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 visits. 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 visit to the picturesque seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea, the harbour home to a fleet of little fishing boats.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- Visit to Wells-next-the-Sea

Wonderful North Norfolk
Day 1 - Once on board your holiday coach, 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. DBBnnDay 2 - 4 At leisure with three included excursionsnnINCLUDED EXCURSIONSnOld Hunstanton & Sandringham HousenEnjoy 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.nnRail & Sail on the Norfolk BroadsnExperience 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.nnWells-next-the-SeanCharming Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the loveliest towns on the North Norfolk Coast. From the sweeping sandy beach bordered by pinewoods and colourful beach huts to the bustling harbour with its fine fish & chips restaurants, Wells-next-the-Sea is a perfect seaside destination. The harbour at Wells is overlooked by an imposing granary (dating from 1904), with its gantry stretching across the street to the quay. From the harbour, narrow lanes with chic shops, eateries and art galleries lead towards 'The Buttlands', a large town green surrounded by majestic lime trees and elegant Georgian houses,nnWells is famous for its vast beach and stilted beach huts, located approx. one mile from the town. You can walk there along a a raised path with fabulous views over the marshes or you can take the Beach Bus which provides a shuttle service between the town and beach (£2 pp one way in 2024 - card payment only)nnDay 5 - After breakfast, head southwards with an en-route stop before returning to interchange and onwards to your home towns.4* Coastal Hotel
Le Strange Arms Hotel, Old HunstantonnLocated 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.