visit-clare.co.uk words fail us about the beauty of this Suffolk town, which is the smallest town in Suffolk. It has much to enjoy and recommend.
Lavenham - make sure you visit this incredible town. https://www.lovelavenham.co.uk Black and white heaven full of wonky medieval house. The parish church to die for.
Long Melford - longest town in England. The setting of the parish church is magical. Combine with a visit to Kentwell Hall or Long Melford Hall. Both are medieval and exceptional.
Norfolk and Suffolk Gardens
Wretham Lodge - Under the National Garden Scheme (NGS) - in next door village. Featured in House & Gardens and Country Life.
Hindringham Hall -
Holme Hale is towards Swaffham. Open under NGS banner. An Arne Maynard designed garden, featured recently in Country Life
Lexham Hall (just north of Swaffham. Open periodically through the NGS)
Helmingham Hall Gardens (home and gardens of the Tollemache family)
Cambridge Botanic Gardens (join this to a trip around this wonderful city. Lovely café and shop)
East Ruston Old Vicarage (Open all year).
Raveningham Hall
Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum
Rose Gardens and Nurseries
Peter Beales Roses - many of the roses in the garden come from here.
Walnut Tree Garden Nursery (an intimate nursery - on line orders only)
Thorncroft Clematis Nursery (specialist clematis growers)
Things to do in the neighbourhood with friends and family
GO APE and Segway: This fantastic high wire experience is a few minutes away from the house in Thetford Forest. www.goape.co.uk. There is Segway in the forest and bike hire.
Cycling treks: Steve Dawson, who lives in the village, is happy to lead groups of you around the forest. He worked for a number of years for High Lodge/Go Ape. We do provide a cycle route to get you started and lots of maps but for the more energetic/adventurous, Steve is your man. Call him on Tel: 07775753596. Steve charges £10 an hour.
Golf Courses: Thetford Golf Club, Brandon Rd, Thetford IP24 3NE www.thetfordgolfclub.co.uk Tel:01842 752169 – a ten minute drive Richmond Park Golf Club, Saham Road, Watton, IP25 6EA www.richmondpark.co.uk Tel: 01953 881803 – a ten minute drive
Paintballing in the forest: Combat Paintball – East Anglia's No.1 Paintball Venue in Thetford, including Junior Paintball. Forestry Land, A11 between Thetford & Norwich, Thetford, Norfolk NR16 2TH Tel: 01842 769112 www.combatpaintball.org/Thetford
Country pursuits: Explore 4x4 – Exclusive location for off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, air rifle shooting, cross bows, archery on the neighbouring Elveden Estate. Estate Office, Elveden IP24 3TQ www.elveden.com./explore-4x4 Tel: 01787 320640 This is an easy drive but you can also cycle from the house.
Go-carting & Motocross: Wild-Track - Off-road outdoor activity park including outdoor go-carting, Battlefield Live Combat, motocross, quad bike tracks and archery. Chippenham Road, Kennett, Newmarket CB8 7QJ www.wildtrackltd.co.uk Tel: 01638 751918
Indoor Swimming pool:Thetford Leisure Centre, Croxton Road, Thetford Tel: 01842 753110. Slides, fountains in a play pool in addition to an Olympic swimming pool.
St George’s Whiskey Distillery: Harling Road, Bridgham NR16 2QW www.englishwhiskey.co.uk email: info@englishwhisky.co.uk Tel: 01953 717939. Distillery tours and tasting. This has 97% positive Trip Advisor reviews. It has a nice café and is a drive-minute drive. The kitchen serves good food and is detailed above.
Banham Zoo: Intimate zoo very close by, loved by our guests who visit, young and old. www.banhamzoo.co.uk Kenninghall Road, Banham, NR16 2HE. Please visit and support.
Bewilderwood: Original and enchanting day out for younger children at www.bewilderwood.co.uk Bewilderwood is 50 acres of wild, outdoor treehouse adventure park. Treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges, Crocklebogs, boat trips, and marsh walks. Tel: 01692 633033
Roarr!: Park with life-size dinosaur trail, animal enclosure, adventure playground and deer park. Predator High Ropes at www.roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk. Lenwade, Norwich NR9 5JW. Opens 10am - 5pm. Tel:01603 876
Farmers’ Market: Wyken Vineyard, near the charming village of Ixworth, near Bury St Edmunds. Open every week. The garden is open. www.wykenvineyards.co.uk Tel: 01359 250287. We love this place. The Farmers’ market is open on Saturday until 1pm. Not to be missed! From Wednesday to Saturday, Woosters Bakery is open in the Bull Pen at Wyken Vineyards, Wyken Rd, Stanton, Bury St Edmunds, Bury Saint Edmunds IP31 2DW. www.woostersbakery.com. 8.30am - 4pm. Have a delicious coffee while collecting your bread. Our favourite is sprouted rye.
Farmers’ Market: Creake Abbey, North Creake, Fakenham NR21 9LF. Monthly, first Saturday of the month.
Thetford – The Light Cinema Experience: All the latest movies in a trendy cinema. www.thetford.lightcinemas.co.uk 17 Bridge Street, Thetford IP24 3AE
Norwich – Theatre Royal Norwich: Hosts a large range of touring productions. www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL
Eating Out
Delis
Elveden Shop and Cafe, London Road, Elveden, Thetford IP24 3TQ 01842 898068 (great burgers made with beef from the estate)
Places to eat within ten minutes of the House
Restaurants/gastro pubs/cafes:
The Kitchen at St George’s Distillery: Harling Road, Roudham, Norfolk NR16 2QW Tel: 01953 717939 info@englishwhisky.co.uk. They serve excellent breakfasts, lunches and teas – good quality and exceptional value. A seven minute drive from the house. We cannot recommend this more highly for great breakfasts and lunches. www.englishwhiskey.co.uk
The Red Lion, The Green, Caston NR17 1DB Tel: 01953 483858 – exceptional gastro pub. This is our favourite in the very local area and you can cycle safely to this pub in 20 mins. It is 4 miles away. One side of the pub is dog-friendly so you can take the pooch! We have a walk route to this pub. www.castonredlion.uk
The Angel at Larling NR16 2QU Tel: 01953 717963 – www.angel-larling.co.uk – a 5 minute drive.
Elveden Courtyard Restaurant and Cafe, London Road, Elveden, Thetford IP24 3TQ www.elveden.com Tel: 01842 898068 A ten minute drive.
The Elveden Inn, Brandon Rd, Elveden, Thetford, Suffolk IP24 3TP Tel: 01842 890876 – this has 4.2 stars on Trip Advisor. This is different from the above but is run by same people. It has a big outside eating area and a children’s playground. Produce a really excellent tea.
Local Pubs with food – walk or cycle or a short drive
The Eagle at Great Hockham – now serving a full English & simple tasty lunches and suppers, not a gastro pub but is a short walk from the house. This pub is dog friendly.
The Chequers Inn, Griston Road, Thompson IP24 1PX www.thompsonchequers.co.uk Tel: 01953 483360 (you can walk or bike to this pub or stop off en route). These are simple pub meals, absolutely not a gastro pub. Good simple food.
Fish and Chips Van at the House, IB The Chippy, Tel: 07805 588160 www.ibthechippy.co.uk This works for a summer party for example
The Red Lion, The Green, Caston NR17 1DB Tel: 01953 483858 – good gastro pub and is a 20min cycle to this pub. Also, we have a walk route to this pub. www.castonredlion.uk. The Red Lion is dog friendly in the bar which has four tables but not in the restaurant. (Same menu).
The Dabbling Duck, 11 Abbey Rd, Great Massingham, King's Lynn PE32 2HN Tel: 01485 520827 - great gastro pub with delightful staff, serving delicious food. https://thedabblingduck.co.uk. Dog friendly. Combine with Explore Norfolk Great Massingham circular walk, https://www.explorenorfolkuk.co.uk/great-massingham-circular-walk.html
The Brisley Bell, The Green, Brisley, Dereham NR20 5DW. Tel: 01362 705024 - award-winning gastro pub. www.thebrisleybell.co.uk
Takeaway
Beijing Diner in Watton
Rumbles Fish and Chips in East Harling NR16 2PP. It receives 4* from Trip Advisor
Restaurants within 30 minutes of Vicarage House
The Leaping Hare, Wyken, Ixworth IP31 2DW www.wykenvineyards.co.uk Tel: 01359 250287. Think Daylesford of Suffolk/Norfolk. This is the brainchild of Carla Carlisle, who for many years wrote the column at the back of Country Life. There is a wonderful café, shop and restaurant. The restaurant serves London standard restaurant food. We recommend booking a table. There is a cafe which serves food all day. A table in the café cannot be booked, it is first come first served. In milder weather, there are café tables outside.
The Mulberry Tree, Station Road, Attleborough NR17 2AS www.the-mulberry-tree.co.uk Tel: 01953 452124. Our guests have raved about this restaurant, open every day
The White Hart Hotel, 3 Market Place, Hingham NR9 4AF www.whitehartnorfolk.co.uk Tel:01953 850214. Hingham is an attractive Georgian town with a very lovely church.
Maison Bleue, 30/31 Churchgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1RG. Our guests have raved about this place. Lovely website too. info@maisonbleue.co.uk or Tel: 01284 760 623. This restaurant is listed in the Tatler Best Restaurants Guide 2018.
Our favourite Places to eat near the beaches:
The Hero, Burnham Overy Staithe, www.heroburnhamovery.co.uk, Burnham Overy Staithe, PE31 8JE. Tel: 01328 738334. Food all day and dogs welcome. An absolute favourite.
The White Horse Holme, Holme next the Sea www.whitehorseholme.co.uk 40 Kirkgate, PE36 6LH. Tel: 01485 525512 Lovely new offering from the White Horse stable
The Black Lion, 14 Market Street, Little Walsingham NR22 6DB www.www.blacklionhotel.co.uk Tel: 01328 820235
Titchwell Manor, Titchwell, PE31 8BB www.titchwellmanor.com Tel: 01485 210221
The Ship Inn, Brancaster, PE31 8AP www.shiphotelnorfolk.co.uk Tel: 01485 210333
The White Horse Brancaster Staithe PE31 8BY www.whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk Tel: 01485 210262
The Gin Trap, Ringstead
The Rose and Crown, Snettisham.
There are good places for a snack in Burnham Market such as Tuscan Café or buy a sandwich at Humble Pie.