Photo by Elliott Brown

1. Peddars Way

Route description

Peddars Way stretches along 46 miles between Knettishall Heath and Holme-next-the-Sea, where it connects with the Norfolk Coastal Path. For the most part, Peddars Way follows an ancient Bronze Age route that later became a Roman road. The path runs past intermediate towns like Blackwater Carr, Little Cressingham, Castle Acre, Sedgeford, and Ringstead.

The main highlights of the Peddars Way include the extensive pine and oak forests near Blackwater Carr and the heathlands in the Breckland area, which are a prime location to spot the local bird species.

Peddars Way, Norfolk: Knettishall Heath by Michael Perryman

Practical information

The trailhead at Knettishall Heath can be reached from Harling Road train station. From there, trains connect the Peddars Way with Norwich, Cambridge, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Liverpool. The northern trailhead at Holme-next-the-Sea is connected by bus with Sheringham and Kings Lynn, where onward train connections are plentiful.

Between Easter and the last week of September, the Brecks bus shuttles hikers between the main towns and villages along Peddars Way. The bus originates in Thetford (served by a rail line) and continues on to Knettishall before terminating at Swaffham. From this point and until the end of the path at Holmes, bus connections are limited.

Art on the Peddars Way is an interesting project that combines music, poetry, and sculpture with the outstanding natural beauty of the area. Some of the sculptures function as waymarkers.

Accommodation

There is a caravan park and campsite near River Thet, by Thorpe Woodlands. Alternatively, bed and breakfast and cottage accommodation are available at Castle Acre, Sedgeford, Thetford, and Swaffham. Some of the cottages offer amenities like wifi Internet, washing machine, TV, and microwave.

2. Norfolk Coastal Path

Route description

The Norfolk Coastal Path runs along 45 miles between the towns of Hunstanton and Cromer. Along the way, the route traverses some of eastern England’s most stunning coastal scenery, including areas that have been designated Areas of Outstanding National Beauty.

The trailheads are located at Cromer and Hunstanton, and intermediate towns include Holme-next-the-Sea, Titchwell, Brancaster, Burnham, Wells-next-the-Sea, Blakeney, Salthouse, Weybourne, Sheringham, and Beeston Regis.

Some interesting things to see while walking the Coastal Path include the Victorian architecture in Hunstanton, the salt marshes near Brancaster and Blakeney, the beaches and wildlife at the Holkham National Natural Reserve, and the Sheringham cliffs.

The sea cliffs at Hunstanton: Norfolk Coastal Path by Andrew Dunn

Practical information

The Coastal Path can be easily accessed by car or public transportation from two main towns: Norwich and in Kings Lynn. At Kings Lynn, trains link this Norfolk town with London and Cambridge. Those who prefer to start their walk on Norfolk’s Coastal Path at an intermediate point can take one of the hourly Coasthopper bus services, which depart from Kings Lynn train station and go all the way to Hunstanton, stopping at the main points of interest for walkers. Coasthopper buses also link Norwich with Cromer, Cromer with Wells-next-the-Sea, and Wells with Hunstanton.

There is an information centre in Sheringham, which can provide walkers with leaflets and local transportation and accommodation advice. The path is safe to walk on all-year-round, although it is important to keep in mind that the high season (which runs between April and September) brings an increased number of visitors and therefore it is wise to book accommodation in advance.

Written on behalf of Potters Leisure Resort – Holidays in Norfolk

The post All You Need To Know About Planning A Walking Holiday In Norfolk appeared first on Best of European Union.

National Railway Museum in York / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Martin Robson

On leaving the Station, you will come across the fantastic, Victorian built Royal York Hotel. The hotel was opened in 1878, originally named The Royal Station Hotel. Today, you can enter the hotel’s pretty gardens and ascend 60 metres above the city on The Wheel of York, taking in the awe inspiring views across the city, and getting a unique view of the station and its surroundings.

Continuing on towards the city centre, you will come across a statue of George Leeman, who was the Chairman of the Railway Association of Great Britain and Deputy of North Eastern Railways. The statue was unveiled in 1885 and Station Road became Leeman Road, two years after his death.

Taking a left down Leeman Road, you will come to the world famous National Railway Museum, which opened in 1975 on the former site of the York North locomotive depot. The museum houses the national collection of historic railway vehicles, and includes some fantastic examples of Royal Trains, the Flying Scotsman, Mallard, and many steam locomotives.

In June 2012, the museum is holding ‘Railfest’, a celebration of Britain’s railways, where you can take a rare look inside the driver’s cabs, and ride on various trains. Rarely seen railway giants such as snow ploughs and a sail powered railway vehicle will also be on show.

A road train runs from the museum the short distance to the city centre; on this journey you will pass under the Bar Walls, through an impressive archway.  Opposite you will see a grand Georgian building, aptly named The Cedar Court Grand Hotel, York’s first five star hotel. It was originally built in 1906 by the North Eastern Railway Company and housed their headquarters. The street to the right of the building is the site of the old railway station.

Continuing past the old Headquarters, the first street on your right is Rougier Street, which leads onto George Hudson Street. Hudson, known as ‘The Railway King’, is famed with bringing the railways to York. He became Lord Mayor of the city in 1837, the same year he had a chance meeting with George Stephenson, ‘The Father of Railways’, who had built the world’s first steam locomotive railway line. The pair worked together on the building of the railways and were also friends. By 1844, Hudson was in control of over a thousand miles of railway, but despite his success, after being discovered of committing fraud, he died penniless in 1871.

York Minster / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by andy

Continuing on the road train, you will pass over Lendal Bridge, look to your left and you will see Scarborough Bridge a short distance down river. This train bridge takes trains from York Station to the seaside destination of Scarborough on a single track. The road train will take you to Duncombe Place, from where you can be inspired by the magnificent York Minster, and take time to wander through the streets of the historic city itself.

Returning to the Railway Station, it is impossible to leave the city without a feeling of wonderment, having taken in the history of the rail revolution, the very thing that makes York what it is today.

Author: Julie Ward writes on behalf of the Love My Vouchers Lifestyle blog, the UK’s discount and voucher code blog that helps you visit the UK on a budget.

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