Hoveton Hall Gardens

Hoveton Hall Gardens is 15 acres of formal and informal plants, shrubs, flowers and trees that sit on the edge of the Norfolk Broads just north of Wroxham, Norfolk.  As soon as the spring weather arrives the flowers begin to bloom with the rhododendrons and azaleas flowering in May and June.  The summer flowers include hydrangeas and the berried shrubs and leaf tints appear in autumn.  The entire year the garden is full of colours and beautiful foliage depicting some on the planting choices throughout the season.

The estate is owned by Andrew and Barbara Buxton and the family has owned the lands since 1946.  The Hall itself is not open to the public and it was built in 1809 through 1812.  The construction was attributed to Humphrey Repton, and in the 1940’s the grounds around the estate were used to grow food for the war effort.  In 1993, the arable parts of the park were re-sown with grass under the watchful eyes of the Countryside Commission Scheme.  The commission is responsible for the restoration of Historic Parks.

The Hoveton Hall Gardens are open every Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and bank holidays in April, May, June, July, August, and September until the 14th of the month.  It is open from 10:30am to 5:00pm.  The tea room on the estate takes their last order at 4:15pm.  Admission is £5.00 for adults, £2.00 for children, £2.50 for wheelchair users and care givers.  Maps of the garden are available for £1.00.  Unfortunately no dogs are allowed in the gardens.

Picturecraft

Opened in 1972, Picturecraft is an award winning art gallery located in Holt, Norfolk, England.  The site is a pleasant building that displays original art work by thirty-two different artists in their own separate little alcove.  The artwork is on display via a non-commissions system which attracts both professional and semi-professional artists.  The gallery offers fourteen different exhibitions each year that are interlinked with five other major events.
With the public acceptance of Picturecraft and its exhibits, there grew a call for an art and graphic supplies outlet nearby.  The Art Materials shop at Picturecraft offers residents and visitors alike the most comprehensive selection of art supplies and materials in that part of Norfolk.  It is laid out in four specific areas: Pastel; Acrylic; Watercolour; and Oil.  All needed stock and accessories are easy to find and if the shop does not carry what you are looking for they will gladly order it.
There is also a picture framing service available at Picturecraft and the professionals on site can guide visitors to the best choice for their artwork.  They offer 1,000 different picture frame mouldings and close to 100 different coloured mounts to choose from.  Once the selection has been made, one of the many professional framers will take care of preparing the artwork and frame, giving it all a beautiful finished presentation.  Framers us a combination of machinery and hand tooling to make the frame that you desire.
Picturecraft is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 5pm with an hour break for lunch and only until 1pm on Thursdays.

East Ruston Old Vicarage

You will not find any signs to point you around the gardens at the East Ruston Old Vicarage in Norfolk County, Norfolk, England.  This private garden is the pride and joy of Alan Gray and Graham Robeson and they do provide their guests with a map and key index to the many delights that they have constructed and grown here.  One of the unique things about the gardens at the vicarage is that they were planned and grown from scratch, with no previous plan to follow.  The two gentlemen designed the entire garden and buildings that are found on the property.
The gardens contain many rare and unusual plants that the staff propagate from in small quantities so that visitors can buy and take their favourite home after touring the site.  Some of the plants are difficult or slow to grow – they are quite rare - but the owners do offer some of these in small quantities if requested.  So if you see something there that you like enquire if they have any set aside.
The East Ruston Old Vicarage is only one and a half miles from the North Sea and provides a wildlife habitat for many birds and animals. The gardens contain hedgerows, wildflowers, ponds, and banks, and they are sheltered from the North Sea winds and frost by a large belt of Monterey pine, Italian alder, eucalyptus, and other easy growing trees.  These belts help provide a unique micro-climate for the gardens.

Fairhaven Gardens

Comprised of 131 acres of ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad, the Fairhaven Gardens contain some of the most beautiful plant life that can found in the Norfolk Broads.  Located just outside South Walsham in Norfolk County, England, the land was left in trust in 1973 by the second Lord Fairhaven.  It was opened to the public per the Lord’s instructions and it is well known for having the best naturalised collection of flowers, shrubs, and trees in the United Kingdom.

The colours of the gardens in May are absolutely breathtaking with the candelabra primulas in full bloom.  The autumn colours in late October, early November are also staggering and the many walkways through the garden makes is a great place to get away all year round.  Concerts, garden parties, walks, and children’s activities occur at the Fairhaven Garden during the year and visitors to the site should inquire about them beforehand by calling or visiting the website.

The Fairhaven Gardens offer their visitors a gift shop, plant sales area with plants propagated from the garden, tearoom, and children’s trail.  Most of the garden is wheelchair accessible and group tours can be arranged in advance.

There is a Edwardian-style launch that runs from April to October offering 20 minute cruises along the Fairhaven Private Broad and South Walsham Outer Broad in addition to a longer trip to St. Benet’s Abbey, which is perfect for keen bird watchers.  The standard 20 minute cruise is £3.00 for an adult, £2.00 per child, and 50p per dog.  The longer cruise to the Abbey is £6.00, £4.00, and £1.00 respectively.

Fairhaven Gardens are open all year round except Christmas Day.  Hours are from 10am to 5pm or dusk.  They are open until 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday from May to the end of August.  Admission fees are adult £4.75, senior citizen £4.75, child £2.25, and dog on a lead 25p which includes a pooper scooper.  Children under age five are free.

Blooms of Bressingham

In 1946 Alan Bloom bought Bressingham Hall and began the process of building a world-renowned gardening industry in the eastern portion of the United Kingdom.  He had been gardening since the age of 16 and is considered by many to be one of the great plantsmen of the 20th century.  Today his legacy has spanned three generations and his gardening dynasty is still growing.

Bloom was the founder of the Blooms Nursery and the mastermind behind the Dell Garden with its ‘Island Beds’ between 1955 and 1962.  The garden has over 5,000 species of perennials all in as many varieties and colours.  The garden is designed to remind visitors of a park like meadow filled with bright colours and a wide range of shapes.

The Dell, Foggy Bottom, and Plant Centre are located in Bressingham, outside of the town of Diss in Norfolk, England.  All three are open every day from April 3 to November 2.  The Dell Garden is open form 10:30am to 5:30pm (4:40 pm in April and October) and the Foggy Bottom Garden is open from 12:30pm to 4:30pm.  The Plant Centre is also the home to Alan Bloom’s collection of Steam Engines, the second largest in Europe.  With 11 kilometres of working railway, visitors can take a fun ride to other rides along the line as well as to a Dad’s Army collection that has been launched for 2008.  Group tours are also welcome and it is recommended that visitors contact the gardens to ensure that they will open on the day they wish to visit.

Bradenham Hall Gardens and Arboretum

Sitting on top of one the highest points in the Norfolk County, England, is Bradenham Hall.  The estate is the home of some gorgeous gardens and an extensive arboretum and its vantage points give visitors a fantastic view of the rolling farmland to the south of the estates.  This tourist attraction has been seen in ‘Country Life’ and ‘House & Garden’ magazine and on the ‘Gardens without Borders’ television show.

The garden and arboretum on the estate take up twenty-seven acres of ground that includes a red brick Georgian home that was built at the beginning of the era.  The house is not open to the public, but it does have historical connections to Norfolk.  The garden is divided into sections by Yew hedges and some of the areas include an herbaceous border, shrub border, Philosopher’s walk, paved garden, and true English rose garden.  The borders are an interesting collection of plants and shrubs, trees, and flowers, all of which have been selected for their unique beauty.

The Bradenham Hall Gardens and Arboretum are opened to the public on the second and fourth Sunday of each month between April and September inclusive from 2pm to 5:30pm with $4:30pm being the last entrance time.  Alternate times can be arranged for large groups.  Admission is £4.00 for adults and free for children.  There is a tea room on the premises that serves from 2:00pm to 5pm when the gardens are open.  Dogs and photography is expressly forbidden unless the latter has prior managerial approval.

Broadland Arts Centre

The Broadland Arts Centre is a creative arts establishment designed to help the beginner and advanced artist refine their skills.  Led by qualified tutors, visitors can take a craft or painting holiday and explore their artistic side.  It is located at the village of Dilham near North Walsham, Norfolk. Potential visitors can request a virtual reality DVD in order to get a glimpse of the courses they offer, the facilities, and the two operating locations.

Courses that are available at the Broadland Arts Centre include: painting; drawing; textiles; painting and art appreciation; printmaking; holidays abroad; sculpture; and sailing and painting cruises.  Each class is taught by a professional artist or craftsperson and the atmosphere is fun while being structured at the same time.  The classes will take place at the Norfolk centre, but there could be a field trip to Leigh-on-Sea in Essex or a few days aboard a traditional sailing boat.  They welcome non-painting partners as well.

Students of the centre can stay at the Norfolk school quite cheaply and they get a full breakfast plus a tea making facility in their room.  Another option is for the student to stay at one of the many accommodation places in the town, including B&Bs, self-catering, caravan parks, and hotels.  Campervans and tents can also be accommodated on the grounds of the centre by prior arrangement only.  A light lunch is provided for all courses and tea or coffee and snacks are also provided.  Evening meals are at the expense of the student.  The centre remains open until 10pm for the student’s convenience.

Somerleyton Halls and Gardens

One of the earliest Victorian homes in Norfolk County, England, is Somerleyton House and Gardens.  These take up twelve acres of land seven miles outside of Great Yarmouth.  Beautifully tended gardens, picnic areas, tearooms, and a well known yew hedge maze compliment this estate which has become very popular for weddings and wedding receptions.  There is also a gift shop available for visitors.

In 1844 this Jacobean manor was remodelled into the Anglo-Italian style it is now, a tradition during the Victorian era.  The yew hedge maze was created in 1846 and is complimented by a garden that is the home for a wide range of trees, borders, plants, and shrubs.  There is a twelve point trail through the garden, but visitors can explore it at their leisure.  A concrete lined pond can be found on the eastern side of the garden, complete with its own island.  Marginal plants of hostas, ligularias, iris and more have been planted there.

Six richly appointed rooms make up the Hall proper, starting with the entrance hall with its twelve oak columns, walls panels in Devon marble and owl and boar carvings about the doors.  The staircase hall is decorated in the Italian Classical style and the windows are decorated with the coat of arms of the fourteen families that have lived at the Hall.

The Ballroom is the largest reception room and is in the Victorian style while the Library contains a twenty-eight feet high ceiling covered in a dragon motif.  The passageway between the Ballroom and the Staircase Hall contains artworks and the dining room was refurbished in the 1960s.

Somerleyton Halls and Gardens

One of the earliest Victorian homes in Norfolk County, England, is Somerleyton House and Gardens.  These take up twelve acres of land seven miles outside of Great Yarmouth.  Beautifully tended gardens, picnic areas, tearooms, and a well known yew hedge maze compliment this estate which has become very popular for weddings and wedding receptions.  There is also a gift shop available for visitors.

In 1844 this Jacobean manor was remodelled into the Anglo-Italian style it is now, a tradition during the Victorian era.  The yew hedge maze was created in 1846 and is complimented by a garden that is the home for a wide range of trees, borders, plants, and shrubs.  There is a twelve point trail through the garden, but visitors can explore it at their leisure.  A concrete lined pond can be found on the eastern side of the garden, complete with its own island.  Marginal plants of hostas, ligularias, iris and more have been planted there.

Six richly appointed rooms make up the Hall proper, starting with the entrance hall with its twelve oak columns, walls panels in Devon marble and owl and boar carvings about the doors.  The staircase hall is decorated in the Italian Classical style and the windows are decorated with the coat of arms of the fourteen families that have lived at the Hall.

The Ballroom is the largest reception room and is in the Victorian style while the Library contains a twenty-eight feet high ceiling covered in a dragon motif.  The passageway between the Ballroom and the Staircase Hall contains artworks and the dining room was refurbished in the 1960s.

Black Sheep Ltd. – Classic British Knitwear

Located at 9 Penfold Street in Aylsham, Norfolk, England, Black Sheep Ltd. are known for their quality knitwear which is made from the best of British wool.  Every article is designed and made in the United Kingdom and exported internationally.  The wool that is used is usually undyed and comes from the Black Welsh Mountain Sheep and their sister breed, the Welsh Mountain Sheep.  The wool is then hand dyed and comes in a wide range of colours, the newest being Moss Green.

The company recently added the Keen footwear collection to the list of products that the Black Sheep Shop sells.  The management felt that the style of shoes in the Keen collection matched the image they were striving for and they agreed that everyone will like the shoes once they try them.  The Weird Fish line is a casual style cotton zip top for both men and women and is one of their best sellers.  The Mat de Misaine line is influenced by the French and was an instant hit when it was added in 2004.  The line includes peddle pushers, dresses, t-shirts, skirts, and shirts.

Other items carried by the Black Sheep Ltd. shop include jerseys, cardigans, hats, scarves, gloves, miscellaneous gifts such as logo coffee mugs, and other bargain goodies that can be had at reasonable prices.  The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30 pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.  If you are in Aylsham, visit Black Sheep Ltd. and take home your own piece of the British countryside.

Bircham Contemporary Arts

Located in Holt, Norfolk, England, the Bircham Gallery – also known as Bircham Contemporary Arts – is one of the most respected independent art galleries in the eastern part of the country.  Specializing in artists and crafts folk from East Anglia, visitors can view a wide array of contemporary paintings, ceramics, jewellery, and sculpture in a professional and comfortable atmosphere.  The exhibits change on a regular basis so visitors will want to re-visit over and over again.
The gallery is housed in a pink Georgian era building in the town centre.  It was established in 1988 and its excellent reputation has been nurtured over the years.  Not only can visitors see the actual pieces themselves, but they can also view stock works by the many artists who have displays in the gallery.  The price ranges vary so everyone can find something that fits their personal pocketbook and taste.  Everything from landscape painting to studio ceramics is available for purchase.
The Bircham Contemporary Arts centre will be hosting exhibits from Hilke MacIntyre and Antia Klein in May and June of 2008.  MacIntyre is a German born artist who specializes in painting, linocut prints, and ceramic reliefs in the simple figurative form.  Klein is the former president of the Royal Society of Printmakers.
The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 5pm and from 10:00am to 4:00pm on bank holidays.  They are closed on Sundays.  Admission is free and there is a shop featuring art books, magazines, gift tokens and cards.  The gallery is wheelchair friendly, but disabled patron should be advised that there is a step up into the gallery proper.

Beers of Europe

If you like beer in any of its many formats, strengths, and colours, then you will want to visit Beers Of Europe Ltd, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk County, England.  Open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10am to 4pm, Beers of Europe will delight you with their selection.

The shop and warehouse is 14,000 square feet that was specially built for the selling and storage of beer.  The warehouse is stacked with 150,000 bottles of beer with over 3,000 of them being ales from the United Kingdom, beers from all over the world, ciders, malt whiskies, fine wines, and unusual spirits.  But that is not all they carry.  Visitors to the shop can also purchase miniatures, equipment to home brew their own beer and glassware carrying the logo of Beers of Europe Ltd.

Beers of Europe Ltd. also has an easy to use and navigate website for visitors to purchase the beer in the warehouse online once they return home.  The hop is broken down into different nations which you click on and receive a listing and price of that particular countries offering.  Prices vary and applicable VAT will be applied on all orders.  Please note they will not ship outside of the United Kingdom or overseas.

This is the perfect place to stop and pick up a few six packs of your favourite beer or even a few of a type you’ve always wanted to try.  Mixed twelve’s are available.

African Violet and Garden Centre, Kings Lynn

Located near the town of King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England, the African Violet and Garden Centre is a nursery specifically devoted to the growing and cultivation of the many varieties of African violets available. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the nursery to see the flowers in a variety of growth stages. The full grown plants are available for sale and the only problem the visitor will have is choosing the one they want to buy.

The staff on hand are knowledgeable about the plants they care for and can answer any questions visitors may have. Additionally, demonstrations and talks for gardening groups are available by appointment. There is a café on the premises as well as a children’s play area that can be utilized by the youngsters while visitors look around and relax over a cup of tea. They also offer a wide variety of gardening products, house plants, pots, containers and more, including garden furniture and hot tub enclosures.

The centre is open daily from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. They are closed for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day. Admission to the centre is free and public toilets are available. For additional information on the centre or to speak to someone about scheduling a tour or demonstration, interested parties can call 01553 828374.

Currently the African Violet and Garden Centre’s website is being finished. Some of the pages are not complete and visitors to the site would be better to contact the centre directly for any inquiries.