Great Houses & Golden Wonders

There’s history every pedal push of the way as you set off along rural Breckland lanes through a landscape closely associated with Boudicca’s Iceni tribe.

First stop, Swaffham has its own tales to tell of legendary local lads who hit the jackpot. The town sign is the place to spot the famous Peddlar of Swaffham who sought his fortune in London, but returned to find his crock of gold in a local back garden; whilst the museum shares the story of Howard Carter, famed for his Tutankhamun finds in 1922. Carter grew up here and was originally fascinated by a friend’s Egyptian artefacts at nearby Didlington Hall. St Peter & St Paul’s church is a treasure trove too, with its awesome angel roof dating from medieval times and there are Regency delights to relish around by the wedge-shaped market place.

Back on the trail, beyond the wonderful walled gardens of West Acre, discover one of Norfolk’s real hidden gems – Castle Acre where you’ll find history in microcosm by the River Nar. The clue’s in the name, but as well as William de Warenne’s great 12th century castle earthworks and one of England’s largest and best-preserved priories, there’s a tiny, almost intact medieval town too. It’s just the perfect place for a picnic!

Pedaling on northwards, to the ancient abbey fishponds of picturesque Great Massingham, guided by the village’s mighty beacon of a church tower is certainly worth the few extra miles. Finally there are more village church gems to admire all the way to North Elmham, home to a mysterious ruined minster – and your hotel base for the next two nights.

Overnight: North Elmham

We provide a selection of superbly scenic rides for you to explore Norfolk from historic North Elmham. Most include the chance to spot or visit a Great House along the way, but there are many other gems too. Which route will you choose today?

Mileage: Min 8 Max 45

Enjoy another great ride out from North Elmham. Don’t forget, if you fancy a gentler day, our selection includes shorter or less challenging circular routes to explore too.

Mileage: Min 8 Max 45

Back to the Brecks and Oxborough today, starting some wonderful insights into Norfolk ways, history and traditions at Gressenhall’s mighty Victorian workhouse – now home to the Farm & Workhouse Museum of Norfolk Life. Here, you’ll find Norfolk cottage gardens and rare breed animals, brightly coloured gypsy caravans, dark tales from workhouse days and all sorts of artefacts. The fascinating museum is full of contrasts and insights into the rural farming communities and medieval textile industries which put the county on the European map. There are often costumed characters and living history exhibits too – truly something for everyone and something from every era.

Pedaling on past the town of Dereham, little lanes lead down towards Bradenham, home to the bold, buttressed, but sadly redundant church of St Mary’s, now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust and Bradenham Hall where Lord Nelson once stayed and Sir Henry Rider-Haggard, author of King Solomon’s Mines, was born.

Nearby, the lost village of Houghton-on-the-Hill is worth the gentle detour. Its church still stands tall, if a little lonely, but its early wall-painting treasures (from 1090 and 1400s) stand testimony to the wealth and importance of the long-lost community here.
Heading east back towards Swaffham and then Oxborough, explore the unusual village of North Pickenham – a little corner of Norfolk which was once part of Yorkshire! Learn of its medieval connections with the Yorkshire lords of Richmond Castle, and look out for signs of its close links with America – the WWII airfield, from where brave USAAF airmen flew B-24 Liberator bombers out over Europe.

Mileage: Min 29 Max 31