North Norfolk Spring Guide

It’s official – Spring (at least the meteorological version) has arrived and with it sunshine and dazzling blue skies and wonderful crisp air. And on Sunday 30th March the clocks go forward. More sunlight hours and the perfect moment for a Norfolk break and we’d love to see you.

And maybe Go Green! The latest section of the King Charles Coastal Path from Hunstanton to King’s Lynn has just opened (we have a sign post right outside). Take the train to King’s Lynn and then get your walking boots on. Or hire a bike. Next Stop Castle Rising, Sandringham, Snettisham and the sea!

Or take the Coast Hopper. Our amazing bus service from King’s Lynn bus station (3 mins from the rail station) goes through Sandringham, into Snettisham and then on to Hunstanton and along the North Coast as far as Cromer. Get a hop on and off ticket and see the world, or at least the beauty of north west Norfolk, from the top floor.

With Spring comes the great awakening, not just of snowdrops and daffodils but also of the wonderful things to see and do around us.

Sandringham House reopens shortly as do the gardens, recently reworked by King Charles. Fascinating but check which days. The lovely woods and walks around the house are open to the public, and their dogs, all year round, as is the great gift shop, perfect for royal souvenirs. And there is a tremendous adventure playground.

Don’t forget, we love children and dogs at The Rose & Crown.

Houghton Hall opens on 4th May. The most beautiful privately owned house in England (I think) with a totally stunning walled garden (where Anthony volunteers one morning a week, so you have to admire it) . This year it is hosting the work of sculptor Stephen Cox in house and garden. You can take your dog (though only in the park) or a picnic. Children will love exploring hidden sculpture installations and there is lots of room to run around in. A brilliant day out.

Magnificent Holkham Hall opens at the end of March. Lots of events and things to do, particularly for children. The wonderful parkland is open all year round and you can take your dog.

At RSPB Snettisham Snettisham Nature Reserve, Norfolk – The RSPB vast numbers of waders are congregating on the mud flats. Take a look at the website for the best days to see the spectaculars, or go on a guided tour, but it’s fun to be there any day. Or at Titchwell RSPB reserve.

In Snettisham the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project is criss crossed by foot paths leading down to lovely Snettisham beach. Look out for the beavers and wild pigs. From May they stage numerous tours and events.

Maybe visit fascinating historic King’s Lynn (I bet you’ve never been!) and our own beautiful Bank House. Lots of cobbled streets and tucked away corners to explore, as well as stunning churches, halls and houses (more listed buildings than any other town of its size in Britain), elegant squares and quirky museums. Get a leaflet and guide yourself or join a walk with one of King’s Lynn’s knowledgeable guides.

And whilst in King’s Lynn go and visit our good friends at distillers What a Hoot. Lots of testing and making experiences available, and you can sip a R&C gin and tonic when you get back to the R&C.

Look out in early April for news of the annual tulip extravaganza (Norfolk Tulips | King’s Lynn, Norfolk) staged in nearby Hillington in aid of Taping House, our local hospice, which happens when the tulips are ready. Acres of the most delicious colours. Do not miss it!

Spring seems to be bringing a load of new shopping opportunities. Burnham Market has brightened up and acquired two new bookshops as well as a new gallery, whilst our very own torc Books just down the road is due to reopen in April. Stanhoe has a new shop attached to the pub, and lots of lovely things to browse at Creake Abbey and Drove orchard in Thornham.

But, of course, the real reason for being here (other than The Rose & Crown) is the Norfolk countryside. The days are longer and warmer, the hedges in bud, the skies bluer. The beaches, footpaths and lovely empty countryside are all there just waiting to be discovered. And your dog and children will love you for it.

And if all this sounds a bit too energetic, you can retreat to our lovely new, super comfy residents’ lounge and curl up with a cup of tea by the fire and maybe a little snooze, or a game of bridge or dominoes. Or sit in our beautiful walled garden and enjoy a pint from our Garden Bar whilst the children are fully entertained on our very special playground with the Merrie Rose climbing ship.

And then there’s supper, and that oh so comfy bed.

Irresistible! Give us a call now 01485 541382, We look forward to welcoming you.

From the team at The Rose & Crown