An idyllic countryside retreat
As you drive up the winding drive, take a deep breath and let a slower pace of life take over …
Gresham Hall Estate’s selection of luxury holiday cottages and apartments are dotted around 1200 acres of beautiful private working grounds. They are surrounded by luscious landscaped grounds and there are many glorious walks to explore. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) it really is the perfect countryside retreat. Every generation will love having the opportunity to roam free among the ancient trees and manicured lawns. Then you can retire to the comfort of your own holiday home from home. From the magnificent, beautifully restored Edwardian hall to the enchanting cottage hidden in the woods, or the cool bell tents at our glampsite.
There is so much to do at the estate, but a holiday in Norfolk wouldn’t be complete without exploring the local area. From a day at the beach to visiting National Trust properties to eating out and more – here are some of our favourite things to do nearby.
Beach life
Five of the UK’s best beaches (as voted by Condé Nast Traveller) are within easy striking distance of Gresham Hall Estate. Which is your favourite of them? There’s Sheringham which has has all the romance of an age-old seaside village or Cromer with its famous pier that’s just perfect for strolling along, before catching a show in the theatre pavilion. From the best beaches list, it’s just a little drive down the coast to Holkham and a bit further still to Hunstanton and Brancaster. But that’s not all – there’s more beaches to visit nearby. They didn’t make the list but they’re still gorgeous. To the east is West Runton, East Runton, Trimingham, Overstrand and Mundsley. Then to the west you’ll discover Weybourne, Salthouse, Cley, Morston, Stiffkey (Saltmarshes) and Wells. At Blakeney Point Beach, there are daily boat trips to see the seals and birds in their natural environment too – available from Beans Boats. A little bit further along the coast is Burnham Market and Thornham. Did someone say fish and chips and ice-cream? You’ll be spoiled for choice.
Family days out
We know that sometimes your little ones just need to blow off steam! As well as all the beaches nearby, here are some other places that children will love to visit too. Enjoy outdoor adventure in the forest at BeWILDerwood in Hoveton or at Hilltop Outdoor Adventure at Holt Road. Or discover over 200 species of South American animals at the famous Amazona Zoo. Then there’s Sea Life at Hunstanton and Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens at Great Yarmouth.
Explore on two wheels
There are loads of lovely cycling routes in the area. So if two wheels is your preferred form of transport then bring your bike along. You can explore the coast, wander through forest trails and woodlands or amble along quiet disused railway lines and country lanes.
Foodies ahoy!
The North Norfolk coastline is known for its fantastic food, with local beaches like Sheringham selling fresh fish everywhere, even in the pubs! Cromer crabs (from another local beach) are justifiably famous for their flavour and white meat. Other local highlights include Brancaster mussels, Stiffkey cockles and succulent samphire, from the tidal salt marshes.
Wine and dine
This area of Norfolk is home to some of the country’s most enticing gastro-pubs and restaurants, all fuelled by the spectacular local produce. Whether that’s at the Michelin-starred restaurants Morston Hall and Meadowsweet, the Wheatsheaf bistro or a traditional pub lunch at The Gunton Arms. There’s something to suit all tastes.
Homes & gardens
Guests frequently mention how difficult it is to tear themselves away from our private estate at Gresham Hall. It’s easy to spend your time wandering the grounds, catching up with your friends and family or playing a game of tennis. That way it’s even easier to get back for drinks or a cup of tea!
But if you do want to venture away from the estate, there are some beautiful homes and gardens to visit. The world famous Lavender Gardens & Oil Distillery at Heacham; Holkham Hall and Gardens as well as Houghton Hall and Gardens – which was built by Britain’s first Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole. Finally, no trip to Norfolk is complete without a visit to the much loved country retreat of His Majesty King Charles III – Sandringham Estate.
History buffs
North Norfolk Railway offers a spectacular scenic steam ride along the coast from Sheringham to the Georgian town of Holt, also called the Poppy line. Bure Valley in Aylsham also offers a steam experience.
With over 650 churches, Norfolk has the greatest concentration of churches in the world. You can also visit Norwich Cathedral whilst you’re here.
Other local highlights include the Muckleburgh Military Collection and the Thursford Steam Collection.
National Trust
There are four fabulous National Trust properties within a ten mile radius of Gresham Hall Estate. You can see the rhododendrons in bloom (a Norfolk speciality) at Sheringham Park, explore West Runton and Beeston Regis Heath, and we definitely recommend a visit to see Felbrigg Hall’s spectacular walled garden as well as Blickling Estate’s enormous formal garden – complete with parterre, orangery and temple!
A little further away (but still within 30 miles) are Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Horsey Windpump and Brancaster Estate.
Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads is not only the UK’s largest nationally protected wetland, but it’s an amazing haven for wildlife too. However did you know they are man-made? Created when people dug for peat in medieval times, they were later flooded and became the navigable rivers and lakes you see today.
Richardsons Boating Holidays offer day boat hire for boat trips on the Broads for those that want to truly explore.
