This tour is in Norfolk and explores the many facets of the county, from the history and grandeur of Oxburgh Hall, to the quaint medieval town of Castle Acre and on to the ancient ports on the North Norfolk coast.
We can also offer an 8 day/7 night tour in Norfolk.
On this tour - as with our other tours - we detail the recommended route mileages but longer or shorter alternatives are available.
.
Day 1: Arrival in Watton
Sees your arrival at a country house hotel, just outside Watton, where your bikes will be provided after breakfast the following morning.
Day 2: Watton to Swaffham, (Rec 22: Min 9: Max 39 miles.)
Travelling through Breckland woods and heath, you reach moated Oxburgh Hall, one of the most romantic and picturesque Tudor Great Houses in the country. (Well worth the detour is a visit to Grimes Graves, where you can descend by ladder to the Neolithic flint mines.) On to Cockley Cley, a reconstruction of an Iceni village set alongside a Saxon church and medieval forge. Finally into Swaffham for the night. Its wedged-shaped market place, flanked by graceful 18th century buildings, make Swaffham one of Norfolk’s most attractive market towns.
Day 3: Swaffham to Great Bircham, (Rec 30: Min 18: Max 41 miles.)
Visit the walled gardens at West Acre, or Houghton Hall former home of Sir Robert Walpole (Britains first Prime Minister) before continuing to the Royal Sandringham Estate. Note - Sandringham House and Grounds are only open to the public when Royalty are not in residence -please check when you book. You will continue through the wooded grounds of the Sandringham Estate onwards to visit the lovely Bircham Windmill before reaching Great Bircham, where you will stay base for two nights. For a gentle tour there is the option of taking a direct route to Gt Bircham and visiting Houghton Hall if you wish, and thereby leaving the visit to Sandringham for tomorrows itinerary. Alternatively the more energetic may wish continue to Snettisham and visit the deer park or take a small diversion to the coast (The Wash)
Day 4: Circular Route from Great Bircham
Today you have a choice of two circular routes:-
(Rec 26: Min 25: Max 37 miles.)
The first takes you to ‘The Burnhams’ and a chance to visit the birthplace of Admiral Lord Nelson. The sleepy creeks and backwaters of Burnham Overy Staithe give you a real feel for the haunting Norfolk Coast. You may like to continue on to visit the Palladian style mansion of Holkham Hall or the beautiful wild expanse of Holkham Bay before your return to Gt Bircham.
(Rec. 23: Min 18: Max 30 miles.)
Alternatively for those who took the gentle option yesterday, we provide a chance for more leisurely visit to the Sandringham Estate using a circular route back to Gt Bircham.
Day 5: Great Bircham to Watton, (Rec 28: Min 25: Max 28 miles.)
A chance to visit Houghton Hall, former home of Sir Robert Walpole (Britains first Prime Minister) before continuing to Castle Acre. The tiny walled ‘town’, the atmospheric ruins of Castle Acre Priory and the Castle – the great Norman House and fortress – provide a rewarding break before your return to Watton.
Freedom Holiday 