Norwich & the Norfolk Broads

Our holiday begins in the fabulous historic city of Norwich, where we meet our Tour Manager and group at our boutique hotel in the mid-afternoon before setting out on a guided two-hour city tour.

The capital of Norfolk brims with unique culture 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.

If you prefer, you could choose to check in later this afternoon and explore the city at your own pace. The centre of Norwich is just 10 minutes' walk from our hotel. Wandering the cobbled streets, you'll uncover a vibrant arts scene, bustling markets, and a rich literary heritage. This evening, we gather for dinner at our hotel.

• Dinner

Our day starts with a visit to Cley Marshes, one of the oldest nature reserves in the country. We encounter the beauty of these popular coastal wetlands and hear an expert talk about the birds in the area. Afterwards, you are free to wander along the trails, find a hide, and spot the birds on your own.

Our next stop is Sheringham, a traditional seaside town on the Deep History Coast, where there's time to wander along the colourful promenade, discover the fine beaches, or enjoy lunch with a coastal view. We then meet at the train station to join the heritage North Norfolk Railway on a picturesque, steam-hauled journey to Holt.

This famous route is known as 'The Poppy Line' because of the vibrant red flowers that spring up on the route during the summer. From our vintage carriage, we admire sweeping views of the coastline, heathland, rolling hills and meandering rivers. After experiencing this slice of railway history, we are taken back to our hotel with time to relax before dinner.

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

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today our coach takes us to Sandringham*, once 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 us a fascinating insight into the heritage and lifestyle of the Royal Family and inside the house, the décor and furniture have remained the same since Edwardian times. The Gardens have a unique variety of ancient trees, two lakes, a rock garden, and a delightful summer house known as 'Alexandra's Nest'.

There's plenty of time to explore Sandringham's opulent interiors, royal collections, and acres of beautifully-landscaped gardens before we return to our hotel in the late afternoon. There's time to relax at our peaceful hotel before dinner in the dining room.

*Please note, tours departing on 20 July and 12 October 2025 will not visit Sandringham, due to the King being in residence. Instead, we visit the National Trust property Blickling Hall, a Jacobean stately home in vast parkland on the River Bure.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We make the most of our final full day and discover Norfolk by heritage railway. After heading to Dereham by coach, we join the Mid-Norfolk Railway* for a return journey through the picturesque countryside to Thuxton, a classic 'Tudoresque' railway station.

After arriving back in Dereham, we continue by coach to Aylsham, an unspoilt market town where we board the delightful Bure Valley Railway. Following the meandering River Bure through the Bure Valley, we pass serene meadows, historic pastures, and idyllic villages of the Broadland region.

Our coach then takes us to the peaceful village of Wroxham where we have some time to look around, then drive the short distance to Horning for a unique experience - cruising into beautiful Norfolk scenery aboard a Mississippi paddle boat. Drifting along the Norfolk Broads, we admire the celebrated landscapes and wildlife. With light refreshments available on the boat, this is a delightful way to spend our afternoon.

We are driven back to our hotel with time to refresh before the final dinner of our memorable holiday.

*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 to our Tour Manager, fellow travellers and new friends. As our holiday comes to an end, you can head homeward with wonderful new memories of this special corner of the British Isles.

From the fabulous historic city of Norwich and the magnificent gardens of Sandringham to Norfolk's conserved marshlands, wild coastline and the serene river network of the Norfolk Broads, these special experiences can be cherished for many years to come.

• Breakfast