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We would all cherish the fiction of long, hot sunny days lasting all summer long but (and don’t get me wrong, it’s an absolutely fabulous summer day as I write this) but we all suffer the vagaries of the English weather.
We have designed Cranmer Country Cottages to offer facilities even in less than great weather. We have a lovely heated indoor swimming pool – salt dosed for comfort and a well stock games room with table tennis, darts, pool, books and DVDs.

However the kids will want to go out and there are lots of things you can do, even if it’s raining. Here are a few of our favourites:

Pensthorpe

This is our guests’ number one favourite destination. Pensthorpe Natural park is an “award-winning mix of meandering nature trails, beguiling woodland walks and a showcase for British Wildlife and nature conservation.” It works for both adults and children and this year opened Hootz House, a truly amazing indoor nature adventure playground. It fits seamlessly with all the natural ethos of Pensthope. Guests at Cranmer get special discount vouchers.

The North Norfolk Steam Railway

My particular favourite. Travel the Poppy Line between Sheringham and Holt through North Norfolk’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – lovely whatever the weather. Enjoy the nostalgia of the Sheringham buffet, where you can eat in or have a picnic and watch the activity on the station platform. Sheringham is the quintessential east coast seaside town, so is well worth a visit.

Farmer Freds

For more traditional adventure playground fun with a country twist Farmer Freds Playbarn at Norfolk Lavender is great fun for children aged 0-12 years. There is fun filled maze of slides, tunnels, rope swings, drop slides, walkways and bridges. Toddlers can play safely in a separate area. There is also an Animal Farm, the Walsingham Farm Shop for tasty treats and a lovely café for after fun sustenance.
www.farmerfredsplaybarnnorfolk.co.uk

Sandringham Museum

Ok, I admit younger children might not like the idea of trailing around a stately home but the Sandringham Museum is full of the most amazing finds. We all have stuff we never get to through out but with this house the ‘stuff’ is really interesting. Vintage cars and fire engines (they had their own), costumes, vintage household equipment and not too much stuffy history. Oh and there’s a fabulous café and restaurant with freshly prepared local food by Royal Warrant holders, Debbie Steward Catering.

Workshops

Many of the artists and artisan producers in North Norfolk offer workshops aimed at children and grown ups.
Dale at the Chocolate Deli in Walsingham offers chocolate making courses, Langham Glass in Fakenham for glassmaking, Salt Glass Studio in Burnham Thorpe for creative glass and print making.
You can learn to paint and decorate pots at Doodle Pots in Holt.

Information on all the above and more can be found in our Games Room. Have a wonderful stay at Cranmer and enjoy all the delights of Norfolk.

Easter is upon us and we have a full house for the holidays. We are keeping our fingers crossed with the weather – we’ve had sunshine, wind and showers in the past few days so it’s anyone’s guess.
North Norfolk has a lot to offer all year round but I thought I would just offer up some special Easter events taking place locally.

Holkham Hall

Good Friday to Easter Monday has four fun-filled ‘egg-citing’ things to do from storytelling in a magic yurt, an interactive tile painting workshop, Kiddy Cook in the Old Kitchen or various puzzles and face painting – all with an Easter theme. Check out opening times and details at www.holkham.co.uk

Pensthorpe

One of our guests’ favourite venues, Pensthorpe is putting on an Easter Eggstravagansa with a special self-guided trail around the site. Learn about the species that share our natural world and finish off at WildRootz. Cranmer guests enjoy a special two for one offer on entry – just check your welcome tray. www.pensthorpe.com.

Fakenham Racecourse

It may not be the home of the Grand National but Fakenham Racecourse is much more family friendly with its casual atmosphere and no formal dress code. Children under 17 are admitted free (must be accompanied by an adult).  Racing on Easter Monday. www.fakenhamracecourse.co.uk.

Sheringham Park

Take part in their Easter trail and win a chocolate egg. Daily March 28 – April 12.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park.

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse

‘Spring has sprung down on Gressenhall but poor Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep. Help her to find them and discover more about the life of a shepherd and his tools. Get creative in Art Attack! And make your own fluffy sheep to take home.
http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/visit_us/gressenhall_farm_and_workhouse

Thursford

Easter Bunnies, Bonnet and Bounce Day – fun day out for all the family.
www.thursford.com

BeWIDerwood

Not so local but well worth the drive, BeWILDerwood is one of the most amazing fantasy experiences for the family. Take part in their ‘Bouncing Boggle Bunny Egg Hunt’ from Saturday 28 March – Sunday 12 April. ‘Follow a bunny themed trail, bound down the bunny tunnel and meet Cedric in the Big Egg. Bounce your way through the hippity hop with a little Easter gift and settle down to hear the tales of Cedric and his friends at the story-telling stage. Visit the Big Hat and make your own ever-so-bonny Boggle bunny outfit. Get your face decorated with a pink or black nose and some wonderfully wiggly whiskers’.
www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Our own Herdwick sheep are fed at 9.30 am every morning (times may vary).

Personally I will be enjoying the weather, visiting my favourite beach at Overstrand and munching my way through one of Dale’s (The Chocolate Deli, Walsingham) scrummy handmade Easter eggs.
Have a great holiday.

It’s a real honour to be nominated for a Goldstar Award from Green Tourism but being Green is not an easy ride, especially for a small holiday cottage business. But there’s little point in doing the work unless you take it seriously and can back it up with actual results.

Since 2008 we have reduced our carbon emissions by 70% per bed night based on current occupancy levels. Annual emissions from onsite energy used by the business and customers were 115.5 tonnes per year in 2008 before we joined GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme), developed our barns and introduced an innovative mix of green technologies. As a result, (as of April 2014) this has been reduced to 27.4 tonnes of CO2  per year.

Over 80% of the energy we consume here at Cranmer is supplied by renewable sources; wind, GSHP, solar thermal & solar PV, Ecotricity for our electrical needs and a biomass boiler for heat. It’s been a massive undertaking and a large financial investment which we understand is a stumbling block for many small businesses. It hasn’t exactly been pain free but if we can do it, so can others. And we are always happy to share our experiences.

And we’re working with local suppliers to develop their businesses as well. Under the recent regulatory changes/updates to the RHI guidance woodfuel supplies must conform to 2013 standards.  We suggested to our boiler supplier and our local recycled woodchip supplier Drurys Recycling Services that they obtain authorisation under the DECC RHI Biomass suppliers’ list.  Drurys have been accepted onto the scheme as a producer/trader for chip-waste. Double whammy for us and for the environment by keeping wood waste out of landfill and securing a local supply for our boiler.

Andrea Nicholas, Director of Green Tourism, said: “The Goldstar Awards are a recognition of the best of the best in Britain when it comes to creating and maintaining a thriving sustainable tourism industry.

“A total of 60 green tourism businesses from across the UK have been shortlisted for the Goldstar Awards this year out of more than 2,400 entries. These finalists represent the best of the best, the top 3 per cent of Green Tourism businesses in the UK.

The standard has been exceptionally high this year and every one of the shortlisted finalists have shown a dedicated commitment to providing consumers with great service and value for money while at the same time championing the cause of sustainability.”

Green Tourism Goldstar Awards 2014

11th June 2013

North Norfolk in June

June is a great month to visit North Norfolk. The local nature reserves are alive with new wildlife and the golden, sandy beaches are a great place to retreat on a warm, sunny day.
If you aren’t a keen birdwatcher or don’t fancy a few hours on the beach, then there are plenty of things to do and various events planned in the area that will keep you occupied. Here are a few of the events taking place in Norfolk this month that we wanted to share with you. Don’t forget to check out our availability if you want to stay with us and enjoy some of the great events that are planned locally. 
16th June – BeWILDerDad’s Day – BeWILDerwood
Take your dad along to BeWILDerwood for FREE on Father’s day and make him a Boggle badge to wear with pride. This year you’ll be given a compass and clue so you can go on an adventure, which will lead you to a feast of Barkicrisp cake and acorn brew for dad! There’s also lots of creative activities to do with your dad as well as the opportunity to explore the treehouses,  zip wires and other exciting things BeWILDerwood has to offer.
18th June – Guided Walks – Holkham National Nature Reserve
Join the Education Officer in a short, gentle walk around the Holkham National Nature Reserve to see some truly spectacular wildlife and enjoy the fresh coastal air. This particular walk is focused around the Orchids in the Dell.
23rd June – Cycle Together – Sandringham

Cycle Together is the first ever sportive in West Norfolk and offers four scenic routes to choose from.  There’s something for everyone, whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist. Select from a 10 mile, 20 mile, 50 mile or 90 mile challenge, all of which take you through Norfolk’s quiet and scenic roads. All routes start and finish at Park House Hotel on this historic Sandringham Estate. For full details, including entry prices and how to enter, visit http://www.sandringhamestate.co.uk/EventDetail.asp?Event=52&V=1&S=7

27th& 27th June – Royal Norfolk Show – Norwich
The Royal Norfolk Show is the largest annual event in Norfolk and the largest two day agricultural show in the country too. It’s an action packed two days that’s full of fun for all the family. There’s plenty of entertainment planned during the two days, plus a fantastic food hall to munch your way through, a beautiful flower and garden show to enjoy and a new Best of Norfolk marquee that will be showcasing some of the very best Norfolk manufacturers and producers. If that wasn’t enough, there are over 650 stands to visit plus brand new livestock and equine classes and a live music stage with bands and dancing too!
For more details and to purchase show tickets visit http://royalnorfolkshow.co.uk
30thJune – Hunstanton Carnival
A fun packed, family day where Hunstanton is packed with stalls, games and activities on the green with an exciting parade through the town from 1pm.

Okay, so the weather hasn’t exactly given us much to shout about over the past few weeks, but it hasn’t stopped our guests enjoying and exploring North Norfolk during their stay. Although the weather has been cloudy and unseasonably cooler than it should be, there are still lots of places to visit, beaches to explore and things to do in and around North Norfolk. 
Even though the weather hasn’t been the best, did you know that the East of England is famous for being the driest region in the UK? Visiting this area means you’ll have lots of opportunities to get out and enjoy the rugged beaches and gorgeous countryside, as well as being able to stroll around the great independent shops our seaside and market towns have to offer. 
If you’re planning a ‘staycation’ check out our availability for this June and take advantage of some of our last minute offers!
Owl Cottage sleeps 4 people over two bedrooms. The master bedroom has a beautiful brass double bed with enough room for a babies travel cot or Z bed, bedroom two has two single beds. The main bathroom has a bath and over bath shower. The living area offers a spacious open plan kitchen/ dining and lounge area with french doors leading to a private patio area.
CURRENT AVAILABILITY: 31st May – 7thJune.
31st May – 7th June: £595
31st May – 3rd June: £450
3rd – 7th June: £595
Coot Cottage is our smallest cottage that sleeps 2 people, so it’s the perfect retreat for couples or a young family  with a baby. This 5 star cottage has beautiful open beams throughout and boasts a stunning open plan living room/ dining area, master bedroom and bathroom with a walk in shower. 
CURRENT AVAILABILITY:
14th – 17th June: £350.00
Wagtail Cottage sleeps 4 people over two bedrooms. The master bedroom compromises a large, comfortable king size bed whilst the second bedroom includes two single beds. The spacious bathroom has a bath and over bath shower and the cottage itself offers a large open plan kitchen/ dining and living area.  Both the living area and master bedroom give access to an outside patio area which overlooks a communal garden and children’s play area.
CURRENT AVAILABILITY:
3rd – 7th     June: £500
 7th – 10thJune: £550
10th – 14th June: £600
7th – 14th June: £795
Tern Cottage sleeps up to 4 people over two bedrooms. The spacious master bedroom has a king sized bed plus space for a travel whilst the second bedroom has two single beds plus space for a Z bed. The bathroom has been designed as a wet room and the spacious open plan kitchen/ dining and living room has access to both the courtyards at the front of the cottage and gardens at the rear. It also has it’s own private patio area which overlooks the communal gardens and children’s play area.
CURRENT AVAILABILITY:
3rd – 7th June: £500
Swallow cottage sleeps up to 6 people over 3 bedrooms. There are two double bedrooms, both with king sized beds. The master bedroom also has room for a travel cot. The third bedroom has two single beds, which can be zipped together to provide a queen sized bed.  The bathroom has a bath and separate walk in shower. The living area is open plan and the kitchen boasts a gas cooker and Rayburn. The dining area can comfortably seat between 8 – 10 people and the cottage has access to a private patio area.
CURRENT AVAILABILITY:
31st May – 5th June (5 Day Special Offer!): £750
15th – 20th June (5 Day Special Offer!): £750

View cottage & book online>>>
WOODPECKER
Woodpecker Cottage sleeps up to 5 people over 3 bedrooms. The master bedroom has a comfortable king sized bed and en-suite shower room, along with access to a small private patio area. Bedroom two includes two single beds, whilst bedroom three has one single bed, plus space for a cot. The master bathroom has a bath, wc and washbasin. The open plan kitchen/ dining and living area leads out to a private fenced garden, which overlooks the communal garden area.
CURRENT AVAILABILITY:
31st May – 3rd June: £550
31st May – 7th June: £645
3rd– 7th June: £595.00
21st – 28th June & 28th June – 5thJuly: £995.00

View cottage & book online>>>
During your stay, you have access to enjoy our luxury indoor heated swimming pool, family games room, children’s outdoor play area and extensive countryside grounds. We are a family friendly and can supply travel cots, high chairs, changing mats, monitors, blenders and other items. Visit our family friendly pages for more details of our services. 

We are big fans of local, seasonal food and at the moment, you can’t go too far without seeing fresh, local asparagus for sale throughout North Norfolk. We are also very lucky to have an abundance of locally sourced fresh fish and shellfish that’s available to buy from several good food outlets and Norfolk’s famous Cromer Crab is now coming into season too.
These two great ingredients work really well together in the following recipe: 
Risotto with Cromer Crab & Asparagus
Ingredients (serves 2 people)
1 lemon, cut into wedges for garnish
500ml Fish Stock
250g Seasonal Asparagus
Olive Oil
1 Small Onion
150g Risotto Rice
150ml Dry White Wine
1 Dressed Cromer Crab
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
Method
1.               Place stock in the pan and bring to the boil. Remove the woody ends from the asparagus, add the spears to the stock and cook for 4-5 minutes, until just tender. Remove cooked asparagus from the stock & keep warm and make sure you keep stock to cook the risotto rice. 
2.              Add a small amount of olive oil to the base of a medium saucepan with the then add the onion and fry, stirring until just soft. Add the risotto rice and cook for a further 2 minutes. Pour in the wine and continue cooking until the liquid is absorbed.
3.              Add a ladleful of stock to the rice and stir until absorbed. Continue adding the stock in this way, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. (This should take about 15 minutes in total).
Finally, add the cooked asparagus, reserving a few spears to place on top of the dish and stir in the crab meat. Cook for a further 1-2 minutes until crab is heated through. Season to taste, top with the extra spears, then serve immediately, garnished with the parsley and the lemon wedges.
Enjoy!
Source: Recipe taken from www.waitrose.com

9th May 2013

What’s On in May

Norfolk has started to buzz with a range of different events and activities this May and we wanted to share some of the exciting things happening so you don’t miss out! 
Remember, if you’d like to attend any of these events, we still have some limited availability in our cottages throughout May and are currently offering a 10% discount* for all breaks booked and taken this month. Simply check out our availability on our website and use the following discount code when booking your break online: QP1T7


Norfolk & Norwich Festival
WHEN: 10th – 26th May
WHERE: Throughout Norfolk

The Festival is one of the oldest surviving arts festivals in the UK, which dates back to 1772 when a fund-raising concert was held at Norwich Cathedral. This international arts festival for the East of England offers a packed programme of events throughout Norfolk ranging from music, dance, visual arts and much more.
To discover more about the festival and to find out what’s happing in your area visit http://www.nnfestival.org.uk

Houghton Revisited
WHEN: 17th May – 29th September
WHERE: Houghton  Hall, Nr King’s Lynn
The magnificent art collection of Great Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, will return to it’s original setting of Houghton Hall for the first time in 200 years.
The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to view one of the most famous art collections of eighteenth-century Europe and includes masterpieces from Van Dyck, Poussin, Albani, Rubens, Rembrant, Velazquez & Murillo.
Full details of the exhibition can be found at http://www.houghtonrevisited.com

Cromer & Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival
WHEN: 17th19thMay
WHERE: Cromer & Sheringham
Now in it’s 4thYear, the Crab & Lobster Festival is a celebration of two lovely coastal towns, Cromer & Sheringham.
The festival raises money for local charities and offers a packed programme of activities over the weekend.
Full details can be found at http://www.crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios
WHEN: 25th May – 9th June
WHERE: Throughout Norfolk
Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios gives you the opportunity to see new art, meet artists and buy original artworks from the artists themselves.
There are over 450 artists involved with 231 locations dotted throughout the county where you can view their work.
Full details, including the artists involved and the exhibition locations can be found at http://www.nnopenstudios.org.uk

Fairy Fair 2013
WHEN: 27th – 27th May
WHERE: Holt Hall
The Fairy Fair returns to the grounds of Holt Hall, North Norfolk this May. There will be lots of magical activities and workshops, great live music, walkabout performers, entertaining shows and storytelling taking place over the two days. Plus you can discover walks through the grounds, browse the craft stalls and eat and drink at the many refreshment outlets.
The Fair offers the same attractions on both days and is open from 10am – 5pm. It is suitable for families with children from 3yrs and up. Tickets are £7.50 per person (under 3s go free and do not need a ticket) and must be booked online by visiting http://fairylandtrust.org/fairyfair13.html
Gruffalo Day
WHEN: 27th May
WHERE: Pine woods, Wells next the Sea 
May the 27th is our Gruffalo Day,
Walk through the pine woods, visit us on the way.
You can come and go as much as you please,
We’ll be there all day having fun in the trees!
Full details including prices and times can be found at http://www.holkham.co.uk/html/GruffaloDayEventsHolkhamHallandEstate-NorthNorfolkEngland.html

Beach Discovery Day
WHEN: 31st May
WHERE: Wells next the Sea
Join the Holkham Estate education team for some hands on, fun family activities exploring the wildlife you can find on the National Nature Reserve.

During the morning session you will learn about the different shell life and get the opportunity to do some seaside crafts by making flying fish and fish hats. In the afternoon there will be a scavenger hunt to discover what creatures make the beach its home, plus you will be able to collect some beach goodies to make shell mobiles and star fish badges.
Full details can be found at http://www.holkham.co.uk/html/beach_discovery_days.html 

*T’s & C’s
Offer is only available for breaks booked and taken in May 2013 & is only available to customers booking directly online, no agencies. We have limited availability and offer is available on a first come, first serve basis.

6th May 2013

Great Offers

Happy Bank Holiday Monday! The sun is shining in North Norfolk and the weather is certainly giving us something to smile about. We’d like to make you smile by offering a whopping 10% discount* for all breaks booked and taken in May. Simply check out our availability on our website and use the following discount code when booking your break online: QP1T7
In addition to these great offers, we are running a special deal in our Swallow cottage where your break will only cost £750 over the following dates: 31st May – 5th June, 15th June –  20th June & 1st July – 5th July. To take advantage of this great deal, simply visit our website and book your break online.

We hope to welcome to you to Cranmer Cottages very soon! 


*T’s & C’s
Offer is only available for breaks booked and taken in May 2013 & is only available to customers booking directly online, no agencies. We have limited availability and offer is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Between the 3rd– 6th May, Holkham Hall are running a fantastic 3-day cycling festival, Pedal Norfolk, to celebrate British Cycling.

There are lots of events and activities planned for cyclists of all abilities over the weekend. For the keen cyclist, you can explore beautiful Norfolk by entering the sportives that cover 250 miles over the 3 days. To enter the sportives, you must apply online via the British Cycling website. There are also plenty of family activities to get involved with from the basics of how to use a balance bike to family coaching and a competitive downhill family race.


If cycling is not your thing, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained locally. Holkham Hall will be open to view during Sunday and Monday and Holkham beach is great to explore. There are also several walks to enjoy plus lots of villages to discover nearby that are fully of boutique shops, galleries and great places to eat.


Our cottages are less than 10 miles away from Holkham Hall and over the bank holiday we have availability in Garden House, Avocet and Swallow, all of which sleep 6 people. We are currently offering a special 4 night bank holiday deal in Garden House & Avocet with a £100 off plus 3 nights are available in Swallow.


View our cottages and book online here >>>


We have a secure cycle store on site plus facilities for washing down bikes and a laundry room available to wash and dry sports clothes. You can finish the day unwinding in our heated indoor pool and Jacuzzi before getting a well deserved rest in our very comfortable beds.

North Norfolk has some great scenic routes which are great to discover by bike. Learn more about the cycling routes that are local to our cottages by visiting our website
.

Since our successful launch of The Green Room back in November 2012, we have hosted a number of different events ranging from corporate training days and off-site meetings to residential swimming classes and social celebrations.

Now that the venue has been open for 6 months, we’d like to celebrate by offering our readers a discount on all half day bookings, now £60 + VAT, plus we will also throw in a FREE serving of fair trade tea, coffee and biscuits with every booking* 

Our intimate venue is the perfect place to hold off-site meetings, training days or corporate events and can accommodate up to 20 people. Situated just outside of Fakenham, The Green Room is wheelchair accessible and is equipped with state of the art technology including a large flat screen TV, AV equipment and wireless broadband. We have ample free parking on site and can help you organise catering and team building activities from a range of local providers.

If you are interested in booking the Green Room for your next meeting and would like further details email us or call us on 01328 823 135.

*Discounted offer applies on all half day bookings made in April and May 2013. Free tea, coffee and biscuits offer is limited to one serving per booking.