Norfolk


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Jess-Cook-NN-Festival-909x1000.jpg" alt="Jess Cook with family - development manager at the Norfolk &amp; Norwich Festival" class="wp-image-40851" width="640" height="704" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Jess-Cook-NN-Festival-909x1000.jpg 909w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Jess-Cook-NN-Festival-727x800.jpg 727w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Jess-Cook-NN-Festival-768x845.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Jess-Cook-NN-Festival-477x525.jpg 477w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Jess-Cook-NN-Festival.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure>



<p>Development Manager Jess has been working hard behind the scenes of the <a href="https://nnfestival.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norfolk &amp; Norwich Festival</a> for almost three years and prior to that worked for some of the top arts venues in the county. </p>



<p>This year&#8217;s festival, from 12-28 May, brings a world-class programme of international art and homegrown talent to venues and open spaces across the region &#8211; and we have four tickets to give away <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/win-tickets-for-four-to-norfolk-norwich-festival-worth-200/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>!</p>



<p>With so much cultural intel at her fingertips, we thought Jess would be the perfect person to tap for her favourite corners, nooks and crannies of her home county. Turns out we were right, put this lot on your go-to list pronto! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-will-you-personally-be-seeing-at-n-n-festival-this-year">What will you personally be seeing at N&amp;N Festival this year?</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/12/2023/04/Solem-Quartet-with-Alice-Zawadzki-1-1.jpg" alt="Alice Zawadzki" class="wp-image-40862" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Solem-Quartet-with-Alice-Zawadzki-1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Solem-Quartet-with-Alice-Zawadzki-1-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Solem-Quartet-with-Alice-Zawadzki-1-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Solem-Quartet-with-Alice-Zawadzki-1-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I will be taking the family for a night of circus with <a href="https://nnfestival.org.uk/whats-on/le-coup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Coup</a> in the Adnams Spiegeltent. The circus never ceases to delight and offers something for everyone, and it always feels so exciting when you first walk into the Spiegeltent each season.</p>



<p>I am also really looking forward to the <a href="https://nnfestival.org.uk/whats-on/solem-quartet-late/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solem Quartet</a> late programme and curious to hear their new arrangement of Kate Bush songs for string quartet and voice<strong> </strong>with Alice Zawadzki (above). I am not a classical music aficionado but the classical music programme at the N&amp;N Festival always surprises and delights.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best place to start the day?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="742" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/03/Eaton-Park.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27535" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/03/Eaton-Park.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/03/Eaton-Park-300x223.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/03/Eaton-Park-674x500.jpg 674w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/03/Eaton-Park-768x570.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/03/Eaton-Park-708x525.jpg 708w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I am so lucky to have Eaton Park on my doorstep and was absolutely delighted when the Bicycle Shop took over the running of <a href="http://friendsofeatonpark.co.uk/cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eaton Park Café</a>. An early morning dog walk around the park ending up at the café as they open for their amazing breakfast hash and a coffee really sets me up for day!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where’s your favourite place for a stomp in the fresh air?</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/12/2023/04/Strumpshaw-Fen-RSPB-Credit-Andy-Hay.jpg" alt="Strumpshaw Fen RSPB Credit Andy Hay" class="wp-image-40845" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Strumpshaw-Fen-RSPB-Credit-Andy-Hay.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Strumpshaw-Fen-RSPB-Credit-Andy-Hay-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Strumpshaw-Fen-RSPB-Credit-Andy-Hay-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Strumpshaw-Fen-RSPB-Credit-Andy-Hay-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Credit: Andy Hay for <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/strumpshaw-fen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RSPB</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Strumpshaw Fen, in the Yare Valley just outside Norwich, has become a family favourite. Managed by the RSPB, it is a beautiful mix of reed beds, meadows and woodlands. You can borrow pond-dipping nets and binoculars from reception. We spotted a kingfisher there last summer so now the challenge is who will spot the next one!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where do you find your inspiration?</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/12/2023/04/Close-up-of-pink-blossom-on-a-tree.jpg" alt="Close-up of pink blossom on a tree" class="wp-image-40855" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Close-up-of-pink-blossom-on-a-tree.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Close-up-of-pink-blossom-on-a-tree-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Close-up-of-pink-blossom-on-a-tree-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Close-up-of-pink-blossom-on-a-tree-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I love spending time outdoors and find that it is the perfect way to slow down, relax and make me pay attention to my surroundings. The changing seasons and light always bring new surprises, and having an inquisitive toddler has certainly opened my eyes to the little details in nature I would otherwise have missed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where do you go for some time to yourself?</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/12/2023/04/Marston-Marshes-credit-Rod-Allday.jpg" alt="Marston Marshes credit Rod Allday" class="wp-image-40847" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Marston-Marshes-credit-Rod-Allday.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Marston-Marshes-credit-Rod-Allday-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Marston-Marshes-credit-Rod-Allday-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Marston-Marshes-credit-Rod-Allday-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_footbridge_over_a_ditch_on_Marston_Marsh_-_geograph.org.uk_-_3721754.jpg#P170" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rod Allday</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>I am fortunate to live close by to the beautiful Danby Woods and Marston Marshes in Norwich. A quick ten-minute walk down the road and I can find myself in a beautiful nature reserve often with only a cow or two for company.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where do you go for retail therapy?</h2>



<p>A favourite since my teenage years <a href="https://catfishwomen.com">Ca</a><a href="https://catfishwomen.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t</a><a href="https://catfishwomen.com">fish</a>, located on the basement floor in Sevenwolves Norwich, continues to be the place to go to for great independent fashion labels YMC, Folk, Carhaartt. My teenage children shop there now but thankfully the store continues to offer labels to suit both my and their tastes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite place for a special meal?</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/12/2023/04/LHexagone.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40849" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/LHexagone.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/LHexagone-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/LHexagone-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/LHexagone-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.hexagonebistrofrancais.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L’Hexagone</a> is a small but perfectly formed French restaurant in the Norwich Lanes. Cosy and unpretentious, they serve the most delicious steak frites and have a fantastic wine list. Simple things done really well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where do you get your cultural fix from locally?</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/12/2023/04/Outpost-gallery-Norwich.jpg" alt="Contemporary art inside Outpost gallery Norwich" class="wp-image-40856" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Outpost-gallery-Norwich.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Outpost-gallery-Norwich-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Outpost-gallery-Norwich-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Outpost-gallery-Norwich-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sainsburycentre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sainsbury Centre</a> is an absolute go-to for a culture fix. I love walking round the sculpture park and the Norman Foster-designed space always brightens my day. I have recently rediscovered, <a href="https://www.norwichoutpost.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Outpost</a>, an artist-run charity that has a gallery space (above) on Wensum Street. A brilliant place to see contemporary work and to feel challenged.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where would you go for a day out?</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/12/2023/04/Bure-Valley-Railway.jpg" alt="Bure Valley Railway team train crossing bridge in Norfolk countryside" class="wp-image-40852" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Bure-Valley-Railway.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Bure-Valley-Railway-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Bure-Valley-Railway-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Bure-Valley-Railway-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I would start the morning at <a href="https://www.bread-source.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bread Source</a> in Aylsham, followed by a trip on the <a href="https://www.bvrw.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bure Valley Railway</a> to Wroxham for a fish and chip lunch, a quick wander by the river then hop back on the steam train home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">If you were to stay somewhere locally where would it be?</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/12/2023/04/Five-Acre-Barn.jpg" alt="Monochrome bedroom at Five Acre Barn" class="wp-image-40854" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Five-Acre-Barn.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Five-Acre-Barn-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Five-Acre-Barn-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Five-Acre-Barn-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.fiveacrebarn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Five Acre Barn</a>, an architectural gem in Leiston, Suffolk, is restful and beautiful and offers the warmest welcome and tastiest breakfast. The owners David and Bruce have an amazing eye for detail and the Barn is filled with beautiful art and objects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best local night spot?</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/12/2023/04/Cinema-City-courtyard.jpg" alt="Cinema City courtyard" class="wp-image-40857" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Cinema-City-courtyard.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Cinema-City-courtyard-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Cinema-City-courtyard-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Cinema-City-courtyard-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Possibly not considered a night spot but you can’t go wrong with a drink in the quirky covered courtyard at <a href="https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/cinema-city-picturehouse">Cinema City</a> followed by an indie film.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://nnfestival.org.uk">Norfolk &amp; Norwich Festival 2023</a> takes place in and around Norwich for 17 days from <strong>12 &#8211; 28 May</strong>. Check out the programme and book those hot, hot tickets <a href="https://nnfestival.org.uk">here</a>.</em></p>



<p><em>Don&#8217;t miss this opportunity to win a night at Norfolk &amp; Norwich Festival for four, plus pizza and drinks, worth £200. <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/win-tickets-for-four-to-norfolk-norwich-festival-worth-200/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enter here</a>.</em></p>



<p></p>



<p></p>



<p></p>



<p></p>



<p></p>



<p></p>


My favourite places: Jess Cook, Norfolk & Norwich Festival

You may also like