Norfolk


<p>Artist <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/artist-amelia-bowman-wymondham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amelia Bowman</a> is always on the lookout for picturesque places in the county to inspire her wonderful range of art, gifts and homeware, so it follows that she would also have uncovered some under the radar gems to visit &#8211; especially where there&#8217;s good cake involved. We couldn’t wait to hear all about her favourite haunts. Take it away, Amelia!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cavick-house-farm-wymondham"><a href="https://www.cavickhousefarm.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cavick House Farm</a>, Wymondham </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39230" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-1-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Cavick House Farm is down the road from me and perfect for a treat and a chat with owner Annabel, who is always bubbly and welcoming. The farmhouse and its location are just about as close to my idea of heaven as it’s possible to get &#8211; from the visitor’s viewpoint at any rate &#8211; but I have been warned that living there comes with an awful lot of animals that I may not wish to have to look after! Instead, I can enjoy a lovely 20-minute walk there when the need arises. Annabel makes fresh cakes and savoury scones that are all delicious. The vegan and gluten-free options are the best I have tasted as well, so highly recommended on all fronts. The incorporated gift shop sells beautiful artisan and rustic-style goodies, and I am delighted that my artwork is on display in the lovely heated sheds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.maryjanes.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mary Janes Fish and Chips</a>, Cromer</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Fish-and-Chips.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39149" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Fish-and-Chips.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Fish-and-Chips-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Fish-and-Chips-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Fish-and-Chips-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For us, Mary Janes is time-honoured and reliable, selling as good a portion of fish and chips as you will find anywhere in my opinion. They are wonderful eaten on the beach in good weather, or even adequate weather (we are British after all!), or make their restaurant a place to take shelter on a chilly day when you need comfort food and warmth. Afterwards, a wander on the beach. I have found myself wading around the legs of the pier with a pair of scissors removing crab nets and lines that have been abandoned after being flung down from above. The seagulls love it when you throw them any leftover bait within! The walk between Cromer and Overstrand is a must and the natural chalk pebbles that you find on the beach are perfect for drawing pretty pictures on the sea wall with your little ones. The chalk will soon wash away.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/lynford-arboretum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lynford Arboretum</a>, Thetford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Lynford-Arboretum.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39229" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Lynford-Arboretum.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Lynford-Arboretum-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Lynford-Arboretum-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Lynford-Arboretum-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Photo: <a href="http://martynferryphotography.com/">martynferryphotography</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>My husband is a arboricultural consultant and it was he that introduced me to this lovely place. Walk through the trees and see how many species you can find then stop at the <a href="https://www.shepherdsbaalynford.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Shepherds Baa</a> for a cup of tea. If you go over the road, you can wild swim in Lynford Lakes which sit amidst a typical Breckland heath. This area has an almost otherworldly feel to it. Nearby Brandon Park is the same when you get out onto the heathland, especially on a misty day!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.ivesaldeburgh.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ives</a>, Aldeburgh</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Ives-Aldeburgh.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39148" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Ives-Aldeburgh.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Ives-Aldeburgh-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Ives-Aldeburgh-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Ives-Aldeburgh-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Ives-Aldeburgh-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Ives-Aldeburgh-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ives is another time-honoured, independently run gem. You can find pretty much every flavour of ice cream under the sun in this tiny corner of Aldeburgh. My favourite is Christmas Pudding but be careful of the Rum and Raisin – in my experience it sometimes comes with a marriage proposal! Aldeburgh beach is great for a walk to blow the cobwebs away and if you’re feeling particularly keen you can walk all the way to Thorpeness where a well-earned cup of tea and cake or even a lovely lunch await you at <a href="https://thekitchenatgroup.co.uk/thorpeness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Kitchen</a>. A browse through the vintage goodies at <a href="http://www.thorpenessemporium.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thorpeness Emporium</a> next door is a great way to round things off!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://raveningham.com/raveningham-centre-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raveningham Centre</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Raveningham-Centre.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39147" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Raveningham-Centre.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Raveningham-Centre-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Raveningham-Centre-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Raveningham-Centre-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Raveningham Centre is a quiet, well-hidden treasure of a place that combines many of my favourite things: countryside, antiques, brick-a-brac, art and cake &#8211; not to mention another house I would happily take off someone else’s hands given the chance! The café actually does more than just cake and everything on the menu is delicious. Sit next to the charmingly overgrown pond and watch the waterfowl go about their day. If you are there at the right time of year you can visit the sculpture trail or pop down to <a href="https://raveninghamfair.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raveningham Country Fair</a> which is one of the most reassuringly rustic experiences a Norfolk country girl can revel in!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thornham Staithe</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/02/Thornham2_jpg_900x900_q85-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11113" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/02/Thornham2_jpg_900x900_q85-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/02/Thornham2_jpg_900x900_q85-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/02/Thornham2_jpg_900x900_q85-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/02/Thornham2_jpg_900x900_q85-1-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Thornham Staithe in the summer is an absolute must for me. I take wellies, a box and a pair of scissors and spend my time trying not to slide into the river while collecting as much fresh samphire as I can carry. There&#8217;s nothing better to eat than healthy, foraged goodies! Then you can wind your way carefully through the saltmarshes and listen to the skylarks. <a href="https://thornhamdeli.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thornham Deli</a> is nearby for sustenance and retail therapy if you need it!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.queensheadnorfolk.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen&#8217;s Head</a>, Wymondham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Queens-Head-Wymondham.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39146" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Queens-Head-Wymondham.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Queens-Head-Wymondham-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Queens-Head-Wymondham-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Queens-Head-Wymondham-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We all need somewhere that can be relied upon to provide a posh meal and a cocktail from time to time, right? The Queen’s Head does exactly this. The pork belly is to die for and my father often reminisces about the now fabled steak pie he had there which achieved the all too elusive feat of being &#8220;just the job&#8221;! Watch out for the Purple Rain cocktail though – delicious and vicious in equal measure!&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://happisburgh.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Happisburgh Beach</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Happisburgh-Beach-Credit-Ashley-Dace.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39145" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Happisburgh-Beach-Credit-Ashley-Dace.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Happisburgh-Beach-Credit-Ashley-Dace-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Happisburgh-Beach-Credit-Ashley-Dace-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Happisburgh-Beach-Credit-Ashley-Dace-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Photo: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Happisburgh_Beach_-_geograph.org.uk_-_2078975.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashley Dace</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Happisburgh beach is an ever-changing destination as Mother Nature attacks it with force on a daily basis. Every time I go the coastline has changed and the way down on to the beach takes a different form. I have been known to take a fairly rapid and almost vertical route on occasion! The thing I love about Happisburgh is the beach-combing aspect. Not for fossils, treasure or even pretty bits of sea glass &#8211; which are surprisingly rare on the Norfolk coast &#8211; but for bits of flotsam and jetsam ripped away from the manmade structures that once sat atop the cliffs. I love spending time in the calming and mindful process of finding and piecing them together to make quirky animals or people. Escapism at its best!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-Jarrold.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39151" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-Jarrold.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-Jarrold-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-Jarrold-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Amelia-Bowman-Jarrold-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><em>Check out Amelia Bowman&#8217;s Norfolk inspired art and homeware <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmeliaBowman?">here</a></em></p>


My favourite Norfolk places: artist Amelia Bowman

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