Royal Norfolk – Nelson’s County

Time to take to two wheels and clock up the kings, queens and castles.

From King’s Lynn, it’s only a short pedal push to mighty 12th century Castle Rising (the clue’s in the name!). Rumour has it that awesome castle keep here, set in major earthworks resounds to the shrieks of ‘mad’ Queen Isabella, lamenting her part in the murder of her husband Edward II! The castle may be creepy but the village is charming – and it’s all on the doorstep of the Royal Sandringham Estate. Park up and enjoy the colourful gardens or a visit to Sandringham House, a true favourite not just H.M The King, but his mother and grandmother too.

Continue on through the wooded grounds of the Sandringham Estate and along little lanes past flint barns and villages to reach the impressive black tower mill at Bircham Windmill. It’s one of Norfolk’s finest, still in working order and offers visitors a warm welcome – whether you choose to climb the five floors or just sample the baked goods in the tea rooms!

Finally, country lanes lead to the beautiful little Norfolk village of South Creake with its comparatively mega medieval church and home to your accommodation for the next two nights.

Overnight: South Creake

Mileage: Rec 24 Min 20 Max 29

Our recommended route includes some gentle off-road cycling. We understand that it’s not everyone’s cup to tea, so other route options are provided.

With your sights set on the coast, heading out from South Creake should be plain sailing as you explore the valley of the River Burn and the delightful market towns and flint cottage villages known as ‘The Burnhams’. This is Nelson’s Country – where Admiral Lord Nelson was born and where he found his sea-legs in the sleepy creeks and backwaters of Burnham Overy Staithe – a place which evokes the character of the haunting Norfolk Coast.

Heading east, you’ll pedal through the mighty Holkham Estate, across parkland, past obelisks, vintage oaks and the Palladian-style mansion and pièce de résistance, Holkham Hall, to reach the beautiful wild expanse of Holkham Bay. It’s a sandy beach on the grandest of scales, and just one amazing section of the designated Norfolk Coast National Landscape.

Hug the coast, past sandy stretches, pines and beach huts on stilts to the quaint quayside village of Wells-next-the-Sea. It’s a great place for fish and chips, that cake-to-keep-you-going, or the perfect spot to park up and admire the view.

Your route back to South Creake processes via the famous medieval pilgrimage town of Little Walsingham. In a world of its own with the remains of two early monastic houses, it’s an unexpectedly-busy-for-rural-Norfolk sort of place that’s somehow lost-in-time. Its atmosphere is very special. Nearby Houghton St Giles has a ‘pilgrims’ rest’ treasure church too, with a beautifully golden painted medieval rood screen and the tiny tower-free church at North Barsham couldn’t be more of a contrast to Walsingham’s rich displays.

Prefer a shorter or longer day ride? No worries. Why not head straight to Holkham Hall and the coast, or extend your ride by continuing south from East Barsham? All options will be provided and the choice is yours.

Overnight: South Creake

Mileage: Min 23 Max 34

You’ll meet up with the River Wensum as you head back towards King’s Lynn, on a route dotted with lost villages and flint-and-brick/Carstone farmsteads – not to mention impressive stately homes!

Look out for the signs of lost medieval villages – next to the medieval church at Dunton, where there’s earthworks evidence of a hollow way, tofts (cottages) and gardens, as well as in the lanes around Broomsthorpe. Pedal past village greens to the reach the vast lawned estate of Houghton Hall, another fine Palladian mansion. Built for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, the Hall has remained in the family and is home to an award-winning walled garden, a fine sculpture park and the largest private collection of model soldiers in world!

Or perhaps you’d like to revisit Royal Sandringham for your great house fix? Both the Sandringham Estate and Queen Isabella’s keep at Castle Rising are easily accessible from your gentle journey back to your King’s Lynn hotel, so spending more time at Sandringham House or in its beautiful gardens is an option.

Overnight: King’s Lynn

Mileage: Min 25 Max 37

Time for another dip in the hotel’s pool before you depart after breakfast?
Or perhaps plan to spend more time exploring historic King’s Lynn and its fine range of museums?