Rose Cholmondeley, shares her personal recommendations for a perfect Norfolk weekend, including her favorite beaches, antique shops, historic houses and gardens.
When she moved to Houghton Hall, the ancestral seat of her husband, David, seventh Marquess of Cholmondeley, Rose, Marchioness of Cholmondeley, quickly fell for both the fine Palladian estate and rural Norfolk where it lay. A collector and art lover, Rose shares with Cabana her personal recommendations for a perfect Norfolk weekend, including her favorite beaches, antique shops, historic houses and gardens.
Where to Stay
The Gunton Arms: A traditional pub with 16 rooms decorated by Robert Kime, and therefore absolute perfection. It also has a great restaurant, led by chef Stuart Tattersall, and great art, curated and collected by its owner, Ivor Braka.
Where to Shop
Norfolk has a great selection of antiques shops and dealers. My favorites are:
Richard Scott Antiques: In the market town of Holt, Richard Scott sells very affordable things, such as antique plates and glasses.
Bayfield Hall Antiques: In the grounds of a grand house, these converted stables are home to several dealers selling a mix of antique and vintage objects and furniture.
Norfolk Decorative Lighting: Visit for a wide selection of antique lighting.
Mongers of Hingham: An architectural salvage yard where I source lovely old reclaimed baths, basins and other items.
John Davies, Fakenham: John has antiques, but also makes fantastic reproductions and bespoke frames in his workshop.
What to See & Do
Historic Houses: Norfolk has many fine historic houses to visit, several with beautiful walled gardens. My favorites are: Felbrigg Hall; Blickling; Sandringham Estate and Royal Parkland; Holkham Hall and Houghton Hall.
Art and Design, Houghton: From May-September, Houghton Hall is open to the public and is full of art and sculpture by leading artists.
Sainsbury Centre, Norwich: The Sainsbury family's art collection, including works by Lucy Rie and Hans Coper.
Beaches: My favorite beaches are those on the North Norfolk coast, with huge dunes and vast expanses of golden sand. I love Holkham beach, which has beautiful pinewoods; Thornham beach, which you can combine with a trip to Eric's Fish & Chips, and Brancaster beach.
The Shell Museum: Described in an early Norfolk guide book as, "a rare little museum for all who love beautiful things", this tiny jewel houses the UK's finest seashell collection, plus fossils, pottery and local archaeological finds.
Where to Eat
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