Travel: Relax in real classic country style in Norfolk
Boarding the historic carriages, which date back more than 80 years, it chuffed its way into action on a leisurely journey passing wild red poppies, windmills, golden fields of rolled hay and wonderfully named spots like ‘Dead Man’s Cutting’ until it reached the pretty station at seaside resort Sheringham.
We chose to venture right to the final stop at Sheringham, a town that has the shabby chic charm of the past. A street lined with tourist shops, cafes and amusement arcades leads to the sandy beach where families revel and even dare to bathe on sunny days. Make sure you venture to the Whelk Coppers Tea Room overlooking the beach for refreshing tea and yummy cakes. There are natural surroundings for all the family to enjoy along the Norfolk Coast Path and Peddars Way.
From the wild landscape to one of more organised grandeur, the Royal family’s estate at Sandringham is open most of the year to visitors and is much more than a grand stately home.
The wonderful gardens and country park at Sandringham stretch over 600 acres.
Sandringham House itself is packed with fascinating history, Royal photos dating back to Victorian times and tales of the Royals’ Christmas exploits from friendly, entertaining staff. There are even strong links to Birmingham with chandeliers in the main dining room created in the city, as were the Austen cars and Dunlop tyres in the garage.
While the on-site museum features Royal carriages and motors, including the Queen Mother’s buggy in her own racing colours of pale blue and yellow, plus the car that Princess Anne was almost kidnapped from.
A Big Game Room features ‘catches’ from over the years and has rows of deer, bear, bison and even rhino heads eerily looking down on crowds. It all proved much more entertaining than I ever imagined and is well worth a visit.
Norfolk is a charming area with a relaxing pace of life reminiscent of a bygone age.
Getting There
* Congham Hall double or twin rooms with breakfast start from £125 a night per room or from £230 with dinner included. Suites cost between £265 and £390 a night.
* For more information or reservations, call 01485 600250 or email: info@conghamhallhotel.co.uk or visit website: www.vonessenhotels.co.uk or www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk
* The Poppy Line hop on-hop off rover train tickets cost £10.50 adults, £9.50 senior citizens, £7 for children five to 15 and free for the under fives. Dogs and cycles are welcome aboard at a cost of £1.
* Sandringham tickets cost £10 adults for the house/garden/museum or £25 for a family ticket of two adults and three children. www.sandringhamestate.co.uk
