From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to Suffolk's stunning food – three staycations in the eastern counties
From beautiful beaches in North Norfolk to stunning sustenance in Suffolk, we have it covered.
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The quaint beach huts in Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk
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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.
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Flock to The Nest Farmhouse
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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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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.
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Spy deer in the lush 667 acres of the palatial 18th-century
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Entry costs from £24 per person (
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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 (
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Start your day with fluffy French toast
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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.
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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 (
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Mia Lyndon in Norfolk with partner Jamie
Credit: Mia Lyndon
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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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Experience the charm of The Crown and Castle
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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.
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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 (
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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.
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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.
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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 (
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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 (
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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 (
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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.
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Have a heavenly stay at The Angel
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Then dig into mouth-watering Surrey Farm 10oz sirloin with peppercorn sauce, £34, in the hotel's lively Eaterie.
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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 (
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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.
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The Swan at Lavenham serves up cracking food, £28 for two courses
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Tours cost £20 per person (
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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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Emily Regan, boyfriend Harry and dog Ragnar in Bury St Edmunds
Credit: Emily Regan
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Double rooms cost from £157 a night (
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Irish Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
I visited Lidl's epic Spanish wineries - here's what goes into your €8.99 bottle
There's a moment, standing among the dusty vines of Spain's Rioja region, when I realised the €8.99 bottle of wine I put in my trolley back home has already lived a far more interesting life than I have. From here, it will travel hundreds of kilometres, pass through countless expert hands and be scrutinised at every stage before it lands on the shelf. Lidl sells millions of them every year - three million from one supplier alone - but behind each one is a story of weather, wood and a surprising amount of quality control. I was there to follow the story from grape to glass, joining the Lidl Ireland team through La Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Over four days we visited three of their key wine suppliers - each with its own history, quirks and fiercely guarded traditions. We also had Lidl's Master of Wine Richard Bampfield on hand to offer tasting notes, opinions and, at one point, a suggestion to serve rose with frozen strawberries. Our first stop was Bodegas Isidro Milagro in Alfaro, La Rioja - one of Spain's top 10 wineries, producing over 40 million litres of wine a year. This family-run operation sends around three million bottles a year to Lidl, including customer favourites like Cepa Lebrel Rioja Crianza (€8.29) and Cepa Lebrel Reserva Rioja (€8.99). Bodegas Isidro Milagro in Alfaro, La Rioja Here, winemaking follows the strict "rules of Rioja", from the grape varieties allowed, to the exact time a wine must spend ageing before it can wear one of those little coloured Rioja labels you see on the back of the bottle. Green, red, purple or dark blue - they're easy to miss, but they tell you a lot about what's inside. The vineyard at Bodegas Isidro Milagro in Alfaro, La Rioja Joven (young) wines spend little or no time in oak, keeping them bright and fruit-driven. Crianza wines age for at least two years, with a minimum of one in oak, adding gentle spice and structure. Reserva wines are matured for at least three years, with one in oak, developing deeper, more complex flavours that can stand up to rich dishes. And at the top, Gran Reserva wines are aged for at least five years, two in oak, resulting in layered, elegant bottles made for slow, indulgent sipping. Tasting session at Bodegas Isidro Milagro At Isidro Milagro, that ageing is split evenly between French and American oak barrels - French bringing subtle, spicy notes and American adding sweeter vanilla tones. It's a balance that Irish drinkers, who tend to favour fruitier styles, love. Lidl's team sometimes turns up for unannounced visits, but the winery takes it in its stride. "We're a working winery - it doesn't matter", a manager told me with a grin. Vineyard tour at Bodegas Isidro Milagro in Alfaro, La Rioja - one of Spain's top 10 wineries Later that day, we headed to Bodega Garcia Carrion in Labastida, Rioja Alavesa - a fifth-generation family-owned business that works closely with 40,000 farmers on long-term contracts. They're one of the biggest players in a region that boasts 6,000 wineries, and their Antano Rioja Crianza (€8.49) is one of Lidl's best sellers. Bodega Garcia Carrion in Labastida, Rioja Alavesa - their Antano Rioja Crianza (€8.49) is one of Lidl's best sellers Admiring the stunning views at Bodega Garcia Carrion They said September to November is the best time to see the winery in full swing. Even outside that window, quality control is relentless. Every bottle is photographed during production, and if a label is even slightly crooked, the entire bottle is rejected. The attention to detail is meticulous, but it's how they keep quality consistent across the millions of bottles they produce each year. Touring Bodega Garcia Carrion in Labastida, Rioja Alavesa Touring Bodega Garcia Carrion in Labastida, Rioja Alavesa The next morning, we crossed from Rioja into Ribera del Duero to visit Bodega Felix Solis, one of the largest family-owned wineries in Spain. Built in 2002, its modern Pagos del Rey facility partners with 450 family vineyards. We crossed from Rioja into Ribera del Duero to visit Bodega Felix Solis The cellar here feels more like a chapel. Barrels are stored horizontally to keep corks wet, while classical music drifts through the air - the wines "rest" to the sound of opera. There's even a statue of Ariadne, a figure from Greek mythology, watching over the rows of oak. Felix Solis produces some of Lidl's most highly rated wines, including the 93-point Hachon Ribera del Duero Crianza (€10.99). That score comes from Richard Bampfield himself - a Master of Wine, one of the wine world's most prestigious titles - who tastes and grades every Lidl Wine Cellar bottle alongside two fellow Masters. They use the internationally recognised 100-point system. Anything over 90 is considered outstanding for its category, which is how a €10.99 bottle can genuinely hold its own against wines several times the price. Bodega Felix Solis produces some of Lidl's most highly rated wines, including the 93-point Hachon Ribera del Duero Crianza (€10.99). If you imagine Lidl's wine buying process as a boardroom full of tasting glasses, you wouldn't be wrong - but Richard admits he prefers not to meet suppliers first. "I'd rather judge it for myself", he told me. For the average Lidl customer, technical talk about tannins or malolactic fermentation isn't the point. These wines are chosen because they're versatile - as happy beside a steak as they are with Friday-night pizza. Fruity styles often win out, and Lidl's competitively priced Reserva offers great quality without the premium price tag, making it an excellent choice for savvy shoppers. Enjoying a curated wine tasting with Richard Bampfield at Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena hotel Rioja is famous for its reds, but Lidl also sources great-value Navarra rose. Richard says it's underrated, and not just for its flavour. "One of the reasons rose is so popular is it looks good in the glass", he smiled. Try Hacienda Uvanis Garnacha (€8.99) with one ice cube or a few frozen strawberries His summer serving trick? A glass of Quarzose Tempranillo Garnacha (€8.99) or Hacienda Uvanis Garnacha (€8.99) with one ice cube or a few frozen strawberries bobbing about. Quarzose Tempranillo Garnacha costs €8.99 in Lidl Ireland may not be known for our vineyards (our soggy summers see to that), but we're fiercely loyal to Spanish wines. Lidl's success here is built on finding wines that over-deliver for their price, whether that's a €8.99 Rioja or a €10.99 Ribera del Duero. Behind every bottle are hundreds of decisions: where to source the grapes, how long to age the wine and whether to use French or American oak - which, by the way, can cost between €400 and €1,000 per barrel! The incredible Hotel Marques de Riscal hotel, which combines the most deeply rooted winemaking tradition with an avant-garde design, luxury and the most advanced technology of the 21st century. For all the stainless steel tanks and automated bottling lines, this is still a people-driven industry. Lidl works with multi-generational winemaking families, some stretching back five generations. In Rioja alone, tens of thousands of farmers, vineyard workers and cellar hands keep the tradition alive. They're the ones walking the vineyards in late summer and tasting grapes to decide the perfect harvest day. The ones keeping watch over barrels as they mature. And the ones making sure that, if a bottle isn't perfect - even down to an off-centre label - it never leaves the winery. Richard Bampfield is a Master of Wine who tastes and grades every Lidl Wine Cellar bottle By the end of the trip, I'd walked among centuries-old vines, tasted more wines than I could count and learned that an €8.99 bottle doesn't mean cutting corners. It means smart buying, a respect for tradition and an innovative approach that sets Lidl apart. The legendary vineyards in Spain's Rioja region So the next time you reach for that bottle of Rioja or Rose in your local Lidl, you'll know it's travelled from a sun-baked vineyard in Spain, aged in barrels that cost more than your TV and passed through more hands (and tasting glasses) than you might expect. And if you're feeling fancy? Add those frozen strawberries - Richard would approve. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
One of the UK's biggest cathedrals to open for overnight stays for the first time ever
Plus, there's lots to do in the city of Winchester CITY BREAK One of the UK's biggest cathedrals to open for overnight stays for the first time ever THERE are certain stays in the UK that have an added touch of grandeur - including this one at Winchester Cathedral. For the first time ever, visitors can stay on the site of Winchester Cathedral in a house with plush velvet sofas, huge bathrooms and a secret English garden. 5 The holiday let at Winchester Cathedral makes for a very luxurious stay Credit: 5 Guests can stay at the neighbouring house called The Deanery Credit: Getty Advertisement Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here For the first time ever, Winchester Cathedral will welcome tourists for short-term holiday lets. The home to the deans of Winchester, aptly called The Deanery, is available to book for a memorable city break. The house sleeps up to 10 people across five bedrooms, and has four bathrooms, including two ensuites, some with double sinks. Advertisement There's a large modern kitchen as well as a large gallery that was first created to entertain King Charles II. The house is filled with antique furniture and there's a huge library full of antique books. Outside is a huge English garden where guests are welcome to play some lawn games, eat outside and of course, take in the view of the impressive cathedral. There's also a secret garden, called the Lower Deanery Garden which is not open to the public. Advertisement It's described as being a "charming riverside retreat" and is guaranteed to be a peaceful spot away from any other visitors. It's pretty costly coming in at £4,500 per week, which jumps up to £5,500 per week over Christmas and New Year. The Pigsty in Winchester tops the list of most lusted after Airbnb homes by Brits 5 The rooms are light and airy and filled with antique books Credit: 5 There's a piano inside and gardens to explore outside Credit: The money raised will go towards maintaining and operating Winchester Cathedral. Advertisement And anyone wanting to stay will need to book sooner rather than later as the house is only available for a limited time until the new dean moves in next year. There's plenty to do around the city too, Sun writer Mia Lyndon, took a trip to Winchester earlier this year where she embarked on a 90-minute walking tour down the UK's oldest high street and gazed into the Itchen River. She also discovered cobbled backstreets and local boutiques like The Hambledon as well as P&G Wells, a 296-year-old bookshop with thousands of vintage novels. Another popular spot nearby is the village of Chawton, where you can visit Jane Austen's house where she worked on her novels, including Pride And Prejudice. You can take a look at her writing desk and ponder over her handwritten letters - entry costs £15 per person. Advertisement Winchester Cathedral itself is the main attraction of the city and tickets to go inside cost £13 for adults and £5 for children. And here's a top travel destination in the UK that's often overlooked but has great secret spots and new attractions. Plus, check out Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore.
Irish Examiner
18 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Spain, Portugal and Greece fight wildfires as heatwave expected to last for days
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