Royal Norfolk – Nelson’s County
This is a tour that explores the many facets of Norfolk, from the history and grandeur of Oxburgh Hall, to the quaint medieval town of Castle Acre, the ancient ports on the North Norfolk coast, and the lovely Sandringham Estate, the Norfolk retreat of H.M. The King. Read More
England
Any Day
Bed & Breakfast
£670.00
5 Days, 4 Nights
Feb - Nov
Grade 2 (Easy)
Overview
This is a tour that explores the many facets of Norfolk, from the history and grandeur of Oxburgh Hall, to the quaint medieval town of Castle Acre, the ancient ports on the North Norfolk coast, and the lovely Sandringham Estate, the Norfolk retreat of H.M. The King.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive & relax
Arrive at your hotel, just outside Watton, where your bikes will be provided after breakfast the following morning.
Day 2 From Neolithic miners to Tudor Queens
Travelling through Breckland woods and heath, you reach moated Oxburgh Hall, one of the most romantic and picturesque Tudor Great Houses in the country. (Well worth the detour is a visit to Grimes Graves, where you can descend by ladder to the Neolithic flint mines.) On to the Saxon church at Cockley Cley before arriving in Swaffham for the night. Its wedged-shaped market place, flanked by graceful 18th century buildings, make Swaffham one of Norfolk’s most attractive market towns.
Mileage: Rec 22 Min 9 Max 36
Day 3 Country pleasures
Visit the walled gardens at West Acre or Houghton Hall former home of Sir Robert Walpole (Britain’s first Prime Minister) before continuing to the Royal Sandringham Estate. Continue on through the wooded grounds of the Sandringham Estate to visit the lovely Bircham Windmill before reaching Great Bircham, which will be your base for two nights. The more energetic may wish to extend the ride to visit the deer park at Snettisham and to reach the coast (The Wash).
Mileage: Rec 30 Min 18 Max 41
Day 4 Circular route options
The first takes you to ‘The Burnhams’ with a chance to visit the birthplace of Admiral Lord Nelson. The sleepy creeks and backwaters of Burnham Overy Staithe give you a real feel for the haunting Norfolk Coast. You may like to continue on to visit the Palladian style mansion of Holkham Hall or the beautiful wild expanse of Holkham Bay, before your return to Gt Bircham. Alternatively, if you took the shortest route yesterday, you can make a leisurely visit to the Sandringham Estate.
Mileage: Min 25 Max 37 Or: Min 18 Max 30
Day 5 Stop off for history
This morning you have a second chance to visit Houghton Hall, former home of Sir Robert Walpole, en route to Castle Acre. The tiny walled ‘town’, the atmospheric ruins of Castle Acre Priory and the massive earthworks of the Castle, provide a rewarding break on your return journey to Watton.
Mileage: Rec 28 Min 25 Max 28
Dates & Prices
Download PricesFor tour start days/dates, seasons and all prices, please click on the PRICES button above
PRICE INCLUDES
Ensuite accommodation as described with full English breakfast (prices based on two adults sharing)
Hire of hybrid bicycle and ancillary equipment (single pannier and handlebar bag or map holder, pump, basic tools, spare inner tube & puncture repair equipment, helmet if required)
Luggage transfer between hotels
Delivery & collection of bicycles (delivery is after breakfast on Day 2 of your tour unless we agree an alternative time)
Local assistance on call (although puncture repair is excluded)
Detailed itinerary with meticulously planned and researched routes following quiet country lanes with a choice of routes available each day (usually recommended, long and short)
Route notes, descriptions and use of good OS mapping (maps available on arrival). We pride ourselves on our detailed level of documentation which includes plenty of top tips for places to visit or for relaxing and sampling the local fare along the way. We send electronic versions of these documents by email approximately two weeks before your stay so you can plan ahead and look forward to your gentle cycling adventure
We have now switched the default navigation system to GPS – in our opinion this is now the most convenient method as it eliminates the need for frequent stops to check the map
- We provide you with access to a premium GPS smartphone navigation app (IOS or Android) and send you links so that you can download all of the route options before you leave home. We will provide a handlebar bracket for your phone if required; it is also recommended that you bring a spare battery/powerbank to make sure that your phone lasts the day
- We can also provide GPS tracks in whatever format if you prefer to load them into your own GPS Unit
- Finally, we can provide a limited number of GPS units with the routes preloaded – this is on a first come first served basis – please let us know as soon as you can if you
would like to use one - We will also provide unmarked OS 1:50,000 mapping on arrival as additional support to allow for any impromptu route changes
- Traditional map-based navigation (using marked OS maps) is still available as an alternative at extra cost upon request (at least two weeks in advance)
Please note that the price EXCLUDES
The cost of getting to and from the start point
Accommodation Options
Selected 3 star hotels close to Watton, and in Great Bircham (2 nights); boutique luxury guest accommodation in Swaffham.
We are pleased to discuss details on request.
Request Booking
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