Featured Events 2017

Featured Events 2017

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  Steam Railways & Museums in Norfolk & Suffolk

  15 February, 2017

  Norfolk and Suffolk are home to some of the most magnificent vintage steam railways in the country. They offer a nostalgic experience, away from the electronic world that we live in today – and is one that many people have not had the opportunity to enjoy.

  We’ve put together a list of the heritage and steam railways and museums to visit while you’re on holiday in Suffolk or the Norfolk area.

  North Norfolk – Near Sheringham

  Poppy Line – North Norfolk Railway: Easily accessible from Cromer, the North Norfolk railway at Sheringham, offers much more than just a train ride, it offers an insight into the world of yesterday. The route will bring you along some of the finest coastal countryside you could wish to see, and you’ll be riding along one of their professionally restored coaches. All stations on the line have been restored and have a range of attractions for you to enjoy, with lunch and evening meals available so you can make the most of your day. Take a look at our cottages in Cromer and find the perfect place to stay.

  Website: http://www.nnrailway.co.uk

  Address: Station Approach, Sheringham NR26 8RA, England

  North Norfolk – Aylsham

  Bure Valley Railway: Halfway between Cromer and Norwich, the Bure Valley railway runs between Aylsham and Wroxham, in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. One of Norfolk’s longest gauge railways, there are a number of quaint villages along the line, where you can stop and explore and board again simply by waving down the driver as the steam train approaches.  The station itself features a café offering cakes, treats, snacks and homemade hot meals.

  Website: http://www.bvrw.co.uk

  Location: Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6BW

  North Norfolk – Wells Next-the-Sea

  The Wells & Walsingham Light Steam Railway:  Running between Wells and Walsingham, all stations along the line have been restored and the two locomotives that run on this railway are well known within the steam industry. Overall, the location is one of Britain’s best little railways, and is a must visit if you’re in the area.

  Website: http://www.wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk

  Location: Wells to Walsingham Light Railway, Wells Next-the-Sea, Norfolk. NR23 1QB.

  Mid Norfolk - Dereham

  Mid-Norfolk Railway: Running between Dereham and Wymondham Abbey, this line offers dining experiences on selected days of the week – so you can enjoy a cream tea or fish and chip supper while trundling through the heart of the Norfolk countryside.

  Website: http://www.mnr.org.uk

  Location: Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF

  South Norfolk/North Suffolk border – near Diss

  Bressingham Steam & Gardens

  Less of a steam railway, more of a heritage museum – the 4km track winds its way through the 20 acres of landscaped gardens, passing locomotive sheds, the galloper carousel and the Dad’s Army Collection. There is something for all of the family and is a great day out.

  Website: http://www.bressingham.co.uk/home.aspx

  Location: Low Road, Bressingham, Diss, IP22 2AA 

  Take a look at our holiday cottages in Suffolk to find the ideal place for your stay.

  If you have any other insights or updates regarding our list, please do email us and let us know, so that we can keep our information up to date.

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  Minsmere @ 70 Wildlife Walk

  21 March, 2017

  Explore the seasonal sights and sounds at Minsmere, discover some of our amazing wildlife and learn about key moments in Minsmere's 70 year history during this guided walk with our friendly and knowledgeable guides. With regular dates throughout the year, it's a brilliant opportunity to get in touch with nature on your holiday.

  Start at 9.15 am (3-4 hours)

  Price: Adults £8, children £4 (plus normal reserve entry fees for non-members)

  Booking essential

  Dates: 

  April: Sat 1, Sun 9, Sat 15, Sun 23, Sat 29

  May: Sun 7, Sat 13, Sun 21, Sat 27

  June: Sun 4, Sat 10, Sun 18, Sat 24

  June- Start 9.30, 3 hours: Tues 6, 13, 20, 27

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  Things To Do In Southwold

  12 May, 2017

  Suffolk is the perfect location for families, couples and friends, with plenty to see and do in an area full of natural beauty. The iconic town of Southwold, on the “Suffolk Riviera” offers relaxing strolls on the golden sandy beach and a bustling town packed with independent boutiques, shops, cafés and restaurants. 

  Top 10 Things to Do In Southwold

  Southwold Lighthouse Tour
  The Southwold Lighthouse has been an important landmark since 1890, guiding vessels safely into the harbour. A visitor centre is open on specific days and offers 20-minute tours, showing off some of the most breath-taking views in the county.

  
  Southwold Summer Theatre
  The Southwold Summer Theatre offers a range of productions throughout the season. Ranging in genre, there is something for everyone, with some real class acts and truly fascinating plots to get your teeth into.

  
  The Amber Museum 
  The only museum in the UK dedicated to the history of the gemstone, amber. Whilst visiting you will learn about how amber was formed over 50 million years ago, and its uses throughout history.

  
  Southwold Maize Maze
  The perfect family day out, open from July through to early September. Navigate your way through the maze; let the kids expend some energy on the 'jumping pillow', pedal tractors and climbing the tower before relaxing for a family lunch in the picnic area. The ice creams come highly recommended!

  
  The Coastal Voyager 
  For a high-speed race across the water, try the Coastal Voyager’s ‘Sea Blast’, a 30-minute high-speed tour of Sole Bay, which is not for the faint hearted! They also offer other, more relaxing trips including grey seals at Scroby Sands or a three-hour River Blyth Cruise, with breath-taking views and the chance to see marsh harriers, heron, seals and, possibly even an osprey.

  Southwold Pier
  The Victorian pier hosts a range of entertainment, including wacky mirrors, the waterclock and quantum tunnelling telescope! The iconic beach huts, with their creative names, are closeby, as are food, drinks, shops and much more.

  
  The Electric Picture Place 
  A throwback to the early 1900’s, offering a traditional cinema experience, combined with modern day films. A traditional booth is run to book tickets, and you will be personally cared for, with comfort being the top priority.

  
  Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum 
  The museum tells the story of Alfred Corry’s rescue career, from 1893 to 1918 and details the rich history of the area. Admission is free, although donations are welcomed.

  
  Adnams Distillery Tours
  The Copper House distillery is the most energy-efficient of its kind in the UK, with water and steam generated being used by the brewery. Since their launch in 2010, their spirits have won award after award. Tours operate daily and there is an onsite shop, so you can pick up some tasty treats before you leave.

  
  Under The Pier Show
  The Under the Pier show is among the most unique arcades in the UK, with a range of handmade retro and modern coin and entertainment machines. The magic remains, with an incredibly rich atmosphere and free feel throughout. Not one to miss!

  
  Our Team’s Top Food Choice
  The Team here in the office have unanimously chosen the Little Fish and Chip Shop on the High Street. It offers competitively price “proper” fish and chips that won’t disappoint!

  Our Southwold Area Guide offers additional information on places to eat in the town. Alternatively, Aldeburgh is a short distance further down the coast and should also be visited during your stay.

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  Birdwatching for Beginners

  25 June, 2017

  Many people have begun birdwatching at Minsmere over the last 70 years. Out RSPB guides will take you through all the steps for bird identification as well as showing you how to use binoculars and which field guides are best for you. They'll then help you to spot some of the reserve's seasonal highlights. no previous experience needed.  Start: 10.30am (2.5 hours)  Price: Adults £8, children £4 plus normal reserve entry fees for non-members.

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  Forest Live 2017, Thetford Forest, Suffolk

  29 June, 2017

  Forest Live takes place in June and July every summer and attracts an eclectic mix of acts performing in a spectacular forest location. Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission to bring forests to new audiences. Income from ticket sales is spent on protecting, improving England’s forests and woodlands and increasing their value to people and widelife.

  The line-up for this year’s series of events includes:

  Elbow, Olly Murs, Rick Astley and Clean Bandit.

  Thetford Forest is in Brandon in Suffolk – view our range of countryside cottages in Suffolk here.

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  Summer holiday activities for the kids

  3 August, 2017

  So, you’ve booked the holiday, you’ve packed the buckets and spades but have you got plenty of kids’ activities planned for when you get here? Southwold and Walberswick on the Suffolk coastline have loads to offer families looking for ways to keep the children entertained. Here’s a few ideas to have up your sleeve...

  Southwold Pier
  Southwold’s iconic pier is a prominent attraction in this vibrant seaside town. With arcades, shops, cafés, restaurants, an innovative water clock and an Under the Pier Show, it’s easy to keep the children amused. There are a host of activities during the summer including Punch and Judy and face painting.

  The Pitstop – Southwold
  The Pitstop is a fab café with lovely grounds and tennis courts tucked away between the water tower and Southwold Golf Club. There are a fantastic range of toys including bikes, scooters, a Wendy House, toy cars and board games. For the grown-ups, it’s a relaxing place to read the papers and enjoy home-made cakes, all day breakfasts and freshly made sandwiches. Look out for regular events such as barbecues, “Spaghetti nights”, and tennis tournaments.

  Southwold Boating Lake and Tea rooms
  This quirky 1940s style tea room is well worth a visit during your holiday. Close to Southwold Pier, the tea rooms serve home-made cakes, snacks and light lunches. Children can enjoy the paddleboats on the lake (life jackets provided) while you relax and watch the world go by. The Boating Lake features one of the largest free wind-sailing model yacht ponds in the UK. Have a go at sailing at one of the model Yacht Regattas.
  http://www.southwoldboatinglakeandtearoom.co.uk/ http://www.southwoldmodelyachtregattas.co.uk/

  Ice cream and sweet treats
  Southwold and Walberswick are spoilt for choice when it comes to sweet treats. Beaches & Cream in Southwold is ice cream and candy heaven with sweets from imported brands such as Rees and Hershey’s and loads of ice cream flavours. Squiers is a more traditional confectioner with plenty to tempt a sweet tooth or try 1 St James’ Green which sells many old fashioned favourites. New to Southwold this summer is Harris & James, serving delicious gelato, cakes and pastries, freshly roasted coffee and bean-to-bar chocolate.  Suzi’s Café or Gun Hill Cafe are also great for an ice cream stop. In Walberswick, the Parish Lantern is a lovely tea room by the village green or head to the beach to the trusty ice cream van!

  Surf’s up
  Catch a wave or two with a lesson with Surfwold Surf School offering children (over 8) and adult lessons on Southwold beach. Lessons include a thorough safety brief, advice on how to enter the water, paddling, catching a wave, popping-up and riding waves. Surfboards and wetsuits provided.

  Bike hire
  Southwold Cycle Hire has a great range of bikes to hire for all the family. Call 01502 724466 or visit 3 Blyth Road, Southwold. Mountain Bike and Cruiser Bike Hire offers adult and child bikes from the Dawes and Raleigh ranges.

  Crabbing, Walberswick
  A trip to Walberswick would not be complete without a spot of crabbing! Bring a bucket, a crab line and some bait (raw bacon is good) and see how many you can catch by the river bank. Just don’t forget to put the crabs back in the water so that they can carry on with their day!

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  Suffolk Summer Theatre in Southwold presents Tom Dick and Harry

  31 July, 2017

  Tom, Dick and Harry by Ray & Michael Cooney (from 31 July- 12 August, 2017)

  Professional summer repertory theatre presenting a broad mixture of comedies, thrillers and family drama.

  Tom and his wife Linda are hoping to adopt a baby so everything must be perfect for the visit later that day of the lady from the adoption agency. Enter Tom's brothers - Dick and Harry - who have come to 'help@ Their hearts are in the right place but their brains definitely aren't! Before long, the house is awash with contraband cigarettes, suspicious-looking packages, an inquisitive police officer, and two stowaway refugees. And the lady from the adoption agency is due any moment...

  "Highly inventive, irresistible and utterly hilarious comedy from the family firm"

  Find out more:

  http://www.southwoldtheatre.org/

  Read Heritage Hideaways' Southwold holiday guide

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  Snape Proms 2017

  1 August, 2017

  Snape Proms 2017: 1 August -1 September, 2017

  Each summer the world renowned concert hall at Snape near Aldeburgh in Suffolk is host to talented musicians from across the world. There is music for everyone to enjoy at Snape Proms from big band and orchestras to folk groups and solo artists.

  The seats at the front of Snape Maltings Concert Hall are removed to create the Proms area and for every Snape Prom, more than 100 Prom tickets are sold at £6.50 for the closest view of the action. There are also 20 tickets released on the day of each event.

  The Concert Hall Café & Restaurant offers unique pre-and post-concert dining with local food and drink and a breathtaking view of the Alde Estuary. And Snape Maltings has a fantastic range of independent shops, cafés and galleries to visit if you want to make a day of it.

  Find out more:

  https://snapemaltings.co.uk/season/snape-proms/

  View our selection of cottages in Aldeburgh and the surrounding area

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  Southwold Model Railway Exhibition

  5 August, 2017

  Organised by Waveney Valley Model Railway Club, the Southwold Model Railway Exhibition is the biggest and only two-day model railway exhibition in East Anglia on 5th and 6th August, 2017. The exhibition will feature 20 layouts including one with live steam trains as well as demonstrations, traders and railway and preservation societies at the event.

  There will also be refreshments, craft fair in the school grounds (on the Saturday) and an Air Ambulance helicopter is planned to land in the school grounds on Saturday with an opportunity to view the aircraft and meet the crew!

  Find out more:

  http://www.wvmrc.org.uk/page3.html

   

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  Dentill 2017

  3 September, 2017

  Enjoy a family day out at Dentill 2017 and experience a Bygone Era in Action.
  
  This year's event will take place from 10am until 5pm on Sunday, 3rd September a Norwich Road in the village of Denton in Norfolk.

   Attractions include:

  • Threshing
  • Working tractors
  • Home cooked food throughout the day, bar and Denton Cyder
  • Child play area
  • Craft fair
  • Vintage cars
  • Static displays
  • Trailer ridesPrices:
    
  • Adults £5
  • Concessions £4
  • Under 16 £1
  • Under 2 free 
    
    Find out more at http://dentill.co.uk/

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  Emma by Jane Austen, The Cut Halesworth

  9 September, 2017

  Head to The Cut in Halesworth on 9th September for DOT Production's sparkling stage adaptation of the Jane Austen classic "Emma".

  Emma Woodhouse has the world at her fingertips. Life seems pretty good – if a bit boring – and so Emma decides to spice things up by taking on a protégé, Harriet Smith. Although determined never to marry herself, Emma immediately decides to find Harriet a husband and sets about playing Cupid with the village men.

  When her carefully laid plans unravel and lead to consequences she never expected, Emma learns life doesn't always go the way you want it to!

  With its imperfect yet charming heroine and unique view of relationships Emma is often seen as one of Jane Austen’s most celebrated works.

  In this bicentennial year of Jane Austen, DOT Productions brings its renowned style to 'Emma', a comedy of manners that is sure to delight.

  Saturday 9^th September 2017 - 7:30 pm

  Prices:

  - Standard: £14

  - Concession: £12

  More information: http://newcut.org/events/entry/5983

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  Grand Henham Steam Rally

  16 September, 2017

  The 43rd Grand Henham Steam Rally will take place on the 16th and 17th September at Henham Park near Southwold.

  This is a fantastic family event with so much to see and do.

  This year The Uk's number one monster truck team is coming to the rally! Big Pete, the only team in the world with a driver as a commentator, will be bringing its own brand of monster mayhem to the rally's Len Murray Arena.

  The Wymondham Falconry display team will be in our Len Murray Arena, demonstrating the impressive skills of a variety of birds of prey.

  Team Spectrum Kites will be back at the rally this year - father and son Bryan and Carl will be demonstrating synchronised kite flying choreographed to music.

  Plus:

  • Bandstand with live music
  • Craft tent & craft stalls
  • Food stands & bar
  • Fun for the children in Kids Corner 
  • Heavy horses in action
  • Ken Fox Wall of Death
  • Lowestoft Dog Agility Display Team
  • Modified & custom vehicles
  • Never Ready drum band
  • Stationary engines
  • Steam power in all its glory
  • Vintage vehicles
  • ​Trade stands
  • Urban Allstars
  • Vintage fairground
  • Working steam demonstrations.

  Find out more at http://www.henhamsteamrally.com/home

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