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Day
Nine: Our vanishing coastline
A range of perspectives Witness, and lend your moral support to, the fight against coastal
erosion at Happisburgh,
with a day designed to illustrate both the beauty and the plight
of this area of Norfolk, just
outside the Broads National Park. Our suggestions will take you
onto the beach to see the
effects of the ongoing erosion at close quarters; up the church
tower via the Thomas
Marshall memorial staircase for an aerial perspective; to lunch at
the local pub, a focal point
for the campaign to save the village; followed by an afternoon
spent at the Old Vicarage
Gardens in nearby East Ruston, a hidden delight, and designed with
outstanding flair and
appreciation for the local landscape.
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Drive to the village of
Happisburgh located on the B1159, north of Stalham |
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Take the metal staircase
down to the beach. Southwards you will be able to
see the effects of the waves on the coastline, with their
relentless attack on the homes and land of the villagers
many properties have already fallen into the sea |
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Back up the staircase and
a stroll to the local church should enable you to climb
the Thomas Marshall memorial staircase to the top of the
tower. This will provide you with a unique aerial
perspective of the effects of the erosion, together with
stunning views over the Broads to the south-west |
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Once on the ground again,
it should be time for lunch, and the Hill House pub offers
a friendly welcome. Arthur Conan Doyle stayed here
while writing some of the Sherlock Holmes stories and if
you close your eyes on a stormy winters night, you can
imagine the sea mist hiding a whole range of mysterious
characters. A good selection of real ales is always
available, together with tasty food, best enjoyed in the
beer garden at the rear, a lovely sun-trap in the summer |
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After lunch, what better way to spend an
afternoon than by strolling around one of the most
wonderful gardens in Europe. Hidden away on a back road
off the B1159 on the way back towards Stalham (there
are signs out when the garden is open), the Old Vicarage Garden is
a must see if you have any interest
whatsoever in gardening. It is divided into separately themed
areas and incorporates local landscape
features in its design in a delightful way. It also has a tea shop
when you are ready to put your feet up for
a little while. |
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Useful Norfolk Broads Contacts
Below you will find suggestions for accommodation, activities, attractions,
food & drink and shopping. All useful
contacts while visiting the Norfolk Broads.
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Clippesby Hall
Clippesby Hall is in a perfect location to explore the Norfolk Broads National Park, a unique network of waterways and lakes, as well as the delights of the Norfolk coast, with its range of beaches to suit all tastes.
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Stalham Circular Walk
There is an attractive 5 mile circular walk around Stalham and the surrounding countryside. The town itself is interesting, with many Georgian buildings and an inn dating from 1380. The walk goes past todays holiday boatyards, as well as the old staithe.
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Elizabethan House Museum
Museum of domestic life in a 16th-century house. Hands-on activities throughout the house. Childrens playroom filled with toys from the past. Conspiracy room, where the trial and execution of Charles I was plotted. Events during school holidays.
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White Horse Inn
Traditional Norfolk pub, serving several real ales and tasty home made food
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Linda H. Matthews Artist
Working artists studio & gallery, in the beautiful northern broads. Paintings & gifts from Lindas work. Also offering structured painting courses and private tuition, for individuals & groups, with an experienced tutor & art materials for sale
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"Two of Arthur Ransome's
'Swallows & Amazons' books feature the Broads, 'Coot Club' and 'Big
Six'"
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TOP TIPS |
| 1. |
Following your visit, if you
would like to register your support for the local community,
visit the
Happisburgh
website,
where you can sign the online
petition |
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The church tower is not open
every day, usually only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 11am
to 4pm. There is a small entry cost and there is a minimum
height requirement of 4ft 7ins. |
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Every year around the longest
day, the Hill House pub organise
their popular Solstice Beer
Festival, offering a wide range of
real ales, ciders and perries with
weekend camping nearby. For
details of this years event call
the pub on 01692 650004 |
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The Old Vicarage Garden
is open from April to the end of October on Wednesdays,
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, from 2pm to
5.30pm. For entry costs visit the
website |
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Each of the days suggested on this website are covered by the OS Map, Landranger 134
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grid reference TG462228
