Steam Trains and Seaside in Norfolk

 

 

Much to many people’s amusement Norfolk has been at the top of Eva’s “must go” list for some time and although we only visited for a couple of days, we were not disappointed. 

Holt had been recommended to us as a good central location to base ourselves in.  Holt is renowned for its abundance of Georgian buildings. However, arriving after 5pm we discovered that nearly everything was closed, with the exception of The Feathers pub which fortunately served rather tasty food, so with our friends this is where we settled in for the evening.

Rising early the next day, we set off for the North Norfolk railway station.  As we entered the station, suddenly we stepped back in time.  The old steam train, the smells and the sounds of steam assaulted our senses.  The station had a feel of the 1930s and 1940s, maybe earlier and the timeless quality.  Everywhere at the station was set up to look as it would have done in a bygone era.  As the whistle blew, the train started its slow and majestic journey through the beautiful Norfolk countryside. 

Arriving in Sheringham , we made our way through the throngs of tourists to discover a lively Saturday market selling all sorts of goods including;  food, clothes, books and bric a brac.  After browsing for some time we set off towards the beach, taking a leisurely stroll down the main street which is full of lovely little independent shops and cafes.

Sheringham is a traditional seaside town which grew up around its old fishing village and a few little boats still bring in the daily catch.

We walked along the seafront looking out at the beach which was a combination of a shingle that then gives way to  sand– a strange half and half type effect.  The beach is divided by wooden structures known as “groynes” which are there to create or protect the beach from erosion.

After a very English break at the oddly named “Whelk Coppers café” for a cup of tea and scone we got the steam train back to Holt. Back at Holt station we discovered an enormous model railway and enjoyed watching the miniature trains steam around the track.

Cromer was our next destination.  Clearly famous for crabs.  As we walked along the pier, people of all ages were fishing for crabs with their nets and buckets and we were amazed to see how successful they were and how full the buckets were with crabs.  We wondered if people threw them back in or took them home.

Cromer sells the most interesting ice cream we have ever tasted.  Eva opted for a liquorice ice cream and John chose a Mr Whippy that was dipped in Belgium chocolate which then hardened around the ice cream – both were delicious.

Still on the theme of food, we particularly enjoyed eating some very tasty fish and chips on the pier as the sun set behind us.

After a final walk along the promenade, a quick visit to a local art exhibition and a beer in the Kings Head, it was time to make a weary but contented return to Holt.