THE AREA
The ultimate escape from the everyday, Barsham is an idyllic base for a rural holiday exploring the North Norfolk coast. Enjoy head-clearing days on vast, powdery beaches, ramble across salty marshes, hit the calm roads by bike, or browse the boutiques in the cobbled towns of Burnham Market and Holt. Foodies will enjoy browsing local farm shops and delis, while cosy pubs and the freshest fish ‘n’ chips are perfect for feeding the brood.
Beaches
Whether a day framed by the sorbet-hued beach huts of Wells-Next-The-Sea, an afternoon on the talc-soft sands of Brancaster, a bracing swim off the pebble beach at Cley or a hike along miles of empty, pine-tree-backed beach at Holkham – made famous by the film Shakespeare in Love – seaside holiday adventures come by the bucketload at Barsham.
Activities
Head out on a boat trip to spot seals from Morston, take a walk around Holkham’s protected reserve, or opt for a leg-stretching walk across the Stiffkey Saltmarshes at Blakeney. Or explore the sleepy flint-built coastal villages of Cley and Walsingham by bike – North Norfolk’s gentle landscapes are made for cycling holidays.
Families
You’ll be hard-pressed to drag them away from the simple delights of the estate, but when you do, North Norfolk is dotted with a brilliant choice of activities for little ones. From the ropes course and adventure playground at Holkham, to crabbing at Wells harbour or a horse-riding lesson in the countryside, days can be as relaxed or adventure-filled as you like.
Culture
From local historic homes – including Blickling Hall, the former Jacobean pile of Anne Boleyn, Houghton, with its wonderful art collection, Holkham and Sandringham, the much-loved country retreat of the royals – to the 19th century Bircham Windmill (and its tearoom that greets you with the scent of just-baked bread), there’s plenty to see around Barsham.