Reasons to holiday in Norfolk in Winter.

March 2, 2011 - PRLog -- Reasons to stay in Norfolk in Winter.



Norfolk even in August can still be a fairly tranquil place if you know where to look, but out of season when it’s just the geese, the wind and the deserted beaches you can really appreciate the true beauty and wildness of our amazing coastline.

I have lived in Norfolk all of my life and Winter/early Spring are my favourite times of the year. Living in a tourist destination has many advantages in that instead of Norfolk closing on the 2nd of September we just keep on going, albeit without the buckets and spades (unless you have Arctic clothing) in different guises.

Geese and many migratory birds start to arrive on the saltmarshes around October and November. The sky is alive with skeins of geese honking and shuffling about into the wonderful formations that are of constant amazement. They land in a spiral fashion on the fields around the coast to eat whatever they can find, to the farmers dismay. If you are driving about the country lanes and see a field full of geese, (as long as there are no bird watchers about!) get out and flap your arms till they take off in a huge cloud, it is an incredible sight, my children used to love doing this! Snettisham and Titchwell RSPB bird reserves often do early morning guided walks to see the sight of the birds in their thousands leaving their night roosts on the marshes. They return again as it gets dark, the sound is very comforting as you light your fire and prepare for a cosy evening!

The beaches along the North Norfolk coast are very popular in summer but in the winter they take on a new persona. It is very possible to be the only person walking on Brancaster Beach, even though your ears may be being ripped off by the wind! The winter sunsets, if the sky is clear, can be amazing. Pink and purple clouds streaking across the sky will inspire photographers and painters alike.

Less people mean great deals on holiday accommodation. Norfolk Hideaways have a great selection of properties right along the coast from bird watchers retreats to large farmhouses perfect for family winter gatherings. All of course at greatly reduced prices from the peak summer rates. Most of the wonderful eateries along the coast do special deals in the winter. Two courses for £10 can be very tempting in front of a roaring fire after a long day hiking. Titchwell Manor, The Hero at Burnham Overy Staithe, and the Queen Victoria at Holkham all have had great deals this winter on both their rooms and restaurants.
   
Our favourite winter retreats are The Dolls House at Salthouse, an amazing bird watchers bolthole overlooking Salthouse Marshes. West End Water Mill at Burnham Overy Staithe, with its woodburner and stunning views over the River Burn. Sea Holly in Thornham looks over the marshes and has a lovely log burner. For something completely different have a look at Hunsett Mill at Stalham on the Norfolk broads, a bit out of our normal area but an incredible conversion that has won many architectural awards. Again this house has a wonderful double sided woodburner for cosy nights in.

So if you want to enjoy Norfolk without the crowds Winter and Spring is a good time to visit, great deals and empty beaches. What are you waiting for!

Call Norfolk Hideaways 01485 211022 or visit our website at www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk

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Norfolk Hideaways, North Norfolk’s premier holiday cottage letting agency, specialises in the area around the beautiful heritage coast from Hunstanton to Wells-next-the-Sea and five miles inland.