Anna’s guidebook
Local Activities
Our personal hints, tips and recommendations! We only recommend activities we have tried and tested ourselves with our children, friends and family :)
Set in the pretty village of Upwell (11 miles), relax and unwind on the river, complete novices welcome! Grab a picnic and enjoy a wonderful day out.
Marmont Canoe Hire
March RiversideSet in the pretty village of Upwell (11 miles), relax and unwind on the river, complete novices welcome! Grab a picnic and enjoy a wonderful day out.
Day Boat hire a few minutes up the road, purpose-built Narrowboat, Matilda and River Cruiser, Daisy (for smaller numbers). Do book well in advance and mention The Coach House, Hilgay! Take a picnic or moor up outside The Cutter in Ely or The Jenyns Arms in Denver. Explore the beautiful Fens waterways, rich with wildlife. An unforgettable day out!
Little Ouse Moorings
Day Boat hire a few minutes up the road, purpose-built Narrowboat, Matilda and River Cruiser, Daisy (for smaller numbers). Do book well in advance and mention The Coach House, Hilgay! Take a picnic or moor up outside The Cutter in Ely or The Jenyns Arms in Denver. Explore the beautiful Fens waterways, rich with wildlife. An unforgettable day out!
Only a few miles away. An excellent family farm attraction, lots of animals, many of which you can interact with, tractor rides, pig racing, play barn, good food and a take-your own picnic area. Not to be missed!( You may still need to book advance tickets).
30 locals recommend
Church Farm Stow Bardolph
Lynn RoadOnly a few miles away. An excellent family farm attraction, lots of animals, many of which you can interact with, tractor rides, pig racing, play barn, good food and a take-your own picnic area. Not to be missed!( You may still need to book advance tickets).
Award-winning Safari/conservation attraction just 10 minutes away, we highly recommend this, it has just won the regional Tourism Award. Go and see very rare and endangered species, many up close to the buggy! We love the Bongo! They currently offer self drive buggy tours, or a trailer tour, Private tours, photography tours and children's workshops. Do mention the Coach House at Hilgay.
13 locals recommend
Watatunga
Watlington RoadAward-winning Safari/conservation attraction just 10 minutes away, we highly recommend this, it has just won the regional Tourism Award. Go and see very rare and endangered species, many up close to the buggy! We love the Bongo! They currently offer self drive buggy tours, or a trailer tour, Private tours, photography tours and children's workshops. Do mention the Coach House at Hilgay.
Follow the "circular" walk - not too long, but enough for a quick wander. Lovely Pines and Ferns everywhere.
7 locals recommend
Shouldham Warren
Chapel StreetFollow the "circular" walk - not too long, but enough for a quick wander. Lovely Pines and Ferns everywhere.
(14 miles) Welney, in Norfolk, takes in 1,000 acres of the northernmost part of the Ouse Washes – Britain’s largest area of seasonally-flooded land and the setting for one of the most magical events in the UK’s nature calendar - mass winter gatherings of many thousands of wild ducks, geese and swans.
We are often fortunate to see unusual birds landing in the fields around Lodge Farm, probably going to or from Welney.
18 locals recommend
Welney wet center
(14 miles) Welney, in Norfolk, takes in 1,000 acres of the northernmost part of the Ouse Washes – Britain’s largest area of seasonally-flooded land and the setting for one of the most magical events in the UK’s nature calendar - mass winter gatherings of many thousands of wild ducks, geese and swans.
We are often fortunate to see unusual birds landing in the fields around Lodge Farm, probably going to or from Welney.
Sandringham Royal Parkland is dog friendly and spreads over 243 hectares with waymarked trails for cycling or exploring by foot and a lovely children's woodland play area.
Sandringham Courtyard has a range of facilities to eat and drink alongside the Sandringham Shop offering an extensive collection of artisan Norfolk products, from beautiful home and garden ware to country attire.
Enjoy a Royal Afternoon Tea experience at Sandringham, served with Sandringham teas and coffees using the finest local ingredients, traditional recipes and many products grown here on the Estate.
Ideal stop off on the way or on the way back from the coast.
209 locals recommend
Sandringham Estate
Sandringham Royal Parkland is dog friendly and spreads over 243 hectares with waymarked trails for cycling or exploring by foot and a lovely children's woodland play area.
Sandringham Courtyard has a range of facilities to eat and drink alongside the Sandringham Shop offering an extensive collection of artisan Norfolk products, from beautiful home and garden ware to country attire.
Enjoy a Royal Afternoon Tea experience at Sandringham, served with Sandringham teas and coffees using the finest local ingredients, traditional recipes and many products grown here on the Estate.
Ideal stop off on the way or on the way back from the coast.
ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure in Lenwade, Norfolk is the UK’s largest Dinosaur themed adventure park.
Whatever the weather, there are digs to be dug, dinos to discover and adventure around every corner. Intrepid explorers are always well-prepared, so follow the link to check out what’s in store and get ready for your next ROARR-some expedition.
96 locals recommend
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure in Lenwade, Norfolk is the UK’s largest Dinosaur themed adventure park.
Whatever the weather, there are digs to be dug, dinos to discover and adventure around every corner. Intrepid explorers are always well-prepared, so follow the link to check out what’s in store and get ready for your next ROARR-some expedition.
huge award winning forest of family fun and outdoor adventure. Treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges, Crocklebogs, Twiggles and Boggles, storytelling, boat trips, marsh walks and really yummy food!
168 locals recommend
BeWILDerwood
huge award winning forest of family fun and outdoor adventure. Treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges, Crocklebogs, Twiggles and Boggles, storytelling, boat trips, marsh walks and really yummy food!
Countryside walks straight from your door! Follow the farm track around the fields and look back across beautiful Fenland to your country retreat.
Lodge Farm (Waldersey Farms)
Countryside walks straight from your door! Follow the farm track around the fields and look back across beautiful Fenland to your country retreat.
Favourite Eateries!
(4 miles) Great pub with good food, just up the road from Church Farm, children's farm (also recommended) If you sit outside you will be visited by the peacocks who live there! Varied menu, locally sourced food, beers, good vegetarian, GF and vegan options and homemade desserts. Book in advance if possible.
18 locals recommend
Hare Arms Stow Bardolph
Lynn Road(4 miles) Great pub with good food, just up the road from Church Farm, children's farm (also recommended) If you sit outside you will be visited by the peacocks who live there! Varied menu, locally sourced food, beers, good vegetarian, GF and vegan options and homemade desserts. Book in advance if possible.
The Lamb and Flag at Welney, in the heart of the beautiful Fens, full of traditional character with its spacious and pretty beer garden, the perfect place to eat, drink and relax.
You can look forward to a hospitable and timeless pub atmosphere with friendly service. Home cooked food using high quality, locally sourced ingredients and cooked with care by Head Chef Dennis Birch. This is ideal after a visit to Welney Wetland Centre.
The Lamb & Flag Inn
The Lamb and Flag at Welney, in the heart of the beautiful Fens, full of traditional character with its spacious and pretty beer garden, the perfect place to eat, drink and relax.
You can look forward to a hospitable and timeless pub atmosphere with friendly service. Home cooked food using high quality, locally sourced ingredients and cooked with care by Head Chef Dennis Birch. This is ideal after a visit to Welney Wetland Centre.
The King’s Arms Shouldham: West Norfolk’s first community owned pub and West Norfolk CAMRA Pub of the Year 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020
Set on Shouldham’s beautiful village green, the King’s Arms, Shouldham is a traditional 17th-century pub proud of its locality.
Here you’ll find real ales served straight from the cask; good-value food using fresh local produce from Norfolk’s bountiful larder; a large, child-friendly garden; and a friendly atmosphere where everyone – young and old, families and friends, diners and drinkers are all welcomed.
Maybe combine this with a walk in Shouldham Warren, or call in on the way back from the coast.
14 locals recommend
The King’s Arms, Shouldham
28 The GreenThe King’s Arms Shouldham: West Norfolk’s first community owned pub and West Norfolk CAMRA Pub of the Year 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020
Set on Shouldham’s beautiful village green, the King’s Arms, Shouldham is a traditional 17th-century pub proud of its locality.
Here you’ll find real ales served straight from the cask; good-value food using fresh local produce from Norfolk’s bountiful larder; a large, child-friendly garden; and a friendly atmosphere where everyone – young and old, families and friends, diners and drinkers are all welcomed.
Maybe combine this with a walk in Shouldham Warren, or call in on the way back from the coast.
American classic meals including breakfasts, grills and burgers as well as healthier dishes including salads, vegetarian & vegan dishes. Family-friendly, with colouring activities for children.
11 locals recommend
Arbuckles Restaurant & Bar
A10American classic meals including breakfasts, grills and burgers as well as healthier dishes including salads, vegetarian & vegan dishes. Family-friendly, with colouring activities for children.
4 miles away, in our local Market Town, Downham Market.
For those who remember "Are you being served"! Step back in time to one of Downham Market's oldest and only independent department store belonging to the Reed family. Old fashioned shopkeeping at it's best. Mrs Reed still cooks in the cafe. Unassuming and honest, the decor is traditional, the food even more so (so please expect this)!, a vast selection of very home cooked dishes, lots of tempting cakes and snacks, good coffee! This is a choice of the locals for good reason, we are all just a little bit fond of it and hope it never changes! Combine this with a wander around our pretty 'Gingerbread' market town, where you will find all your local services.
Reeds Cafe
Bridge Street4 miles away, in our local Market Town, Downham Market.
For those who remember "Are you being served"! Step back in time to one of Downham Market's oldest and only independent department store belonging to the Reed family. Old fashioned shopkeeping at it's best. Mrs Reed still cooks in the cafe. Unassuming and honest, the decor is traditional, the food even more so (so please expect this)!, a vast selection of very home cooked dishes, lots of tempting cakes and snacks, good coffee! This is a choice of the locals for good reason, we are all just a little bit fond of it and hope it never changes! Combine this with a wander around our pretty 'Gingerbread' market town, where you will find all your local services.
4 miles..Apparently the best curry house in Norfolk!
Great food and very helpful, friendly service, takeaways, quicker to call in advance.
9 locals recommend
Downham Tandoori
52-56 High St4 miles..Apparently the best curry house in Norfolk!
Great food and very helpful, friendly service, takeaways, quicker to call in advance.
4 miles away. Freshly prepared Authentic Thai Cuisine. Eat in, takeaway and deliveries.
Dang's Thai Restaurant
51-53 Bridge St4 miles away. Freshly prepared Authentic Thai Cuisine. Eat in, takeaway and deliveries.
If you are visiting Brancaster Beach, this is our top choice for healthy, fresh fayre. A huge menu and a vast specific Vegan menu, the likes of which we have never seen elsewhere! Combine this with a look around the lovely furnishings and gifts in the shop. Children's playground on site.
56 locals recommend
Thornham Deli
If you are visiting Brancaster Beach, this is our top choice for healthy, fresh fayre. A huge menu and a vast specific Vegan menu, the likes of which we have never seen elsewhere! Combine this with a look around the lovely furnishings and gifts in the shop. Children's playground on site.
Beaches
Best approached inland via Docking (Signs for Cromer, to avoid the coast road), once you get to King’s Lynn. Head towards Brancaster Beach (40 mins) where you can park. There is a good tea hut in the high season and toilets. Turn left on the beach as most people turn right! You can then look along the coast and see the crowds at Hunstanton, who you will avoid! We personally do not advise going to Wells, it is no better, is very busy and much further to travel on a busy coast road. Brancaster has a gradually shelving safe sandy beach, in a bay, one of Norfolk’s finest! Perfect for children and thoroughly recommended. One of our favourite places to go.
91 locals recommend
Brancaster Beach
Best approached inland via Docking (Signs for Cromer, to avoid the coast road), once you get to King’s Lynn. Head towards Brancaster Beach (40 mins) where you can park. There is a good tea hut in the high season and toilets. Turn left on the beach as most people turn right! You can then look along the coast and see the crowds at Hunstanton, who you will avoid! We personally do not advise going to Wells, it is no better, is very busy and much further to travel on a busy coast road. Brancaster has a gradually shelving safe sandy beach, in a bay, one of Norfolk’s finest! Perfect for children and thoroughly recommended. One of our favourite places to go.
Beautiful sandy Norfolk Beach, a little closer than Brancaster
55 locals recommend
Old Hunstanton Beach
Beautiful sandy Norfolk Beach, a little closer than Brancaster
Snettisham Beach is known for its amazing sunsets! This is the first beach you arrive at on the Norfolk coast from us, coming from the King's Lynn direction. It sits on the Wash and is a shingle beach, and although the tide does go out quite a long way, it leaves mudflats, rather than lots of lovely hard sand, hence the incredible wildlife.
So although it’s a haven for birders, this beach probably isn’t your perfect bucket and spade beach, but that doesn’t mean that you should ignore it and look elsewhere! It’s still a quiet, beautiful and completely uncommercial beach.
9 locals recommend
Snettisham Beach
Snettisham BeachSnettisham Beach is known for its amazing sunsets! This is the first beach you arrive at on the Norfolk coast from us, coming from the King's Lynn direction. It sits on the Wash and is a shingle beach, and although the tide does go out quite a long way, it leaves mudflats, rather than lots of lovely hard sand, hence the incredible wildlife.
So although it’s a haven for birders, this beach probably isn’t your perfect bucket and spade beach, but that doesn’t mean that you should ignore it and look elsewhere! It’s still a quiet, beautiful and completely uncommercial beach.
City/town information
If you haven’t been to King’s Lynn, you don’t know what you are missing! It’s an historic town that is well-preserved with no less than 481 listed buildings. For a town of its size, the medieval architecture is unmatched anywhere in the country.
It’s quite special to be able to go inside a theatre where Shakespeare performed.
King’s Lynn is home to England’s largest surviving medieval Guildhall and Britain’s oldest working theatre. If that’s not enough to make it noteworthy, it is the only theatre in the world that can claim that Shakespeare performed there.
You can go inside the Guildhall, there is no admission charge. When we visited, we were greeted by a volunteer who took us into the theatre. The first thing we noticed was the ceiling which is heavy on the wood as given the area’s history, it may have been done by a ship builder.
The Corn Exchange built in 1854 has been converted into a concert hall. This versatile modern venue hosts theatre, comedy, touring musicals, and concerts. There is also an onsite coffee shop.
King’s Lynn has an award-winning distillery in a historic building in it’s town centre. At WhataHoot, they make gin (and vodka) in small batches as every bottle is hand-distilled. You can get your supplies of WhataHoot products as well as a range of local artisan produce at their ground floor ‘Pantry’ shop.
They also offer special experiences for gin enthusiasts including tastings, masterclasses in their Gin School and Spirit Lounge, and distillery tours. You can even make your own personally branded bottle of gin.
The Walks is an historic urban park in the heart of King’s Lynn. It was first conceived as a single promenade that would allow citizens to get away from the smell, grime and bustle of the town centre but has grown into much more. As Norfolk’s only surviving 18th century town walk, it was designated a Grade II historic park by English Heritage in 1998.
You can take a ferry across the River Great Ouse between the historic centre of King’s Lynn and West Lynn to get a different view of the quayside area. The first recorded service of this Lynn ferry dates back to 1285, making it one of the oldest recorded services in England.
The ferry operates from 7:00 to 18:00 Monday to Saturday. During peak hours the ferry runs continuously and every 20 minutes at other times. The fare for the King’s Lynn ferry is 2 for an adult return and 1.50 for a child return. The ferry could be a convenient way to get to the town centre without having to drive or park there.
62 locals recommend
King's Lynn
If you haven’t been to King’s Lynn, you don’t know what you are missing! It’s an historic town that is well-preserved with no less than 481 listed buildings. For a town of its size, the medieval architecture is unmatched anywhere in the country.
It’s quite special to be able to go inside a theatre where Shakespeare performed.
King’s Lynn is home to England’s largest surviving medieval Guildhall and Britain’s oldest working theatre. If that’s not enough to make it noteworthy, it is the only theatre in the world that can claim that Shakespeare performed there.
You can go inside the Guildhall, there is no admission charge. When we visited, we were greeted by a volunteer who took us into the theatre. The first thing we noticed was the ceiling which is heavy on the wood as given the area’s history, it may have been done by a ship builder.
The Corn Exchange built in 1854 has been converted into a concert hall. This versatile modern venue hosts theatre, comedy, touring musicals, and concerts. There is also an onsite coffee shop.
King’s Lynn has an award-winning distillery in a historic building in it’s town centre. At WhataHoot, they make gin (and vodka) in small batches as every bottle is hand-distilled. You can get your supplies of WhataHoot products as well as a range of local artisan produce at their ground floor ‘Pantry’ shop.
They also offer special experiences for gin enthusiasts including tastings, masterclasses in their Gin School and Spirit Lounge, and distillery tours. You can even make your own personally branded bottle of gin.
The Walks is an historic urban park in the heart of King’s Lynn. It was first conceived as a single promenade that would allow citizens to get away from the smell, grime and bustle of the town centre but has grown into much more. As Norfolk’s only surviving 18th century town walk, it was designated a Grade II historic park by English Heritage in 1998.
You can take a ferry across the River Great Ouse between the historic centre of King’s Lynn and West Lynn to get a different view of the quayside area. The first recorded service of this Lynn ferry dates back to 1285, making it one of the oldest recorded services in England.
The ferry operates from 7:00 to 18:00 Monday to Saturday. During peak hours the ferry runs continuously and every 20 minutes at other times. The fare for the King’s Lynn ferry is 2 for an adult return and 1.50 for a child return. The ferry could be a convenient way to get to the town centre without having to drive or park there.
Sightseeing
Nestling under the big skies of the Fen countryside, in the shadow of its magnificent cathedral, Ely offers a wealth of attractions and things to do. As the second smallest city in England, it is compact enough to explore on foot, but large enough to fill a full day and more. Close to Cambridge and Newmarket and within easy reach of the Suffolk and North Norfolk coast, Ely is your perfect base for exploring this beautiful area.
The first port of call for any visitor to Ely today will almost certainly be the Cathedral. This imposing structure towers across the fens for miles around. Dominating the skyline, it is one of England's most beautiful and largest Cathedrals. Known locally as the 'Ship of the Fens' it is famous for its unique Octagon tower, which when lit can be seen for tens of miles. The Cathedral is also home to the only national museum dedicated to Stained Glass. If it's history you're interested in then Ely Museum, housed in the city's old gaol, is an excellent place to start.
64 locals recommend
Ely
Nestling under the big skies of the Fen countryside, in the shadow of its magnificent cathedral, Ely offers a wealth of attractions and things to do. As the second smallest city in England, it is compact enough to explore on foot, but large enough to fill a full day and more. Close to Cambridge and Newmarket and within easy reach of the Suffolk and North Norfolk coast, Ely is your perfect base for exploring this beautiful area.
The first port of call for any visitor to Ely today will almost certainly be the Cathedral. This imposing structure towers across the fens for miles around. Dominating the skyline, it is one of England's most beautiful and largest Cathedrals. Known locally as the 'Ship of the Fens' it is famous for its unique Octagon tower, which when lit can be seen for tens of miles. The Cathedral is also home to the only national museum dedicated to Stained Glass. If it's history you're interested in then Ely Museum, housed in the city's old gaol, is an excellent place to start.
(National Trust)It’s hard not to fall in love with Oxburgh Hall, when you catch your first glimpse of the imposing brick manor house reflected in the tranquil moat.
Built by the Bedingfeld family in 1482 as a statement of power, Oxburgh and the family have endured turbulent times. Through religious persecution, Civil War devastation, near dereliction and threatened demolition, Oxburgh’s story is one of survival.
Step inside to discover the legacy of the 6th Baronet who created much of what you see today, from the Victorian Gothic interiors to the ornate architectural additions that reflect a romantic view of Oxburgh's medieval past.
Outside, the gardens are a mixture of formal and wilderness, with the kitchen garden, orchard and herbaceous border adding colour and seasonal interest. And for those wanting to explore further, you can follow one of the estate walks through woodland, along the River Gadder, and out into open meadows.
57 locals recommend
Oxburgh Hall
(National Trust)It’s hard not to fall in love with Oxburgh Hall, when you catch your first glimpse of the imposing brick manor house reflected in the tranquil moat.
Built by the Bedingfeld family in 1482 as a statement of power, Oxburgh and the family have endured turbulent times. Through religious persecution, Civil War devastation, near dereliction and threatened demolition, Oxburgh’s story is one of survival.
Step inside to discover the legacy of the 6th Baronet who created much of what you see today, from the Victorian Gothic interiors to the ornate architectural additions that reflect a romantic view of Oxburgh's medieval past.
Outside, the gardens are a mixture of formal and wilderness, with the kitchen garden, orchard and herbaceous border adding colour and seasonal interest. And for those wanting to explore further, you can follow one of the estate walks through woodland, along the River Gadder, and out into open meadows.
Walks and jogging Route from the house
Turn right out of the main gate, after about half a mile turn right to walk around Lodge Farm track.
To walk to the farm shop/restaurant (Baytree), turn right and head to the village, just past the school turn left into ‘West End’. Follow this road straight ahead (don’t go around the bend) all the the way to the crossing over the road, it’s about a mile.
The Coach House is on a Norfolk Green Lane for cycling, there is a woodstore for storing your bikes.
Ely Rd, Hilgay, Downham Market PE38, UK
Turn right out of the main gate, after about half a mile turn right to walk around Lodge Farm track.
To walk to the farm shop/restaurant (Baytree), turn right and head to the village, just past the school turn left into ‘West End’. Follow this road straight ahead (don’t go around the bend) all the the way to the crossing over the road, it’s about a mile.
The Coach House is on a Norfolk Green Lane for cycling, there is a woodstore for storing your bikes.