Norwich, Sandringham and the Norfolk Broads

Checking into our Norwich hotel in the mid-afternoon, our holiday begins as soon as you arrive with an optional city tour. The lively capital of Norfolk is a city brimming with cultural delights and a warm, inviting atmosphere which we discover with our guide. Strolling through the Old Town, we learn some of the city's fascinating history and see the magnificent Anglo-Norman cathedral that dominates its skyline. The streets and open squares reveal museums, medieval churches, public gardens, and other attractions.

Alternatively, you could choose to check in later this afternoon and explore the city at your own pace. Wandering the cobbled streets, you'll uncover a vibrant arts scene, bustling markets, and a rich literary heritage. In the evening, we gather as a group for dinner at the hotel.

• Dinner

After breakfast, we start our day by visiting Blickling Hall. This lavish Jacobean stately home is situated in 5,000 acres of verdant parkland and superb gardens. With year-round floral attractions flanked by ancient yew hedges, a stroll round the magnificent gardens reveals many beautiful sights and hidden delights. The mansion itself is famed for its architectural beauty and viewing the exterior from its grand courtyard is breathtaking.

Afterwards, our coach takes us to Sheringham, a traditional seaside town on the Deep History Coast. There's some time at leisure to wander along the colourful promenade, discover the fine beaches, or enjoy lunch with a coastal view. We then head to the train station to join the heritage North Norfolk Railway on a picturesque, steam-hauled journey to Holt.

The railway is famously known as 'The Poppy Line' because of the vibrant red flowers that spring up on the route during the summer. Riding in vintage carriages, we admire sweeping views of the stunning coastline, heathland, rolling hills, meandering rivers, and small villages. After experiencing this slice of railway history, our coach takes us back to our hotel, giving us some time to relax before dinner this evening.

*Steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we visit Sandringham, a favourite Royal residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II and now a cherished retreat to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The magnificent estate gives a fascinating insight into the heritage of the Royal Family and inside the house, the décor and contents have been kept the same since Edwardian times. The Gardens have a unique variety of ancient trees, two lakes, a rock garden, and even a delightful summer house known as 'Alexandras Nest'.

There's plenty of time to explore its opulent interiors, royal collections, and its acres of beautifully landscaped gardens before we return to our hotel in the late afternoon.

**Please Note: Departure 13/10/2024 will instead visit Blickling Hill.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We make the most of every minute on our final full day and discover Norfolk by heritage railway. After heading to Dereham by coach, we join the Mid-Norfolk Railway* for a journey through the picturesque countryside to the market town of Wymondham. From here our coach takes us to Aylsham, an unspoilt market town where we board the Bure Valley Railway.

Following the meandering River Bure through the Bure Valley, we pass serene meadows, historic pastures, and idyllic villages within the beautiful Broadland region. We disembark in the peaceful village of Wroxham for a unique experience of the beautiful Norfolk scenery - aboard a Mississippi paddle boat. Drifting along the Norfolk Broads, we admire the wonderful landscapes and wildlife it's celebrated for. With light refreshments available on board, this is a truly relaxing way to spend our afternoon.

*Steam-hauled where possible however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, it's time to say goodbye. Our holiday comes to an end and you can make your way home with lovely new memories.

• Breakfast