Norfolk


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Rachel-Hore.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35392" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Rachel-Hore.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Rachel-Hore-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Rachel-Hore-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Rachel-Hore-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>As a senior editor for HarperCollins, Rachel Hore looked after many well-known fiction writers, but it wasn&#8217;t until she married one of her authors, D.J. Taylor, and left London for his hometown of Norwich that she began writing herself. The UNESCO City of Literature was clearly an inspiring move for Rachel, who just released her 12th novel in paperback. </p>



<p>The perfect excuse to curl up on the sofa now it&#8217;s got all chilly, <em>One Moonlit Night</em> is a captivating story of a husband and wife separated by secrets as well as by war. It is one of several of Rachel&#8217;s novels to be set, either partly or completely, in Norfolk &#8211; this time, in a beautiful country house with a hush-hush past.</p>



<p>Rachel and David have three children, Felix, Benjy and Leo, and a fox red Labrador, Zelda.</p>



<p>Over to you, Rachel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hindringhamhall.org" target="_blank">Hindringham Hall</a>, near Great Walsingham</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/12/2022/09/Hingringham-Hall.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35407" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Hingringham-Hall.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Hingringham-Hall-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Hingringham-Hall-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Hingringham-Hall-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hindringham Hall is a most delightful little moated manor house straight out of a story book.&nbsp;It’s owned privately but the owners run occasional tours of the house and open the beautiful old gardens to the public every summer.&nbsp;These include ancient fish ponds and a working walled garden.&nbsp;We discovered it almost by accident and I fell in love with it at once, squirrelling it away as a possible inspiration for a house in a future novel.&nbsp;We were thrilled to discover old cottages in the grounds for let and spent a week in one last autumn.&nbsp;Heaven.&nbsp;We’ve booked to go again this winter – it’s a great retreat for writers!&nbsp;There are many places of interest within reach – we went twice to magnificent Holkham Beach where we watched horses gallop across the sands. </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Jarrold-Seafood-Restaurant.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35390" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Jarrold-Seafood-Restaurant.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Jarrold-Seafood-Restaurant-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Jarrold-Seafood-Restaurant-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Jarrold-Seafood-Restaurant-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/jarroldfood/" target="_blank">jarroldfood</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>The city&#8217;s flagship independent store is a house of treasures and a favourite haunt of mine. Whether it’s beauty or fashions or furniture or books, each floor is&nbsp;an individual world in which I love to browse. I often choose special birthday presents there – recently I’ve bought books, a fountain pen for my son, a unique vase for a friend and a soft jumper for my mum.&nbsp;I love its cafes and restaurants, too.&nbsp;My favourite is The Bay seafood and wine bar (above) with its view over busy Norwich Market and City Hall so you can eat and see the world go by below.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sheringham Park</a>, National Trust</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Sheringham-Rhododendrons.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35393" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Sheringham-Rhododendrons.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Sheringham-Rhododendrons-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Sheringham-Rhododendrons-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Sheringham-Rhododendrons-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/sheringhamparknt/" target="_blank">sheringhamparknt</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>In May, it is astonishing for the best display of blooming rhododendrons and azaleas that I’ve ever seen and we visit most years. Our children used to love it when they were small – the colours are amazing, and there’s a look-out tower to climb from which you can see the extent of the canopy of plants and out across parkland, beyond the hall to the sea.&nbsp;Breathtaking!&nbsp;&nbsp;And afterwards visit the cafe to enjoy tea or ice cream. It’s been great for all our family. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="http://hagglerestaurant.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haggle</a>, Norwich</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Haggle.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35388" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Haggle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Haggle-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Haggle-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Haggle-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hagglenorwich/">hagglenorwich</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>If we’re going to the Theatre Royal or Cinema City we’ll often eat in Haggle, the Turkish themed restaurant on bohemian Benedict Street. The food suits everyone including our vegan son. You can order a selection of ‘small plates’ such as rolled yulfka pastry with feta and parsley or calamari, or from a three-course set menu. The interior is wonderfully atmospheric with an open kitchen so you can watch your meal being cooked and several floors decorated with garlands of vine leaves and wonderful mosaic-style murals of Turkish life.&nbsp;Even the basins by the loos feel authentically exotic when you wash your hands! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.plantationgarden.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR2Wie4uzk9pDGXxnRd-EWiAYmUOlOluhLoQCCfLwuYpN2VIFqv8rrfPBUA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plantation Gardens</a>, Norwich</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Plantation-Garden.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35391" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Plantation-Garden.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Plantation-Garden-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Plantation-Garden-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Plantation-Garden-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/PlantationGarden/" target="_blank">PlantationGarden</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>This beautifully restored Victorian garden of three acres run by volunteers for the benefit of the community is a bit of a hidden secret – you wouldn’t imagine it was there behind the hulk of the Roman Catholic cathedral.&nbsp;It’s a world within a world.&nbsp;I took my toddler son there once and we stared at the giant goldfish swimming in the enchanting gothic fountain. ‘Hooge, Mummy, they’re hooge,’ he said with wonder in his eyes.&nbsp;They were indeed huge.&nbsp;I want to set a story in the garden, but I haven’t worked it out yet. It also runs events, such as open-air cinema in the summer. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.thebookhive.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Book Hive</a>, Norwich </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/The-Book-Hive.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35394" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/The-Book-Hive.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/The-Book-Hive-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/The-Book-Hive-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/The-Book-Hive-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/thebookhive/" target="_blank">thebookhive</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>The best independent bookshop for miles around.&nbsp;Housed in a small crooked old building in cobbled London street, it showcases an eclectic range of new&nbsp;&nbsp;literary books of the sort you might not find in the chains.&nbsp;The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and can order up anything they don’t already stock in a twinkling of an eye.&nbsp;Discerning readers shop there (my husband and I are loyal customers) and it regularly holds launch events.&nbsp;Of course, Norwich is famous for its literary connections through the centuries and its University of East Anglia’s creative writing MA nurtures talented new authors who often go on to become big names. You might meet them in the Book Hive first! Henry Layte, the owner, has just opened a second shop in Aylsham that is going great guns, too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castle-acre-castle-acre-priory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Acre</a>, near Swaffham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Castle-Acre-Priory.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35387" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Castle-Acre-Priory.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Castle-Acre-Priory-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Castle-Acre-Priory-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Castle-Acre-Priory-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castle-acre-castle-acre-priory/" target="_blank">english-heritage.co.uk</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>In lockdown we bought English Heritage membership so we could go for walks round interesting ancient sites and we discovered Castle Acre near Swaffham.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Norman village itself takes you back in time with its Bailey Gate and pretty painted houses. It’s completely unspoilt despite the introduction of antique shops and cafes.&nbsp;The ruins of the motte-and-bailey castle build by William de Warenne, a connection of William the Conqueror, are fascinating and wonderful to roam around.&nbsp;The dog enjoyed it, too (safely on a lead) as there is plenty of evidence of rabbits! The nearby remains of the mediaeval Priory are a romantic setting, especially with the winter sun slanting through the tumbling arches. After all the exercise the village’s well-known Ostrich Inn is waiting. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/museum-of-norwich" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bridewell Museum</a>, Norwich&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Bridewell-Museum.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35386" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Bridewell-Museum.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Bridewell-Museum-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Bridewell-Museum-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/09/Bridewell-Museum-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/MuseumofNorwich" target="_blank">MuseumofNorwich</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Found in the ancient cobbled lanes of independent shops and restaurants, this fascinating building was once a house of correction and a prison. These days its exhibits tell stories of the last 200 years of Norwich’s crafts, industries and social history.&nbsp;I’ve often used it for research or simply to immerse myself in the atmosphere of Norwich past – did you know Norwich was once England’s second city? It has been famous for weaving wonderful shawls, for shoe-making, dyeing, football, chocolate and mustard and its displays demonstrate all these.&nbsp;My favourite exhibit is actually a whole room: a reconstruction of an old chemist’s shop complete with scales for weighing babies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One Moonlit Night<em> (Simon &amp; Schuster Ltd at £8.99) by Rachel Hore has just been published in paperback</em>. </p>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://rachelhore.co.uk" target="_blank">rachelhore.co.uk</a></p>


My favourite places: Rachel Hore, author

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