by Katie Thompson
When you want to get away from it all, look no further than Norfolk. With wide open skies and an incredible array of landscapes, just a single night away here will rejuvenate you! And when you combine it with a night in Norwich, too, you’re in for an unforgettable getaway.
So, escape to the Broads National Park, indulge in a stay at beautiful country hotel and discover our natural side. This is our itinerary for a nourishing Norfolk break!
The Norfolk Mead Hotel offers a restful and indulgent stay
After following Norfolk’s winding roads through an expanse of golden fields, you’ll enter the Broads National Park. Continue to Coltishall where you’ll find The Norfolk Mead Hotel.
Hidden away on the banks of the River Bure, The Norfolk Mead is a peaceful retreat surrounded by verdant countryside, including 8 acres of private grounds. You can check-in to this Grade II listed Georgian building from 3pm (early check in available), leaving you the afternoon to relax in the spa with your complimentary 2-hour session.
From a hydrotherapy pool to herbal steam room, outdoor hot tub to aromatic sauna, it won’t take long to unwind. For the full experience, there are even cold shower buckets to drench you in natural waters!
As part of your stay, The Norfolk Mead offers 2-hour complimentary spa use!
While you’re here, why not treat yourself to a bespoke massage or facial? Or opt for something completely unique with The Norfolk Mead’s reinvigorating Beer Spa, where vitamin-rich malt and hops sooth your skin and you can enjoy local craft beer on tap!
In the spa you can savour a tasty menu of tapas-style small plates, but make sure to keep room for dinner! The hotel’s restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes and boasts a menu of carefully crafted dishes which use local and seasonal produce. With so many mouthwatering options it’ll be hard to choose, but we’ve got our eye on the fresh fish and indulgent desserts!
After a long, hard day of pampering, it’s time to head up to your king size bed for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Wander Fairhaven’s woodland trails, spotting native flora and fauna along the way
Awake to birdsong and views of soft sunlight pouring over The Norfolk Mead’s gardens. After a hearty breakfast to set you up for the day, it’s time to head out! (Check-out by 10.30am.)
Less than 10 miles away (or 25 minutes’ drive) is Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden. Its 130 acres of ancient woodland and waterways are home to an incredible number of native plants, animals and natural habitats.
Fairhaven is a tranquil spot at the heart of the Broads National Park
Here, you can roam 4 miles of woodland trails, pausing on benches to soak in the beautiful landscape that surrounds you. Throughout the year, you’ll be greeted by a range of colourful blooms- from crisp white snowdrops to vibrant azaleas, wildflowers buzzing with life to fiery autumnal tones.
And if you want to get out onto the water, how about a boat trip on Fairhaven’s private Broad? Trips of 20 or 50 minutes run daily. Glide alongside swans, along the River Bure and past the medieval ruins of St Benet’s Abbey. In every direction, our wide Norfolk skies reach overhead, stretching far into the horizon. Breathe in the fresh air and feel your shoulders relax.
Take home a whole host of tasty treats from The Goat Shed’s farm shop
When you’re feeling peckish, pop into Fairhaven’s tearoom, where a menu of tempting treats, homemade specials and light lunches awaits you. Just look at the scones! Or visit one of the many waterside pubs dotted across the Broads’ villages and tuck into lunch on the water’s edge.
Before heading home, be sure to check out The Goat Shed (easily accessible from the A47and A11)- a 30-minute drive from Fairhaven. Peruse the spreads of fresh local produce like a child in a sweet (farm) shop. From across the butchery, bakery, deli and cheese counter, take home a whole host of tasty reminders of your time here in Norfolk!
The Details:
Stay: The Norfolk Mead Hotel, 2 adults from £155, including breakfast.
See & Do: Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, Monday – Sunday.
Eat: The Goat Shed, Monday – Sunday.
