Norfolk


<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/12/2023/10/Polly-crosby-author2.jpg" alt="Polly Crosby author" class="wp-image-45328" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/Polly-crosby-author2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/Polly-crosby-author2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/Polly-crosby-author2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/Polly-crosby-author2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Novelist Polly Crosby grew up on the Suffolk coast and now lives in South Norfolk with her husband and son. She wrote her first novel age 19 but it took her a further 20 years to get published. Perseverance paid off as there&#8217;s no stopping her now with three acclaimed historical mysteries under her belt and her first novel for&nbsp;young adults, <em>This Tale is Forbidden</em>, to be published in January 2024. </p>



<p>Released in paperback on 23 Nov, her latest novel <em>Vita and the Birds</em> is very much inspired by the local landscape, including the derelict Winter Gardens glasshouse on Great Yarmouth seafront, which is soon to be restored. Here she shares her go-to places in the county for coffee, culture and head-clearing hikes. Read on!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-place-to-start-the-day">Best place to start the day?</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/12/2023/10/caistor-hall.jpg" alt="Caistor Hall" class="wp-image-45054" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/caistor-hall.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/caistor-hall-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/caistor-hall-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/caistor-hall-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.caistorhall.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caistor Hall</a> for a very good coffee. This country house hotel and restaurant is just 10 minutes from Norwich and is surrounded by great walks. We sit out on the sunny patio in summer, or by the fire in winter. And they allow dogs, which means that Nell, my scruffy bedlington whippet cross, can come too. We like to take a leisurely walk down from High Ash Farm, and then Nell can curl up for a much-needed snooze.</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/12/2023/10/outney-common.jpg" alt="Outney Common" class="wp-image-45058" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/outney-common.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/outney-common-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/outney-common-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/outney-common-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Anywhere there’s a river or stream so that Nell can go in for soak. She likes to lie calmly in the water, as if she’s in her own personal day spa. The river Waveney at Outney Common is great for this. Clear water, the weeds ribboning below, and then a walk up to Bath Hills. The cows collect on the riverbank, and it feels like I’m walking through an 18th century painting.</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/12/2023/10/Polly-crosby-author1.jpg" alt="Author Polly Crosby on beach with dog" class="wp-image-45327" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/Polly-crosby-author1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/Polly-crosby-author1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/Polly-crosby-author1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/Polly-crosby-author1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The sea! I am spoilt by beaches in Norfolk. In wintertime, I sometimes meet up with author friends in a cottage in Winterton on Sea for a week of writing and eating and taking huge, long, blustery walks.</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="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/polly-crosby-bookbugs-and-dragon-tales.jpg" alt="Bookbugs and Dragon Tales" class="wp-image-45059" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/polly-crosby-bookbugs-and-dragon-tales.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/polly-crosby-bookbugs-and-dragon-tales-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/polly-crosby-bookbugs-and-dragon-tales-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/polly-crosby-bookbugs-and-dragon-tales-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I’m about to publish my first novel for young adults, and <a href="https://bookbugsanddragontales.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookbugs and Dragon Tales</a>, on Timber Hill in Norwich, is an incredible bookshop. I could while away a whole day in there!&nbsp;It is predominantly for kids, but it has a good selection of adult books, too. It does wonderful coffee, and allows dogs! Dan and Leanne are such welcoming, friendly, brilliant booksellers, inspiring a love of reading in children (and adults) all over Norfolk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where do you go for retail therapy?</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/12/2023/10/earsham-street-deli.jpg" alt="Earsham Street Delicatessen" class="wp-image-45056" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/earsham-street-deli.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/earsham-street-deli-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/earsham-street-deli-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/earsham-street-deli-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Being a South Norfolk resident, and a Suffolk girl originally, I love Bungay, just across the border in Suffolk, for its eclectic collection of independent shops. It’s such a creative, arty town. I love <a href="https://www.earshamstreetdeli.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earsham Street Delicatessen</a>, and <a href="https://www.sgois.co.uk/olland-bookshop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Olland Bookshop</a> is great for buying local books for novel research. My favourite shop is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Mouse-Design-100049656774280/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mouse Design</a>, a quirky burst of colour on Earsham Street.</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="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/wildebeest-dish.jpg" alt="The Wildebeest" class="wp-image-45064" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/wildebeest-dish.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/wildebeest-dish-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/wildebeest-dish-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/wildebeest-dish-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Now in receipt of three-AA Rosettes, <a href="https://www.thewildebeest.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wildebeest</a> in the pretty village of Stoke Holy Cross has always been gastro great, especially the tasting menu. But be careful if you choose their wine flight &#8211; perfectly paired drinks to accompany each dish, so delicious you&#8217;ll be tottering home!</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/12/2023/10/norwich-castle.jpg" alt="Norwich Castle" class="wp-image-45057" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/norwich-castle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/norwich-castle-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/norwich-castle-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/norwich-castle-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It has to be <a href="https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norwich-castle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich Castle</a>. I once wrote a novel (long before I was published) set in its walls. I have memories of the museum from my own childhood, and I spent many rainy weekdays exploring its rooms with my young son. It has helped me with research for so many of my books, and now, it is a place I go to on my own, just to feel the history seeping into me from all around.</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/12/2023/10/campervan-canva.jpg" alt="Campervan" class="wp-image-45055" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/campervan-canva.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/campervan-canva-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/campervan-canva-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/campervan-canva-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We’ve just bought a campervan, and at this time of year, we have been using it for lovely, long days out. We’ll drive for an hour or two, perhaps to the coast at Wells or Holkham, and we’ll go for a long, muddy walk. Then we’ll come back and make coffee and bacon sandwiches in the van, and open the papers or a book, and while away the hours.</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/12/2023/10/wardley-campsite-kirby-cane7.jpg" alt="Wardley Campsite at Kirby Cane" class="wp-image-45063" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/wardley-campsite-kirby-cane7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/wardley-campsite-kirby-cane7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/wardley-campsite-kirby-cane7-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/wardley-campsite-kirby-cane7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I’m itching to use our new camper for an overnighter, so one of my first stops would be <a href="https://www.wardleyhillcampsite.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wardley Hill Campsite</a> in Kirby Cane. It’s an off grid, beautifully natural campsite with composting toilets and its own library. Perfect for a spot of novel writing.</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/12/2023/10/biofluoresecent-mushroom.jpg" alt="Biofluoresecent Mushroom" class="wp-image-45053" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/biofluoresecent-mushroom.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/biofluoresecent-mushroom-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/biofluoresecent-mushroom-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/biofluoresecent-mushroom-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I’m not really a night owl! But one of my favourite things to do is a walk after dark. Pathmakers are a local charity who run walks in Norfolk, and they do a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PathmakersCIO" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biofluorescent night walk</a> at Burnham Deepdale using UV torches to look at the fungi, insects and plants. Incredible!</p>



<p><strong><em>Vita and the Birds</em> by <a href="https://www.pollycrosby.com/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polly Crosby</a> is published by HarperCollins.</strong> </p>


My favourite places: author Polly Crosby

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