Holkham

Holkham is situated on the North Norfolk coast and is a 90 minute drive from our house. It is a privately owned 25,000-acre agricultural estate dating back to the 18th Century. With Holkham Hall, a nature reserve and a beach there is plenty to do. We go there each year but it was the first time we had explored the relatively new Woodland Play Area.

With a tree house in the sky, high level walkways, rope ladders and a zip-wire, Adam was in his element. Chris went around with him at first and it wasn’t clear who was having more fun. Although the Woodland Play Area recommends the equipment is for 5-12 year olds, Adam had no problem accessing it himself – apart from the zip-wire. It is set in such peaceful surroundings and is shaded by the trees – perfect for a hot day.

There are plenty of other activities available at Holkham Hall, including the Hall, walled gardens, Bygones Museum, nature trails around the park, cycle hire and lake activities. Parking at Holkham Hall is £2.50 for the day, which is redeemable in the gift shop on purchases over £10.

TIP: If you park at the beach first and then go to the play area later on you do not need to pay for the car park.

However, the reason for our trip was to visit ‘our spot’ along the Holkham beach. Holkham has a special place in our hearts. It is where my husband and I had our first date and where he proposed. 

With chips bought from the French’s Fish and Chip Shop in Wells-next-the-sea (finalist in the National Fish and Chip Shop Awards 2014) we opted to walk along the footpath rather than along the shoreline to have our picnic.

Adam loved the pinewoods. He hid behind trees, picked up pine cones and ran far into the distance. Eventually we came to ‘our spot’. During my nine months of Hyperemesis Gravidarum hell and being bed bound this was the place I thought of the most. When I was in labour with Adam ‘our spot’ was what I focused on. 

This was Adam’s third trip. His first visit was when we was just a few days old and my trip out of the house for 9 months. We have been back each year.

Adam was settled playing with the shells, pine cones and his trusty cars whilst we reminisced.

Due to the new hourly parking charges at Holkham beach we only had cash on us for two hours. So late afternoon we visited Cromer, 25 miles along the coast. Cromer pier had been affected by the tidal surge in December 2013.

We are certainly lucky to have such wonderful beaches to choose from and create special family memories.

Check our other toddler friendly venues in ‘Adventures of Adam around Norfolk’.

Adam was 2 years and 2 months old.