explore the local area
Discover the beautiful things Great Massingham and the wider area have to offer
location
Over the years we have discovered more of the beautiful things this village has to offer. The village is home to The Dabbling Duck, which is a well-known Gastro pub, two large duck ponds (one of which you can fish in) a local shop, a post office, a tearoom, and a butcher. There are also plenty of rambling options right from the village itself; our dogs Treacle and Ludo both thoroughly approve! There’s nothing nicer than stepping out in the morning and being greeted with friendly faces, and wagging tails, just another reason why we love this special spot.
the beaches
Brancaster is our most visited beach. It’s dog friendly and there’s a beach kiosk where you can get the essentials. If you turn left on the beach and walk for 15 minutes, you’ll often see a family of seals playing in the wash. A great option for lunch is Thornham Deli which is a 5-minute drive from here, or The Ship which is in Brancaster itself.
Holkham beach is great if the weather is not 100% as it has covered woodland as well as the open beach. In the summer, the household cavalry come to Norfolk for two weeks to train on the beach, and it really is a wonderful sight to behold. All the horses are untacked and ridden into the sea to cool off.
Wells is famous for all the colourful beach huts - which you can rent for the day. Again, it has both woodland and sandy beach. There are lots of lovely independent shops and eateries to visit in Wells, with award winning places to get fish and chips in the harbour. Try crabbing off the harbour wall and see who can catch the most crabs!
“We have stayed in a lot of places in Norfolk, and this has to be the best!”
– Nick & Lesley
places to go
Norfolk has some wonderful National Trust properties right on the doorstep. Holkham Hall, Sandringham and Houghton Hall to name a few. Holt is home to wonderful boutique shopping, including great antique shops. Paddle board along the marshes and why not stop off for a drink at The White Horse in Brancaster Overy Staithe. They have great events throughout the summer at the Marsh side Minuty bar. You can take a trip to see the seal colony from Morston Quay. There are two trips a day in Summer, and one in Winter. From Burnham Overy Staithe you can take a 10 min ferry to Scolt Head Island. We recommend escaping the crowds and taking fish and chips to eat at sunset.
places to eat
Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham has something for everyone, there’s pizza and tapas in the barn. Socius at Burnham Market is best for sharing and small plates. The Gin Trapp Inn in Ringstead is a great gastro pub. The Old Store Snettisham is great for breakfasts and brunches with award winning sourdough. Thornham Deli does breakfasts, lunches, dinners, light bites and has a great cake counter, deli & shop. Two Magpies Bakery in Blakeney has breakfast and lunch options plus and impressive cake counter!
