Enjoy a dirty weekend in Norfolk
If you’re looking for a get-away-from-it-all dirty weekend, then Norfolk is just the place to come…
Scolt Head
The National Trust-run Scolt Head Island near Brancaster is the scene of sailing regattas, but at low tide it’s a very different proposition. The island has one of the best beaches in the county, but to get to it you must wade across thick, gooey, energy-sapping mud.
Greasy Pole at Blakeney
The annual low tide Greasy Pole competition at Blakeney Quay is a bit like walking the plank, but this is sliding along a length of wood. The winner is the one who can go all the way to the end before the inevitable ending… like every other competitor, they end up caked in mud!
Thetford Forest
Enjoy off-road cycling or running in Thetford Forest at High Lodge after a few day’s rain and you’re sure to get caked in mud. Be warned though: this area has the lowest rainfall in the country!
Stiffkey Marshes
Wait for low tide and go hunting for samphire and cockles in muddy Stiffkey Marshes. Both are a delicious local delicacy – the cockles here, called Stewkey Blues after the traditional pronunciation of the village, are still collected the traditional way.
Be the King of the Castle...
Norfolk has many fabulous castles, in particular the Norman Castle in Norwich, which doubles up as a superb museum, and Castle Rising Castle near King’s Lynn. Climb to the top before your companions and you can pronounce the time-worn saying, ‘I’m the king of the castle and you’re a dirty old rascal!’
Combat Paintball
In association with the Forestry Commission in Thetford Forest, Combat Paintball is fun and enjoyable… and potentially dirty… if you’re too slow! The site has a ‘film set’ feel with towers, tunnels, tanks, helicopters, forts and trenches. Worked all week in an office and need to release the stress? This is for you.
Get dirty in The Wash!
Enjoy mudlarks while birdwatching in The Wash at Titchwell. No, mudlarks aren’t an exotic migratory wading bird, it’s what you get up to while you spot myriad wildlife on the banks and salt marshes. During Winter there can be over 50,000 birds out on mudflats – arrive very early in the morning, pre-dawn, to see their spectacular flight inland to feed. Then head off for a hearty breakfast to warm yourself up.
Brancaster Staithe
Get yourself and your dogs dirty when you walk the tidal creeks around Brancaster Staithe on the Norfolk Coastal Path. Look out for the shallow pools where mussels are grown and then find a local pub where they’re served.
Burnham Overy Staithe
Your canine companions, and yourselves, and the kids, will love getting mucky in the river Burn at low tide at Burnham Overy Staithe. And when you’re finished getting muddy, you can walk the riverside out to the beach, part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve.
Burgh Castle
Again, this relies on it having been wet, but there’s huge fun yomping through the mud and tidal salt marshes at Burgh Castle, near Great Yarmouth, glorying in the beautiful Halvergate Marshes and Breydon Water, revelling in the fact you’re walking in the footsteps of Roman soldiers from 1800 years ago, and maybe lingering to enjoy a spectacular sunset behind the Berney Arms.
