Norfolk is a beautiful and diverse county, with a long coastline, the unique wetland environment of the Broads, market towns and the city of Norwich. Halcyon sits surrounded by nature reserves, the River Thurne and the Broads, which gives you something new to see every time you visit. We have spent much of our time watching the world go by on the river and seeing the seasons change. That’s not to say that you can only find the quiet of that natural world - there are plenty of different and diverse attractions within reach and here is a list of our favourites!
Wheels of Industry
Visit Horsey Windpump. National Trust site with a restored windpump next to the Horsey nature reserve. There’s a kiosk for drinks and ice creams, not a tea room though. Horsey can be seen from Halcyon, it’s to the north east, and is the one with intact sails.
Thurne Windpump is a working example of the industrial architecture of the Broads. Run by the same people as…
The Wind Museum at Repps. This is the result of one man’s obsession with wind power. There are several wind mills, wind pumps and wind things. They offer events on key bank holidays or weekends through the year. It’s an interesting look into one of the most important resources in the formation of the Broads.
The North Norfolk Railway from Holt to Sheringham. A preserved railway at the north side of the county. There are numerous steam railways in Norfolk but this had an excellent Christmas special with mince pies and mulled wine. Sheringham town is at one end of the journey and the trains are timetabled to allow for lunch and a wander round.
Bure Valley Railway is a narrower option and a smaller deal all round. But it’s closer to Halcyon and a pleasant enough ride.
Now, there are people who would love this sort of thing but it’s not really us. One cool summer’s day we needed to find a place to visit so headed to Caister Car Museum. It is a collection of cars - no interaction and a bit too much detail. But there were a few interesting exhibits, such as the first production fiesta, and the buildings were 1950s architecture. The place is staffed by volunteers who are knowledgeable and friendly and talking to them was the high point as they knew their stuff! The cafe is pretty poor but it’s a memorable part of the days out in the area.
The Museum of the Broads at Stalham is a collection of items and stories that have made the Broads what they are. From earliest settlements and use of the land through the industrialisation to the holiday and leisure industries supported now. A wealth of history and recollection in a compact site on a staithe in Stalham. An enjoyable little place, staffed again by volunteers. Being a water-focussed museum, there are boat trips. On one day a week the trips are provided by Victorian steam launch! Booking advised.
Big City
Visit Norwich. There is so much in the city to see and do. The shopping is pretty good - there are the usual high street big hitters as well as a local department store; Jarrolds. The Royal Arcade is an art nouveau deliciousness. For history buffs there is the castle, walls and the cathedral. The River Wensum circles the city and hints at the importance of the water traffic to the growth of trade.
- Just outside the city is Whitlingham Broad. This is a large, enclosed broad run as a country park by the County Council. There is an adventure centre running day courses or taster sessions in a number of land and water based activities. There’s also a good walk or cycle round the broad itself, with look outs and play areas. Just up the road is the dry ski slope. If you can get a tubing session from them then snap it up. The children had a brilliant time there.
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