Norfolk mini break

Its so rare but so precious to spend any time with just Poppy these days, especially with the thought school term looming 😥 Children are so different when they’re not having to compete for attention or aren’t being wound up by their annoying younger sibling. As soon as they’re on their own they seem to be the very best version of themselves.

When a friend invited Poppy and me to visit last week I practically leapt at the offer.

After dropping the feral one off at the Grandparent’s we set our location for the beach! Holkham holds very special memories for us as it is where Oliver proposed so we always tend to head there. It’s also the deepest and widest beach I have ever seen and no matter how busy it seems in the car park the beach swallows everyone up and appears to have endless capacity.

The carpark area is always so well maintained and there is currently a large cafe under construction so it just gets better! Make sure you take some cash along for the carpark though.

 

It’s about half a mile of walking to get to the sea so I’d recommend bringing a trolley if you’re bringing lots of picnic and beach kit. The majority of the walk is boarded or on compacted sand so it’s easy to pull one along.

My friend has a trolley like this one and swears by it for beach visits.

I like the look of this one too.

Poppy’s dress is from the wonderful Coco-Belle clothing who do the sweetest smocked dresses for the best prices.

We spent the afternoon collecting sea creatures, seaweed and a LOT of shells.

Our swimsuits were from H&M a few months ago but I’ve found some other mini & mummy brands. Jojo Maman do maternity and matching mini swimsuits which are cute, Patpat.com offer loads of mummy and mini me options and this adorable matching set. This flamingo set from Etsy are my absolute favourites 💗

I find it fascinating how children are so uninhibited when it comes to making friends. One part of Poppy’s wonderful personality is her incredible networking ability. Regardless of the age of a child, she will make a bee line for them, introduce herself and instantly become friends.

By the time we left the beach a few hours later we had met families from all over the UK and there was a chorus of goodbyes from across the beach. If she can retain this ability throughout her life she’ll be winning!

After a quick refresh we headed out to the stunning grounds of Holkham Hall where we were booked in to see a performance of Treasure Island in the Walled Gardens.

The whole event was organised to perfection with ride on diggers provided to entertain restless little ones and to provide interval entertainment whilst parents headed to the drinks and ice-cream carts.  You can probably tell from the video above how relaxed the atmosphere was and consequently the children totally embraced the performance.

The performance itself was brilliant. Very humorous with songs included and the scare factor toned right down.

There are lots more theatre events happening over the Summer as well as some wonderful other events and activities happening at the Hall and gardens. Wish we’d lived closer so we could come to them ALL!!

My host, Sophie, is seriously the queen of picnics. We had wooden platters, beautiful crockery and cutlery and stunning children’s Liberty print picnic gear from Meri Meri. We carried everything to the venue in Sophie’s aforementioned trolley and brilliant wicker luggy from Ollie and Ella. You can get all of the Meri Meri and Ollie and Ella things from the fabulous Stiffkey stores in Wells. They have the most amazing collection of lovely things!

 

👆🏼Sadly this isn’t poppy and me. Wish we looked as immaculately cool as this 👀

 

We spent the evening in Sophie’s stunning Burnham Market cottage that she’s fully renovated to create this…

Mega ensuite goals 😍 This is what you look at from the spare bed. Seriously inspired!

Poppy’s room had a treehouse bed in it!!! How cool?! Poppy was in her element!

Follow Sophie on Instagram at @sophieandboo for some stunning interiors inspiration. Neither Poppy nor I wanted to go back home to our crumbly house 😩

Did I mention that Sophie is an uber talented interior and property design consultant? Have a look at her stunning portfolio and give her a shout if you have an upcoming project.

Just look at this kitchen!

In the morning we met Lolly who is Sophie’s daughter’s adorable pony who, it turned out, rather likes to think he’s a person and potter around the kitchen…

Poppy was enchanted and was lucky enough to have a little ride on Lolly. I’m pretty sure I could hear the moan of trepidation from her father all the way back in Leicestershire 😆 anticipating his bank balancing dropping instantly 🙈

I just can’t tell if she enjoyed it?!! 😄

Then we headed off to Burnham Market for a potter around the shops and a visit to the only shop that was on Poppy’s radar.

The prettiest sweet shop called Mable’s! It also has a pottery painting cafe upstairs. Definitely one to hit if the weather takes a turn for the worse when you’re in the area and it’s only a couple of minutes walk from the centre of Burnham Market.

We then spent what felt like hours absorbing the sensory overload (in a good way) that is Norfolk Living at No 55 The Townhouse. Every room is packed full of beautiful homewares, gifts, jewellery and fashion pieces. You can even choose a kitchen and flooring! So much interiors inspiration to take in. I picked up some presents and also a couple of beautiful dappled coffee mugs to go in our house when, eventually, it’s done.

We didn’t have much more time to explore as we needed to get back to pick up the boy but other places we love in Burnham Market are:

 

The Hat Shop at Pentney House – They have the biggest collection of Jellycat soft toys I have ever seen as well as the biggest hat collection I have ever seen! Everything from formal headwear to casual caps in every colour imaginable. I could spend hours trying on their hats!

Collen and Clare – Have a collection of womenswear, menswear, beauty, lingerie and jewellery including Rixo London and Stine Goya.

Gun Hill Clothing Company – Head here if you’ve forgotten your welly socks/coat/jumper.

Humble Pie deli – Delicious local finds and everything you’d need for a picnic.

Birdie Fortescue – Beautiful homewares and interiors inspiration. Pop in en route to Mable’s sweet shop!

One place that I’m desperate to visit is North Street Bistro. Love the style and the reviews are amazing!

I wore a Boden dress that has sold out but the top version is still available and in the sale.

After a quick blast in the shops we picnicked on the green and headed home. Tired and sandy but happy 😄

All the info you need

Sophie’s Interior company – www.sophieandboo.co.uk

Holkham beach address (cash needed for the carpark) – Lady Anne’s Drive, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1RG

Events at Holkham – https://www.holkham.co.uk/events/theatre

Stiffkey Stores, Wells address – Wells Rd, Stiffkey NR23 1QH

Norfolk interiors from Sophie & Boo – http://www.sophieandboo.co.uk/

Mable’s sweet and pottery shop – 16 Overy Road, Burnham Market

Norfolk Living – 55 The Townhouse, Burnham House