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when to come
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Hoste Barn is a wonderful destination to enjoy year-round, with each season bringing its own unique charm to the Norfolk countryside.
North Norfolk has something to tempt you at any time of year - blustery coastal walks and cosy fires in wonderful pubs in autumn and frosty walks in the depth of winter, empty beaches all year round under immense light-filled skies (with fabulous stargazing!), migratory birds in spring, and boat trips and alfresco meals in summer.
The weather here is generally brighter and drier than elsewhere in the UK, but even if the sun doesn’t shine, you’re guaranteed big skies, beautiful landscapes and lung-fulls of fresh sea air to explore the bird-filled marshes, windswept sands and pretty harbour towns that make up this spectacular corner of England.
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SPRING
As the surrounding landscape comes to life with blossoms, bluebell woods, wildflowers, and longer, lighter days, guests can enjoy scenic coastal walks, charming villages, local markets, and the fresh sea air before returning to the warmth and character of the barn.
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Bluebell woods, especially at Blicking Hall
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Pond dipping at the fascinating nature reserves.
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Chase around the grounds of grand stately homes on an Easter Egg hunt
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Sheringham Park for their rhododendron
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Feed the lambs at Felbrigg Hall and Wroxham Barns.
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Participate in some of the festivals, such as the varied cultural Norfolk and Norwich and the Crab & Lobster at Cromer
SUMMER
Norfolk summers bring long, warm days perfect for exploring its stunning beaches, lively carnivals, and seafood festivals. You can wander the marshes, go crabbing, enjoy grand stately‑home gardens, or spend a day boating on the Broads. For a real treat, head to Blakeney Point and watch the seals.
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Beaches
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Crabbing
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Carnivals
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Seal and Boat trips
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Take a guided tour of Norwich and the newly renovated Castle.
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Walk along the Marshes
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Take a trip on one of the Heritage Steam Railways.
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Take a nature boat trail on Hickling and Ranworth Broads or How Hill.
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Catch the Coasthopper bus along the coast.
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Stately homes always have activities for children.
AUTUMN
A fantastic time for cycling and walking, with low mists and crisp air, dramatic woodland colours, excellent birdwatching, and coastal migrations. Then either cosy pubs or evenings in the barn's warmth listening to the deer rut.
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Woodlands and parks which are filled with the most glorious colours.
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Spot the seals which are beginning to pup.
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Walk on empty beaches.
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Watch the migrating wildlife and murmuration's of starlings, which are very special.
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Celebrate Halloween
WINTER
Winter is bitterly cold but beautifully stark, often with snow and frost that make the bare trees sparkle, a time to wrap up warm, go for a bracing walk , search for Christmas gifts, then back to a cosy fire and pop out to stargaze.
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See the seals and their pups in abundance at Horsey beach or Blakeney Point.
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Go Christmas shopping at some of the festive markets.
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Take some bracing walks on the huge expanse of empty sand.
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Catch sight of some incredible migratory birds.
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See the amazing carpets of snowdrops in February.
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Enjoy a Christmas Santa ride on one of the many railways.
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Walk in the Broads and drop into a riverside café.
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Book to see a pantomime.
What To Do When It Rains!
This is always a tricky one when planning a holiday, and certainly one that I used to ask myself when my children were small. Norfolk is one of the driest places in the UK. If it’s summer, then don’t forget it's usually warm. So apart from doing the obvious and visiting indoor attractions, of which there are many, why not do something that others probably aren’t - gear yourself up to put on wellies and coats, brave the drips of water and take wonderful walks in the beautiful countryside, walk up the cliffs to Cromer Lighthouse, or the highest point in Norfolk near Sheringham. Discover some beaches you may not have visited, and that will probably be empty, or visit places like Cromer Pier or BeWilderwood, a magical, outdoor adventure park for families, inspired by a series of enchanting children’s books written by Tom Blofeld.
Just a few indoor attractions:
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Norwich Castle
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Sainsbury Centre for Visual Art
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The Forum Millennium Library, exhibits and cafe
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North Norfolk Railway ‘ the Poppy Line’ e
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Wroxham Miniature Worlds
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Bowling Alleys or Roller Skating
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Sea Life
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Urban Clay Aylsham
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Cinema City Norwich or Cromer
Why
Norfolk
Eating Out in Norfolk
