Just a few miles from Maple Barns, in Gressenhall, is the popular Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse. Built in 1775 as a workhouse, at its peak in 1801 it housed 670 ill or destitute people from local parishes. Today it contains Roots of Norfolk, providing visitors with vivid experience of life in years gone by. Adjacent is Union Farm, still run today in the style of a farm from the 1920s. The children will also love a day out at the popular Dinosaur Park, which is just 10 minutes drive. Why not also pay a visit to Castle Acre Priory, or Banham Zoo, both of which are about 25 minutes drive. If you want to experience being a monkey, try Go Ape.
The fine city of Norwich is just 16 miles away and has a fabulous assortment of pubs, clubs, shops, cafes, parks and churches, as well as a castle and two cathedrals. No holiday in Norfolk can be complete without visiting the famous Norfolk Broads which are a short trip across to the east of the county.
There are ample country estates to visit, including the Royal Estate at Sandringham, birthplace of Diana, Princess of Wales. Others to enjoy are Holkham, Blickling, Wolterton Park, Houghton Hall (home of Britain’s first Prime Minister), Oxburgh Hall and Felbrigg Hall.
Quaint seaside towns such as Hunstanton, Sheringham and Cromer will take you years back in time and beaches like Holkham, Wells-next-Sea and Waxham will provide days that you’ll never forget. Enjoy an outing to see the seals at Blakeney Point or at Horsey Bay on the east coast.
For the historians, Burnham Thorpe (just 24 miles away) is the birthplace of Lord Nelson. Burnham Market close by is full of boutique shops and tea rooms.
Over and above Darby’s and The Angel Inn within the village, there are numerous other delightful public houses nearby, including the White Horse at Longham, the Squirrel’s Drove at Sporle and the Crown at Colkirk. Further afield you may wish to try the Saracen’s Head at Wolterton, Recruiting Sergeant at Coltishall, or the Swan Inn at Ingham.