Norfolk – Pedalling in Style

Set out northwards towards Great and Little Massingham, but don’t miss the treats in store first at historic West Acre, a place famed for its walled gardens. Great Massingham oozes history too with its impressive green and dominating large ponds, ancient ‘fisheries’ which date back to the time of an 11th century Augustian Abbey.
Just a little pedal pushing later, Houghton Hall comes into view, promising more wonderful walled gardens alongside a perfectly Palladian mansion built by Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.
The final rural stretch of the day heads further coastwards to the set of villages known as ‘The Burnhams’ and in particular to the stylish spot of Burnham Market aka Chelsea-on-Sea for your next over night.

Overnight at Burnham Market

Mileage: Rec 26 Min 26 Max 26

Head out via Burnham Thorpe where Lord Nelson’s father was once the local rector. Alas the parsonage where Horatio was born in 1758 is no more, but a plaque marks the spot.
The country route to the coast then takes on some stunning cycling through the smart grounds of Holkham Estate. Enjoy the vistas as the landscape unfurls towards obelisk and ice house and down to the magnificent fountains in front of the Palladian home of the Earl of Leicester. A visit is a must, but there’s always the call of the coast too.
Holkham Bay is breathtakingly beautiful, but the ride along the North Norfolk Coast Path through pine woods to the beach huts on stilts, the promise of a paddle and the historic quayside at Wells-next-the-Sea is a gentle enough journey.
Cut back to the Burnhams or continue round to discover the mysteries of Walsinghams great and small. Little Walsingham became a place of pilgrimage second only to Canterbury following a holy vision in 1061 and makes for a fascinating visit before winding your way back to Burnham Market for your next overnight.

Overnight in Burnham Market

Mileage: Rec 26 Min 14 Max 26

Leaving the Burnhams behind you, the route south back to Swaffham leads down through quiet country lanes across ‘the Roof of Norfolk’ (all of 90m high) to Castle Acre – a truly inspirational place, here history sits in microcosm. Wander through the tiny medieval town and explore the massive earthworks of the 12th century castle, but don’t miss one of the largest and best preserved monastic sites in England, dating back to 1090. This is an inspirational place to let your mind wander, before you guide the handlebars back towards the gentle buzz of the Breckland market town of Swaffham.

Mileage: Rec 28 Min 26 Max 28