From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to Suffolk's stunning food – three staycations in the eastern counties
DIVE in to scrumptious staycays in England's eastern counties.
From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to stunning sustenance in Suffolk, we have it covered.
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12
The quaint beach huts in Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk
Credit: Shutterstock
The Nest Farmhouse, King's Lynn
Beauty Writer Mia Lyndon and boyfriend Jamie found vineyards and seafood feasts in Norfolk.
THE PAD
Tucked away in the rolling fields of North Norfolk, guests are greeted with fizz from neighbouring Cobble Hill Winery at this former barn.
Rooms are bang-on theme with farmhouse-chic decor – ours had a vintage tub, dried flowers, distressed furniture and a spacious balcony from which green vistas extend as far as the eye can see.
12
Flock to The Nest Farmhouse
Credit: Neeve Photography
Fragrant home-made negronis made from a concoction of aged local spirits and spices, £14, are literally on tap from a miniature barrel in the homely bar.
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Read More on Travel
Then tuck into rich bone marrow and crunchy focaccia, £12, followed by tender local Old Spot pork chop, £28, and barbecued cabbage smothered in a tangy, buttery anchovy dressing, £5.
Fluffy doughnuts dunked in toffee sauce, £10, are the perfect pud, and we splashed out on a bottle of local Cobble Hill Bacchus Reserve, £55.
Birdsong will wake you for an alfresco brekkie of local cheese, cured meats and trout, while you watch ducks bob about in the pond.
EXPLORE
Spy deer in the lush 667 acres of the palatial 18th-century
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Most read in Beach holidays
Exclusive
Entry costs from £24 per person (
12
Look out for deer in the woods of Holkham Park in North Norfolk
The neighbouring town of
Pretty Norfolk coastline has sea lions and award-winning beaches-
REFUEL
Norfolk is renowned for crab, so tuck into a platter at family-run Wells Crab House and feast on creamy dressed crab, crayfish, oak-smoked salmon, juicy prawns, tangy cockles and rollmops, plus indulgent potato salad – £44 for two people.
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Sip cucumber and apple coolers, £5, as you go (
12
Start your day with fluffy French toast
Credit: Neeve Photography
Meanwhile, in cobble-stoned King's Lynn, devour giant slabs of buttery ginger cake, £2.50, from indie cafe Norbury's (
Then plump for dinner by candlelight at Grade-II-listed The Bank House, a stylish eatery on the banks of the River Ouse.
Advertisement
Order Pineapple Fogs, a blend of honey-lime juice, pineapple and tonic, £5, and savour flaky cod and seafood chowder with mussels, squid and prawn, £22.50 (
DON'T MISS
Knowledgeable David at Burn Valley Vineyard (which has near-identical soil to the Champagne region), is the perfect host for wine-tasting, £25 a person.
You'll get to swig six wines – our fave was sweet, acidic Solaris 2023 – before wandering around the vineyard to see where they're grown (
12
Mia Lyndon in Norfolk with partner Jamie
Credit: Mia Lyndon
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BOOK IT
B&B at Nest Farmhouse costs from £160 per night (
The Crown and Castle, Orford
Writer Sasha Cunningham and husband Grant checked into a foodie haven on Suffolk's coast.
THE PAD
Nestled in the sleepy town of Orford, you'll find 21 newly refurbished rooms and an intimate two-AA-Rosette restaurant.
Our bright and spacious deluxe sea-view room had amazing glimpses of Orford Ness National Nature Reserve, plus a large bath, rainfall shower, Temple Spa toiletries and cosy armchairs.
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12
Experience the charm of The Crown and Castle
Credit: Matt Finch
Grab an Aperol Spritz, £9, or a pint of Mosaic lager, £5, before digging into dishes such as the spectacular soy-cured monkfish with glass noodles and sesame, £28.
Mains such as beef blade and fillet on a bed of spelt, celeriac and mushrooms, £32, won't disappoint, either.
EXPLORE
You're just over the road from 12th-century Orford Castle, which is well worth a visit for both the views from its tower and its captivating audio guide, £8.10 per adult (
Advertisement
Or take a wander down to the River Ore – pick the distance and difficulty of your walk by scanning the hotel's handy QR codes.
12
Brighten up your day at the Orford Ness Lighthouse
Be sure to book your visit to the nature reserve in advance, from £4.50 per adult (
Once used during WW2 for atomic bomb testing, it's now home to many species of birds and a colony of 200 grey seals.
Advertisement
REFUEL
Share the griddled fish selection of prawns, squid, sardines and mussels brushed with garlic oil, from £19.50, at Butley Orford Oysterage, a short stroll from your bed (
Or hunt out Two Magpies Bakery in the nearby pastel-coloured seaside town of Aldeburgh for rich hot chocolate, £3.45 – it's the perfect drink for a walk by the beach, where you can snap the giant scallop sculpture (
12
Tuck into fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon
Later, join a tour of Fishers Gin Distillery for tastings with a sea view, £35 for a 90-minute tour (
Advertisement
DON'T MISS
Stop by Orford's Pump Street Bakery for bear-claw almond frangipane pastries, £4.50 – just go early before they sell out (
12
Sasha Cunningham and husband Grant
Credit: Supplied by Sasha Cunningham
BOOK IT
Double rooms cost from £145 B&B (
The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds
Fashion Assistant Emily Regan, boyfriend Harry and dog Ragnar enjoyed history and booze in Suffolk's charming market town.
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THE PAD
This central Georgian hotel – once a favourite of
Book a Copper Room for a king-size bed, free-standing copper bath and a picturesque view of Abbey Gate.
12
Have a heavenly stay at The Angel
Credit: Supplied
Then dig into mouth-watering Surrey Farm 10oz sirloin with peppercorn sauce, £34, in the hotel's lively Eaterie.
Advertisement
Finish with chocolate crémeux, honeycomb and brownie ice cream, £8.50, and a pornstar martini, £14.
Come breakfast, a full English, plus sausage bites for Ragnar, were winners, and there are plenty of other doggy treats and toys on hand, too.
EXPLORE
A five-minute stroll away you'll find St Edmundsbury Cathedral (
But to really learn more about the town's history, join a walking tour around Abbey Gardens and the ruins of an 11th-century monastery, £10 per person for 90 minutes (
Advertisement
Gift hunters should head to The Parsley Pot with its cute ceramics (
REFUEL
For mid-morning pick-me-ups, No.5 Angel Hill has excellent home-made sausage rolls, £4.95, and iced lattes, £3.90 (
Discover the town's hop history on Greene King's brewery tour – or just lunch on beef and ale pie for under a tenner at its Beer Cafe.
12
The Swan at Lavenham serves up cracking food, £28 for two courses
Credit: The Swan/ Instagram
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Tours cost £20 per person (
Named
The Swan at Lavenham serves up a cracking Sunday roast, £28 for two courses (
DON'T MISS
Sip a glass of English vino, £6.50, and enjoy a live gig, if you're lucky, at The Wine Cellar (
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12
Emily Regan, boyfriend Harry and dog Ragnar in Bury St Edmunds
Credit: Emily Regan
BOOK IT
Double rooms cost from £157 a night (
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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to Suffolk's stunning food – three staycations in the eastern counties
DIVE in to scrumptious staycays in England's eastern counties. From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to stunning sustenance in Suffolk, we have it covered. Advertisement 12 The quaint beach huts in Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk Credit: Shutterstock The Nest Farmhouse, King's Lynn Beauty Writer Mia Lyndon and boyfriend Jamie found vineyards and seafood feasts in Norfolk. THE PAD Tucked away in the rolling fields of North Norfolk, guests are greeted with fizz from neighbouring Cobble Hill Winery at this former barn. Rooms are bang-on theme with farmhouse-chic decor – ours had a vintage tub, dried flowers, distressed furniture and a spacious balcony from which green vistas extend as far as the eye can see. 12 Flock to The Nest Farmhouse Credit: Neeve Photography Fragrant home-made negronis made from a concoction of aged local spirits and spices, £14, are literally on tap from a miniature barrel in the homely bar. Advertisement Read More on Travel Then tuck into rich bone marrow and crunchy focaccia, £12, followed by tender local Old Spot pork chop, £28, and barbecued cabbage smothered in a tangy, buttery anchovy dressing, £5. Fluffy doughnuts dunked in toffee sauce, £10, are the perfect pud, and we splashed out on a bottle of local Cobble Hill Bacchus Reserve, £55. Birdsong will wake you for an alfresco brekkie of local cheese, cured meats and trout, while you watch ducks bob about in the pond. EXPLORE Spy deer in the lush 667 acres of the palatial 18th-century Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays Exclusive Entry costs from £24 per person ( 12 Look out for deer in the woods of Holkham Park in North Norfolk The neighbouring town of Pretty Norfolk coastline has sea lions and award-winning beaches- REFUEL Norfolk is renowned for crab, so tuck into a platter at family-run Wells Crab House and feast on creamy dressed crab, crayfish, oak-smoked salmon, juicy prawns, tangy cockles and rollmops, plus indulgent potato salad – £44 for two people. Advertisement Sip cucumber and apple coolers, £5, as you go ( 12 Start your day with fluffy French toast Credit: Neeve Photography Meanwhile, in cobble-stoned King's Lynn, devour giant slabs of buttery ginger cake, £2.50, from indie cafe Norbury's ( Then plump for dinner by candlelight at Grade-II-listed The Bank House, a stylish eatery on the banks of the River Ouse. Advertisement Order Pineapple Fogs, a blend of honey-lime juice, pineapple and tonic, £5, and savour flaky cod and seafood chowder with mussels, squid and prawn, £22.50 ( DON'T MISS Knowledgeable David at Burn Valley Vineyard (which has near-identical soil to the Champagne region), is the perfect host for wine-tasting, £25 a person. You'll get to swig six wines – our fave was sweet, acidic Solaris 2023 – before wandering around the vineyard to see where they're grown ( 12 Mia Lyndon in Norfolk with partner Jamie Credit: Mia Lyndon Advertisement BOOK IT B&B at Nest Farmhouse costs from £160 per night ( The Crown and Castle, Orford Writer Sasha Cunningham and husband Grant checked into a foodie haven on Suffolk's coast. THE PAD Nestled in the sleepy town of Orford, you'll find 21 newly refurbished rooms and an intimate two-AA-Rosette restaurant. Our bright and spacious deluxe sea-view room had amazing glimpses of Orford Ness National Nature Reserve, plus a large bath, rainfall shower, Temple Spa toiletries and cosy armchairs. Advertisement 12 Experience the charm of The Crown and Castle Credit: Matt Finch Grab an Aperol Spritz, £9, or a pint of Mosaic lager, £5, before digging into dishes such as the spectacular soy-cured monkfish with glass noodles and sesame, £28. Mains such as beef blade and fillet on a bed of spelt, celeriac and mushrooms, £32, won't disappoint, either. EXPLORE You're just over the road from 12th-century Orford Castle, which is well worth a visit for both the views from its tower and its captivating audio guide, £8.10 per adult ( Advertisement Or take a wander down to the River Ore – pick the distance and difficulty of your walk by scanning the hotel's handy QR codes. 12 Brighten up your day at the Orford Ness Lighthouse Be sure to book your visit to the nature reserve in advance, from £4.50 per adult ( Once used during WW2 for atomic bomb testing, it's now home to many species of birds and a colony of 200 grey seals. Advertisement REFUEL Share the griddled fish selection of prawns, squid, sardines and mussels brushed with garlic oil, from £19.50, at Butley Orford Oysterage, a short stroll from your bed ( Or hunt out Two Magpies Bakery in the nearby pastel-coloured seaside town of Aldeburgh for rich hot chocolate, £3.45 – it's the perfect drink for a walk by the beach, where you can snap the giant scallop sculpture ( 12 Tuck into fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon Later, join a tour of Fishers Gin Distillery for tastings with a sea view, £35 for a 90-minute tour ( Advertisement DON'T MISS Stop by Orford's Pump Street Bakery for bear-claw almond frangipane pastries, £4.50 – just go early before they sell out ( 12 Sasha Cunningham and husband Grant Credit: Supplied by Sasha Cunningham BOOK IT Double rooms cost from £145 B&B ( The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds Fashion Assistant Emily Regan, boyfriend Harry and dog Ragnar enjoyed history and booze in Suffolk's charming market town. Advertisement THE PAD This central Georgian hotel – once a favourite of Book a Copper Room for a king-size bed, free-standing copper bath and a picturesque view of Abbey Gate. 12 Have a heavenly stay at The Angel Credit: Supplied Then dig into mouth-watering Surrey Farm 10oz sirloin with peppercorn sauce, £34, in the hotel's lively Eaterie. Advertisement Finish with chocolate crémeux, honeycomb and brownie ice cream, £8.50, and a pornstar martini, £14. Come breakfast, a full English, plus sausage bites for Ragnar, were winners, and there are plenty of other doggy treats and toys on hand, too. EXPLORE A five-minute stroll away you'll find St Edmundsbury Cathedral ( But to really learn more about the town's history, join a walking tour around Abbey Gardens and the ruins of an 11th-century monastery, £10 per person for 90 minutes ( Advertisement Gift hunters should head to The Parsley Pot with its cute ceramics ( REFUEL For mid-morning pick-me-ups, No.5 Angel Hill has excellent home-made sausage rolls, £4.95, and iced lattes, £3.90 ( Discover the town's hop history on Greene King's brewery tour – or just lunch on beef and ale pie for under a tenner at its Beer Cafe. 12 The Swan at Lavenham serves up cracking food, £28 for two courses Credit: The Swan/ Instagram Advertisement Tours cost £20 per person ( Named The Swan at Lavenham serves up a cracking Sunday roast, £28 for two courses ( DON'T MISS Sip a glass of English vino, £6.50, and enjoy a live gig, if you're lucky, at The Wine Cellar ( Advertisement 12 Emily Regan, boyfriend Harry and dog Ragnar in Bury St Edmunds Credit: Emily Regan BOOK IT Double rooms cost from £157 a night ( Plan your trip at
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Extra.ie
9 of the most breathtaking hidden Irish beaches to visit this summer
While it has been a rainy few days, the weather is set to improve once more in the coming days, and a trip to the beach might be in order sooner than we may think. However, instead of heading to your local beach or favourite seaside spot, why don't you explore some of the hidden gems that the island of Ireland has to offer? Dotted around the country and boasting stellar views, Ireland's hidden seaside locations are something to behold, but are not as well known because they are—well—hidden! Pic: Google Maps Nestled between the Howth Cliffs, offering some of the clearest waters around the country, the Tiny Hidden Beach is a secret gem adored by locals in the Dublin 13 area. Getting to the beach is an adventure in itself, with only a tight, narrow and steep trail leading down to the waterside—when you see the views, the walk is worth it! The stunning spot is only a short drive, DART or Dublin Bus journey from the city centre and surrounding suburbs. Public transport gets you to Howth Summit in approximately 25 minutes—an ideal day out with less than 30 minutes of travel. Count us in. Once you get there, you'll realise that there is nothing better than having the beach all to yourself. Pic: Shutterstock Dog's Bay Beach in Co Galway should definitely make your list of 'must-visit' beaches around Ireland. Quietly nestled into the Galway coast, the white sandy beach boasts tropical looking waters, ideal for a swim when the sun makes an appearance. Miles and miles of the stunning West Coast can be taken in from the quiet shores of Dog's Bay while you enjoy some peace and quiet on this hidden gem that not many are aware of. Located just 90 minutes from Galway City Centre and under 30 minutes from Clifden, it makes for a great summer day out for those looking to explore Ireland's stunning coastline in peace. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cork Daily (@cork_daily) Next, we head to the south of the country, where it is no secret that the views are unparalleled, and Silverstrand is no exception. Hidden on the must-visit Sherkin Island, Silver Strand is just a short ferry crossing from Baltimore. It offers lush, sandy beaches and some of Ireland's most stunning sea views. An extra treat on arrival is sure to be uninterrupted views of Cape Clear Island as you relax in the tranquillity of the island, hidden away from the pressures of working life—Sounds Fabulous! Keem Bay. Pic: Shutterstock Keem Bay is most definitely one of the true wonders of the Irish landscape, tucked into the scenic coast of Achill in the breathtaking surroundings of West Co Mayo. Framed by a magical landscape, the journey to Keem Bay will be just as enjoyable as the location itself. Keem Bay offers a host of surfing activities and schools, so the watersports enthusiast will be in their element—who knows, the odd basking shark or dolphin might pop up to the surface to say hello. Killiney Beach, Dublin. Pic: Colin Keegan/ Collins. Almost everyone in Dublin knows that a day out in Dalkey or Killiney is a right of passage when the sun comes out. With the 40-foot just a short walk away, it's the perfect afternoon out—or is it? Located just south of Killiney, down below the breathtaking views of Killiney Hill and the refreshing Vico Road walkway, lies Killiney Beach, and it is truly something! Ideal for a stroll, sunbathing or a swim, Killiney Beach offers picturesque sandy shores and views stretching from Howth all the way down to Bray in Co Wicklow, which was recently placed in the top 25 list of underrated travel destinations. Inchydoney Beach. Pic: Shutterstock A second entry for the Cork Coast and located just 90 minutes from the City Centre, Inchydoney is a sight to behold. Take a walk along the stunning beaches rife with natural beauty and expansive golden sands that will make you feel like you're in a luxury holiday destination. Why not make a weekend of it? Check into the elegant Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa and take in the amazing views of the untouched sand dunes from your private balcony. Fanore Beach. Pic: Shutterstock If you're planning to visit popular tourist attractions like the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, why not add a hidden jewel to your travel plan? Located just outside the small village of Fanore, nestled in Galway Bay, the Co Clare beach offers everything you could want for a relaxing day by the sea. With breathtaking views and ample opportunities for relaxation, it promises to be a truly serene experience for those looking for tranquility this Bank Holiday. Burrow Beach. Pic: Shutterstock A second entry for Dublin 13, Burrow Beach or The Hole in the Wall, is the lesser-known neighbour of Claremont Beach. Hidden from plain sight, with postcard-like views of Portmarnock, the soft, white sandy beaches and lack of a crowd make this the perfect hidden gem for those staying in the hustle and bustle of suburban Dublin this weekend. So, next time you're up for a trip to the beach and don't fancy facing the crowds in all of the hotspots, keep this quiet sandy haven just minutes from Howth, Portmarnock, Malahide and Sutton in mind! Derrynane Beach. Pic: Shutterstock Sheltered into the Kerry coast and tucked away from the public eye, Derrynane Beach is one of the many tremendous areas of natural beauty that the south has to offer. The bay is a renowned centre for all types of Watersports: swimming, diving, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and, of course, sailing. Located in the natural harbour of Derrynane Bay, the quaint surroundings and tranquil location will take your breath away every time you step onto its unparalleled strands.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The little-known European sunshine spot that's less than 3hrs from Ireland with 26C heat, fab beaches and €29.99 flights
TAKE a look at this little-known European sunshine spot that is less than three hours from Dublin with incredible streets, amazing food and flights from €29.99. Villefranche-sur-Mer is a resort town located in the southwest of the Principality of Monaco. Advertisement 6 Enjoy a romantic stay in this hidden european sun spot Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6 It has stunning views by the port with cruise ships regularly docking here Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6 Get a view of the harbor as you stroll the streets of Villefranche on the French Riviera. Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6 It is the perfect getaway for couples Credit: Getty Images - Getty And Ryanair is offering flights from just €29.99 during peak season in July. This stunning resort town is less than 20 minutes from Nice Soak up the sun on one of the many beaches in this city with an enchanting setting and a relaxing atmosphere. From the emblematic Plage des Marinières to the more private Plage de la Darse, the Villefranche-sur-Mer bay awaits you for sunbathing this summer. Advertisement READ MORE ON TRAVEL With tickets from just €15, you can witness a stunning light show in the Nice basilica - perfect for Discover the city of Nice and its places not to be missed and follow the coastal road to reach Villefranche-sur-Mer for breathtaking scenery. While also getting to taste the famous French wines on the hills of Nice near waterfalls. This tour is perfect for a girls' trip away with groups of eight people allowed on the tour. Advertisement Most read in Travel Exclusive Exclusive The legacy of the Saint-Elme Citadel and Chapelle Saint-Pierre, decorated by Take a break from the port based town with a day trip to Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Stroll down the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, explore the historic Le Suquet neighborhood. There's even something for the kids as there are fun activities like movie screenings, shopping on Rue d'Antibes, and enjoying the Forville Market. Advertisement While not known for its club scene, this town offers a more sophisticated Choose from a range of restaurants offering fine dining from seafood to fine French cuisine. Popular spots to visit are La Belle Etoile or the Cave Nature, which is a French tapas restaurant. But you can still party as the city of Monaco is only a 34 minute drive away. Advertisement Stay in one of the many luxury resorts in this beautiful coastal town. You can be based right by the ports at the Hotel La Fiancée du Pirate with a 4.4 star rating on TripAdvisor. Rooms start from €200 and are within a minute's walk from numerous bars and restaurants. 6 Enjoy a meal by the sea in one of the many bars and restaurants Credit: Getty Images - Getty Advertisement 6 History buffs will love the 16th century Citadelle Saint-Elme fortress Credit: Getty Images - Getty
