Latest news

Incleborough House goes self catering!

(31 January 2011)

The award-winning Incleborough House is changing - from mid March expect luxury 5 star (currently awaiting re-grading) self catering accommodation. Incleborough House is currently being converted into what is thought to be North Norfolk's newest and most exiting large and big self catering venue, for up to 14 people, with 7 bedrooms.

The current Drawing room and new Library will be of a classical design and will be festooned with luxuries such as remote real flame fires, leather sofas, WiFi and top of the range 42" ‘smart 3D TV and Blu ray DVD package' plus the Grundig stereo system. To further entertain the whole family and friends there will be a stunning 'state of the art' hot tub, full size Pool and Ping Pong tables, Sony PS3 and Nintendo Wii, plus oodles of traditional board games.

Incleborough is a family run classical large and big self catering country house in Norfolk offering families and friends every 5 Star luxury for a memory making holiday or short break. With its fabulous and unique location, wonderful architecture and modern touches, it is the perfect ‘home from home' and ultimate coastal retreat ideal for that extra special occasion.

For more information see www.incleboroughhouse.co.uk

Olympic Tourism Summit in Norwich

(23 January 2012)

Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, was in Norwich on Friday 20 January for an Olympics tourism summit at Open attended by 250 businesses from across the East of England.

Mr Hunt urged East of England's tourism industry to seize the opportunities presented by the Olympics, the Torch Relay and the Cultural Olympiad. The Government is backing the GREAT promotion, encouraging UK residents to holiday at home this year. An associated multi million pound TV advertising campaign launches on 8 March, and tourism businesses are invited to get involved at www.visitengland.org/2012offers.

Norfolk is well placed with its direct rail link from Norwich to the Olympic Park at Stratford to be a London2012 destination. But it can also offer an escape for London residents wanting a break from the Olympics.

Click here to read the Eastern Daily Press report on the summit

Pictured at the tourism summit promoting Norfolk as an Olympics destination are left to right: James Berresford Chief Executive VisitEngland, Caroline Jarrold Chair VisitNorwich, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Councillor Brenda Arthur Leader Norwich City Council, Nick Bond Head of Tourism VisitNorwich and Richard Ellis Chairman Norfolk Tourism

VisitNorfolk2012 website

2012 Tourism Business Toolkit

Flock to Pensthorpe for half term family fun!

(17 January 2012)

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve invites the whole family to take part in a range of activities to get everyone thinking about the great outdoors! Pensthorpe is hosting Half Term Fun - Migrate to Pensthorpe (11-19th February, 10-4), for a fun and educational look at the lives of the birds who call Pensthorpe home.

Find out more about the stunning species including the European Green Winged Teal or Tufted Ducks who migrate to Pensthorpe over the winter or peer high into the tree-tops to see if you can spot a Tawny Owl.
Nature lovers can weave through the Reserve on a self-led trail, exploring and discovering wildlife as they go. Visitors should keep their eyes peeled for communities of Long-tailed Tits swooping through the treetops or majestic Buzzards soaring overhead. Plus children can have a go at building their own nests! Inquisitive adventurers can even become a bug detective for the day and look-out for creepy crawlies on the Bug Walk (pictured).

The event also ties in with National Nest Box week, which runs annually from Tuesday 14th February until Tuesday 21st February 2012 and raises awareness for bird welfare. For more information about the Reserve visit www.pensthorpe.com or call 01328 851465.

Poppy Line - Record Passenger Numbers in 2011

(09 January 2012)

North Norfolk Railway, The Poppy Line, carried more than 150,000 passengers for the first time ever in 2011. Figures released by the railway show a rise of just under 5% to a total of 150,497.

Director of marketing Colin Borg said: "Coming on top of a 13% increase in 2010, the record result is a tribute to our volunteers who operated an intensive programme of services and special events throughout the year. It emphasises the importance of the Poppy Line to the tourist economy of North Norfolk."

The Poppy Line's 2012 services begin at February half-term. Fares have again been held to 2009 levels. Events include Titfield Thunderbolt Live! set to be a major attraction over three days in June, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the classic Ealing comedy film. For more information on all events, see www.nnrailway.co.uk.

The First Sign of Spring - Snowdrop Walks

(03 January 2012)

A clear sign that winter is coming to an end is the welcome sight of a carpet of snowdrops. One of toughest and most reliable of garden plants it is guaranteed to lift the spirits. The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) in Norfolk has four gardens opening in February and early March where you can see snowdrops at their best.

Lexham Hall (12th February), near Litcham, has meandering walks through several acres of snowdrops and an extensive collection of unusual winter flowering and scented shrubs with a wonderful "crinkle crankle" wall.

On 18th February, Horstead House (pictured), has lovely woodland edge walks with millions of snowdrops to see and the river Bure flows through the garden with an island of brilliant red stemmed dogwoods on show.

Bagthorpe Hall (19th February) has a marvellous woodland walk carpeted with snowdrops, whilst at Chestnut Farm (1st and 4th March), West Beckham, Holt, there is the opportunity to view over 70 varieties of snowdrops close up through walks and borders. Many other early spring flowers will also be on show including hellebores and some wonderfully scented shrubs

At each garden warming refreshments will be available to ward off the winter chill and the chance to buy plants to get your garden off to a flying start in 2012. So why not shake off the winter cobwebs, wrap up warm and follow the NGS snowdrop trail, starting with Lexham Hall 12th February. Pick up a copy of the Norfolk NGS 2011 Guide at your local Tourist Information Centre, Garden Centre and Nursery or visit www.ngs.org.uk.

Knights Hill Hotel & Spa King's Lynn - Four Star Accolade

(19 December 2011)

The AA has awarded four stars to the Best Western Knights Hill Hotel & Spa, King's Lynn. Since opening 25 years ago, the hotel has had a continuing programme of investment in its facilities and guest amenities. Bernard Ducker, the hotel's general manager for the past 20 years said: "I am very pleased and excited by the award. In order to meet a higher standard of customer service and physical maintenance required by a four star hotel, my team has undergone an ongoing training programme focusing on customer care and service. We are looking forward to continuing to welcome and meet the expectations of the local community and business and tourist visitors to West Norfolk and King's Lynn."

Best Western Knights Hill Hotel is one of the largest accommodation providers in west Norfolk with 79 bedrooms on an 11-acre site, employing more than 120 people, www.abacushotels.co.uk.

Back to the Future - Reepham Church Restored for Medieval Use

(19 December 2011)

The £360,000 award-winning restoration of St Michael's and All Angels Reepham has taken the church ‘back to the future', so it can be used in the same way as when it was built in the late 14th century.

The church, with its open space in the nave, can host events for all ages: dinners, lunches, breakfast networking events, receptions, concerts, exhibitions, community and business meetings, conferences, community activities and church services that require space and mobility.

The adjacent St Mary's Church, connected by a corridor to St Michael's is the parish church where more formal services take place.

The restoration has won the following awards: RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards 2011 - Community Architecture Award (A Squared Architects); Norfolk Association of Architects Craftsmanship Award (highly commended); CPRE Norfolk Award 2011 and Broadland District Council Enhancement Scheme (highly commended).

The chancel in St Michael's which is separated from the nave by a glass screen, is open daily and welcomes visitors who want to enjoy the tranquillity of the church as well as explore its history. It can be accessed from St Mary's, also open daily. Services are still staged in the chancel and nave. The famous Kerdiston tomb, one of only three box tombs in the UK, is in the chancel of St Mary's.

A Great Year for Norfolk Gardens

(16 December 2011)

2011 has been a really successful year for the National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk. 67 garden owners generously opened their gardens. With the help of publicity and support from the press and media, more than 15,000 people came through the garden gates. Over £65000 was raised for the nursing and caring charities supported by the NGS.

We now look forward to 2012 which will be the 85th birthday of the NGS. To mark this anniversary, three of the original gardens which opened in the first year of the scheme in 1927, are opening again. 17 new gardens will be welcoming visitors so it promises to be another exciting year starting with the popular snowdrop walks in early February!

The eagerly anticipated 2012 Norfolk yellow booklet detailing all the gardens and their opening dates will be launched at Bradenham Hall on the 7th February by the well known author and enthusiastic garden visitor Bill Bryson. The booklet will be available from garden centres, nurseries, tourist information offices, libraries and local press offices.

Norfolk 2012 promoted at VisitEngland Travel Media event

(15 December 2011)

Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns is pictured with Lady Cobham Chair VisitEngland at VisitEngland's December travel media gathering at The Brunswick Art Gallery, Russell Square, London.

Ian Russell delivered a hamper full of Norfolk produce from Wroxham Barns to Lady Cobham. The hamper was first prize in a special Christmas draw, won by Lauren Taylor from the Press Association.

Melanie Cook, VisitNorwich and Paul Dickson, Norfolk Tourism represented the county at the media gathering, which was attended by more than 70 UK and international travel journalists. They promoted Norfolk as a London 2012 destination, as well as showcased key events taking place next year including the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, the Torch Relay and the Diamond Jubilee.

For more information on Norfolk as a London 2012 destination, visit www.visitnorfolk2012.com.

New flights announced to Norwich International Airport

(15 December 2011)

Flybe, and its franchise partner, Loganair, have announced plans to operate a total of three new routes from Norwich International Airport from March 2012 namely to Exeter, Manchester and Newquay.

Two new non-stop Flybe services will operate to the West Country: daily services between Norwich and Exeter will start on Sunday 25 March and a brand new summer service to Newquay will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 5 May and 22 September. Both flights take just 75 minutes and offer huge time savings versus a five- or six-hour journey by road or rail. With one-way fares from just £39.99 including taxes and charges, the cost of air travel remains a convenient and highly competitive travel option.

The Norwich-based 31-seat fast Dornier 328 turboprop aircraft operated by Loganair will provide an increased schedule of Flybe flights to Manchester. From Monday 5 March, there will be three return flights on the route every weekday with prices starting from £49.99 one-way including all taxes. The new timetable will provide an enhanced choice of flight timings, starting and finishing the working day in Norwich and will improve the range of connections available via Manchester to destinations throughout the UK and worldwide.

Wroxham Barns - World Mince Pie Eating Record Smashed

(12 December 2011)

James Smith from East Somerton near Great Yarmouth smashed the world record for eating two mince pies at the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, at Wroxham Barns on Sunday, December 11. More than £1500 was raised for Macmillan over the weekend.

Mr Smith ate two mince pies in 51.71 seconds, beating the previous record of 60 seconds. The nearest ‘muncher' came in at 1 minute 22 seconds, in a field of more than 30 challengers. The record breaking time will be submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records.

James Smith said: "I thought it would be good fun to have a go and also help an important cause like Macmillan Cancer Support. I made sure that I drank plenty of water before the start and ate the mince pies in small pieces. I think I will next have a go at the record for eating three mince pies!"

Peter Sheppard, Leathes Prior solicitors tourism and leisure partner, who looked after the stopwatch as independent adjudicator explained: "Once James had eaten his first mince pie in under 30 seconds I knew that the record was going to crumble. I was really pleased to get involved as independent adjudicator for the challenge. As tourism partner at Leathes Prior I am very happy to support the tourism industry in Norfolk, especially during a weekend raising money for such a good cause."

Ian Russell Director Wroxham Barns added: "We were thrilled with the number of people who came to the barns today to support the Macmillan Monster Mince Pie Munch. The success of our world record challenge was the real icing on the cake."

Every craft studio and shopping outlet at Wroxham Barns, along with the restaurant café, offered ‘free' mince pies, on December 11 in return for a donation to Macmillan.

Photograph: Peter Sheppard adjudicator (left) with James Smith

Whispering Reeds David Dane's Seventh Biennial Broads Exhibition

(21 November 2011)

David Dane is staging his seventh biennial exhibition of oil paintings, inspired by the Broads, at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, from Saturday, November 26 to Sunday, December 4, open daily 10am to 4pm.

The exhibition titled, Whispering Reeds, features 20 original paintings of the Broads, including a collection of eight paintings of Wheatfen, the nature reserve at Surlingham created by the late Ted and Phyllis Ellis. Whispering Reeds is sponsored by Norfolk Country Cottages, whose Chairman, Richard Ellis is Ted Ellis' nephew. Entry to the exhibition is free. Normal entry charges apply to the garden.

David Dane explained: "One of my first memories of the Broads is standing by a reed bed and being fascinated by the gentle swishing sounds of the breeze stirring the reeds. Over the past four decades that I have lived and worked as an artist, there are few paintings that have not included reeds, if only on the roof of a cottage. Unfortunately, there has been a substantial loss of reed in many areas of the Broads since my childhood. I remember well the excitement when large ‘huvvers' would break off reed beds on the Broads and float into narrow channels and staithes."

"Thankfully, reed is still to be found in many areas of Broadland," added David Dane. "To my creative mind, reed is the most elegant and beautiful plant in the world. From the vibrant green in early summer, to the russet of autumn and winter, whispering reeds will continue to inspire me."

Jenny White writing about David Dane's work in Artists and Illustrators magazine said: "David Dane's Norfolk is a land of mystery, poised between this world and the next."

Norfolk Travel Trade Manual 2012 - Broads launch with Grand UK Holidays

(21 November 2011)

Norfolk Tourism's Travel Trade Manual 2012, the 13th edition of the essential guide to group travel in the county, was launched on November 17 at Wroxham Barns, with the help of a coach full of Grand UK Holidays customers, from Eastbourne, en-route to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular.

The travel trade manual is packed with information on places to visit and stay, meal stops, guided tours and special events. Go to www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/groups to plan itineraries and order a copy of the manual.

Norfolk is the closest major holiday destination to London and is under two tours by train direct to the Olympic Park, making it the ideal base for groups heading for a day trip to the Games. Train services from Norwich and Diss in the south of the county go to Stratford. Trains from King's Lynn and Downham Market in the west of the county go to King's Cross, and will be connected to the Olympic Park by the six-minute Javelin® service.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: "The Travel Trade Manual is the essential group guide to exploring our rich and diverse county. The Olympic Park is an easy day visit from Norfolk. Rather than stay in London, which will be very busy next year, combine a trip to the Games with a break in our county. We have 90 miles of stunning coastline and the beautiful Broads, as well as peaceful countryside with atmospheric medieval churches, picturesque villages and historic market towns. We have a great mix of attractions plus Norwich, a top 10 shopping destination that is easy to explore on foot, with fantastic historic buildings round every corner."

Norwich based company The UK Holiday Group brings thousands of customers to Norfolk each year through its brands Grand UK Holidays providing escorted holidays for the over 55's, Grand UK Hotels, which has a portfolio of 13 properties, and also its group travel division Just for Groups!. Sales Director, Harold Burke said: "Norfolk has always been a prime destination and the company offers tours and events throughout the region with many based at its own property, the Nelson Hotel in Great Yarmouth, and other Norfolk locations such as Potters and Warner's. Popular tours include 'Royal Norfolk' which features Sandringham House & Garden, the 'Rivers & Railways of Rural Norfolk' which features the Museum of Norfolk Life, the 'Poppy Line' - North Norfolk Railway, Wroxham and a Norfolk Broads Cruise and the 'East Coast Safari' with an exclusive Banham Zoo guided tour."

^{Photograph: Grand UK Holidays customers at Wroxham Barns}

EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards 2011 - The Winners

(21 November 2011)

Congratulations to all the winners in the seventh EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards, (sponsored by The Hoseasons Group and Award Partners Norfolk Tourism) on Friday, November 18 at Holiday Inn Norwich North.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham in the Broads led the way at the, securing Best Broads Holiday Experience and Best Visitor Attraction (under 50,000 visitors). Martin Goymour of Banham Zoo won the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism accolade and The Blakeney Hotel secured Best Hotel for the second year running.

The Winners:

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism - Martin Goymour Banham Zoo
Best Visitor Attraction (over 50,000 visitors) - BeWILDerwood
Best Visitor Attraction (under 50,000 visitors) - Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
Best Bed & Breakfast - Dairy Barns Hickling
Best Caravan or Holiday Park - Clippesby Hall
Best Hotel - The Blakeney Hotel
Best Self-Catering - Partridge Barn, Wheatacre Hall Barns
Best Visitor Information - North Norfolk Information Centre, Cromer
Sustainable Tourism - Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Weybourne
Best Broads Holiday Experience - Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
Customer Care - Potters Leisure Resort, Hopton on Sea
Business Impact - Thursford Christmas Spectacular
Best Marketing Initiative - Merrivale Model Village, Great Yarmouth

^{Image: Louise Rout of Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden receives the Best Visitor Attractions (under 50,000 visitors) Award from Peter Williamson from NTAA. Credit EDP}

COMPETITION! Win a weekend break in Norwich with Visit Norfolk 2012

(12 November 2011)

Norfolk Tourism has launched a microsite www.visitnorfolk2012.com to promote the county as a London 2012 base for visiting the Games. Norfolk is the closest major holiday destination to London and is under two tours by train direct to the Olympic Park. Train services from Norwich and Diss in the south of the county go to Stratford. Trains from King's Lynn and Downham Market in the west of the county go to King's Cross, and will be connected to the Olympic Park by the six-minute Javelin service.

The microsite is a one-stop shop for visitors arranging a holiday in Norfolk combined with a visit to the London Games. It features information about Games venues and transport, as well as links to accommodation in Norfolk, things to do and key events including the Cultural Olympiad and Torch Relay in the county. An interactive map of Norfolk helps plan a stay.

Norfolk Tourism is also running a series of competitions on www.visitnorfolk2012.com to win short breaks to the county in 2012. The first competition (open from November 12 to December 16) features the chance to win a weekend break in Norwich, with two nights at De Vere Dunston Hall, an evening meal at Three Ways Lebanese Restaurant and a free pass to the city's attractions including Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery and the historic Dragon Hall.

Enter the Visit Norfolk 2012 competition!

Norwich - Top 10 UK Shopping Destination

(10 November 2011)

Norwich's place as a Top 10 UK Shopping Destination has been confirmed in the latest VENUESCORE survey by retail experts The Javelin Group. Norwich is in ninth position above London's Oxford Street and Cardiff and just behind Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

The announcement comes just as John Lewis Norwich completes a £7million refurbishment, and is a major boost for the city in the run up to Christmas with the NORWICHRISTMAS programme of events and festive fun - for more information see www.norwichristmas.co.uk.

Swaffham ‘Calendar Girls Style' Calendar Supports Church Restoration Appeal

(10 November 2011)

Eleven Swaffham businesses including the George Hotel and The Greyhound Inn are in a special ‘Calendar Girls style' 2012 Calendar in aid of St Peter and St Paul Church Swaffham's restoration appeal. The calendar features ladies from the church and staff from the businesses.

The church is staging a fundraising Christmas Tree Festival from Tuesday, November 29 to Thursday, December 8, daily 10am to 4pm featuring 20 trees trimmed by local charities.

Calendars are available in the church and at Pedlars Gold, Market Cross Bistro, Starlings and Just Hair in Swaffham or call 01760 721237 email keithcreed@aol.com. 

‘January', staff at Pedlars Carvery, George Hotel, photograph Dean Moulton

Norfolk Towns and Villages - London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route

(07 November 2011)

Twelve Norfolk towns and villages have been chosen for the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route.

On July 4, the Olympic Torch will pass through King's Lynn, South Wootton, West Rudham, East Rudham, Fakenham, Holt, Cromer and Aylsham, ending in Norwich for a special celebration event in Chapelfield Gardens that evening. On the morning of July 5 the Olympic Torch will travel to Hethersett High School for a special event, before heading through Norwich, Acle, Filby and Great Yarmouth and then south into Suffolk. The street by street details will be confirmed next year.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: "The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will be an exciting and memorable occasion showcasing Norfolk to a national and international audience, as it passes through some of our key tourism destinations - King's Lynn and West Norfolk, North Norfolk Coast, Norwich, the Broads and Great Yarmouth. The county will be looking at its best with local communities thronging the route to welcome the Torch and support the Torchbearers."

James Carswell, Norfolk County Council's Cabinet member for Cultural Services said: " This announcement is great news for Norfolk and follows a lot of hard work to ensure the that the Olympic Torch Relay doesn't pass us by. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic Torch being run through Norfolk and I'm sure not just the communities on route, but residents from right across Norfolk will be excited by this news."

Norfolk to play a leading role in London 2012 Festival

(07 November 2011)

Norfolk is set to play a leading role in the London 2012 Festival. Norfolk & Norwich Festival has unveiled two landmark projects for the 12-week national celebration next summer. The London 2012 Festival is the finale of the Cultural Olympiad running from June 21 to September 9.

How Like an Angel, a new site-specific promenade work combining world-class contemporary circus company Circa with the vocal beauty of Gramophone Award winning ensemble I Fagiolini, will premiere in Norwich Cathedral on June 26, 27 and 28, before touring some of the country's most inspiring cathedrals.

Walking is a participatory art installation of international significance created by visionary director Robert Wilson. For 13 days in early autumn, it will redefine a stunning three-mile swathe of the North Norfolk coastline with a series of visual and sound installations that provide a thought-provoking contrast with the landscape.

"The two new commissions are expected to attract national and international attention as they showcase some of the East of England's most prized cultural and natural treasures. To be produced by a visionary director such as Robert Wilson on a canvas such as Norfolk's vast and famed skies makes Walking a landmark event of the Cultural Olympiad," said Norfolk & Norwich Festival Artistic Director, William Galinsky.

New Literary Festival for Norwich - The UnLit Festival

(03 November 2011)

The UnLit Festival is the new literary festival for Norwich with a difference. A live celebration of the written word in all its forms, the programme includes writers, poets, musicians and comedians, all with a fascination for language they are prepared to share. Over 3 nights from Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 November the festival will bring together some of the most exciting new and established writers and performers in a variety of atmospheric venues. It is sponsored by Norwich's dynamic independent publisher Unthank Books and supported by Norwich Arts Centre and The Book Hive.

The opening night (10th November at The Unthank Arms) launches Unthology No. 2, a collection of stories that celebrates the untamed and the downright odd. Eleven Cabaret (11th November, The York Tavern) features raconteur Yanny Mac, poet and Radio 4 playwright Molly Naylor, poets Helen Ivory (pictured) and Martin Figura, lyrical alt-folk band My Dark Aunt and many more. The festival finale on 12th November at Norwich Arts Centre showcases literary art-rock bands Scumbag Philosopher and The Neutrinos plus poets Thick Richard and Rachel Pantechnicon.

For full details and updates visit www.unlitfestival.com.

Briarfields Hotel scoop Gold Award

(02 November 2011)

Briarfields Hotel, Titchwell on the North West Norfolk coast has been awarded a prestigious 3-star Hotel Gold accolade by VisitEngland.

The Gold Award is guarantee of the highest level of service, quality and standards in the hotel and hospitality industry and the criteria takes into consideration key areas such as housekeeping, bedrooms, bathrooms, public areas and food. Eligibility for an award is vigorous, with Briarfields scoring 85% overall, upgrading them from Silver to Gold.

Pam Foden, Operations and Engagements Officer at VisitEngland said: "We are delighted that Briarfields Hotel has achieved a well-deserved Gold Award following its latest assessment by VisitEngland. The hotel was particularly commended for its exceptional standards of hospitality and food; the latter rewarded with our coveted ‘Breakfast Award'. Quality of service is the bedrock of our tourism industry, so it's great to see another business being recognised for its hard work in this area."

Jac Sandy, Marketing Manager at Briarfields comments: "It's a great honour to have our all our staff's hard work and passion rewarded. This reflects the high standards we set ourselves, so this is an achievement we're extremely proud of."

The hotel enjoys wide appeal with couples and families staying from across the UK, while over the winter months the hotel is a haven for birdwatchers that relish the tranquil surroundings and close proximity to neighbouring RSPB Reserve Titchwell Marsh.

For more information about the hotel visit call 01485 210742 or visit www.briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk.

Steam Trains to Santa on the Poppy Line

(31 October 2011)

Once again Santa has chosen the Poppy Line to bring families straight to his Enchanted Grotto from Sheringham station. Santa Special steam trains, with carriages festooned with Christmas decorations, will be running on the first three weekends in December and daily from December 21st up to and including Christmas Eve.

On the ten minute steam trip to the Grotto, children get a complimentary soft drink and chocolate treat, whilst the grown-ups are treated to a glass of sherry and a mince pie. And, of course, the festive drinks can always be topped up in the licensed buffet car! The journey is enlivened by children's entertainers with lashings of Christmas cheer.

With ticket prices ranging from £13 to £15 per head, and a really good gift from Santa's sack for every child, Poppy Line Santa Specials are a great value Christmas treat. Advance booking is essential (so Santa can prepare suitable presents) - go to www.nnrailway.co.uk, call 01263 820 800 or drop into the office on platform 1 at Sheringham station. And if you over-indulge yourself at Christmas, freshen up with a trip on a Poppy Line Mince Pie Special - steam trains start on Boxing Day and run every day up to and including January 2nd.

MBE for Norfolk holiday operator Robert King

(31 October 2011)

In the Queen's Birthday honours list 2011, Mr Robert King of Horning, Norfolk was granted an MBE for his services to the Tourist Industry and to disadvantaged people in Norfolk by providing holidays for the elderly and disabled people. The Investiture took place at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 12 October 2011.

King Line Cottages has been owned by the King family for over 40 years, and provides the opportunity for disabled and elderly holiday-makers to holiday together with the able-bodied.

Chamber Orchestra Anglia 10th Birthday Concert at The Forum

(20 October 2011)

Chamber Orchestra Anglia (COA) is staging its 10th birthday concert at The Forum in Norwich on Sunday, November 6 at 7pm. Returning to the venue where the professional orchestra was launched in 2001, COA is presenting a programme of music from medieval to contemporary. The Forum event is the first of a monthly series of 10th anniversary concerts in the Norwich 12 buildings, in association with Norwich HEART.

The main work on November 6 is Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale. Nigel Rees, presenter of BBC Radio Four's Quote, Unquote, will take the role of narrator. The evening will be compered by BBC Radio Three presenter Christopher Cook. The Soldier's Tale was written and first performed in 1918. This Faustian story focuses on a young soldier who gives his fiddle to the Devil in return for riches and luxury and then battles to regain control of his life. Animations by Virtual Past of the Norwich 12 buildings will also be shown in The Forum's Fusion Gallery as part of the evening's celebrations.

Tickets are £12 for the main atrium (cabaret style seating) or £15 on the Pizza Express bridge. A three-course meal at Pizza Express, price £12.95, is available for bridge ticket holders from 6pm. Tickets from the Theatre Royal Box Office, tel. 01603 630000, www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk. Other dates arranged so far are: Aviva Atrium, Surrey Street, December 14; The Guildhall, Caley's Cocoa Café, January 14; St Andrew's Hall, February 3, featuring Griff Rhys Jones and The Assembly House, March 2.

Norwich Cathedral gets ready for The Hostry Festival

(18 October 2011)

Norwich Cathedral is getting ready for a week long festival of theatre, music, radio and film as part of the widely anticipated Hostry Festival. The performances are suitable for all the family and take place over autumn half term 21 - 30 October in the beautiful Hostry.

The Hostry Festival is the brainchild of artistic director Stash Kirkbride and follows on from successful production in 2010 of ‘The Night of The Iguana'. Fosters Solicitors are delighted to be principal sponsors of the festival this year. Festival Patrons include Helen McDermott, formerly of Anglia TV and now presenting on BBC Radio Norfolk, Peter Wilson MBE, Chief Executive of Theatre Royal Norwich and Mike King. With BBC Radio Norfolk onboard as official media partners, Hostry Festival is a powerful new addition to the county's culture and arts scene.

Over the week, audiences will be entertained by an exciting programme of classical music from London based The Chroma Trio and The Brook Street Band who take their inspiration from Handel's music. A specially commissioned radio play ‘Inspector Rufus Rank Investigates' will be performed by actors in evening dress infront of 1950's style microphones and families will enjoy the romantic American comedy ‘The Rainmaker'.

The Hostry Festival has an affordable cost effective ticket pricing policy - all day tickets are £10 and include refreshments. For more details see www.hostryfestival.org.

Snagglefang's Spooky Spectacular at BeWILDerwood

(12 October 2011)

This coming October half term at BeWILDerwood, Snagglefang will be hosting our ever-so-popular Spooky Spectacular event, so get prepared for a feast of activities to get stuck into with your family and friends.

From Monday 24th October to Sunday 30th October, you can join in the famous lantern and mask making. Also, spend the day seeking out the BeWILDerbats' silly jokes by hunting for colour-coded bats hidden around our forest.

At dusk, each day of this end-of-season event, finish off with a fantastical lantern parade which winds through our woods - so you can parade your lanterns and masks for all the Twiggles and Boggles to see. There will also be interactive storytelling sessions will be going on throughout each day and a face painter will be on hand to transform your face into something BeWILDery if you fancy.

Wroxham Barns wins EDP Customer Care Award

(10 October 2011)

Congratulations to Wroxham Barns - winners of the Customer Care ‘Plus' category, sponsored by Aviva, in this year's EDP Business Awards. Judges comments: ‘The whole ethos of Ian Russell who runs this top tourist attraction, is to put the customer at the heart of everything they do - from how they deal with customer feedback to how they continually reinvest to improve their customers' experience. Their employees are trained to the highest standard, something that's evident from the minute you arrive. Wroxham Barns is an inspiration to us all.'

Wroxham Barns is one of Norfolk's most popular visitor attractions offering a range of shopping and crafts, together with activities for younger family members including the award winning Junior Farm. The restaurant-café serves breakfast, morning coffee, lunches and afternoon tea, all freshly made, using local, seasonal produce where possible. News this year are Piggy's Play Sty an indoor soft play barn at Junior Farm and a café bar at Uncle Stuart's Brewery. For more information visit www.wroxhambarns.co.uk.

FANN-XI - Festival of Architecture in Norwich and Norfolk

(10 October 2011)

FANN-XI, Norfolk Association of Architects' biennial festival celebrating the county's contemporary architecture returns from Monday, October 10 to Friday, October 28.

A packed programme of special events, many free, features an exhibition at the Forum (10-21 October), lectures and talks at The Forum, films at Cinema City Norwich, opportunities to visit new buildings around the county and a special architects art trail in galleries and other venues across Norwich (10-28 October). Phillip Johnson of Populous Architects, partner in charge of the Olympic Stadium project, will be giving the annual Norwich Lecture at UEA Lecture Theatre One (13 October at 7pm). There's a first for Norwich, a Pecha Kucha night at Cinema City Norwich (26 October at 8pm), where architects will present their work with 20 images in 20 seconds. Full details at www.fann-xi.org.uk.

The Boudicca Way - redundant red phone box is new information point in Saxlingham Nethergate

(10 October 2011)

The Boudicca Way, www.boudiccaway.co.uk, the long distance footpath from Diss to Norwich, has a new information point in a redundant red phone box in the village of Saxlingham Nethergate, refurbished by The Boudicca Way Project and the local parish council.

Local resident Nikki TerBerg came up with the idea: "Saxlingham phone boxes have been adopted by the parish council for the village. I thought it would be good to use the one on the Green as an information point for the Boudicca Way, as it is a starting point for many walkers."

Steve Halvey, who heads The Boudicca Way Project added: "We helped Nikki to develop maps and information about the route to display in the phone box. The information incorporates QR codes so people with smart phones can access additional content. Leaflets about the route are also available from the old phone box."

The Boudicca Way Project is a voluntary community and small business led project with sustainability at its heart. The project promotes green travel options, responsible tourism and helps businesses achieve accreditation in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. The project is funded to the end of 2013 by a grant from the Waveney Local Action Group (LAG), with money from the Rural Development Programme for England.

Spooky Halloween goings on at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve

(4 October 2011)

At Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens, you're guaranteed to get goose bumps at the annual Spooky Halloween Half Term event between Saturday 22nd October and Sunday 30th October 2011.

Try your luck and take a chance along the screamingly spooky Bug Walk where all sorts of creepy crawlies are waiting to be found. Children of all ages can also find the clues to Norfolk's scary natural history facts and solve the puzzle to win a prize.

To get into the spirit of Halloween, why not get dressed up in a scary outfit? Children in the best fancy dress will be in with a chance of winning a shiveringly good prize. The reserve will also be dressed up and decorated for Halloween, with pumpkins and lanterns adding to the dark and mysterious Halloween atmosphere.

Halloween also marks the start of the popular daily winter floodlit feeds at 4pm. Watch the birds flock for an eerie and magical insight into the range of rare and colourful birds Pensthorpe attracts, all just before dusk sets in. Sit in the comfortable (and warm!) Viewing Gallery or blow away those spooky cobwebs in the outdoors, whilst learning about the different breeds of birds and how to feed them all on this fully commentated event.

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve attracts a wide range of wildlife and in the winter months, you will find nature at its very best, with Pensthorpe's activities, walks and wonderful scenic views to enjoy.

For more information call 01328 851465 or visit www.pensthorpe.com.

Norwich Breweries celebrated at Dragon Hall

(4 October 2011)

For centuries Norwich's pubs and breweries have been an integral part of the City's life. Now 2 fascinating lunchtime talks from Frances and Michael Holmes at Norwich's Dragon Hall - itself the former home of 2 pubs - will combine anecdotes, photos and facts to tell their story through to the present day.

First up is Norwich Breweries on Thursday 13 October (12 noon, £3.50 / £6 inc. admission to Dragon Hall). Frances and Michael will tell the entertaining story of the rise, fall and the wonderful recent renaissance of Norwich's brewing heritage. The talk will look at Bullards Anchor Brewery on Westwick Street founded by the Bullard family in 1837 which grew to become one of Norwich's major businesses.

The following week, Thursday 20 October (12 noon, £3.50 / £6 inc. admission to Dragon Hall), Norwich Pubs - Two for every Day of the Week looks at the city's pubs, detailing entertainment, names, stories and the odd murder from over 600 drinking establishments! The history includes the Boar's Head on Surrey Street, originally housed in a 15th-century thatched building and home of Norwich City's very first Supporters' club. Backs (pictured) on Gentleman's Walk housed the incredible ‘long bar'. Originally a favoured haunt of local businessmen the pub wasand was bought by the UEA shortly after the university was founded in the 1960's for student use but the new clientele did not have sufficient spending power to support it and it closed in 1971. Today the building houses the Fat Face shop.

For more information call 01603 663922 or visit www.dragonhall.org.

Horrid history of Norwich

(3 October 2011)

A taste of the macabre is set to shroud our fine city this Halloween season with the return of the Horrid Norwich Walking Tours.

The popular Norwich walks, which have in previous years been sell-outs, are due to start running in October. The tours outline the gruesome underbelly of life in ‘olde Norwych' with tales of malevolence, witches, dragons, ghosts, murders, and executions which have permeated the historic streets and alleyways of the city for centuries.

The eerie tales are told by Norwich Tourist Information Centre guides in special spooky guises and will reveal all manner of haunting historical facts including what lies behind the names of modern day city streets and the location of the most ghostly pub.

David Smith, tourism support officer, said: "Our very own Mistress Jude and Mistress Ann and others tell the gorily gruesome and morbidly macabre history of the city. The forbidding facts are unfortunately real - such as the tale of Father Tunstall who was hung drawn and quartered for his religious beliefs in the 17th century, and whose ghostly figure has been sighted in the aptly-named Tombland."

Two different versions of the tours are available - one for the strong stomachs of adults only and another toned-down set of tales for children. The children's tours are due to be held at 4.30pm on the following dates in October: Saturday 22, Sunday 23, and every afternoon from Friday 28 to Monday 31. The adults' tours are set to be held at 6.30pm every evening from Saturday 22 October to Monday 31 October.

Children are encouraged to wear fancy dress. A prize will be given for the best costume. Youngsters must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tours last around 60 minutes for children and 90 minutes for adults.

Pre-booking is essential. Tickets cost £5 per person and £3 each for Go 4less cardholders and are available from the Norwich Tourist Information Centre at The Forum. For further information contact the centre on 01603 213999.

Take a Bittern break at East View Farm!

(29 September 2011)

The award-winning East View Farm Holiday Cottages have teamed up with nature specialists Wildlife Tours & Education to offer a specially discounted autumn / winter wildlife tour package.

Norfolk is well known for its great birdwatching and wildlife areas, and the cottages at East View Farm are an ideal base for wildlife trips - you'll be picked up from your door and whisked off to see some great wildlife spots. Seals, Otters, rare Bitterns and Cranes are all possible and thousands of wintering geese make a wonderful spectacle. Your escorted tour is in a comfortable vehicle and lunch as well as hot drinks are provided.

You can take a day tour for just £98 per couple or a 2 day weekend tour at the special price of £180 per couple - a 10% saving just for customers booking with East View Farm Holiday Cottages. The tour can take a maximum of 3 couples and extra days can be booked at a 10% discount.

For more information visit www.eastviewfarm.co.uk or www.wildlifetoursandeducation.com.

New textile exhibition at Dragon Hall

(28 September 2011)

A new exhibition will see Dragon Hall brimming with exquisite works of contemporary textile art at the bi-annual, selected Eastern Region Textile Forum (ERTF) Members' exhibition.

All the work is inspired by the theme 'Concepts and Meanings' and the magnificent medieval trading hall and its rich and historic involvement with the cloth trade. The exhibits, which have specially selected to be part, display a broad range of textile techniques including stitch, felting, weaving, appliqué knitting and printing. They range from large hangings to small exquisitely worked items from artists including renowned quilter Sarah Impey, Anita Bruce, Gina Ferrari (pictured) and Jenny Langley. This exhibition demonstrates the skill and creativity of textile artists from the eastern region and is sure to inspire.

Alongside the exhibition there are numerous textile workshops taking place throughout the month and a special shop selling ERTF members' work - perfect for early Christmas shopping for unique one-off gifts!

Admission to the exhibition which runs from Tuesday 27 September through to Sunday 9 October (closed Saturdays) is free. For more information visit www.dragonhall.org.

Wroxham Barns stages UK's only dedicated scone baking competition

Wroxham Barns stages what is believed to be the only dedicated scone baking competition in the UK on Sunday, September 25.

Last September judges munched their way through 83 plates of scones. This year organisers have introduced an additional children's category - plain scones baked by the under 12s. So a bumper crop is expected at 3pm on Sunday, when judging begins at this EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival event, part of the Produced in Norfolk Taste the View weekend.

"We have found scone competitions in the USA and Australia but none in the UK," said Wroxham Barns director Ian Russell, "so can lay claim to ours being a unique British event. Competition Sunday is a great day at the Barns and to add to the fun we also have a Produced in Norfolk Food Market and beer sampling with Stuart Evans at our resident Uncle Stuart's Brewery".

To enter Wroxham Barns Scone Competition bring four freshly baked scones in the category or categories of your choice - plain, cheese, fruit, freestyle and under 12 plain - to the Barns by 2.30pm on Sunday 25 September. Judging should be completed by 4pm. All competitors are offered a complimentary cup of tea while they wait. Prizes are awarded to the top scone maker in each category. For more information see www.wroxhambarns.co.uk.

Bats, spiders and ghouls for Halloween at Holkham Hall

(19 September 2011)

Four days full of fun and frights will set pulses racing at Holkham Hall in Norfolk when a full programme of events and activities from October 27 - 30 is planned to celebrate Halloween. 

It is the United Nations Year of the Bat and a ‘Go Batty' family activity day on Thursday October 27 sets the theme of things to follow on the North Norfolk estate. This free drop-in event is open to all (11am to 4pm) offering an opportunity to explore the habitats and lifecycle of these creatures who have had long been associated with witchcraft, black magic and darkness. An evening ‘Dusk Bat Walk' will follow in Holkham park (5pm - 6.30pm; £3 adults, £1.50 children) with bat detectors to help find the creatures before they hibernate for the winter.

Spooky activities follow throughout the weekend for Halloween at Holkham, with wicked witches and gigantic spiders to be found in the Holkham Bygones Museum when younger visitors are in for a trick or treat as they seek them out amidst the huge cobwebs. A Victorian ghost hunter will lead the hunt for all things ghoulish and unlock the secrets hidden in the labyrinth of cellars beneath the grand Palladian mansion. These evening basement tours are limited so best to book early.

Further details on admission prices and times of events can be found by visiting www.holkham.co.uk or telephoning 01328 713111.

Norwich Beer Festival

(12 September 2011)

The 34th Norwich Beer Festival, organised by CAMRA's Norwich & Norfolk Branch, will be held at St. Andrew's and Blackfriars' Halls from October 24th to 29th 2011.

The Norwich Beer Festival is held each October and will showcase over 200 cask-conditioned Real Ales from Britain's independent brewers, along with draught and bottled beers from Continental Europe.
 
There will also be a large range of traditional ciders and perries, with over 25 varieties from East Anglia, the West Country and elsewhere.

For more information visit www.norwichcamra.org.uk.

Dogs now flying at Norwich International Airport

(12 September 2011)

Norwich International Airport has become one of just seven airports in the UK to be approved to transport assistance dogs travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), administered by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). All pets including assistance dogs must meet the following criteria to be accepted under the Pet Travel Scheme: Micro-chipped to ISO standard; EU Pet passport or a third country official veterinary certificate; Rabies Vaccination certificate; Rabies Blood test, Treated against ticks and worms.

The following organizations are registered members of Assistance Dogs (UK):

• Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
• The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
• Canine Partners
• Support Dogs
• Dog Aid
• Dogs for the Disabled

For more information on the PETS scheme and travelling with an assistance dog please visit www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets. 

Teresa Hopper, Customer Services Manager for Norwich International said; "We have a reputation for being a friendly, easy to use airport so we are delighted to become one of only a few airports in the UK to be able to offer this service to our passengers". Norwich International now have a dedicated team trained to process the paperwork and to meet and greet the assistance dogs and their owners on arrival to undertake the necessary checks and ensure that the passenger and dog are comfortable and are assisted during the whole journey through the airport. Any passenger wishing to book this service should contact their airline directly.

Norwich Sound & Vision returns for its second year

(12 September 2011)

The Norwich Sound & Vision conference and festival returns, from 29th September to 1st October 2011. Last year's Sound & Vision attracted more than 2,500 people, and this year's event is set to be at least twice the size. Building on last year's success, it comprises a three day music festival, a film and video festival and a conference featuring expert speakers from music, film and digital industries from around the world.

The music festival features more than 50 bands playing across the city over three days with a conference that includes an appearance from Blur's Dave Rowntree who will be speaking on the Artist Development panel (Friday 30th September) about how he's made a career in music.

Music highlights include Dels, Esben and the Witch, Beth Jeans Houghton, Boningen, Spokes, Ellen and the Escapades and Jack Savoretti as well as Norwich's own Fever Fever, Sargasso Trio and Context MC.

For more information on Norwich Sound & Vision 2011 please visit www.norwichsoundandvision.co.uk.

The Poppy Line at War!

(06 September 2011)

September sees one of the biggest special events on the Poppy Line - the ‘40s re-enactment weekend.

The ‘40s Weekend (17th & 18th September) will be supported by re-enactment societies from all over the country, creating a real sense of period and bringing the days of the second world war to vivid life. It's hoped that an historic aircraft from the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will add to the atmosphere as the railway goes about the essential business of keeping the country moving despite the hardships of war.

The event is a great family day out - there's so much to see and do at stations up and down the line, as well as riding in vintage carriages drawn by historic locomotives. Hop-on, hop-off Rover tickets mean you can make the most of the day and all the attractions.

15% discount is offered on travel tickets for the ‘40s Weekend booked before September 10th. Call 01263 820 800 or go to www.nnrailway.co.uk.

Norfolk Food Festival

(02 September 2011)

The annual EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival showcases the breadth of quality local produce, the county's rich food heritage and the importance of good food to everyone's well-being.

Held between 2 September and 2 October 2011, the festival is a celebration of Norfolk's finest food and food producers. The festival features more than 300 events across the county. Highlights include the North Norfolk Food Festival, the Brecks Food & Drink Festival Weekend, the Alysham Food Festival, the Battle of the Bangers - when the county's leading butchers compete for the public vote, and the Norwich Food Festival Weekend at The Forum Norwich, featuring cooking demonstrations and tastings. Produced in Norfolk's 'Taste the View' events at food and drink producers throughout the county and the annual scone baking competition at Wroxham Barns add to the mix.

View key Norfolk Food Festival events

For more information & events visit www.norfolkfoodfestival.co.uk

Have fun for free at Chapelfield this summer!

(12 August 2011)

Chapelfield Shopping Centre in Norwich is hosting a series of FREE events and activities for families over the summer holidays, including free movies, entertainment and creative activities.

Sheridan Smith, Chapelfield's Marketing Manager, said: "The summer holidays are all about families and friends spending some quality time together. We've put together an exciting and fun-filled programme of free family activities and entertainment that will make visits to Chapelfield extra-special this summer."

Every Wednesday throughout August the Big Screen on Chapelfield Plain will be showing a fantastic, family midweek movie including ‘The Princess and the Frog', ‘Toy Story 2', ‘Despicable Me', ‘Toy Story 3' and ‘Tangled'. There will be four screenings each day, starting at 10am, 12noon, 2pm and 4pm. There will also be face-painter on hand to transform youngsters into beautiful butterflies, loveable lions and terrifying tigers.

For those who fancy sampling all the thrills and spills of the circus, there is a series of free circus workshops with Mr and Mrs Jugglefun on Saturday 20 August (11am - 4pm). Aspiring circus performers can try out plate-spinning, stilt walking and juggling. Also, the Chapelfield donkeys are back by popular demand, offering youngsters a taste of traditional seaside fun with a ride to remember.

Urban Canvas, a group of modern mural painters and professional pavement artists, will be encouraging families to get creative on Saturday 27 August (11am - 4pm). Budding artists are invited to leave their mark and take part in producing a large scale colourful mural. Urban Canvas will be giving hints and tips on how to create a fantastic piece of pavement art using paint, pastels and chalk.

For more information visit www.chapelfield.co.uk.

Norfolk Tourism heads for Birdwatcher's ‘Glastonbury', August 19-21

(11 August 2011)

Norfolk Tourism is promoting the county's credentials as the UK's premier birdwatching destination at this year's British Birdfair. More than 20,000 wildlife enthusiasts are expected to descend on the Birdfair at Rutland Water, from August 19 to 21. The event, now in its 23rd year, is known as the birdwatcher's ‘Glastonbury', the world's largest international birdwatching event.

Birdwatchers can also find out much more online at www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/birdwatching, which features links to RSPB, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, National Trust and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserves and offers online accommodation booking for birding breaks.

Visitors to the Norfolk Tourism stand will be invited to enter a draw to win a £300 voucher towards a holiday with Norfolk Country Cottages and a three-night short break at Dairy Barns Hickling's new self-catering Cowman's Cottage, with an arrival supper for two.

"Norfolk is Britain's premier birdwatching destination," said Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism. "We have many internationally and nationally important reserves on the Norfolk Coast and in the Broads. Pensthorpe's starring role in BBC Springwatch has also given a great boost to our profile. The Birdfair gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase what the county has to offer."

Publicity material at the show will include Birdwatching in West Norfolk, Birds in the Brecks, and Walking & Cycling in Broadland leaflets.

Last Chance to see Norfolk NGS Open Gardens

(08 August 2011)

September sees the last of the "new" gardens to open this year with "The Urban Jungle Gardens" opening on Sunday 18th September at Old Costessey staging a spectacular show of exotic and traditional plants in a wide range of styles and climate zones. There are vertical gardens to look up to and a new edible jungle, so a feast for the eyes and stomach!

Holme Hale Hall (11th September) showcases a contemporary walled kitchen garden and there are plenty of late summer flowers on show, whilst 'The Garden in an Orchard' at Bergh Apton is open on 10th and 11th September with Michaelmas daisies, Bamboos and Eucalyptus featured at their best. High House Gardens, Shipdham, opens on Sunday 18th and Wednesday 21st September and is another great plant lover's garden with colour themed herbaceous borders and an extensive range of plants to savour.

Two expansive gardens with wonderful autumn parkland walks bring September to a close. Lexham Hall, Litcham opening on Wednesday 21st September has spacious lake and river walks to enjoy after you have viewed the formal terraces with wide ranging planted borders and walled kitchen gardens. Bradenham Hall, Bradenham, opening on Sunday 25th September, is not to be missed - take an afternoon stroll through the extensive Arboretum to view the early autumn colour amongst the 800 different tree species.

East Ruston Old Vicarage, East Ruston opens for the NGS on the 8th October and as always this renowned garden will not disappoint with 20 acres packed with stunning plant combinations and fabulous garden design. The garden season closes with the glorious National Trust garden at Blickling Hall, Aylsham opening for the NGS on the 15th October.

For more information visit www.ngs.org.uk, download the NGS brochure PDF, or pick up a guide from your local tourist information centre, garden centre or nursery.

New Geocaching Trail at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

(08 August 2011)

Four students from Fairhaven Primary School launched a new geocaching trail at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham on Friday, July 22.

The garden's self-contained trail features 12 caches. Visitors use their own sat nav enabled smart phone or portable GPS device to complete the trail. They are given a list of co-ordinates for each cache and clues that will help them track down the small containers hidden in the garden. Free trail leaflets are available at visitor reception.

Sue Telford, Events and Education Co-ordinator at Fairhaven, who set up the trail said: "Our geocaching trail is a fun family activity. I have used a lot of puns in the clues and hope that families will enjoy discovering both the garden and the caches together. The first trail will run throughout the summer holidays, then I will devise a new trail for the autumn."

Francesca Colman, Fairhaven Primary School said: "It was great fun to follow the GPS and then search for the caches." Harvey Pyer added: "The caches were hard to find. I really liked looking for them and discovering nature at the same time."

European Sharpie Sailing Championships

(22 July 2011)

The 2011 European Sharpie Sailing Championships are at Brancaster Staithe for the 12th time from Sunday, July 24 to Friday, July 29. Sixty-two boats will compete in 10 races. Sailing will either be in Brancaster harbour or out to sea - good viewing from Brancaster beach www.sharpies.org.uk.

Raveningham Gardens Special Agapanthus Weeks

(22 July 2011)

Raveningham Gardens near Hales are famous for the large selection of agapanthus cultivars on display. There are special agapanthus weeks this year from Monday, August 1 to Friday, August 12, open Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm (closed Saturdays and Sundays). See white, blue and dark purple flowers with different sizes and contrasting colours included striped blue and white. The agapanthus varieties are one of Priscilla Bacon's legacies in the garden; she was a keen agapanthus breeder, www.raveningham.com.

British Touring Car Championship Heads for Snetterton

(22 July 2011)

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship heads to Norfolk's Snetterton circuit for rounds 16, 17 and 18 on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August. Honda's Matt Neal (2005 and 2006 champion) is currently leading the table. Tickets for the Snetterton event, which also features support races from the Porsche Carrera Cup, Ginetta Supercup, Ginetta Juniors, Formula Renault UK and the Renault Clio Cup are available from £25, with free admission for children 12 and under. For further information, call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.snetterton.co.uk.

Norfolk Open Churches Week

(21 July 2011)

Norfolk Open Churches Week 2011, Saturday August 6 to Sunday August 13, features more than 300 historic churches across the county, running a packed programme of special events and activities.

Enjoy the ecclesiastical car rally from Norwich Cathedral to Raveningham, hop on and off a vintage bus and visit the Elmham group of churches, enjoy Jacobean Japes at Forncett St Mary and take part in the annual service at St Benet's Abbey in the heart of the Broads.

There are events celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, including a trail round the Scarrowbeck group of churches in North Norfolk, plus concerts, flower festivals, children's activities, craft demonstrations and author talks.

Download guides to open churches week at www.norfolkopenchurches.com, or pick up the Open Churches 2011 booklet at TICs throughout the county. Open Churches Week features churches in the Diocese of Norwich and the Diocese of Ely (churches around Downham Market).

Norfolk's London 2012 Open Weekend celebrations

(20 July 2011)

The London 2012 Open Weekend is a UK-wide celebration that takes place every year to mark the number of years to go until the start of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A raft of sporting and cultural activities are set to take place across the county this weekend (July 22, 23 and 24) as Norfolk County Council funding helps communities to mark one year until the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games begin.

The London 2012 Open Weekend will see events taking place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - with each using up to £500 worth of funding from Norfolk County Council to put on sporting and cultural events for local people to enjoy.

View some of Norfolk's 2012 Open Weekend events

James Carswell, Norfolk County Council's Cabinet member for Cultural Services, said:

"Open Weekend marks one year until London 2012 begins and I am delighted that we have been able to help so many local areas in Norfolk to mark the occasion by putting on sporting and cultural related events and activities for their communities.Hosting the Olympics in this country not only offers opportunities for local people to enjoy a world class sporting event, but the interest that will be generated provides us with an opportunity to get even more residents involved in related pursuits."

"The Olympics taking place in London also offers huge economic opportunities to our county. Some companies have already secured contracts to provide services to the Games, whilst our tourism industry is looking to maximise the number of visitors that we can draw to Norfolk, whether before, during or after the Olympics."

For more information visit www.norfolk2012.co.uk. 

Young Nature Explorers Wanted at Pensthorpe!

(15 July 2011)

Nature inspired events every day of the summer holidays - come and explore!

Keeping your children entertained during the summer holidays no longer need be a problem, because every day from Saturday 23rd July to Tuesday 6th September, Pensthorpe Nature Reserve will be calling all ‘Summer Nature Explorers' to join in with hands-on activities in their brand new fun Activity Tent.

Included in the entry price, a range of educational activities have been created to encourage children to ‘Get Closer to Nature' in a fun and exciting way! Activities include Magnetic Fishing, Den Building and a Giant Colouring Wall, where literally everyone is invited to create a wildlife masterpiece! Our energetic Nature Explorers can twist their way through the Nature Maze, be brave and dip their hands into the Feely Fun Boxes or weave in and out of straw bales on the Mini Farmers Tractor Track? They can even give the Pensthorpe Wardens a good grilling too!

Explorers with an eye for nature can experience a bit of wildlife spotting for themselves too at the Meadow Binocular Station, identifying all sorts of fluttery, buzzy creatures such as dragonflies, butterflies and birds! Or, if they've had a busy day exploring the Reserve, they can simply chill out at Book Worm Corner!

Summer Nature Explorers will run daily from 10am - 4pm and is free of charge to full paying visitors to the Reserve. In addition to Summer Nature Explorer's, visitors to Pensthorpe can also pick up a WOW Booklet packed with activities and suggesting things to see and do including pond dipping, the Stamper Trail and the Bug Walk. Plus, there's the Wensum Discovery Tour*, the 4pm Bird Feed out on the Reserve and the 12pm Warden Walk Talk. Entry to Pensthorpe is £9.50 for adults and £6.00 for children (4-16yrs). Visit the website www.pensthorpe.com.

Chance to explore some of Norwich's hidden history

(15 July 2011)

From next week, Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART), in conjunction with Norwich Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and the Blue Badge Guides, will again be running a series of four guided walking tours over the summer period, each taking in a selection of the iconic buildings that make up Norwich 12.

Norwich 12 tours are a chance to get a taste of the heritage Norwich has to offer and experience some of Norwich's 1,000 years of history in just a few hours. Led by an experienced Blue Badge Guide and knowledgeable staff from the individual buildings, each tour takes in three of the Norwich 12 buildings, visiting the interiors where possible. Many of the buildings are not normally open to the public so this is a unique opportunity to explore some of Norwich's hidden history.

Norwich 12 is the UK's finest collection of individually outstanding buildings from the Norman, medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras, and comprises buildings as diverse as The Great Hospital, Norwich Castle and Surrey House. Started by Norwich HEART in 2006, it is a pioneering heritage initiative to develop the 12 buildings into an integrated family of heritage attractions.

The tours will run on Thursdays and Fridays from the 21 July to the 22 September and last around 2 and a half hours each. The price of £10 per person includes an exclusive voucher sheet with money-off vouchers valid at several Norwich 12 buildings and local cafes. Each tour is limited to a maximum of 15 people so advanced purchase is advised, although there may be some availability on the day.

For more information about the Norwich 12 tours or to book, visit Norwich TIC in The Forum or call 01603 213999. Leaflets about the tours are available from each of the Norwich 12 buildings, Norwich HEART's office in The Guildhall, Colman's Mustard Shop & Museum in the Royal Arcade, and online at www.norwich12.co.uk.

Exhibition of David Shepherd Wildlife Pictures at Weybourne Station

(15 July 2011)

David Shepherd, one of the world's most accomplished wildlife artists, is displaying his work at the Poppy Line's Weybourne Station over the weekend of August 20 and 21.
Prints of some of his best-loved paintings will be on sale in aid of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, which works to save critically endangered mammals in the wild.

On the evening of Saturday August 20, David will be giving a talk on his life and work, and hosting a reception and private view of the exhibition. Tickets for this exclusive evening, which includes a ride behind Black Prince, David's historic steam engine, are £25 per head. Advance booking is essential: www.nnrailway.co.uk or 01263 820 800.

This painting "Tiger in the Sun" is typical of David's elegant style.

Wroxham Barns Celebrates Excellent VisitEngland Inspection

(14 July 2011)

Wroxham Barns, one of the first businesses in Norfolk to join VisitEngland's Visitor Attractions Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS), has just completed its 11th annual inspection with flying colours.

The VAQAS report, which can be read in full at www.wroxhambarns.co.uk, commends the Broads attraction for delivering: "...a very high quality of visitor experience with the excellent range of varied activity again increased with the substantial development of the retail outlets, Funfair and Junior Farm."

"Our aim is to provide the best day out in Norfolk," said Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns. " We are always looking to improve the quality of the visit and completed a £400,000 investment programme over the winter. This included the new piggery and Piggy's Play Sty soft play barn in Junior Farm, as well as a new retail building for LeGrice Roses and an extension to Uncle Stuart's Brewery with a bar and dedicated outside seating area."

"We value the feedback from the VisitEngland assessor," added Mr Russell, "as it helps us plan further improvements to both the visitor experience and our customer care."

The restaurant was particularly commended in the report for providing an excellent dining experience, along with The Gallery (ladies and mens clothes and gifts) for its high quality standards.

Richard Ellis, Chairman of Norfolk Tourism said: "Congratulations to Ian Russell and the team at Wroxham Barns for such an outstanding VAQAS report. It is well deserved. Thirty-seven of Norfolk's attractions are currently members of the scheme and find the process of inspection and feedback a valuable management tool, as they work to improve customer service standards and visitor facilities. I commend VAQAS to all attractions in the county."

Two Tall Ships for Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival

(08 July 2011)

Visitors to the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival are in for a treat in September this year when not one but two tall ships sail into port for the 12th Maritime Festival on historic South Quay from Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 September - the Oosterschelde and the JST Lord Nelson. Organised annually by the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority, festival goers will be able to look round both ships whilst they are moored alongside as well as enjoying all the other entertainment.

The Oosterschelde is the only remaining three-masted Dutch topsail schooner, originally built in 1918 and now painstakingly restored to her former glory. A large, elegant ship, the Oosterschelde has a beautiful wooden panelled lounge-bar area, and was named after the eastern (‘ooster') branch of the river Shelde. The Oosterschelde has seen a long and varied career on the high seas, carrying all sorts of cargo from clay, stone and wood, to herring, bran, potatoes, straw and bananas. Five passenger sailing trips will be available on this elegant tall ship from Thursday 8 September until Saturday 10 September. For more details and tickets call the Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre on 01493 332200.

Also coming into port for the weekend is the Jubilee Sailing Trust's Lord Nelson, one of only two tall ships in the world that has been especially designed for a crew with a range of disabilities to sail. Visitors to the festival will be able to go aboard the Lord Nelson on Saturday and Sunday, however mobility scooter users should note that they must be able to transfer to and manoeuvre a manual wheelchair themselves to be able to go aboard.

The Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival will also feature music, street entertainment, arts, crafts, children's activities and refreshments. More information about this year's festival will be released as contracts are signed and acts booked, but to keep up with developments, more details can be found at www.maritime-festival.co.uk.

Hot Summer Gardens on Show in Norfolk

(08 July 2011)

The peak summer holiday season sees four very special plantsman's gardens opening their garden gates for the National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk.
Each garden has many rare and unusual plants coupled with some fascinating garden designs on view.

If you want a musical treat while strolling in a garden then The Reepham ensemble await you at Dunbheagan (Sun 7 August, 12.30-5.30) near Dereham, where 1 ½ acres of richly planted flower garden are showcased alongside ponds, island beds, exotic beds and ‘Heaven and Hell'. 90% of the garden has disabled access. Also open on 7 August is Severals Grange, Wood Norton (open 2-5), along with the adjoining nursery Hoecroft Plants. Ornamental grasses, foliage plants, large shrubs and small alpines come together to form a garden of colour, movement and lightness.

Furze House, Rushall (pictured) will be open Sat 20th and Sun 21st August (10-6) and will show off herbaceous and shrub borders, unusual shrubs, special perennials, wildlife pond, rose pergola, and vegetable and fruit gardens.

Finally on Sunday 21st August, Chestnut Farm, West Beckham (11-5) opens, displaying a small arboretum with many new and exciting plants, herbaceous border and a small but interesting collection of Aroids and Pinellias. Wheelchair access weather permitting.

For more information visit www.ngs.org.uk, download the NGS brochure PDF, or pick up a guide from your local tourist information centre, garden centre or nursery.

North Norfolk Railway Beer Festival

(07 July 2011)

It's a milestone anniversary this year for the annual North Norfolk Railway Beer Festival: the 10th event runs from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th July. To celebrate there are more than 100 different beers, plus a range of ciders and the pear-based equivalent, perry. The Festival has become a major Norfolk event: last year the busy bar dispensed well over 11,000 pints.

As always, souvenir glasses and polo shirts will be available, but they're likely to sell out fast. There'll be hot food day and evening. And three popular groups will be providing live entertainment - on Friday, the Classic Dixieland Jazz Trio and the King Size Papas; on Saturday - the Ugly Dog Skiffle Combo, and on Sunday the King Size Papas return.

The Festival takes place on platform 2 at Sheringham Station, and is open from 11.00am to 11.00pm on the Friday and Saturday, and till 4.30pm on Sunday - although, of course, it will shut earlier if the beer runs out! Drinkers living along the Bittern Line should note that the last train from Sheringham to Norwich on the Friday and Saturday is at 11.47pm. On all three days, the Poppy Line will be running a 45-minute service of steam and heritage diesel trains with fares held at 2009 levels and under 5s travelling free.

For more information, call 01263 820 800 or visit www.nnrailway.co.uk.

Boudicca Way - new leaflet available on the Norwich to Diss footpath

(01 July 2011)

The Boudicca Way is a long distance footpath which runs for approximately 36 miles between Diss and Norwich. The Way is named after the legendary warrior Queen of the Iceni, whose tribes once inhabited the area, and passes through the beautiful, unspoilt rural countryside of South Norfolk and the Waveney Valley.

A new leaflet aims to highlight the Way, the attractions, accommodation and places to visit along the route. The area has a strong heritage, passing by Venta Icenorum Roman Town, the hill fort site at Tasburgh, and what is believed to be the site of a Roman Villa at Tivetshall St Mary. The area is great for walking, cycling, bird watching or exploring in beautiful, unspoilt South Norfolk countryside.

Download the new leaflet PDF, or for full information about the route along with all the information needed to plan your visit please visit the Boudicca Way website - www.boudiccaway.co.uk. On the website you'll find the Way is split into several manageable sections so you can choose to walk the whole route or just part of it. Detailed information is available in a friendly, easy to use format and you can print off your route, maps and information.

Village fete style finish planned for Tour of Britain

(01 July 2011)

Preparations are underway to ensure that, when the penultimate stage of this year's Tour of Britain finishes in Sandringham, riders receive a warm West Norfolk welcome.

This stage of the race starts in Bury St Edmunds on Saturday, 17 September. Cyclists will race through 60 miles of Suffolk countryside before crossing the county boundary, and racing a further 60 miles through many of Norfolk's towns and villages before finishing in picturesque Sandringham.

Plans in the pipeline include the return of the popular March Vintage Bike Club; village sports roadshow activities including beat-the-goalie, climbing wall, street dance demos and parkour displays; Go Ride racing, cycle sprints and a led cycle ride from King's Lynn to Sandringham; information stalls ranging from things to do in West Norfolk through to how to stay fit and active; farmers market and crafts marke, and arts and music activities.

The race is due to finish at around 3pm on 17 September. Activities will start at 11am and will conclude around 5pm.

Bringing the Tour of Britain to Norfolk and Suffolk has been made possible thanks to sponsorship from Southwold-based Adnams and funding from Norfolk County Council, the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils. For more information see the Norfolk Tour of Britain website.

Norfolk Midsummer Gardens At Their Best

(30 June 2011)

Gardens in July are reaching their summer peak with borders overflowing with the widest range of plants in full flower. The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) has 18 gardens opening during the month throughout Norfolk so you will have ample opportunities to wallow in the sights and scents of some glorious floral displays, including Banhams Barn at Wymondham (Sunday 3 July) - a 1 acre garden with splendid herbaceous borders, large pond and kitchen garden to admire and plants are available to buy.

On Sunday 10 July, Bank Farm at Saddlebow, Kings Lynn will be opening for the first time for NGS and has many features including perennial borders with splashes of annuals, large fish pond, wood turning demonstrations and walks along the banks of the river Ouse. Holme Hale Hall in Holme Hale (Sunday 17 July) has a contemporary walled kitchen garden and front garden planted by Chelsea winner Arne Maynard. On Sunday 24 July, Dale Farm in Dereham will show off two acres of exuberantly planted borders and a spring fed lake with extensive water gardens. Or visit The Exotic Garden at Thorpe, Norwich (Sunday 31 July) - an exotic city garden covering an acre with the largest tree house in Norfolk.

For more information about these and many other gardens opening during July, see the Norfolk Garden Guide available to download as a PDF, or pick up at your local tourist information centre, garden centre or nursery. There are also full details available at www.ngs.org.uk.

Record entry for the Poppy Line Classic Car Festival

(30 June 2011)

The Poppy Line's annual Vintage Transport Festival has become a major event for East Anglian classic car buffs. This year's Festival, on Sunday July 3rd, has attracted a record entry of over 300 vehicles.

Main centre for the gathering will be Holt Station, although proud owners will be showcasing their vehicles up and down the line. There'll also be vintage buses giving free rides from the station to Holt town.

The Poppy Line's unique 86 years old teak-bodied four-coach train will be in service, and will also run every day that week up to and including Sunday July 10th. Known as the Quad-Art set, this train pioneered the articulated technology used on today's Eurostar and TGV high speed trains - though it was built to provide extra capacity on London's busiest commuter services in the ‘20s, long before 200mph trains were thought of.

Poppy Line fares have remained unchanged since 2009, making the Vintage Transport Festival remarkable value for a family day out. The £35 family rover ticket for 2 adults and 2 children (or 3 adults and 1 child) includes a £5 voucher to spend on refreshments or gifts. Rover tickets allow hop-on, hop-off travel all day. Under 5s go free, and cycles and dogs are just £1 each. For more information see www.nnrailway.co.uk or call 01263 820 800.

Music line-up for Lifestyles Festival takes shape

(30 Jun 2011)

An exciting line-up of local, regional and national artistes is starting to take shape for this summer's Lifestyles Festival (15-17 July) in Hunstanton.

Headline acts this year include, Tin Roots, an eclectic six-piece band whose infectious stage energy and catchy melodies have quickly secured them slots at Glastonbury, Bestival, Green Man and Secret Garden Party, and Aliceband, headed up by female vocalist Alice Walker, whose thought-provoking lyrics will no doubt put a smile on the faces of fun-loving festival goers.

'Under the Influence', a four-piece rap/rock band from King's Lynn perform on the main stage at Lifestyles. The band, whose catchy chorus lines are proving hugely popular with audiences across the country, are renowned for their live performances and are a must-see at this year's festival. Also confirmed are five-piece melodic punk rock band Excellent Adventure, indie rock band Ringo Pacino, Ed Ache and Officer Gotcha.

Lifestyles Festival, sponsored by Norfolk Green, takes place on 15, 16 & 17 July, with live music in the evening on the Friday and Saturday. Throughout the weekend there will be kitesurfing, windsurfing and street dancing competitions, along with BMX, skateboarding and in-line skating demonstrations and plenty of have-a-go opportunities.

For more information visit www.lifestylesfestival.co.uk or find the festival on Twitter @LifestylesFest or on Facebook www.facebook.com/lifestylesfestival.

Wheatfen Broad - New Study Centre

(10 June 2011)

A new study centre at Wheatfen Broad has been built thanks to donations from Norfolk Country Cottages' customers. Norfolk Country Cottages has been asking customers to support the work of the Ted Ellis Trust at Wheatfen since 2007, and £20,000 has been donated so far. The money collected has been used to build a new boardwalk and to clear the Thatch Pond, which has doubled in size and has attracted many new species. The construction of the new Study Centre, which will be used for workshops for schools and educational talks about the history and ecology of the area has cost £1500.

Well-known writer and broadcaster Ted Ellis - the uncle of Norfolk Country Cottages founder Richard Ellis - spent the last 40 years of his life at Wheatfen Broad and the trust that bears his name was founded to continue his work in preserving the site.

Nelson's Birthplace Tours - Lord Nelson Burnham Thorpe

(10 June 2011)

‘Nelson's Birthplace Tours' are running again from the Lord Nelson Inn at Burnham Thorpe every Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 3pm throughout the summer months. The two-mile walking tour takes in places connected with the Admiral's birth and childhood in the village. Visitors go to the church, with its wealth of Nelson family connections, as well as visiting his birthplace. Tours, including a free tot of the unique ‘Nelson's Blood' spirit, cost £7.50 and must be pre-booked through the Lord Nelson Inn on 01328 738241.

Broads business awarded first Green Mark for boats

(09 June 2011)

A Broads boat hire company is the first business in the country to be awarded a new Green Mark accreditation for eco-friendly boats.

Norfolk Broads Direct of Wroxham received the grading when the Green Tourism Business Scheme launched its Green Mark for holiday cruisers on Wednesday June 8th as part of Green Tourism Week (June 6-12) in partnership with Broads Tourism and the Broads Authority, which manages the Broads.

The award is based on 25 criteria specially developed for boats including eco-friendly design, energy efficiency, waste management and providing ‘green' information for hirers.

Barbara Greasley of Norfolk Broads Direct said: "For some time a group of environmentally aware people in Norfolk has been campaigning for a greener option for boating. The members of this Eco Boat Project in close partnership with Broads Tourism, the Broads Authority and the Green Tourism Business Scheme have been working to produce a set of grading criteria for Water Based Activity Providers. Norfolk Broads Direct is delighted to have been consulted on these criteria and we feel honoured that we will be the first business in the country to go through this grading process".

The hire cruiser being assessed, Fair Sovereign, has a low wash hull and its engine meets the current EU Stage 3 emissions requirements. Water is heated as a byproduct of the engine cooling and the majority of lighting is provided by LED bulbs. Norfolk Broads Direct sends customers information about the impact of phosphates on water quality prior to their arrival and advises them to use phosphate free toiletries and washing up liquid, as well as stocking some for purchase.

Vintage diesel engines in the spotlight at the Poppy Line's Diesel Gala

(07 June 2011)

It's over 50 years since British Railways started the headlong dash to replace steam with diesel traction, which means that those early diesel locomotives are now classics in their own right. And whilst diesels don't have quite the romantic nostalgia of the steam age, a growing number of fans want to see these big beasts in action.

Their wish comes true on the Poppy Line over the weekend of June 25th and 26th, when the railway's first Diesel Gala for some years puts the spotlight on internal combustion.

Heading the line-up is "Saltburn-by-the-Sea", a massive ‘Type One' engine built in 1962. And at the other end of the scale is the unique Leyland Railbus, first trialled on lightly-used lines in East Anglia and based on the bodyshell of the Leyland National bus, itself once a common sight across Norfolk.

There'll be an intensive service on both days of the weekend, with plenty of opportunity to ride behind some of the engines that sounded the death knell of steam. All day hop-on, hop-off Rover fares are £16 adult, £15 senior citizen and £10 child 5 - 15 (but children under 5 go free). A family ticket for 2 adults + 2 children or 3 adults + 1 child is £45; over the Gala weekend, the family ticket does not include the usual £5 spending voucher. There's 15% off all Gala tickets booked before June 17th - go to www.nnrailway.co.uk or call 01263 820 800.

Photo: Diesel Engine 20118 - This powerful Class 20 heritage diesel engine will be hauling trains at the Poppy Line Gala, North Norfolk Railway

Food Miles Cycle Ride - Reepham

(07 June 2011)

Team Green Britain Bike Week, 18-26 June 2011, is one of the UK's biggest annual promotions of cycling and provides a national umbrella for locally organised events and activities up and down the UK.

To celebrate Bike Week, Reepham Green Team with the support of Broadland District Council, have put together the Food Miles Cycle Ride on June 18th. The event will link local food and cycling and ultimately good health.

The ride is free to take part in and open to cyclists of all ages and abilities. Riders can pick their own route and distance stopping at local food suppliers in Broadland along the way. Each participant records the total of miles they have cycled so the final number of Food Miles covered by all the riders can be calculated. Plus if you sell, produce or use local food in your business and are open to the public on Saturdays then this is an opportunity for you to welcome cyclists to your business.

To register your business or to take part in the ride go to www.foodmilesride.org.

Norfolk Polo Festival at Langley Abbey

(3 June 2011)

The Norfolk Polo Club is proud to host the county's first ever Norfolk Polo Festival set in the grounds of the historic Langley Abbey Estate, near London. Exhibition Day is on Saturday June 18 and with the Finals Day on Sunday June 19.

This new date on the Norfolk social calendar will be a superb occasion to enjoy watching this fast-paced and exhilarating sport in glorious surroundings. The polo matches will run throughout the two days with England International and Argentinean High-Goal players demonstrating their impressive horsemanship and lightening speed.

For day visitors there will be a barbeque, bar, free children's entertainment and plenty of space to set up a picnic and enjoy this exciting spectacle. A fantastic family day out from just £25 per car (& up to 8 people) on either day. VIP Father's Day Package also available.

To further details or to book tickets please visit www.norfolkpolofestival.co.uk.

Altogether Now! Great family weekend on the Poppy Line

(2 June 2011)

Meet the eccentric Professor Fanthorpe and find out how steam engines work! Discover what a Stone Age man is doing on a railway! Help the guards and station staff to look after the passengers. See what's going on in the railway's loco and carriage workshops. Enjoy mammoth games sessions in the Railway Institute at Holt station - with special guest Geo George, the fossil hunter. And watch out - there may be dinosaurs about!

All these activities and more are part of The Poppy Line's mammoth family weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 11th and 12th. To join in, all you have to do is buy an all day, hop-on, hop-off Rover ticket at normal everyday fares. The family ticket (2 adults + 2 children, or 3 adults + 1 child) is £35, and includes a £5 voucher to spend on refreshments or gifts. Children under 5 go FREE, 5 - 15s are just £7, adults £10.50 and seniors £9.50.

Weybourne station is the hub of the day, but there are special activities at both Sheringham and Holt. With a steam or heritage diesel train every 45 minutes, it's easy to visit them all. Here's a kids day out that's really different - lots going on up and down the Poppy Line, giving children memories they'll treasure for a long time. Right away for some very special fun!

For more information call 01263 820800 or visit www.nnrailway.co.uk.

Art Alive in Churches 2011 - The Glories of Norfolk's Medieval Rood Screens

(2 June 2011)

Art Alive in Churches 2011, promoted by the Norfolk Churches Discovery Project, is working with the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist Norwich and sculptors involved in the Bergh Apton Sculpture Trail and Welborne Arts Festival to promote Norfolk's church art and traditional crafts and skills.

The Narthex at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist is staging an exhibition celebrating the historic art of rood screens and beams in Norfolk churches from Wednesday, June 8 to Sunday, June 12, open 10.30am-5pm (2pm-5pm on Sunday). The rood screen separates the chancel, which houses the altar, from the nave - the main body of the church, and were often highly ornate. The Cathedral features an exquisite rood beam and crucifix carved for the church by Peter Rendl of Oberammergau, one of the principal players in its Passion Play early in the 20th century.

Or visit St Michael and All Angels, Barton Turf, to view the 15th century rood screen. The church is open on a daily basis. In the churchyard of All Saints Church Welborne, sculptor Joy Whiddett will be making a willow figure as part of the Welborne Arts Festival (Saturday June 18, 11.30am-6pm and Sunday, June 19, 11.30am-4.30pm). This Art Alive in Churches commission will remain in the churchyard after the festival. Visitors will be invited to participate in the creation of the willow figure. All Saints is a round towered church dating from the 11th century. It also has a 19th century rood screen.

Jennie Hawks, Historic Places of Worship Support Officer, Diocese of Norwich said: "Our medieval rood screens are one of Norfolk's great artistic glories. I hope that our special exhibition staged in partnership with The Cathedral of St John the Baptists will encourage both local residents and visitors to explore our wonderful historic churches."

Norfolk Tourism publishes London 2012 Tourism Business Toolkit

(26 May 2011)

Norfolk Tourism has published a London 2012 Tourism Business Toolkit to help the county's tourism industry capitalise on the 2012 Games. Sponsored by Norfolk County Council with the key message, Visit Norfolk - Closer than you think to London, the toolkit focuses on marketing messages and customer care to assist businesses prepare for the Games.

The toolkit and logo can be downloaded free from www.2012.ntqt.co.uk, Norfolk Tourism's umbrella website for tourism training opportunities. Businesses will also find information at www.visitnorfolk2012.com, Norfolk Tourism's website promoting the county as a destination for visitors to the Games.

Richard Ellis, Chairman Norfolk Tourism said: "Norfolk is the closest major holiday destination to London. It is just 90 minutes by train to the Olympic Park from Norwich and easily reachable by train from King's Lynn to King's Cross, linking to the Olympic Park via The Javelin® bullet train. We can offer visitors to the Games the best of both worlds - a once in a lifetime day trip to London to be part of the ‘Greatest Sporting Show on Earth', combined with Norfolk's world-class seaside, city and countryside breaks. I urge all tourism businesses in the county to download the toolkit and work together to make sure that Norfolk reaps the maximum benefit from London 2012's projected £2bn boost to the UK tourism economy. I would particularly like to thank Norfolk County Council for sponsoring the toolkit's production."

Ann Steward, Cabinet member for Economic Development, said: "Many Norfolk businesses are already set for a financial boost off the back of London 2012, after securing the right to supply goods and services to the Games. But there is no doubt that the county's biggest economic boost from the Olympics will come if we can successfully draw tourists to Norfolk - whether before the Games, or during, or after."

"The County Council has sponsored the production of Norfolk Tourism's Business Toolkit in order to help rally our respective businesses to work together to try and maximise the amount of Olympic-related investment brought into our economy. The Toolkit tells of a number of ways in which businesses can look to link-in with the Games and I urge our respective businesses to download the toolkit."

_{Photograph left to right: Councillor Ann Steward with Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism and Denis McEvoy, General Manager De Vere Dunston Hall}

Norwich City of Ale 2011

(24 May 2011)

Norwich City of Ale is a city-wide celebration of city pubs, local breweries and real ale taking place for ten days between 26 May - 5 June 2011.

Norwich is renowned for its vibrant city free trade and Norfolk has a multitude of micro-breweries and grows the finest malting barley in the world. Couple this with a beautiful, friendly and historic city with the most complete medieval street plan in Europe, plus a venerable tradition of pubs and brewing, and you have a recipe for a most successful event that organisers hope will attract visitors from all over the UK and perhaps from much further afield.

Amongst the thirty-five featured local breweries there is an impressive array of beasts: there's a Panther, a Norwich Bear, a Wolf, a Fox, a Fat Cat, a Green Dragon and even some Bees! Real ales from thirty-five local breweries will be available with the focus on local, craft, sustainable, green and natural products. Thirty-one city pubs will be participating, hosting a wide range of events from pub quizzes, live music and special food and beer pairings to "Meet the Brewer" evenings.

On the look out for Britain's Best Beach Hut!

(20 May 2011)

Beach huts might be small but their huge popularity has turned them into icons of the British seaside.

To celebrate their colourful presence on our coastline hut users are being asked to nominate their ‘Beach Hut of the Year', in a competition with categories including Best Presented Hut, Best Beach Hut Association, Best Beach Hut Story and Best Beach Hut Neighbour.

Even if you're not a hut user don't despair - keen photographers and enthusiasts alike can enter their favourite picture in the Best Beach Hut Photograph category. To enter, and find out more about the competition, visit our website at www.beachhutoftheyear.co.uk.

The deadline for entries is Friday 19th August, with the coveted Beach Hut of the Year Award being presented August Bank Holiday weekend. With over 20,000 beach huts in the UK there are plenty to choose from and entries are welcome from individuals, councils, regional tourist boards or beach hut associations. The public can take part by visiting the website and voting for their favourites. The competition, sponsored by TL Risk Solutions - the UK's leading beach hut insurer - is open to anyone who wants to help celebrate the glory that is summer on the British coast.

Royal car marque set for Norfolk event

(16 May 2011)

Daimler cars have been linked with the world's royalty for over a century. So when the Daimler and Lanchester Owners Club decided to hold its first-ever Daimler rally in Norfolk, there could only be one location for the Grand Gathering at the end of the four-day event: Sandringham House will play host to more than 150 classic cars on Sunday 12th June.

On Thursday and Friday, 9th and 10th June, many of these highly desirable cars will be on display in the car park next to Sheringham Station from 10am to 2pm, whilst the owners forsake their classic vehicles for the equally nostalgic pleasure of a special steam train trip on the Poppy Line along the coast to Weybourne and up through the heathland to Holt.

You might see a Daimler or Lanchester (the pioneering British marque that came under Daimler's wing in 1930) almost anywhere in north and west Norfolk on those two days, as owners explore the countryside. On the morning of Saturday 11th June, the cars will be on display by the west door of Norwich Cathedral, before preparing for the finale of the Grand Gathering at Sandringham House, from 9am to around 4pm on the Sunday.

All the displays are free to the public, but please remember that these lovingly cared-for vehicles are valuable and sometimes fragile old ladies - so look but don't touch!

Sculpture Trail 2011 casts an eye to the mediaeval

(09 May 2011)

The sixth Bergh Apton Sculpture Trail will take place over three weekends from Saturday 21st May 2011 to Sunday 5th June 2011.

The Trail for 2011 features sculptures from over sixty artists displaying two hundred works set largely in rarely accessible private gardens linked by lanes, footpaths and bridleways through the village and surrounding countryside. The sculptors have been asked to represent connections with the mediaeval past and the continuity of history in modern life.

The event centres on the theme of ‘The Journey', this being the journey taken by pilgrims and craftspeople in the construction of a mediaeval church as the focus of community life in the period. This is being depicted during the trail through over twenty live heritage displays set in private gardens, including flintnapping, calligraphy, heraldic art and falconry.

The Trail also includes a programme of open air music and will culminate on the first two Saturdays and the final Sunday with a ‘mystery play' in the mediaeval tradition, written and narrated by renowned storyteller Hugh Lupton.

The 2011 trail is open from 10.30am until 6.00pm daily, with ticket prices £10 for a one day ticket, £15 for a two day pass (any two days) and children under sixteen go free.

To find out more about the 2011 Bergh Apton Scuplture Trail visit www.berghapton.org.uk/sculpturetrail/2011journey, email sculpturetrail@berghapton.org.uk or telephone 07769 853089

Going Wild About the Wensum at Pensthorpe!

(09 May 2011)

The Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, a charity based at the Pensthorpe Nature Reserve famous for being the base for BBC Springwatch, is hosting the fifth annual action-packed ‘Wild About the Wensum' day on Saturday May 21st from 10am to 5pm which sees the return of CBeebies's green-fingered star, Jelly!

The event coincides with the 2011 International Day of Biodiversity which sees events around the world highlighting the importance of our habitat and wildlife. Visitors will find local craft demonstrations, butterfly mask making, face painting, hands-on archery classes, bird identification sessions with local experts and many more games and adventures. Music will be provided by Rig a Jig Jig. There will also be a hog roast and barbecue.

Admission to Pensthorpe and the event is free on the day, with a nominal £4 parking charge per vehicle to help make it financially sustainable and to encourage car sharing. For more information call 01328 851465 or visit www.pensthorpe.com.

Britain's most powerful steam engine comes to the Poppy Line

(09 May 2011)

Black Prince, a giant steam locomotive with 10 driving wheels, is to become a resident on North Norfolk's Poppy Line for three years from the end of May. She is one of the last surviving operational class 9F engines. The 140 ton engine was built for British Railways in 1959, but prematurely retired only nine years later.

David Shepherd, the artist now renowned for his work in wildlife conservation, saved her from the scrapyard. The North Norfolk Railway plans to host a special weekend on 20th and 21st August this year, to raise money for the Foundation to help keep its wildlife projects in Africa and Asia alive and operational. The artist will display his paintings and prints, and talk about his life and the work of the Foundation, in celebration of his 80th birthday. Black Prince will see regular service on the Poppy Line, where her huge reserves of power will make light work of the 1 in 80 climb from Weybourne through Kelling Heath to Holt station. For more information see www.nnr.co.uk.

Broads Outdoors Festival

(09 May 2011)

This year sees the launch of the very first Broads Outdoors Festival, with a programme of over 60 fabulous events taking place throughout the Broads from 7th - 15th May 2011.

The Broads area is simply stunning and the events included in the festival programme enable you to get up really close to the delights of the Broads. You can spend a day (or more) at painting and photography workshops or learning survival techniques on a special bushcraft course. You can even be part of installation art in conjunction with the Norfolk & Norwich Festival. There's imaginative outings combining train journeys with guided walks, cycling and boat trips. Or try 'huffing and puffing' alongside the Bure Valley Railway - huff one way on foot or by bike and then puff back on the narrow-gauge steam railway. Take on geocaching on a self-guided Techno Treasure Hunt or brave an evening ghost walk.These festival events will showcase just how much there is to do throughout the Broads and encourage you to Discover & Explore Outdoors.

For more information see www.outdoorsfestival.co.uk or download the Programme for May 2011 (PDF).

Bursting with Blooms in June

(05 May 2011)

A clear sign that summer has arrived is the opening of over 20 Norfolk gardens for the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) in June. Amongst a wide ranging and colourful collection of fascinating gardens five are opening for the first time, three in one village as a group, an evening event at a floodlit garden and an amazing plantsman's garden.

Furze House Rushall, Diss (11th & 12th June) is a 2-acre plantsman's garden with many rare and unusual plants on show, with three greenhouses and two polytunnels. North Creake houses three diverse open gardens on Sunday 12th June: Creake House, Wells Road is a peaceful 2-acre walled garden with home made teas available; The Red House in Church Street has many rare and unusual plants in a real plantsman's garden, whilst The Old Bakehouse (entry from Wells Road) has an unusual claim to fame as the site of a tragic Second World War accident with the engine of a RAF Mosquito aircraft still buried deep in the garden.

There are also plenty of other Norfolk gardens opening during June and full information about opening times and garden details can be found in the Norfolk Garden Guide at your local tourist information centre, garden centre or nursery or available to download as a PDF. There are also full details available at www.ngs.org.uk.

Royal Wedding Plans at Wroxham Barns, Friday, April 29

(27 April 2011)

The team at Wroxham Barns is preparing for a busy Royal Wedding day on Friday, April 29.
New bunting handmade in Norfolk by Jane Mayhew will hang throughout the barns. All staff will
be wearing buttonholes. A life-size cutout of Prince William and Catherine Middleton will greet
visitors to the restaurant where they can watch the wedding on a brand new 40" HD TV and
enjoy wedding cup cakes. Uncle Stuart's Brewery has a limited edition Royal Ale on sale in the
brewery's new bar.

Williams and Kates who visit on April 29 will be given free admission to Junior Farm, ID
essential. Wroxham Barns is open 10am to 5pm, to book at table in the restaurant tel. 01603 777106, general enquiries 01603 783762, www.wroxhambarns.co.uk.