After yesterday’s enforced rest, I woke up feeling much more like myself. A good night’s sleep really does work wonders.
Rather than trying to cram too much into the day, Lia and I decided we’d take things a little easier. With another scorcher forecast, that seemed like the sensible option.
Our first stop was Holt.
I was a little disappointed to discover that Byfords no longer has its fresh bread shop, only the café. It wasn’t quite what I remembered from previous visits, but that’s the thing about travelling back to favourite places—sometimes they change.
Thankfully, one place that never disappoints is my favourite antique shop, Shirehall Plain Antiques Centre
After browsing far longer than I’d planned (as usual!), I managed to come away with three little treasures:
- a beautiful silver crumb tray for the dining table,
- and two vintage glass crushers that I already have plans to turn into cocktail glasses once I’m back in New Zealand.
I can already picture sitting on the deck during summer, drink in hand, using something with a little bit of history behind it.
From Holt we headed over to Cromer, although my grand plans of finding an easy parking space quickly disappeared. Summer had arrived in full force and everywhere was absolutely packed. It reminded me why I usually visit Norfolk during spring or autumn instead!
With the temperature climbing to 33°C, I was well outside my comfort zone. Anything above about 25°C and I start to melt, so I was extremely grateful for the air conditioning in the car.
The next mission was Wroxham.
I’d hoped we could squeeze in a boat trip on the Norfolk Broads, but as we pulled into the car park I realised we’d missed the final departure by around ten minutes.
So close!
Still, it wasn’t a wasted trip.
Instead, Lia and I found ourselves a shady table under an umbrella outside The King’s Head, right beside the water. Sometimes missing Plan A leads to an even better Plan B.
With an ice-cold Old Mout cider in front of me, ducks and geese paddling past, boats drifting along the Broads and plenty of laughter, it turned into one of those wonderfully relaxing afternoons that you never actually plan.
Before heading home we made one final stop at Lidl to pick up a few supplies, then it was back to Mum’s just in time for me to log on for another evening of work.
Not exactly the ending I’d choose for a holiday day… but that’s the reality of mixing travel with work.
Even so, this turned into one of those days that reminded me you don’t always need to tick off every attraction to have a great time. Sometimes it’s the antique finds, the unexpected pub stop and simply sitting beside the water that become the memories you treasure most.
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