A Short Break at Berry Thatch Barn, Norfolk with Original Cottages

Berry Thatch Barn, Norfolk

 

Finding Berry Thatch Barn

Let me tell you  how we came about finding Berry Thatch Barn

Earlier this month we took a short break and headed down to explore Norfolk.  We stayed at a beautiful property called Berry Thatch which is listed with Original Cottages. It was easy to find this perfect cottage for us despite the fact Original Cottages have over 5300 hand-picked cottages in a variety of UK  destinations.

We searched by area, cottage size, proximity to the coast, number of bedrooms and late availability and we found Berry Hatch quickly. It ticked all our boxes. Plus how very pretty it is!

 

 

 

Such an easy website to navigate. We simply called up and booked and our directions and keysafe number were sent to us promptly. So, so simple. It could of course be done online too. I do love a straightforward holiday find don’t you? It can hugely impact the frustraion of holiday planning when it is tricky to find a holiday and book it in the first place! 

We specifically sought for cottages in Norfolk. As a family, we adore Norfolk and have been to North Norfolk around Holkham and Wells many times. From Nottingham, it is about 2 1/2 drive so not too bad and it is so beautiful.

 

Berry Thatch

Berry Thatch is a converted thatched barn in the lovely rural area of Suffield Common, a gorgous little hamlet just 7 miles form Cromer. It is set in a tiny  row of similar conversions and you have designated parking.  It is only six miles from the market town of Aylsham and seventeen from the city of Norwich  – oh and 3 miles to the nearest pub/shop.

It is a lovely property, it has exposed beams and oak floors and it is stylishly decorated.  It has a little coutyard with seating, a large open plan kitchen/sitting and dining area. It has a twin bedded bedroom downstairs plus toilet and shower room. Upstairs is a large double bed plus ensuite and a storage room for cases etc.  I have stayed in a lit of cottage sin my time and I was absolutely just so impressed with the way Berry Thatch was equipped – it honestly has all you needed, even a pint of milk thoughtfully left in the fridge. There were games and towels and dishwasher tabs, a little washing up liquid, a fragrant candle, a torch, a guide to the local area and oh pretty much anything you might need – well it was there.

 

 

 

 

Berry Thatch is obviously taken care of with love.

 

 

Berry Thatch was such a great place to stay – so well based for exploring Norfolk and a cosy, quiet retreat.  We were very comfortable there.

 

 

Norfolk beaches

You are spoilt for choice in Norfolk for beaches and we were so blessed with the weather during our 3-night stay. We went to Cromer on the first day and the stony sandy beach was a delight. We had chips, went to the arcade and played the 2p slots. We had sticky waffles and the children played in the sea for hours.

 

 

 

It really is authentic and traditional British seaside at Cromer and we adored it. I made stone sculptures in the sand and watched my kids and felt happy to my core.

We did intend to visit lots of the beaches In Norfolk during out stay but we had been recommended to checkout Winterton Beach ( about 20 miles away)  which we did on our second day.

The perfect beach.

 

 

We fell completely in love with Winterton beach…completely gorgeous and so big that even on a busy bank holiday it didn’t feel busy.  A gorgeous cafe overlooks the beach, the sea was calm and we were blissed out. It is unspoilt, un-touristy and just a delight,. We read for hours built a sandcastle and played in the sea. It was so lovely and so perfect for us we headed back there the next day too! There is a large car park at the top of the beach and it’s only a short walk, past the café, to reach the sand. It is also a great beach for dogs!

Nearby at Horsey beach, you can find seals in winter and we ever saw one swim past in the sea at Winterton how cool was that.  Beach after glorious beach abounds on the Norfolk coast. We went for a more remote beach with it being Bank Holiday but they are all worth exploring.

 

Norfolk Broads

I have always wanted to visit the Norfolk Broads. ..my kids weren’t so excited – just wanting to head to the beach initially but once we got to Wroxham they were spellbound. Wroxham is considered the capital of the broads and oh it so pretty!  We had a gorgeous walk by the side of the broads and loved looking at all the different boats and we ate lunch looking out at the water.

 

 

We were all so enchanted we have vowed to come back next year and take a boat out for the day. Such a beautiful place.

 

Blickling Hall Estate

 

Near to where weather was Blickling Hall, said to be the birthplace of Anne Boleyn. We decided to visit on our last morning and ended up there nearly all day. We explored the stunning stately home and nearby the ancient church, we saw a 1940’s play enacted int he grounds and hunted out the secret garden. We toured the lake and the walled gardens and had a lovely cafe lunch. Oh, Blicking really is rather marvellous. So much to see and do oand a variety of outdoor games laid on for the kids too – a perfect National Trust property.

 

 

 

On our Norfolk bucket list

Because of the beautiful beach we did not get time to do half the things on our to-do list..we had fancied visiting Red Wing Horse Sanctuary, taking out canoes, visiting Norwich with it’s helter-skelter in a cathedral and oh so much more. Norfolk has endless delights but when the sunshines how can you leave the beach.

All we know for sure is we have to go back!

We absolutely had the most lovely time and we drove home with our hearts full of memories.

 

 With thanks to Original Cottages for our discounted break at Berry Thatch Barn  -if you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy my post on reasons to visit the Norfolk broads