LOCATION
LUXURY HOLIDAY HOME
South Creake · North Norfolk
Nestled in the quiet village of South Creake, The Old Chequers is an ideal holiday home for those seeking to explore the unique and historic villages of South Creake, Fakenham, and the stunning coastline and towns of North Norfolk. With its stunning coastal views, quaint towns, and charming countryside, this area is full of surprises, and the perfect destination for a memorable holiday.
SOUTH CREAKE
Home of The Old Chequers
South Creake is a delightful village, with a history stretching back hundreds of years. It is home to the renowned South Creake Abbey, originally built in the 12th century, and rebuilt in stone as St Mary's church in the 14th century. St Mary's is well worth a visit for those looking to experience a bit of history. The village offers a variety of activities, including a popular pub, a family friendly village green with a children's play park, grass tennis courts, bird watching in the nearby nature reserves, and exploring the rolling fields and picturesque farms. Visitors can explore the local churches, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank or enjoy a meal at one of the local pubs. The Old Chequers is also the perfect base from which to explore the unique and beautiful towns of North Norfolk.
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South Creake Village is a bustling community that regularly hosts a variety of exciting local events that are extensively advertised. For further information, we encourage you to peruse the parish magazine. Families with young children will be delighted to know that there is a children’s playground located on the village green. This play area boasts a variety of fun features including swings, slides, and climbing frames. For those who enjoy sports, there are tennis courts (contact details for hire are conveniently displayed on the court gates), a football pitch, and even a bowling green.
NEARBY TOWNS & VILLAGES
North Norfolk Towns
The North Norfolk coast is well-known for its stunning beaches, quaint fishing villages, and wildlife reserves. The Old Chequers is situated just 15 minutes from the coast and popular towns such as Burnham Market, Wells-next-the-Sea, and Brancaster - each offering an array of activities and restaurants to choose from.
Burnham Market is a vibrant and bustling market town, with a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
This charming village is especially popular among shoppers, and has earned itself the nickname "Chelsea on Sea" thanks to its chic boutiques and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and shopping options. One of the most popular spots is The Nelson, a charming pub that boasts an impressive selection of fine food, real ales, and fantastic wine. Arthur Howell’s traditional butcher’s shop is also a must-visit for anyone looking for top-quality meat, fruit, and vegetables. The Burnhams Tea Room and Café is another local gem, serving up delicious home-baked scones, cakes, sandwiches, and light lunches using locally sourced ingredients. For seafood lovers, Gurneys Fish Shop is a real treat, offering the very best in locally produced smoked fish, shellfish, and freshly caught fish. Tilly’s Café is the longest running café in Burnham Market, renowned for their friendly service and homemade baked goods including gluten-free and vegan options. They serve breakfast, light lunches, afternoon tea, and offer a large selection of cakes and scones that are constantly changing but always delicious.
Other notable establishments include:
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Humble Pie Delicatessen - a treasure trove of artisan products, including a wide selection of cheeses
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Panda Kitchen - a Chinese takeaway
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Tuscan Farm Shop - a wine bar, kitchen, and deli
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Mables Paintpot - a beloved old-fashioned sweet shop that also boasts a magical painting pot studio upstairs
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In addition to all these above there is a petrol station, fishmonger, and greengrocer, as well as a post office with a convenient cash point. There are local clothing and nicknack shops to explore, peruse art galleries, and many more cafes and pubs. Burnham Market Fairfax Gallery exhibits a great selection of contemporary art and sculptures by local and international artists. The Burnhams tennis club is located on the playing field in Station Road, and open to visiting tennis enthusiasts. The weekly market is held every Wednesday, and the annual Burnham Market Craft Fair occurs each year on the third Thursday in August.
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Surrounded by stunning coastal paths, Burnham Market is a great spot for walking and cycling. Burnham Cycles offers bike hire if you'd like to explore the area on bicycle. Nearby, is Holkham Estate, the home of the stunning Holkham Hall and Parkland with a variety of landscapes and wildlife.
8 minutes' drive
Restaurants
Holkham Hall
Butcher Shop
Art Gallery
Cycling
Fakenham
Fakenham is a traditional market town located close to The Old Chequers. The town is known for its markets, with an extensive range of shops and restaurants, and a lively atmosphere which attracts many visitors. It is home to the Fakenham Racecourse, as well as many historic buildings such as the Grade I listed Town Hall and the Grade II listed Market Cross. Explore Fakenham by walking the Lancaster Heritage Trail and discover the rich history of this market town. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with plenty of opportunity for walking and cycling.
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The town has a range of activities, including bowling at Fakenham Superbowl, escape rooms at Axes & Escapes and Fakenham Escape Rooms, a cinema, mini golf at Fakenham Fairways, and golfing at Fakenham Golf Club. Pensthopre and Thursford are popular attractions near Fakenham, each offering its own range of family friendly activities. Creake Abbey, home of the historical Creake Abbey Ruins of a former Augustinian church, is also nearby. Creake Abbey features an award-winning farmers market, café, and an array of independent shops.
At the roundabout on the A148, visitors can find a convenient petrol station and a Waitrose shop, making it easy to top-up the tank and grab some groceries. For those in need of more extensive shopping, there are several superstores in the area, including Tesco, Morrison's, Aldi, and Lidl. Other popular shops in town include Argos and M&S, providing plenty of options for all types of shoppers. The area is also well-served by banks and a post office.
10 minutes' drive
Golf
Historical Buildings
Shops
Cycling
Pensthorpe
Thursford
Creake Abbey
Little Walsingham
Little Walsingham is a rural village, situated in lush Norfolk countryside. The village boasts a stunning collection of rare medieval buildings, Georgian facades, an 18th century model prison, a Russian Orthodox church in an old railway station, and more, with guided tours available for those who would like to learn about the rich history of Walsingham. Jump on the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway to visit the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea.
If you’re a foodie, you must visit Walsingham Farms Shop, which offers the best of local North Norfolk produce. They have a full butchery counter with well-hung aged Walsingham beef, pork, and lamb from nearby South Creake, as well as home-made sausages and home-cured bacon. Their open kitchen prepares home-cooked ready meals, soups, cakes, and desserts. They also have a fantastic selection of locally brewed beers, ciders, local gins, and other spirits, as well as a choice of Norfolk wines.
10 minutes' drive
Farm Shop
Historical Buildings
Railway
Wells-next-the-Sea
Wells-next-the-Sea is a popular seaside town which boasts miles of unspoilt beaches and sand dunes. The sandy beach is stunning, offering shallow channels and colourful beach huts. One of the most iconic attractions is Wells Harbour, which is a bustling hub of activity during the summer months, and home to a variety of fishing boats, pleasure craft, and wildlife. The harbour is a popular spot for crabbing, and multiple shops on the harbour front offer crabbing supplies. At Gilly Gut on the Quay you can hire re-usable metal buckets and eco-friendly tackle. Wells Harbour Tour offer an opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of the harbour, its beach, and salt marsh, with one-hour trips available for adults at £15 and kids at £10 per person.
The Norfolk Coast Path runs along the entire coast, offering visitors the chance to explore the area on foot. Visitors can also enjoy sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking, bird watching, or just sit back and relax in the sunshine at Wells-next-the Sea beach. The Lookout atop Lady Anne’s Drive offers spectacular views over the Holkham National Nature Reserve, and also has its own café. For those looking for more adventure, cycling and boating are available at nearby Holkham Hall, while woodland walks, seal trips, and bird watching are also popular activities in the area. The North Norfolk Coast offers a diverse range of bird habitats, supporting large numbers of wintering and migrating wildfowl and waders, in addition to resident bird populations.
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Two of the most popular restaurants in town are Bang in Wells and The Globe. The town also has several shops and cafes, including a greengrocer, bakeries, taverns on the pretty leafy green known as "The Buttlands", and fish shops offering some of the finest fish and chips on the coast. There is a well-stocked Nisa at the top of Staithe Street and on the outskirts of the town there is a Co-Op, the best Co-Op we have ever been to, with a great wine selection.
15 minutes' drive
Beach
Shops
Lookout
Birdwatching
Crabbing
Burnham Deepdale
Burnham Deepdale is a beautiful coastal settlement located in the parish of Brancaster, along with Brancaster Staithe and Brancaster itself. Together, they form a continuous settlement along the picturesque coast road, adjacent to stunning coastal marshes and beaches. At the heart of Burnham Deepdale, you'll find Dalegate Market, an independent retail site that boasts a fantastic shopping experience and Deepdale Cafe. Located on the A149 coast road, approximately halfway between Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea, this shopping centre serves as a major hub for North Norfolk Coast visitors. Dalegate Market is home to several independent shops, including Deepdale Stores Supermarket, Fat Face clothing & Accessories shop, Gone Crabbing Norfolk Clothing & Souvenirs shop, Relish Jewelry & Accessories boutique, One Stop Nature Shop, The Hare & The Hen gallery, Philippa Lee pottery workshop, and Driftwood Glass Studio.
St Mary's Church is a hidden gem with a fascinating history. This small church boasts three outstanding features: a Saxon round tower (pre-Conquest of 1066), a Norman font, and a collection of medieval glass. The tower dates back approximately 950 years and is a feature of many churches in Norfolk. The collection of medieval glass is rich and varied and is described in the book 'Stained Glass Tours around Norfolk Churches' by David J King.
Deepdale Farm is an arable farm located in Burnham Deepdale, offering stunning views of Brancaster Staithe Harbour, Scolt Head Island, and the salt marshes. The farm hosts various events throughout the year, including Guided Farm Walks, Wild Wednesdays, Conservation Weekends, and Open Farm Sunday. Check out the events hosted by Deepdale Camping & Rooms, including pop-up shops, gallery exhibitions, park runs, and Deepdale Festival (occurring this year on 21 to 24 September 2023). Other events planned for 2023 include Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Jane Austen's Emma open air theatre.
15 minutes' drive
Dalegate Market
Shopping
Events
St Mary's Church
Docking
It has a convenient and well-stocked mini mart, Spar. The Railway Inn is a popular family pub with a lovely beer garden, situated in Docking. They are dog friendly and serve a range of modern British food and offer an afternoon tea. Docking Fish bar is the local fish and chips shop, located near the Docking Play Park.
15 minutes' drive
Brancaster
When it comes to things to do in Brancaster, you’ll find plenty of options to keep you busy. Take a stroll along the natural dunes at Brancaster Beach or head over to RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve for big skies, a sandy beach, and bird-filled reedbeds, lagoons, and marshes. Brancaster Beach is ideal for dog walking, swimming, and kitesurfing. If you’re a fan of fishing or sailing, be sure to check out Brancaster Staithe. This thriving location is the hub of the local fishing industry and is a popular destination for sailing. Branta Cruises offers boat cruises and operates daily from Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
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There are plenty of great places to eat in Brancaster. We highly recommend The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe, with its stunning location in the heart of marshland coastal area. The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market is a restaurant and pub that serves fine foods, wines, and ales made from local produce. Titchwell Manor Restaurants offers an upscale dining experience. This charming location houses two restaurants, the Eating Rooms and the Conservatory Restaurant. The Eating Rooms offer stunning dining areas with a sea view terrace, while the Conservatory Restaurant offers an exquisite fine dining experience. Try some freshly caught crabs and lobsters at The Crab Hut. If you’re in the mood for a more traditional pub atmosphere, head over to Jolly Sailors in Norfolk. This 18th century free-house pub is a great spot to enjoy some local seafood and real ale. And for beer enthusiasts, the Brancaster Brewery is a must-visit. They produce small batches of high-quality real ale using top-quality local ingredients.
20 minutes' drive
Beaches
Birdwatching
Sailing
Restaurants
Thornham
Thornham village is popular with visitors throughout the year, especially those seeking peace and quiet in a natural setting. It’s the ideal spot for walkers, photographers, artists, bird watchers, and cyclists. For golf enthusiasts, the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club at Brancaster and the Hunstanton Golf Club in Old Hunstanton are both within easy reach. There are three noteworthy pub and restaurants in the village, each offering a unique dining experience. The Lifeboat Inn is a popular choice for its cosy atmosphere and traditional pub food. The Chequers is a stylish gastropub with an impressive wine list, while The Orange Tree serves up contemporary British cuisine using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Thornham Deli and Drove Farm is located on the outskirts of the village and offers a range of retail and food outlets. The deli stocks a selection of locally produced cheeses, meats, and other artisanal products, as well as freshly baked bread and pastries. The farm shop sells a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as homemade jams, chutneys, and pickles. There is also a cafe on site that serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, using ingredients sourced from the farm and other local producers.
25 minutes' drive
Restaurants
Farm Shop
Birdwatching
Golf
Holt
Nestled in the picturesque north Norfolk countryside, this historic Georgian town is a true gem. Surrounded by beautiful parks and only a stone's throw away from the stunning coast, it's the perfect destination for a relaxing day out or some good family adventuring. For adventure seekers, the Hilltop Outdoor Centre is a great place to start. During the school summer holidays, they offer a range of thrilling activities on site including the Air Jump, The Big Zipper, Super Swing, Climbing Wall, Archery, and Tree Top Trail. Each session has a set of activities, and we highly recommend that parents join in on the fun. But if you’d rather stay on the sidelines, you can capture the excitement on camera while enjoying some hot drinks, light lunches, and refreshments at the Woodland Lodge Café.
Foodies will find plenty to love in this charming town. Head to Wiveton Hall Café, situated on the farm amidst raspberry canes and strawberry fields, for stunning views of the marsh and sea. You can also grab some farm-fresh produce from their shop, which boasts an impressive selection of gifts, toys, fruits, and vegetables. The Banningham Crown offers more traditional dining experience. This 17th century pub and restaurant boasts sheltered gardens and a cozy patio, complete with log fires in the winter and timbered bars. They're famous for their steak and kidney puddings and fresh fish, so make sure to add them to your list. The Three Horseshoes Pub & Restaurant serve a great selection of wines, local ales, gins, and soft drinks. They also offer a beautiful garden walk, and when the weather is favourable, you can enjoy your meal in the great outdoors. Finally, for a truly unique experience, head over to Alby Crafts Artisan Café, where you can enjoy delightful tearoom fare in a quaint, artistic setting.
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Holt is situated in a stunning countryside, with plenty of trails to walk or cycle and enjoy woodland and sea views, nature and archaeology. A short walk from Holt High Street, you'll find Spout Hills, a green space with a variety of wildlife. There is lots of space for running around or having a picnic. ​Natural Surroundings is a unique Wildlife Garden with a café, nursery and Nature Reserve tucked away in the magical Glaven Valley. The cafe offers home-made soup, cakes, teas, and snacks, while the nursery has a unique range of wild flower and cottage garden plants for sale. You can spend a lot of time just exploring the 8 acres, riverside hide, and nature trails, but be sure to admire the various gardens, which are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 4pm. Natural Surroundings maintains 18 wildlife-friendly demonstration gardens, including "The Orchard" with apple trees, the "Woodland Garden", the "Reptile Refuge" garden that is home to a variety of reptiles, and the "Butterfly Garden" which attracts butterflies throughout the year.
Golf enthusiasts should visit the Links Country Park Hotel & Golf Club, where the sea is visible from every hole. After a round of gold, you can relax with friends and enjoy the camaraderie at the Hole in One Sport Bar and Grill, which offers great food and drink and enviable views of the Course and of the village common. Holt Sunday Market is a pop-up market, open on the first Sunday each month from April to December. On market days, Market Place and Star Plain is closed to vehicles and 50 regional makers and delicious street food traders set up in Holt for the monthly market.
30 minutes' drive
Restaurants
Golf
Cycling
Gardens
King's Lynn
King’s Lynn was one of England’s foremost ports as early as the 12th century. The town’s rich maritime heritage is reflected in an amazing array of historic buildings, which can be explored on self-guided trails or a trip on the King’s Lynn ferry. Fine old merchants’ houses stretch down to the river between cobbled lanes. The elegant Custom House overlooks the harbour and features rotating exhibitions, a free maritime museum, and the tourist information centre. Across from the Custom House, is the GroundWork Gallery, offering a range of contemporary arts exhibitions. There are several other galleries and entertainment venues in town, where visitors can enjoy lively entertainment and shows such as concerts, opera, live theatre, children’s shows, and comedians. The live entertainment venue of the Alive Corn Exchange, performances and special events at the King’s Lynn Arts Centre, and the Majestic Cinema are just some of the well-known entertainment spots.
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The town centre features an extensive shopping area, comprised of the modern Vancouver Quarter and traditional markets which often take place on the historic Tuesday Market Place. The Saturday Market Place and Tuesday Market Place are hosts to traditional outdoor markets, which have been a feature of Lynn life for hundreds of years, with stalls selling locally caught shellfish and fresh produce from local farms. Tuesday Market Place is quite possibly one of England’s grandest squares and houses the Corn Exchange, a 750-seater venue for that often hosts concerts, comedy events, and flea markets. The 12th century St Margaret’s Church is located in Saturday Market Place. This magnificent church overlooks some of the finest ancient architecture in England, including the Trinity Guildhall built in the 1420’s. Count yourself lucky if you get to see the renowned Lynn Lumiere illuminations - a set of colourful moving portraits of the town’s history, projected on four of the architectural wonders – when visiting the town centre at night. The Lynn Museum is sited close to the town centre, where the displays of archaeology and history, dating from pre-historic times, take you even further back into the town’s past.
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One of Lynn’s most notable landmarks in King’s Lynn is Greyfriars Tower, one of only 3 Franciscan friaries in England that retains its tower to this day, and the surrounding Tower Gardens. Other places to visit include Tales of the Old Gaol House where the stories of local witches, murderers, and highwaymen are recreated in original 18th and 19th century cells. Experience the maritime past of King’s Lynn at True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum, where 2 faithfully restored cottages tell the story of how fisher folk lived in past eras. The Walks is a historic public park of 17 hectares, boasting an unique 15th century chapel, The Red Mount Chapel. The park has beautiful landscaping, a children’s play area, and a café. To the south of the town lies the South Gate, built in the 15th Century and popular with visitors to this day. Just a short drive from the town centre, you will find Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. This stunning wildlife park is situated amongst 170 acres of woodland, grassland, and lakes, providing a natural home for over twenty types of ungulate and rare bird species.
35 minutes' drive
Shopping
Art Galleries
Live Shows
Historic Buildings
Garden and Park
Cromer
Cromer beach is sandy and flat, making it great for beach walks. During low tide, it's a perfect place for rock pooling and the sea near the pier attracts many surfers. The high cliffs are rich in fossils dating back to the Pleistocene era, and support Cromer Lighthouse. The famous Pier is great for crabbing and attracts many anglers looking to catch cod and bass. Cromer Pier is a Grade II listed traditional Victorian Pier, one of only five in the UK with an end-of-pier theatre. You can enjoy the Cromer Pier Show at the theatre and, on a nice evening, you can have dinner on the quarterdeck with stunning views of the North Norfolk Coastline. Stop by Tides Bistro to dine above the waves near Cromer Pier. Also nearby, is East Runton Beach, which you can reach by walking along the coast from Cromer beach for about 10 minutes. There are plenty of great restaurants in Cromer, including The Grove, The Sea Marge, and The Cliftonville.
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We recommend a visit to the Amazona Zoo for a unique and enjoyable day out with your family. The zoo is home to over 200 tropical animals native to South America, including new additions such as Jaguarundi, and soon-to-arrive Jaguars, as well as a diverse range of birds of prey, pumas, parrots, monkeys, snakes, flamingos, and tapirs. You’ll also find a charming Guinea Pig Village and a fascinating Spider House. The zoo features an outdoor adventure play area and picnic spot, complete with Jumping Pillows to keep the little ones entertained.
40 minutes' drive
Beaches
Pier
Crabbing
Restaurants
Zoo