Norfolk Seal Watch!

December and January are the months to catch up with a spot of seal gazing on Norfolk beaches. Hundreds of silvery grey seal pups sprawl the sands while their parents fish or keep close beady eyes on their rotund offspring. Some pups manage to climb the dunes on to the specially cordoned off human walking trails so a close encounter -eyeball to eyeball - will delight the visitor.

It is, of course important not to get too close to avoid any stress and panic amongst these delightful inhabitants of our shores. Horsey Beach is a popular walk to view the seal activities and it makes a great Christmas and winter family holiday outing – especially if you have over-indulged yourself with feasting! Here there are wonderful seaviews and long sand dune walks from Horsey to Winterton ...... not forgetting the great pubs with grub at both ends of the walk – The Nelson Head at Horsey and The Fisherman’s Return at Winterton!

West Raynham's Very Own Green Goddess!

It must be many a little (and big) boy’s dream to own a fire engine! This is a reality for local resident of West Raynham, Mick Chestney, who stands proudly here beside his very own Green Goddess fire tender. Mick bought this 1956, 5000c, petrol-fuelled model from the Home Office in 2007, when she had only 1500 miles on the clock. This particular one has never see active service, being a reserve back-up, waiting in the wings ready to pump a capacity of 250 gallons through any of her 12 canvas hoses to quench a raging fire. Most of these magnificent vehicles have disappeared abroad, often to Third World countries. Mick enjoys taking his fire engine out for a spin or to local events and we are delighted that it can often been seen standing gleaming clean on his drive in the village, complete with a smiling fireman manikin.

St. Margarets's Church Ruins, West Raynham

St. Margaret's Church ruins stand as a historic focal point in the centre of West Raynham - the largest village within the Raynhams. The church was first built in the 11th century. It must have been a fairly typical church for this part of Norfolk in the 14th-15th centuries. It had a small north aisle with a processional way beneath its tower. Sadly, it fell into ruins from the 1720s, when the lead roof was removed to help pay for the restoration of the grander St Mary's, in the Raynham Estate parkland at East Raynham. The ruins have now been freed from the clutches of choking ivy and elder, the flint work is secured and the surrounding graveyard is well tendered. It offers a quiet place for refelection and a gentle stroll amongst the interesting old tombstones where spreading views across a charming pastoral landscape delight the senses.

West Raynham - Its historical Snippet!

The origins of West Raynham can be traced back to and before the Domesday Survey of 1086 (King William 1-of the Conqueror) when as King’s Land, it was known as Reinham. Today ‘The Raynhams’ covers the names of three villages East, West and South Raynham – West Raynham being the largest village on the Raynham Estate.
The area is attractive parkland and farmland owned by the Townshend family who live in the 17^th century Raynham Hall. George John Patrick Dominic Townshend, 7th Marquess Townshend, (13 May 1916 – 23 April 2010) was the longest serving British peer. He was a businessman and notably served as Chairman of Anglia Television from 1958 to 1986. His son Charles George Townshend is now the 8th Marquess Townshend.

Raynham Hall is a stunning statley mansion which is not open to the public.

However there is a public footpath through the estate which passes along the bottom of the drive.

The Raynham Estate and Holkham Estates were at the centre of the Agricultural Revolution. The 2^nd Viscount Townshend Charles Townshend, (18 April 1674 – 21 June 1738) was a British Whig statesman, who served for a decade as Secretary of State, directing British foreign policy. He was often known as 'Turnip Townshend' because of his strong interest in farming, and his role in the British Agriculural Revolution.

Rural North Norfolk Autumn & Winter Breaks!

Are you looking for an Autumn or Winter romantic short break for 2 or maybe a relaxing getaway for the family? Pollywiggle Cottage in rural North Norfolk might just be the ticket! Sleeps 2-8 plus 2 babies in cots.

Special discounts are offered for out of high season - 20% for just a couple or 15% for small parties using no more than 2 bedrooms.

Find out all prices and availability on http://www.pollywigglecottage.co.uk/

or phone 01603 471990

The Mo Museum, Sheringham

The amazing Mo Museum in Sheringham, built with Heritage Lottery funding in 2006, is a fascinating venue for all the family to learn about the local fishing and lifeboat history of the Shannocks - as the people of Sheringham were known. Light airy galleries and walkways lead the visitor through time from Sheringahm as a 19th century village to today's modern 21st century, popular tourist town. Within there are impressive views above lifeboats and up in the high glass lookout, panoramic vistas over the town and beach. This newest of seafront icons, 'Mo' takes its name from Morag, a young local girl who lived about 130 years ago.

Spring Time in West Raynham 2010!

West Raynham Village Sign showing Raynham Hall

West Raynham Village centre is always a stunning picture, especially when the blosson fills the cherry trees on the green as in April and May. This quiet village provides an ideal area for walkers and cyclists with several local circular routes of varying distances.

The village itself provides a relaxed stroll in 30 minutes from The Street up to a small hamlet passing the school, on to The Drove and down again past a children's adventure playground to arrive back in the centre. A further 20 minutes ramble down a tree-lined country lane with wide grassy verges and views of meadows and woodlands, brings the visitor to the impressive Raynham Estate St Mary's Chruch which overlooks a calm lake. You will probably want to continue feasting your eyes on this delightful and unspoilt corner of North Norfolk. If so then there are two different paths. One leads up beside the church and out of the village to the South and East Raynhams and the other passes in front of the church, past the private entrance to Raynham Hall , through the farm along signed pathways.

The Hall is not open to the public. It is the ancestoral home of the Townshend family. Sadly the Marquess Townshend of Raynham died this April just before his 94th birthday. His family has owned the land in West Raynham for 600 years since the reign of Edward IV. One of the ancestors, 'Turnip' Townshend, helped launch the agricultural revolution.

The route through the farm is a public path taking you through various livestock gates, along the edges of fields with woodlands, to eventually circle back into the village via the Helhoughton to West Raynham Road.

There are many more walks and cycle routes to explore of course in this rural area, and not least the vast number of coastal North Norfolk paths a few miles away!