Sandringham Rail & Sail

Staying at a Crusader favourite hotel right on the North Norfolk Coast, this special break is jam-packed with wonderful attractions and inclusions. The highlight is a visit to Sandringham House, the much-loved country retreat of the British Royal Family, nestled in the heart of The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Also included is a trip on the Bure Valley Steam Railway, a Norfolk Broads Mississippi Paddle boat touring Norfolk's famous waterworld as well as a heritage train ride on the Poppy Line to charming Sheringham.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Visit & entrance to Sandringham House- Bure Valley Railway Ride (Aylsham - Wroxham)- Norfolk Broads cruise on Mississippi Paddle Boat- One way trip on North Norfolk Railway (Poppy Line ) Holt - Sheringham- En-route visit to Ely (time permitting)

Jam-packed with inclusions
Day 1 - Once on board head to Norfolk with a suitable break in the journey for refreshments. Continue onto Old Hunstanton to check into your hotel for your 4 night stay. Dinner, bed & breakfast.

Day 2 - 4 At leisure with three included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Old Hunstanton & Sandringham House
Enjoy time in Old Hunstanton, a picturesque seaside town renowned for its unique striped cliffs and its position as the only west-facing resort on the East coast. Highlight this afternoon is an included visit to Sandringham House & Estate. With generations of history linked to the British Monarch since 1862, Sandringham Estate remains the private country retreat to Their Majesties The King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The House with Jacobean style exterior was built by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra and houses a collection of treasures ranging from the Victorian-era to present day. Surrounded by glorious Gardens landscaped by Geoffrey Jelicoe - developed in turn by each Monarch and an extensive Royal Parkland. The principal ground floor rooms used by the Royal Family are open to the public as well as 24 hectares of formal Gardens with a variety of trees, water gardens and wildflowers. St Mary Magdalene Church is also open to visit.

Rail & Sail on the Norfolk Broads
Experience a nostalgic trip on Norfolk's longest narrow gauge railway which runs between the historic market town of Aylsham and bustling town of Wroxham, at the heart of the Norfolk Broads. The 9 mile trip runs through the pretty Bure Valley countryside following the meandering River Bure through meadowland and ancient pasture. Along the line are wayside halts serving the picturesque Broadland villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. Hop back on the coach at Wroxham for the short journey to Horning to join the Southern Comfort, a double-deck paddle boat purpose built for the Broads. From the beautiful village of Horning, cruise along the River Bure through the village and out to Ranworth Broad and back, passing lovely old thatched houses, windmills and Norfolk reed beds. Throughout the trip there is an excellent commentary and continual pointing out of all the water birds around at the time. There is the ever present bustle of river traffic with cruisers, yachts and the occasional wherry.

The Poppy Line & Sheringham
Head to genteel Holt, a fabulously handsome market town which has become a mecca for discerning visitors looking for independent shops. Most of Holt was burned in its famous fire of 1708, and in its place rose a splendid Georgian town focusing on an appealing Market Place. From here you board the heritage North Norfolk Railway (may operate by steam or diesel), affectionately known as the 'Poppy Line' for the journey through the county's most stunning coastal scenery to the smart Victorian seaside resort of Sheringham. Enjoy leisure time to explore this popular town on market day (Wednesday) with its beautiful beach of sand, shingle and cobbles. Stroll along the promenade to admire the views. You have the sea on one side and in some places, urban art on the other.

Day 5 - After breakfast, head southwards with a stop in Ely - time permitting before returning to interchange and onwards to your home towns.4* Coastal Hotel
Le Strange Arms Hotel, Old Hunstanton
Located in the picturesque seaside town of Old Hunstanton on the North Norfolk coast, the 4* Le Strange Arms Hotel is just a stone's throw from the sea, with lawns leading down to a sandy beach. The hotel started life as a traditional Norfolk farmhouse in the 1600s and was used by the RAF in WW2 as a place of rest and recuperation after battle. Stylish guestrooms feature TV, hairdryer, free WiFi and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a bright restaurant, a relaxing bar and The Mariner, a traditional inn adjacent to the hotel, which is popular with guests and locals alike. There is a lift.

Hotels
• Le Strange Arms Hotel (Old Hunstanton) - View Information