Blickling Hall, Norfolk

Every time we come to Norfolk we always do the same things and the same walks, and when we leave we always say, 'we really must do xxx next time'. So today was about doing those other things we have not done yet. After breakfast we set off to visit Blickling Hall, which is a National trust property. It is the birth place of Anne Boleyn, and during the war it was requisitioned as an officers' mess for nearby RAF Oulton. It's owner, Lord Lothian was a leading statesman who was secretary to the then Prime Minister Lloyd George, and he played an important role in encouraging America to join the war. He also was the driving force behind the National Trust Act of 1937 and the Country Houses Scheme so we can thank him for that. 

On our way there we passed a lovely bluebell woods full of beech trees - see first extra. We did the walk around the lake and enjoyed a coffee in the cafe. It was very warm, we had to take off our jackets as it reached about 18C. 

I saw so many yellow rapeseed fields, Norfolk is awash with them! I kept asking Gavin to stop so I could take photos and he was not so keen saying there was nowhere suitable to stop...until I suggested he could get his drone up and get some wonderful footage of the fields. We found a place to stop shortly after that suggestion! 

After that we drove to Sheringham, which was a beautiful Victorian seaside town in its heyday but these days, while still having many beautiful Victorian houses, is a bit too touristy with some tacky shops. It was a challenge to find lunch if you do not eat deep fried fish and chips or other such unhealthy options. We thankfully found a cafe where we enjoyed a fresh, healthy salad. I wanted to photograph the jetty there which can be seen in the last of the extras. It was much cooler here, I think with the sea breeze it causes the temperature to drop. On the way home we drove past the golf course which looks stunning, situated on the cliffs above the sea. 

And to end off a wonderful day, we finally paid a deposit on a holiday for April 2024 that we have been discussing for the past 2 months! 

I must now finish off cooking supper - we also bought some fresh Norfolk asparagus to enjoy with our dinner. Gavin is busy applying mastic to the shower upstairs, thank goodness he is handy at DIY.