Coasting in Norfolk

Low tide in Wells-next-the-sea on the Norfolk coast. The horse is a metal scuplture, commissioned as a temporary art work. It proved so popular that they decided to keep it. It has been on the sand bank of the marsh land opposite the harbour for four years.

High tide. Sometimes the tide completely covers the plants on the marsh land. Occasionally, it even invades the town.

A week in Norfolk, staying in Wells-next-the-sea.

View from my bedroom. The tide is out.

A mile or so along a road or along the sea defence wall, there is a wide sandy beach.

This boat takes people on tours of the harbour and marshes. We did the marsh tour. He can only operate for a few hours around high tide. 

The marshes are covered in flowering sea lavender. Not a true lavender but its flowers are the same colour.

Morris dancers performing in the main street of the village where there is a good selection of cafes and shops. Strange, quirky and fun.

We have been walking most days in the surrounding countryside and along sea defence walls and paths beside extensive marshes.

We hired ebikes to explore the estate of Holkham Hall. Imagine imposing entrance gates, manicured gardens complete with a magnificent fountain, a huge lake, herds of deer, forest and open grassy fields, children playing on a ropes course, cafe, gift shop, food vans, cricket on the lawn between the house and lake.

Took the train back from one of our walks. The quarter-sized steam train runs on a 10.5 inch gauge track using the old rail bed of the original Victorian era line that once ran to Wells.

Other towns. Cromer was large, cold and drab. We did not stay long.

Walsingham was a major Christian Pilgrimage destination from 1061 until Henry VIII destroyed the abbey. New churches were built in the 20th century and pilgrimage revived. We walked from Wells to Walsingham as a type of mini pilgrimage but the place did not resonate with me at all, it just feels tacky and strange. All the icons and worship of Mary is not my form of Christian belief or worship.

The scant remains of the abbey were beautiful and more peaceful.

On our final day we took a boat tour to one of the largest seal colonies in the UK. We saw about 50 grey seals and common seals on a sand bank. There were more in the distance too. There can be over 4,000 here.

One final walk through the marsh land.