Norfolk: Wells, shells and bathing belles.

I’ve never been to Norfolk and this weekend a group of us had booked a house near Holt for a weekend of calm.

It wasn’t without uncertainty as I was unwell Thursday night/Friday, there were two canine emergencies and family illness.

Despite this 5 arrived on the Friday night and I joined Saturday morning.

The house was stunning and my double room with wrap around balcony a dream.

We set off to explore Sheringham and after a walk we lunched at the Two Lifeboats.

A couple of us returned home, while the others visited Holt and Cromer.

I went back home to watch the Rugby and I was duly rewarded with a win for Scotland versus France, and a win for Italy versus England. Pinch me moments for both.

I’d cooked a curry and we enjoyed this after a dip in the hot tub, followed by a cake made by Georgina for an upcoming birthday of one of our belles.

Chat, cheese and crackers after and we all went to our comfy rooms to sleep.

Sunday morning and a light breakfast of yogurt (homemade ) seeds and fruit, which set us up for a trip to a sauna by the sea. The sauna was hot, with lemon verbena wafting up from the coals, although the walk around the ‘sheds’ to a slipway for a cold plunge definitely didn’t float my boat.

A walk into Wells, passing by men washing mussels after the boat had deposited them on the shore. We got a coffee and sat watching the comings and goings of locals before driving the the Stiffkeys Red Lion, to have Sunday lunch. Delicious.

Three of us then drove to Burnham Market then onto Holkham. We walked as far out as we could and completed the circular walk through the pine forest. It was windy and the sand was a challenge underfoot, but the cobwebs were well and truly blown away.

Two of the party left for home so we were four, two went in the hot tub, and after we settled down to finish what was in the fridge.

Another one left so three of us cosied in to watch some tv before going to bed.

It was an early start to get packed this morning, empty bins, and get on our way home.

It’s been a lovely few days lots of chat, sharing recipes, and reflections. Every time we get together we learn more about each other and what makes us tick. It also served to remind me of the unpredictability of life, and how we’re not immune to falling ill and we’re not infallible. It’s heart warming to wake up feeling a little lighter and enjoy a slower pace.

It’s always a treat and I’m looking forward to our next jaunt.

I fell a bit in love with Norfolk ( even a cheeky little perusal on Rightmove) . I’ve already said to Kevin we need to go for a few days.

Spending time with friends is life affirming, fun, emotional and provides some peace at a time where world events are quite frankly bonkers.