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/12/2023/08/Sam-Cutmore-Scott.jpg" alt="Sam Cutmore-Scott" class="wp-image-43267" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Sam-Cutmore-Scott.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Sam-Cutmore-Scott-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Sam-Cutmore-Scott-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Sam-Cutmore-Scott-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>When you own a hotel like <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-harper-langham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Harper</a> it takes a pretty decent place to draw you away &#8211; so get ready to Bookmark Sam Cutmore-Scott&#8217;s Norfolk haunts. Sam splits his time between a townhouse in Chiswick, West London, and North Norfolk, where he&#8217;s also newly acquired and revamped two nearby pubs, The Langham Bluebell and The Morston Anchor. He has family ties to Norfolk and regularly holidayed in the county as a child. </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/12/2023/08/Two-Magpies-Holt.jpg" alt="Two Magpies Holt" class="wp-image-43261" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Two-Magpies-Holt.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Two-Magpies-Holt-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Two-Magpies-Holt-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Two-Magpies-Holt-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Harper (sorry!). Our Eggs Harper is my absolute favourite breakfast on the planet, particularly when paired with a pain au raisin, a yoghurt pot and a flat white, and followed by a swim in The Harper’s pool (you get exclusive use of the pool in 30 minute sessions). A great way to start the day. An alternative, not too far away, is the bistro set outside <a href="https://twomagpiesbakery.co.uk/holt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Two Magpies Bakery</a> in Holt. A neat spot to grab a coffee and fresh pastry, and a bonus they are dog friendly.</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/12/2023/08/Blakeney-from-Morston-Quay.jpg" alt="Blakeney from Morston Quay" class="wp-image-43262" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Blakeney-from-Morston-Quay.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Blakeney-from-Morston-Quay-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Blakeney-from-Morston-Quay-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Blakeney-from-Morston-Quay-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to wide open spaces in North Norfolk &#8211; Holkham, Wells-next-the-sea and Hunstanton beach are a few good &#8216;uns to mention. I&#8217;m a huge fan of the coastal path between Blakeney and Morston. There’s no better place to blow some cobwebs away, and with lovely spots at each end. Huge skies, boats, birds. Nothing more required.</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/12/2023/03/The-Harper9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40473" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/The-Harper9.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/The-Harper9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/The-Harper9-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/The-Harper9-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Perhaps it‘s the combination of the rustic charm of the Norfolk coast and my London roots, which inspired the artfully mismatched interior of The Harper, a bit of countryside cosmopolitan. That and my relatives &#8211; after all, the Harper name itself comes from my grandfather, Stanley Harper, who ran a mechanics shop in Norwich. Materials like copper and oak used throughout The Harper nod to his work, whilst glassworks hint to the building&#8217;s past as a glassblowing factory, Langham Glass. The restaurant, Stanley’s, also pays homage to my grandfather, whilst the hotel lounge, Ivy’s, to my late grandmother.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where do you go for some time to yourself?</h2>



<p>My alone time tends to happen in the car, with the volume up. When I’m driving, my brain has time to do some sorting and filing, which is often overdue. The M11/A11 stretch from Norfolk to London and back has seen some of my best thinking.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="833" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Stiffkey-Stores-833x1000.jpg" alt="Stiffkey Stores" class="wp-image-43260" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Stiffkey-Stores-833x1000.jpg 833w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Stiffkey-Stores-667x800.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Stiffkey-Stores-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Stiffkey-Stores-438x525.jpg 438w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Stiffkey-Stores.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px" /></figure>



<p>I’m not much of a shopper, but <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063595027323" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stiffkey Stores</a> is a great little gift shop for candles, soaps and bits and bobs. It also has a lovely sun-trap tearoom for a homemade sweet treat and coffee.&nbsp;</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/12/2023/08/Roast-at-Langham-Bluebell.jpg" alt="Roast at The Langham Blue Bell" class="wp-image-43263" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Roast-at-Langham-Bluebell.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Roast-at-Langham-Bluebell-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Roast-at-Langham-Bluebell-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Roast-at-Langham-Bluebell-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>That’s a tough one. We’re spoilt when it comes to great places to eat. But for a satisfying roast you can’t go wrong with <a href="https://www.thelanghambluebell.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Langham Blue Bell</a>, offered all day on both Saturday and Sundays. The Victoria in Holkham is another favourite. Great setting and good food.&nbsp;</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/12/2023/08/Temple-Seal-trips.jpg" alt="Temples Seal trips" class="wp-image-43264" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Temple-Seal-trips.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Temple-Seal-trips-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Temple-Seal-trips-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Temple-Seal-trips-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.sealtrips.co.uk">Temples Seal Trips</a>! I think it’s a ‘must do’ experience when in Norfolk, at least the once. It’s a great opportunity to see the seals in their natural habitat, breathe in the fresh sea air, and soak up the sun in the summer months. That said, the trips also run in the winter months if you&#8217;re prepared to wrap up warm! As Christmas comes around the <a href="https://www.thursford.com/christmas-spectacular/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thursford Christmas Spectacular</a> is an exciting extravaganza to watch, or the events at historic estates: <a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/whats-on/holkham-hall-by-candlelight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holkham Hall by Candlelight</a> or <a href="https://luminate.live/sandringham-estate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luminate Sandringham</a>.&nbsp;</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/12/2023/02/Pensthorpe.jpg" alt="Aerial view of Pensthorpe" class="wp-image-39421" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Pensthorpe.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Pensthorpe-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Pensthorpe-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Pensthorpe-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>These days, probably <a href="https://pensthorpe.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pensthorpe</a> to see the ducks. It’s one of those places that has a bit of everything. Beautiful gardens to explore, scheduled walks and talks, and both outdoor and indoor play activities for kids. For a less active day out, a trip to a local beach with a picnic hamper in hand is one of life’s simple pleasures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">If you were to stay somewhere else 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/12/2023/08/The-Victoria-Holkham.jpg" alt="The Victoria Holkham" class="wp-image-43265" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/The-Victoria-Holkham.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/The-Victoria-Holkham-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/The-Victoria-Holkham-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/The-Victoria-Holkham-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>My go-to would be <a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/visit/things-to-do/eat-stay-shop/places-to-stay/the-victoria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Victoria</a>, Holkham. Just a moment away from Holkham beach, it’s a great location combining the North Norfolk coastline and countryside. It’s a nice setting inside too, either in the orangery during the summer or by the log fire later in the year. Plus, the menu has a tempting selection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best spot for an evening 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/12/2023/08/Morston-Anchor.jpg" alt="The Morston Anchor" class="wp-image-43266" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Morston-Anchor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Morston-Anchor-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Morston-Anchor-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/08/Morston-Anchor-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You can’t go wrong with a local draft pint in <a href="https://www.themorstonanchor.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Morston Anchor</a>. It was a firm favourite back in the day when we were launching The Harper, and after a labour of love earlier this year, it’s become one of the family. Situated just up the road it’s ideal to hang out with friends and family over a beer (or something stronger).&nbsp;</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.theharper.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Harper</a>, North Street, Langham, Norfolk, NR25 7DH</em></p>


My favourite places: Sam Cutmore-Scott, owner of The Harper

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