Intrepid1

I'm usually not a big fan of "must see" and "must do" posts since I think the "must" part is about as subjective as it gets.

However, in April I'll be spending two 8+hour days at the Bure Valley Railway taking a steam locomotive driver's course.

The plan to to travel by rail from London early on a Friday morning and rent a car in Norwich for the weekend. The course will take up the majority of the day on both Saturday and Sunday.

But I will have some time to explore on the Friday before and on the Monday after prior to the return to London.

I already have accommodation booked; I have never been to this part of England before and I understand it is quite scenic.

I could be contented just tooling around the countryside in the car and taking in the scenery and any unforgettable vistas/villages/gardens, etc. Don't necessarily want to spend a lot of time indoors in museums etc. but "great houses" might also be of interest.

I welcome any and all suggestions and thanks very much in advance with continued thanks being posted along the way.

Intrepid1

TTT

Intrepid1

Topping once more

MissPrism

Norfolk has a very picturesque coastline wonderful for nature lovers.

You could get a few ideas from http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/

Intrepid1

MissPrism,

Yes, I have visited the site you recommended and may end up having to rely on it exclusively. Anyway, I appreciate your suggesting it and your comments.

Maria_H

I can recommend Bressingham Gardens, Somerleyton Hall and Blickling Hall or you could head down the Suffolk coastline to somewhere like Southwold.

Intrepid1

Thanks, Maria, for your feedback.

sprin2

South of Norwich in South Elmham the St. Peters Brewery has their operation and a restaurant / pub in a fantastic medieval manor house. The food is good and the buildings are very interesting, authentic tapestries, woodwork, and some furnishing. The manor dates to the 13th century with some rebuilding in the 1500s, the great hall is spectacular. The beer's not too bad either. It is worth the trip if you need a meal or drink.

We also enjoyed Castle Acre, don't know if you like ruins, but it has both a large castle and priory in a quiet little town.

Along the coast we found the areas around Blakeney very pretty and also around Happisburgh. The coast around Happisburgh seems a little more deserted.

Sorry we're not much for houses or gardens. Hopefully Morgana will see this, she really knows the area.

Intrepid1

Sprin2,

Thanks very much, especially for the eating recommendation and the information about the coastal area.

I'm not a beer drinker at all (cocktails usually) but the atmosphere at the St. Peters Brewery sounds like it would be a nice place for a meal.

kleeblatt

I've been staying in Norwich for awhile. Lovely place, especially around Tombland. Highly recommended for a stopover.