Self-catering holiday accommodation and country cottages - Kings Lynn, Norfolk

King's Lynn in Norfolk 

The historic town and port of King's Lynn grew on the banks of the River Great Ouse and prospered because of the river and its waterways.  Windmills for grinding corn sprang up all over Norfolk, and visitors can still watch demonstrations of how the corn was ground all those years ago, in certain preserved windmills.  Denver Windmill is nearby.

A wind powered object of a different kind can be visited in nearby Swaffham, where a wind powered turbine is used to generate environment-friendly electricity.  The Eco-tech visitor centre with extensive interactive exhibitions, film and various other displays, eco-gardening and wonderful herb garden, tea and gift shop is a great place for an interesting learning experience.  If you climb the spiral staircase of the wind turbine, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and towns.

views towards Swaffham from the viewing gallery of the wind turbine

The maritime history of King's Lynn can be rediscovered at the old Custom's Houses alongside the medieval homes of former wealthy merchants. The Old Gaol House is an interesting place to visit and listen to the tales of woe of some of its infamous inmates.

Nature lovers and bird watchers will adore the Green Quay interactive exhibition of the wildlife of this area.  A 16th Century barn now houses electronic and high-tech displays, film shows and a powerful telescope for bird watching.  There's also a gift shop and cafe. Telephone 01553 818500 for details and opening times. Norfolk can be twitcher's heaven; there are many nature and bird reserves . 

Lots of other places to visit. Sandringham, one of the Royal homes, welcomes visitors into the house and gardens.  If you're interested in stately homes, Houghton Hall, a superb example of a Palladian country house is within easy driving distance.  It has over 350 acres of parkland, and a rose garden to enjoy.

King's Lynn has a castle to the north - at Castle Rising, which was once the home of Queen Isabella.  There are wonderful views from the 12th Century Norman keep set amongst the earthworks. And, to the south of King's Lynn, there is 12th century Castle Acre and its ruined Norman castle and Priory.

Set in the midst of  farming country and fens, there are plenty of places for ramblers and even serious walkers or cyclists to wander.   Lovely villages like Outwell and Stow Bardolph and Saxon market towns like Downham Market dot the countryside and just wait to be explored.

And if you would like to take a momento of King's Lynn and Norfolk home with you, Norfolk Lavender is a lavender and herb farm set in the grounds of a windmill.  Here you will find all manner of lavender products and dried flowers to scent your home for months to come, and remind you of the happy holidays you spent around King's Lynn.  Open May to September only - Telephone 01485 570384.

Holiday cottage in Norfolk?  click here for a list of country cottages in Norfolk

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