Norfolk 2015 (148 images)
We visited Norfolk for week, followed by
a long weekend in London. We rented a cottage with Deb's brother
and sister-in-law at The
Granaries at Wayford Bridge in Norfolk for the week. Don
and Norma picked us up at Heathrow, then drove us all to Norfolk
- a few hours drive. We took a break in Wymondham, having lunch
at a 16th century pub and visiting the Abbey (where a rehearsal
was underway for the local symphony). Out of our base at the
Granaries we rented kayaks (and canoes) to explore the Ant
river. We did a day in Norwich, and a boat tour out of Wroxham.
We also did a day trip to Sandringham (the Queen's country
estate). On the way back to London, we took in the Blossom and Yarn
festival put on by 6 churches in rural Norfolk. Here is a
collection of photos
from the festival.
In
London, we based ourselves on Edgware Road, near an
underground station. From there, we took a stroll on Regent's
Canal; spent a day in Cambridge; did a kayak tour with
London Kayak Tours on the Thames near Hampton Court - then
toured the palace; took a London Walks underground walking tour,
took a ride on the London Eye and toured the Transport Museum.
Some random observations:
- it's good to visit Norfolk while school
is still in session.
- the Norfolk Broads were
historically a peat bog with significant "mining" of peat.
The Broads are shallow lakes where the diggings flooded as
the sea levels rose.
- Highland Angus bulls are really big
(especially when standing on the edge of the river, when
viewed from a kayak).
- Norfolk is really flat and has a
lot of churches. You can almost see all of them standing on
your tippy toes. The high point of the Broads is 300'.
- The London Eye moves really slowly.
It's much better if you book ahead and pay for the Fast Track
line.
- Every underground station has a
unique labyrinth displayed somewhere in the station.
- Early underground trains used steam
engines.
- Kings College Chapel has a stained
glass panel with a character wearing spectacles. Not an
original!
- People are really drawn to attractive
dogs
- Thatched roofs can last 100 years.
Norfolk reed is the thatch of choice.
Click a picture to see a larger view.
