Summertime Norfolk - Broads, Holkham & Seals

Take a break and get away from it all as you head to North Norfolk on the East Coast of England with its big skies, agricultural heritage, stunning coastline, pretty flint houses and tranquil countryside. This tour is bursting with fine national treasures, wildlife wonders, heritage and history. Step inside the grand entrance of the Marble Hall at 18th century Holkham Hall; encounter local wildlife on a boat trip to England's largest seal colony; whistle through the Bure Valley on a nostalgic narrow-gauge railway and cruise the beautiful Norfolk Broads. Pure magic!Summertime Norfolk
Day 1 - After boarding your tour coach, head east to King's Lynn with an interesting stop en-route. Check into the Duke's Head Hotel in the centre of town for your 4 night stay. DBB\n\nDay 2 - 4 At leisure in Norfolk with three included excursions\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nHolkham Hall & Wells-next-the-Sea\nHead to the imposing 18th century Palladian country house, Holkham Hall, where you have included entrance to the state rooms, libraries and old kitchen, the six acre Walled Garden and the interactive Holkham Stories Experience. Nestled within 25,000 acres of rolling parkland, Holkham Hall was built by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester and the current Earl and his family take great pride in opening their doors and sharing the treasures within. You'll find the Marble Hall a truly breath-taking introduction to your visit, with its impressive 50ft dome ceiling and elegant walls of English alabaster - not marble as the name suggests! A grand staircase leads to a myriad of state rooms, from the Saloon with its rich, red velvet-lined walls, gilded coffering, and lofty ceiling to many sumptuous bedchambers where royalty once lay.\n\nOnto charming Wells-next-the-Sea, 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. 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. Wells is famous for its vast beach and stilted beach huts, located approx. one mile from the town. You can walk there along 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)\n\nRail & Sail on the Norfolk Broads\nExperience 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.\n\nBlakeney Harbour Seal Trip & Sheringham\nOff to Blakeney and Morston Quay today to join a boat trip which offers a rare opportunity to 'get up close and personal' to the resident Grey and Common Seal colonies without causing disturbance. The open boat heads up Morston Creek and out into Blakeney Harbour as you relax and enjoy the beautiful Norfolk Coastline from the shelter of the harbour whilst keeping an eye out for resident and migrating birds. As Blakeney Point is one of the most important sites for migrating birds in Europe, there's plenty to see on the way to the Seal Colony. Passing the old Blakeney Lifeboat station the crew tell you about local history and about the harbour before you arrive at the end of Blakeney Point where Common and Grey Seals can usually be found hauled out. The boat turns to allow plenty of opportunity for photos and inquisitive seals may pop up around the boat. The crew will assist with embarkation / disembarkation and the trip lasts approx. one hour. There are limited toilet facilities on Morston Quay\n\nA short distance along the coast brings you to the smart Victorian seaside resort of Sheringham, 'twixt sea and pine'. Enjoy leisure time to explore this popular town with its beautiful beach of sand, shingle and cobbles as well as great shopping and food experiences. Stroll along the promenade to admire the views. You have the sea on one side and in some places, urban art on the other.\n\nDay 5 - After breakfast, head southwards with an en-route stop before returning to interchange and onwards to your home towns.

Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Combined entrance to Holkham Hall, Walled Garden & Holkham Stories- Bure Valley Railway Ride (Aylsham - Wroxham)- Norfolk Broads cruise on Mississippi Paddle Boat- Blakeney Harbour Seal Boat trip- Visits to Sheringham & Wells-next-the SeaThe Duke's Head Hotel, King's Lynn Central location
This historic 4* hotel faces the market square and is less than a minute's walk from High Street. Its striking powder-blue façade, a study in Georgian elegance, is as much a part of King's Lynn's Tuesday Market Place as the stalls that have traded there for generations. It's the quintessential market town hotel - a handsome hostelry with history at every turn, restored and restyled. Over the years it has hosted an impressive guest list including political icons, princesses; the who's who of King's Lynn's past - the Dukes Head has played host to them all. The hotel combines period charm and contemporary chic and spacious guest rooms offer comfort and modern facilities including tea / coffee making facilities and flat screen TV. There is a restaurant and lively bar. A lift serves the modern part of the hotel whilst some 'classic' rooms are accessible by stairs alone.