having not been away for a couple of weeks – not since the Bowie tribute at the end of October, I was champing at the bit to get away – even if just for an overnight stop. So, knowing full well that I needed to be close to a degree of civilisation as I did want to watch Leeds vs The Bin Dippers. Sulk Junior had been staying with us so I wanted to make sure he got off ok – so that left us with just the Saturday night away.

I used to work in Cromer – and have had jaundiced views of it to say the least – which is a huge disservice – so I decided that we would head up to Seacroft a CAMC club site on the outskirts of the town. Initially we were going to call in at Blickling Hall which is a simply stunning National Trust property but, as we have not done it for a few months, I wanted to head to Binham Priory then take the North Norfolk Coastal road – the advantage of being high up in Ziggy’s cab means we can see more!

Norfolk is dotted with these kinds of ruins – we have an awful lot of extant Wool Churches as well, but many of the old ruins that followed the dissolution remain wonderful places to visit – and each time I pick out something new to admire; this visit it was the lectern with its wording and the original iron frame for the round stained glass window on the wall behind the font – living, visible history.

After a potter around the Ol Stuns, it was time for a coffee and a cake at The Binham Parlour. The Parlour is a very NICE place – and it seems to be loved by the Chelsea Tractor set – certainly judging in my mainly bitchy way, by the clothing worn by the clientele – when even a three year old is wearing designer clothes and boots – no, I am not joking, then you know the sort of people there! It’s a lovely place to stop though; attentive waiting staff and the food was very nice – I had a superb sausage roll – obviously prime quality pork mince with just seasoning in a very good crust. The other reason for visiting the parlour is the cheese machine…. I have spoken before of the selection of cheese that’s local to us but just look at the variety !

I had hoped for this trip to have a few new toys to play with – like the Go pro that I want to mount for taking video in transit, but thanks to playing with the water drain earlier I had run out of time 😦 The road across the top of Norfolk is picturesque, even when the weather is poor – next time, I will capture it. (I am also glossing over the somewhat concerned noises Jo made when i went down what appeared to be a cow lane and across quite a full water ford….)We got over to the campsite for around two in the afternoon, and got ourselves parked up. The pitch was level and after a bit of an argument with the frost valve – see earlier! We went for a walk into the town.

We took a picture of the front of the Cliftonville Hotel as we were blown away by the interior – have at look at the website and see what I mean! The old man in the picture is Henry Blogg a face son of Cromer and the most decorated lifeboatman in The UK. The other – Elizabethan portrait is of an actual jester – and i thought that’s a great job description! We returned after a few hours and a few ales back to the campsite and the Wanderer restaurant bar and had a great meal – though only a small simple menu, it filled us both up…. I then settled down to watch grown scousers cry into their ale as they gave away a two goal lead 🙂

After a good nights sleep, and a leisurely bacon and egg after the showers had been used – excellent facilities by the way – the showers are NOT on a timer! We drove the few short miles to Felbrigg Hall which has may favourite garden in England. Even in the depths of late autumn – it was stunning – BUT this was after I had been a klutz…..

In all the national Trust properties, there is a simple pay and display system to park – and members just scan their cards to get a free ticket to display…… Apparently, after complaining to a very helpful lady manning the National Trust counter that the sodding scanner didn’t work and having a right good moan….. she asked if she could try – and i was very amenable…..

Right up until i realised that the reason that the National Trust Scanner did not work was because I was trying to use the English Heritage card…..

I think Jo nearly wet herself she was laughing so much – and yes, I am a prize KLUTZ !!!

Only a short trip – but felt so much longer as it always does! On return I have sorted out the dodgy frost valve – hopefully, and will start to plan the next jaunt!