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/12/2023/04/Sail-North-Norfolk-Zoe-credit-Amelia-Le-Brun..jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-41167" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Sail-North-Norfolk-Zoe-credit-Amelia-Le-Brun..jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Sail-North-Norfolk-Zoe-credit-Amelia-Le-Brun.-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Sail-North-Norfolk-Zoe-credit-Amelia-Le-Brun.-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Sail-North-Norfolk-Zoe-credit-Amelia-Le-Brun.-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amelialebrun.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amelia Le Brun</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Tidal wave incoming! The deservedly popular North Norfolk coast is set to be flooded with visitors over the coming months. But where&#8217;s worth booking ahead and which are the coastal paths less travelled? Zoe shares her insider line on which ports to head to. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-saltmarsh-wells-next-the-sea"><strong>The saltmarsh</strong>, Wells-next-the-Sea</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/12/2023/05/Saltmarsh-near-Wells-CREDIT-Hugh-Venables.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-41324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Saltmarsh-near-Wells-CREDIT-Hugh-Venables.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Saltmarsh-near-Wells-CREDIT-Hugh-Venables-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Saltmarsh-near-Wells-CREDIT-Hugh-Venables-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Saltmarsh-near-Wells-CREDIT-Hugh-Venables-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saltmarsh_near_Wells_-_geograph.org.uk_-_4679385.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hugh Venables</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Soon after moving to Norfolk in 1998, I met my husband, who had grown to love Wells where his grandparents lived. I became captivated by the saltmarsh that stretches out beyond Wells Quay, and started to learn about the tides so we could safely explore it on our own. We bought a tiny boat with a cabin, and stayed overnight to wake up to the sounds of redshank, curlews and oyster catchers. Their calls still stop me in my tracks and the saltmarsh is still my escape.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://glidesurfschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glide <strong>Surf</strong> School</a>, Cromer</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="909" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Glide-Surf-School-Cromer-909x1000.jpg" alt="Glide Surf School Cromer" class="wp-image-41325" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Glide-Surf-School-Cromer-909x1000.jpg 909w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Glide-Surf-School-Cromer-727x800.jpg 727w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Glide-Surf-School-Cromer-768x845.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Glide-Surf-School-Cromer-477x525.jpg 477w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Glide-Surf-School-Cromer.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 909px) 100vw, 909px" /></figure>



<p>At first I was reticent about living in Norfolk long-term, partly because of the distance to Cornwall’s surfing beaches. So I took myself off to explore Norfolk’s best spots, struggling in and out of my winter wetsuit in residential cul-de-sacs, and traipsing across fields to find less overlooked locations. In the last year, I’ve found a group of supportive friends who’re as mad about it as me. You can hire boards and have lessons at&nbsp;<a href="https://glidesurfschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glide</a>&nbsp;in Cromer, or find somewhere with easier parking like East Runton, Mundesley or Sea Palling.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.staynextthesea.co.uk/beach-hut-wells-next-the-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beach hut hire</a></strong>, Wells-next-the-Sea</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/12/2023/05/Beach-Hut-82-Wells.jpg" alt="Beach Hut 82 hire, Wells next the sea" class="wp-image-41326" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Beach-Hut-82-Wells.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Beach-Hut-82-Wells-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Beach-Hut-82-Wells-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Beach-Hut-82-Wells-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>When our daughter was a baby, my father-in-law’s beach hut allowed me to breastfeed in winter with a beautiful view to gaze out on. If she slept, my husband and I could play frisbee or beach badminton. As our daughter grew, we made sandcastles together, played boules, and later rounders and cricket. She tried her first ice cream here. The memories are so precious that we bought the hut when my father-in-law needed to sell it, and now we rent it out (see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.staynextthesea.co.uk/beach-hut-wells-next-the-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stay-next-the-Sea</a>) so we can keep it in the family.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/figandolivecromer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fig &amp; Olive</a>, Cromer</strong></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/12/2022/12/Fig-Olive.jpg" alt="Fig &amp; Olive" class="wp-image-37536" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Fig-Olive.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Fig-Olive-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Fig-Olive-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/Fig-Olive-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Growing up in London, I worked in Greenwich market from the age of 15 so I could buy clothes from Hyper Hyper, an exciting warren of emerging fashion brands in High Street Kensington. Today, I rarely browse shops and if my husband persuades me into an antique shop, I’m overcome by tiredness and start bumping into things. I wear practical clothes from&nbsp;<a href="https://finisterre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finisterre</a>,<a href="https://alpkit.com/pages/womens-outdoor-clothing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Alpkit</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vivobarefoot.com/uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vivobarefoot</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.passenger-clothing.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Passenger</a>, local company&nbsp;<a href="https://charlknitwear.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charl Knitwear</a>,&nbsp;and I recently discovered my new favourite beanie, available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collingwoodnorrisdesign.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Collingwood Norris</a>. However, in&nbsp;<a href="https://m.facebook.com/people/Fig-Olive-Cromer/100078232413103/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fig &amp; Olive</a>&nbsp;in Cromer, which gives way to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eastcoastsurf.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Coast Surf</a>, I can satisfy my love of both chocolate and surf gear under the same roof &#8211; my latest purchase being a Runton Rocks T-shirt.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.bread-source.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bread Source</a></strong>, multiple locations</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/12/2023/05/Bread-source.jpg" alt="Sourdough on wooden shelves at Bread Source" class="wp-image-41327" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Bread-source.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Bread-source-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Bread-source-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Bread-source-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Bread-source-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Bread-source-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The first time we bought a loaf of sourdough, the price seemed crazy. But it’s so delicious that we use it as the basis for around four family lunches every week, so it makes itself pay. At the moment, we find the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bread-source.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bread Source</a>&nbsp;sourdough the best (available at the Norwich and Aylsham stores), with&nbsp;<a href="https://twomagpiesbakery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Two Magpies</a> coming a close second (in Blakeney or Holt, and with a new store opening soon in Wells). If you fancy a treat to go with it, the custard tarts in Bread Source and the lemon meringue tarts in Two Magpies are my weaknesses.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wing foiling with <strong><a href="https://northshoresurf.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northshore</a></strong>, Brancaster Staithe</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/12/2023/05/Wing-foiling-Unsplash.jpg" alt="Wing foiling" class="wp-image-41328" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Wing-foiling-Unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Wing-foiling-Unsplash-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Wing-foiling-Unsplash-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Wing-foiling-Unsplash-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Wing foiling &#8211; it’s as crazy as it sounds. I find wing foiling a bit easier than kite-surfing, because you’re holding onto a wing, rather than being strapped to a huge kite that can feel dangerously powerful. You start on a SUP board, which I’m still on. Kneeling on it, you tip the wing so it catches the wind, and stand up as you gather momentum. Tearing across the water is exhilarating, but a gentler option is to hire SUP boards from the same place,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northshorepaddleboards.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northshore</a>&nbsp;in Brancaster Staithe, and to go adventuring with instructor and yoga teacher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wildyoganorfolk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emilie</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.blakeney-hotel.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blakeney Hotel</a>, Blakeney&nbsp;</strong></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/12/2023/05/Blakeney-Hotel.jpg" alt="Blakeney Hotel" class="wp-image-41329" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Blakeney-Hotel.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Blakeney-Hotel-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Blakeney-Hotel-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Blakeney-Hotel-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>After a few hours on the water, I’m seriously hungry and thirsty. Only a fizzy drink will do! After doing a sailing charter from Blakeney Quay, I buy a lime and soda with lots of ice from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blakeney-hotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blakeney Hotel</a>, and after wing foiling or SUP boarding I stroll along the coast path to <a href="https://www.whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The&nbsp;White Horse</a> in Brancaster for salt and pepper squid washed down with one of their delicious alcohol-free craft beers. Sitting at the marsh-side bar, you have one of the best seats in North Norfolk for watching the sunset.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/cley-windmill-cley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cley Windmill</a></strong>, Cley-next-the-Sea</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/12/2023/05/Cley-Windmill.jpg" alt="Ariel view of Cley Windmill" class="wp-image-41331" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Cley-Windmill.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Cley-Windmill-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Cley-Windmill-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Cley-Windmill-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Did you know that&nbsp;<a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/cley-windmill-cley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cley Windmill</a>&nbsp;is open to non-residents when they don’t have a wedding on? I didn’t until recently, but the marquee is open during the day as a café, and also hosts pizza nights supplied by&nbsp;<a href="https://broadsidepizza.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broadside Pizza</a>. My favourite way to approach the windmill is of course by&nbsp;sailing boat. We leave the open water of Blakeney Pit and pick out the channel where I often see the flash of a kingfisher. The route meanders and narrows until the reeds susurrate as the boat brushes past. I find it jaw-droopingly beautiful every time.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.blakeneyhouse.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blakeney House</a>, Blakeney</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="600" height="400" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/06/Blakeney-House.jpg" alt="Blakeney House" class="wp-image-42074" /></figure>



<p>If you can find it hidden away in the lokes and lanes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blakeneyhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blakeney House</a>&nbsp;is a haven of calm that I’m reluctant to spoil by saying how good it is. Head chef Dom Aslett helped put <a href="https://www.theguntonarms.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The&nbsp;Gunton Arms</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sculthorpemill.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sculthorpe Mill</a>&nbsp;on the foodie map, and makes the most exciting and delicious Sunday lunch we’ve tried for years. Even the carrots are exceptional, having been grown in sand to enhance their flavour. You can sit in the suntrap garden afterwards for coffee. Cocktail evenings are also open to non-residents. &nbsp;</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.staynextthesea.co.uk/sailnorthnorfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sail North Norfolk</a> offers made-to-measure wildlife-watching boat trips and sailing instruction from Blakeney under sail and silent electric engine. Zoe also owns <a href="https://www.collingwoodcoastal.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Collingwood Coastal</a>, selling wallpaper and fabrics inspired by the North Norfolk coast, which she set up during Lockdown as a way to stay connected to sailing and the saltmarsh.&nbsp;</em></p>


My favourite places: Zoe Dunford of Sail North Norfolk

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