Norfolk’s Religious History (not just pretty beach huts!)
Norfolk is a large dry and mostly flat county in the east of England, the coast facing the North Sea, the coldest on earth! It’s pretty chilly in these parts in winter, so bring an extra jumper.
Norfolk boasts more churches than anywhere on earth, so you won’t have to look for to spot a medieval church or spire, even if some lay abandoned. This is due to the history of the Catholic faith, before Henry VIII came to power.
Norwich has medieval roots, so its layout is conducive to walking. It’s also the only city where a national park (in this case the Broads) runs through it. Home to two cathedrals (one Catholic, one Anglican) Elm Hill is lined with timber-framed Tudor houses on cobbled streets.
The town has the world’s smallest steam railway, which links to the village of Walsingham (England’s Nazareth, full of churches and 14th century buildings). The old prison was built on the site of a former leper hospital, the tiny orthodox church was built from an old railway station.
The village is also home to ‘little sisters of Jesus‘, a community of around 900 religious women who live in 50 countries. The journey takes 30 minutes, passing a hill-fort. Join the campaign to buy a new boiler to save it.
Walsingham Abbey grounds are known for their spectacular snowdrop displays (dogs are allowed in the grounds, but know that snowdrops and all bulbs are not safe, so avoid for flower-nosey pooches).
Wells-Next-The-Sea (pastel beach huts and pine woods)
Wells-next-the-Sea (the add-on name was created to avoid confusion with the Somerset city of Wells) is a pretty town on the north Norfolk coast, with sandy beaches and pastel-coloured beach huts. The tidal creek offers changing views throughout the day. Barbecues are banned on the beach (and in local pine woods).
If out walking, always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. If at the coast, read about how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
Never walk on sand dunes, to protect nesting birds, seal pups and other wildlife. Also keep dogs away, especially in breeding season.
The 1953 Great Flood killed many people on the East coast. Local police officers Charles Lewis and Leonard Deptford received George medals for heroic rescues, including a bedridden elderly couple, and a local dog.
