Springtime in Norfolk

Experience the enchanting beauty of Norfolk this springtime with its vibrant blooms and lush greenery, as we journey through the picturesque villages, charming market towns, and scenic coastal landscapes. Highlights of this holiday include a visit to the stunning Blickling Hall, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Norfolk countryside, with its beautifully maintained grounds and a Jacobean mansion offering a captivating glimpse into England's rich history.

We will explore the charming cathedral city of Norwich, where a local guide will lead us on a tour showcasing some of the finest medieval architecture in Britain. Highlights include the magnificent Norman Cathedral, the original city wall, merchant houses, and quaint cobblestone lanes.

Additionally, we will enjoy a relaxing cruise along the scenic Norfolk Broads aboard the double-deck Mississippi Paddle Boat Steamer. Departing from the picturesque village of Horning, we will sail along the River Bure to Ranworth Broad, passing beautiful thatched houses, windmills, and Norfolk reed beds, accompanied by informative onboard commentary. We will also visit the traditional seaside town of Cromer, known for its narrow, winding streets, lively seafront promenade, renowned pier, and sandy beach.

Norfolk offers the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and the quintessential charm of England's rural heartland.

DUNSTON HALL HOTEL

Set amidst 150 acres of landscaped grounds on the outskirts of Norwich this delightful Elizabethan-style mansion was originally built in 1859 and has been lovingly restored to its former glory. The public areas include an elegantly decorated traditional bar and lounge, the La Fontaine Restaurant and a Brasserie grill. All the en-suite bedrooms feature satellite TV, telephone, hairdryer and hospitality tray. Leisure facilities include indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, spa treatment rooms, plus an 18 hole golf course and driving range. Lift available.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

Accommodation with dinner and breakfast
Journey on the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat
Admission to the Blickling Hall & Gardens
Guided tour of Norwich
Excursions as described in the tour itinerary
Return coach travel from your local pick up point

Day One

Our outward journey takes us via the motorway network to the outskirts of Norwich where we commence our stay at the Dunston Hall Hotel.

Day Two

Enjoy a morning guided tour of Norwich, the most complete medieval city in Britain. Our tour will take in views of the castle, cathedral and various other sights as we learn about the city’s fascinating history. The afternoon is free to explore, perhaps visit the magnificent Norman cathedral, boasting the largest cloisters in England and the second tallest spire in the country. Much of the original city wall can still be seen along with merchant houses and quaint cobblestone lanes with half-timbered buildings.

B, D

Day Three

This morning, we journey through the picturesque Norfolk Broads to the charming village of Horning, where we will board the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Steamer. This double-deck paddle boat was purpose-built for the Broads, providing a unique and relaxing experience. As we glide along the River Bure to Ranworth Broad and back, enjoy the onboard commentary while taking in the sights of lovely old thatched houses, windmills, and Norfolk reed beds. After our scenic cruise, we travel to Cromer, known as the "gem of the Norfolk coast." With its golden beaches and Victorian pier, Cromer offers a perfect setting for lunch and a leisurely exploration of this beautiful coastal town.

B, D

Day Four

Today we visit Blickling Estate, where you will have time at leisure to explore the wonderful Jacobean Mansion and 55 acres of formal gardens. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, Blickling Estate is believed to have been the birthplace of Anne Boleyn and offers a captivating glimpse into England's rich history. Explore its opulent rooms, from the Great Hall to the Long Gallery where each room is filled with its own stories and history. Outside, the formal garden is the result of three centuries of inspired planting, and the gently rolling historic parkland is great for exploring.

B, D

Day Five

We check-out this morning and begin our return journey home to North Wales.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Abergele	Abergele, Bowling Green Bus Stop
Bangor, Nelson Pub	Bangor, Bus Stop Opposite Nelson Pub
Bangor, Pontio Centre	Bangor, Pontio Centre Bus Stop
Bethel	Bethel, Primary School Bus Stop
Bontnewydd	Bontnewydd, Bus Stop Near Chip Shop
Bryngwran	Bryngwran, School Entrance
Caergeiliog	Caergeiliog, Outside Sportsmans Pub
Caernarfon, Campbell Road	Caernarfon, Bus Stop Bottom of Campbell Road
Caernarfon, Leisure Cent.	Caernarfon, Bus Stop opposite Leisure Centre
Caernarfon, Morrisons	Caernarfon, Morrisons Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Waterloo Port	Caernarfon, Waterloo Port Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Y Glyn	Caernarfon, Y Glyn Bethel Road
Chester	Chester, Holiday Inn South Hotel Bus Stop
Chirk	Chirk, Moreton Park Garden Centre
Colwyn Bay	Colwyn Bay, Railway Station Bus Stop
Criccieth, Medical Centre	Criccieth, Medical Centre Bus Stop
Ewloe	Ewloe, Outside St David's Park Hotel
Gaerwen	Gaerwen, Stermat Car Park
Gwalchmai	Gwalchmai, Opposite Clock
Holyhead	Holyhead, Bus Stop Outside Ferry Terminal Entrance
Llanberis, Maes Padarn	Llanberis, Bus Stop Opposite Maes Padarn
Llanberis, Spar	Llanberis, Outside Spar Shop
Llandudno	Llandudno, Mostyn Broadway Coach Park Bus Stop
Llandudno Jct. Station	Llandudno Junction, Station Hotel Bus Stop
Llandygai	Llandygai, Penrhyn Castle Entrance
Llanfairfechan	Llanfairfechan, Castle Bridge Bus Stop
Llanfairpwll	Llanfairpwll, Pringles Car Park (Parking not permitted at Pringles car park)
Llanfairpwll Park & Ride	Llanfairpwll, Park & Ride
Llangefni	Llangefni, Church Street Bus Stop
Llanrug	Llanrug, Arvonia Garage
Menai Bridge	Menai Bridge, Library Bus Stop
Northop	Northop, Red Lion Pub Bus Stop
Oswestry	Oswestry, Mile End Services Coach Park
Penrhyn Bay	Penrhyn Bay, Post Office
Penygroes	Penygroes, Crossroads (Outside Victoria Hotel)
Porthmadog	Porthmadog, Tesco Bus Stop
Pwllheli	Pwllheli, Bus Station
Rhos on Sea, Cayley Arms	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Cayley Arms
Rhos on Sea, Hickorys	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Hickorys Restaurant
St. Asaph	St. Asaph, Bus Stop Outside Petrol Station
Valley	Valley, Opposite Valley Hotel
Wrexham	Wrexham, Bus Stand Lord Street
Y Felinheli, St. Marys	Y Felinheli, St Mary's Church Bus Stop
Y Felinheli, Victoria	Y Felinheli, Victoria Hotel Bus Stop